Pouring spout for a container and package pouring spout assembly

Abstract

A pour spout (3) for a container (2) filled with a pourable product is described. The pour spout (3) comprises at least a collar (5) having a pouring spout (6) configured to allow the pourable product to flow out, a coupling ring (8) rotatably disposed about the collar (5), and a lid assembly (7) having a lid (9) hingedly connected to the coupling ring (8) and angularly movable about a respective hinge axis (C). The lid (9) is controllable between at least a closed configuration, an open configuration, and an intermediate configuration. The pour spout (3) comprises an interaction device (16) partially associated with the collar (5) and partially associated with the lid (9). The interaction device (16) is configured such that control of the lid (9) from the closed configuration to the intermediate configuration is possible only by rotation of the lid (9) and the coupling ring (8) about the rotation axis (E), and such that control of the lid (9) from the intermediate configuration to the closed configuration is possible only by angular movement of the lid (9) about the hinge axis (C) from the intermediate angular position to the closed angular position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pouring spout for a container filled with a pourable product and, more particularly, for a sealed package, filled with a pourable food product.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a package pouring spout assembly having a sealed package filled with a pourable product and, more particularly, a pourable food product, and a pouring spout disposed on the sealed package.

Background Art

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

[0004] A typical example is a parallelepiped package for a pourable food product known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding a laminated strip packaging material. The packaging material has a multi-layer structure comprising a base layer of cardboard and / or paper covered on both sides with a heat-sealing plastic material layer, for example, a layer of polyethylene. In the case of a sterile package for long-term storage products, the packaging material comprises a layer of an oxygen barrier material, for example, aluminum foil, which is superposed on the heat-sealing plastic material layer and then covered with another heat-sealing plastic material layer forming the inner surface of the package that finally contacts the food product.

[0005] Some known packages, in particular some of the sealed bodies of packages formed from packaging material, comprise a specified pour opening surface area that allows the outflow of the product that can be poured from the package of the product. Usually, the specified pour opening surface area is covered by a separating membrane, which separates the interior of the package from the external environment and is to be opened or removed or torn or cut or perforated before the first outflow of the product that can be poured so as to allow the outflow of the product that can be poured. It is also known to place a spout having a collar and a lid on the body around the specified pour opening surface area so as to control the outflow of the product that can be poured. The collar has a pour outlet so as to allow a controlled outflow of the product that can be poured from the package of the product, and the lid allows the selective opening and closing of the pour outlet.

[0006] Some known spouts comprise an opening assembly so as to perforate and / or open the pour opening surface area in a controlled manner.

[0007] The drawback of these types of spouts is known to be that separating the lid from the collar means complete separation of the lid from the collar, which can in some cases lead to unwanted loss of the lid or scattering of the lid by irresponsible users.

[0008] Therefore, there is a felt need in the art to further improve the spout and / or the package spout assembly. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0009] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved spout for a container filled with a product that can be poured, and in particular for a sealed package, filled with a food product that can be poured, in a reliable and low-cost manner.

[0010] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide, in a reliable and low-cost manner, an improved spout for a container filled with a pourable product, and in particular for a sealed package filled with a pourable food product, thereby improving the user experience by involving simple and intuitive use.

[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide, in a reliable and low-cost manner, a package spout assembly having a sealed package filled with a pourable product, and in particular a pourable food product, and a spout.

[0012] A further object of the present invention is to provide, in a reliable and low-cost manner, a package spout assembly having a sealed package filled with a pourable product, and in particular a pourable food product, and a spout. Thereby, the user experience is improved by involving simple and intuitive use.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] According to the present invention, a spout as described in the independent claims is provided.

[0014] Further advantageous embodiments of the spout are specified in the respective dependent claims.

[0015] According to the present invention, a package spout assembly as described in claim 15 is also provided.

[0016] Three non-limiting embodiments of the present invention are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

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Figure 12

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The numeral 1, as a whole, - A product that can be poured, in particular a food product that can be poured, is filled into a container, in particular a sealed package 2, having in particular a specified pouring opening surface area (not shown but known per se), and even more particularly a sealed cardboard package, and - A spout 3 mounted on a container, in particular a package 2, around the specified pouring opening surface area, in particular a plastic spout A container spout assembly, in particular a package spout assembly, is provided.

[0019] The package 2 is in the form of a web in particular and is obtained from a packaging material having a multilayer structure (not shown). The packaging material comprises at least a layer of a fibrous material such as paper or cardboard, for example, and at least two layers of a heat-sealing plastic material, for example polyethylene, which are arranged between the layers of fibrous material. One of these two layers of heat-sealing plastic material defines the inner surface of the package 2 that comes into contact with the product that can be poured.

[0020] Preferably, but not necessarily, the packaging material also comprises a layer of a gas and light barrier material, for example an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, which is arranged between one of the layers of heat-sealing plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferentially, but not necessarily, the packaging material also comprises a further layer of heat-sealing plastic material that is arranged between the layer of gas and light barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0021] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the spout 3 is attached to the package 2 by a forming process and / or an adhesive bond and / or an ultrasonic bond before, during, or after the formation, filling, and sealing of the package 2.

[0022] Alternatively, the spout 3 can be attached onto the packaging material before placing the packaging material into a packaging machine for forming, filling, and sealing the package 2 from the packaging material, or while the packaging material is advancing in the packaging machine.

[0023] Referring particularly to FIG. 1, the package 2 extends along the longitudinal axis A.

[0024] Preferably, but not necessarily, the package 2 is parallelepipedal.

[0025] In particular, the designated pour opening surface area of the package 2 is configured to be at least partially (irreversibly) opened and / or torn and / or cut and / or perforated so as to allow the outflow of the product that can be poured from the package 2, in particular through the spout 3. Even more particularly, the pour opening surface area is configured to allow the outflow of the product that can be poured after the loss of its integrity and to protect the product that can be poured from the external environment before its cutting and / or opening and / or tearing and / or perforation.

[0026] According to a preferred non - limiting embodiment, the pour opening surface area comprises a separating membrane (not shown but known per se) configured to be torn and / or opened and / or cut and / or perforated. In particular, the separating membrane separates from the outside of the package 2 to the inside of the package 2 in the area of the designated pour opening surface area, in particular at the designated pour opening surface area. Preferably, but not necessarily, the separating membrane comprises a gas and light barrier material, such as an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film.

[0027] According to a preferred non - limiting embodiment, the separating membrane is defined by a part of the packaging material, in particular a part of a layer of packaging material different from the layer of fibrous material.

[0028] Referring particularly to FIGS. 1 - 7, the spout 3 comprises at least - a base frame 4 having a collar 5 configured to be mounted around the designated pour opening surface area of the package 2 and / or being mounted and provided with at least a pour outlet 6 and configured to allow the (controlled) outflow of the product that can be poured from the package spout assembly 1 and / or the package 2. - A base frame 4, in particular, a lid assembly 7 that is coupled to and / or can be coupled to the color 5 and is configured to at least selectively open and close the outlet 6 Comprising.

[0029] In particular, the color 5 preferably, but not necessarily, extends along the longitudinal axis B (and away from the package 2) parallel to the longitudinal axis A.

[0030] In particular, the longitudinal axis B defines (is equal to) the central axis of the color 5 and / or the outlet 6.

[0031] Preferably, the color 5 and the outlet 6 exhibit a (substantially) circular cross-sectional profile with respect to a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B.

[0032] Advantageously, the lid assembly 7 - A coupling ring 8 rotatably arranged around the color 5 such that, in particular, the coupling ring 8 cannot be separated from the color 5, - A lid 9 hingedly connected to the coupling ring 8 and angularly movable about respective hinge axes C that are transverse to, and more particularly orthogonal to, the longitudinal axis A and / or the longitudinal axis B Comprising.

[0033] In particular, the lid assembly 7 is configured to hinge the lid 9 to the coupling ring 8 and comprises a coupling element 10 that defines the hinge axis C.

[0034] Advantageously, the lid 9 is at least - A closed configuration (see Figure 1) in which the lid 9 is in a closed angular position with respect to the hinge axis C and is configured to cover and / or covers the outlet 6 so as to prevent the outflow of the product that can be poured from the package spout assembly 1 and / or the package 2 - The lid 9 is in an open angle position with respect to the hinge axis C, and is configured such that the lid 9 is separated from the spout 6 and / or is separated from the spout 6, an open configuration (see FIG. 3), and - The lid 9 is in an intermediate angle position with respect to the hinge axis C, and the intermediate angle position is arranged between the closed angle position and the open angle position, an intermediate configuration (see FIG. 2) and is controllable between them.

[0035] In particular, during use, the control of the lid 9 from the closed configuration to the open configuration requires, first, control from the closed configuration to the intermediate configuration and then control from the intermediate configuration to the open configuration. In other words, during use, the control of the lid 9 from the closed angle position to the open angle position requires, first, control of the lid 9 from the closed angle position to the intermediate angle position and then to the open angle position.

[0036] Preferably, the lid 9 - A top 13 configured to cover the spout 6 when the lid 9 is in the closed angle position, and - A side wall 14 protruding from the top 13 and configured to at least partially surround the collar 5 when the lid 9 is controlled in the closed angle position are provided.

[0037] In particular, when the lid 9 is in the closed angle position, the top 13 is transverse to the longitudinal axis B, in particular perpendicular, and the side wall 14 is (substantially) parallel to the longitudinal axis B.

[0038] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, when the lid 9 is in the closed angle position (and the intermediate angle position) during use, the lid 9, in particular the top 13 and / or the side wall 14, is coupled to the collar 5.

[0039] Preferably, the lid 9 comprises an inner surface 15, and in particular the inner surface 15 faces the collar 5 when the lid 9 is in the closed angle position (and the intermediate angle position). In particular, the top 13 and the side wall 14 hold the inner surface 15.

[0040] Advantageously, the spout 3 is partially associated with (and / or is partially associated so as to connect and / or is retained by) the collar 5 and is partially associated with (and / or is partially associated so as to connect and / or is retained by) the lid 7, and the control of the lid 9 from the closed configuration to the intermediate configuration (in other words, from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position) is possible only by the rotation of the lid 9 and the coupling ring 8 about a (common) rotation axis E parallel to, and even more particularly coaxial with, the longitudinal axis B, and the control of the lid 9 from the intermediate configuration to the closed angular configuration (in other words, from the intermediate angular position to the closed angular position) is configured such that it is at least possible by the only angular movement of the lid 9 about the hinge axis C from the intermediate angular position to the closed angular position, and comprises an interaction device 16.

[0041] Preferably, the control of the lid 9 from the intermediate angular position to the closed angular position is selectively possible by the only angular movement of the lid 9 about the hinge axis C from the intermediate angular position to the closed angular position and by the rotation of the lid 9 and the coupling ring 8 about the rotation axis E.

[0042] According to such non-limiting embodiments, it should be noted that the user can freely choose whether to control the lid 9 by the only angular movement about the hinge axis C or to cause the control of the lid 9 from the intermediate angular position to the closed angular position by the rotation of the lid 9 about the rotation axis E. It should further be noted that it is also possible to combine both means for controlling the lid 9 from the intermediate angular position to the closed angular position.

[0043] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the spout 3 also - a base frame 4, in particular a (ring-shaped) cutter 17 that is movably coupled to the collar 5 and is configured to at least partially cut and / or break and / or unseal and / or perforate a specified pouring opening surface area, in particular a separation membrane - A control device 18 configured to control the cutter 17 between a rest position configured and / or retracted from a specified pouring opening surface area so as to interact with the cutter 17 and an operating position configured to at least partially cut and / or fracture and / or unseal and / or perforate the specified pouring opening surface area by the cutter 17 Comprising.

[0044] In particular, the control device 18 is configured to control the cutter 17 from the rest position to the operating position when the lid 9 and the coupling ring 8 rotate around the rotation axis E. Even more particularly, the control device 18 is configured to control the cutter 17 from the rest position to the operating position only when the lid 9 and the coupling ring 8 are rotated around the rotation axis E for the first time to move the lid 9 from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position during use.

[0045] Referring particularly to FIGS. 3-7, the collar 5 delimits an internal space 19 in which the cutter 17 is at least partially located.

[0046] Preferably, the collar 5 has a circular cross-sectional shape with respect to a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B.

[0047] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the collar 5 comprises an inner surface 20 facing the internal space 13 and an outer surface 21 on the opposite side of the inner surface 15 (and the internal space 19).

[0048] In particular, when the lid 9 is in the closed angular position (or the intermediate angular position), the inner surface 15 faces the outer surface 21.

[0049] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the cutter 17 is configured to move at least translationally, particularly rotationally and translationally, during the movement from the rest position to the operating position.

[0050] Preferably, the cutter 17 comprises a cutting part 22 which is configured to open and / or cut and / or break and / or pierce the designated pouring opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane, and which is arranged at the axial end and / or defines the axial end of the cutter 17. Preferably, the cutting part 22 has (comprises) a serrated profile.

[0051] According to a preferred non - limiting embodiment, the control device 18 comprises a cam group configured to guide the movement of the cutter 17 from the rest position to the operating position.

[0052] Preferably, the cam group comprises a cam profile and at least one, preferably a plurality of, guide elements configured to interact with the cam profile. In particular, the cam profile and the guide elements cooperate such that, in use, when the cutter 17 moves from the rest position to the operating position, a rotational translation is performed.

[0053] Preferably, the cam profile is associated with and / or connected to and / or integral with the cutter 17, and the guide elements are connected to and / or associated with and / or integral with the base frame 4, in particular the collar 5, and even more particularly the inner surface 19.

[0054] In particular, with reference to FIGS. 3 - 7, the base frame 4 further comprises a coupling base 23 configured to couple and / or connect the spout 3 to the package 2 and / or which couples and / or connects the spout 3 to the package 2. In particular, the coupling base 23 holds the collar 5.

[0055] Preferably, the coupling base 23 is configured to be fixed to and / or is fixed to the outer surface of the package 2, in particular in the area of the designated pouring opening surface area, and even more particularly in the designated pouring opening surface area. In particular, at least a part of the coupling base 23 has a substantially plate - like configuration.

[0056] Preferably, but not necessarily, color 5 extends from the coupling base 23 along, in particular parallel to, the longitudinal axis B.

[0057] In particular with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7, the control device 18 comprises - a plurality of interaction elements 24 connected to, in particular integral with, the cutter 17, and - a plurality of interaction members 25 connected and / or coupled to the lid 9 and each configured to interact with one respective interaction element 24. and comprises.

[0058] In particular, each interaction member 25 is coupled and / or connected to the lid 9 such that rotation of the lid 9 about the axis of rotation E also induces rotation of the interaction member 25 about the axis of rotation E.

[0059] Preferably, during use, rotation of the lid 9 and the interaction member 25 about the axis of rotation E causes at least a parallel, preferably rotationally parallel, movement of the cutter 17 by interaction between the interaction member 25 and the interaction element 24 and by cooperation between the cam profile and the guide element.

[0060] In particular with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the spout 3 also comprises a plurality of frangible main coupling bridges 26 connecting the coupling ring 8 and the lid 9 to each other, in particular before the lid 9 is first controlled from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position during use. In particular, during use, while the lid 9 is first controlled from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position, the main coupling bridge 26 irreversibly breaks. Even more particularly, during use, the main coupling bridge 26 breaks after control of the cutter 17 from the rest position to the operating position.

[0061] In particular with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the spout 3 also comprises a tamper evidence ring 27 disposed around the color 5, in particular between the coupling base 23 and the coupling ring 8. In particular, the tamper evidence ring 27 is parallel to the coupling ring 8 and is axially displaced from the coupling ring 8.

[0062] In particular, the pouring spout 3 also comprises a frangible auxiliary coupling bridge 28 that couples the tamper evidence ring 27 and the coupling ring 8 to each other. The auxiliary coupling bridge 28 is configured to irreversibly break when the lid 9 and the coupling ring 8 are first rotated about the axis of rotation E. Preferably, during use, the auxiliary coupling bridge 28 breaks before the movement of the cutter 17 from the rest position to the operating position.

[0063] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the collar 5 comprises, in particular, an interaction ring 29 that protrudes from the outer surface 21 and is configured to interact with the coupling ring 8. Preferably, the interaction ring 29 is configured to inseparably couple the coupling ring 8 to the collar 5 and to allow rotation of the coupling ring 8 about the axis of rotation E.

[0064] Advantageously, with particular reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, the interaction device 16 comprises at least - a main interaction structure 33 associated with the collar 5, in particular connected to and / or held by the collar 5, and - a main interaction unit 34 associated with the lid 9, in particular connected to and / or held by the lid 9 and configured to interact with the main interaction structure 33.

[0065] In particular, the interaction between the main interaction structure 33 and the main interaction unit 34 is such that, during use, the movement of the lid 9 from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position requires rotation of the lid 9 (and the coupling ring 8) about the axis of rotation E (i.e., the interaction between the main interaction unit 34 and the main interaction structure 33 does not allow the only angular movement of the lid 9 about the hinge axis C to control the lid 9 from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position).

[0066] ​Within the scope of this specification, it should be noted that the only angular movement of the lid 9 around the hinge axis C occurs while the lid 9 remains fixed at an angle with respect to the rotation axis E. In other words, when the lid 9 does not rotate around the rotation axis E, any angular movement of the lid 9 around the hinge axis C is the only angular movement.

[0067] Preferably, the interaction between the main interaction structure 33 and the main interaction unit 34 is such that when the lid 9 rotates around the rotation axis E for the first time, the angular movement of the lid 9 around the hinge axis C, especially from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position, is only executed after the movement of the cutter 17 from the rest position to the operating position.

[0068] Preferably, the main interaction unit 34 - a first engagement surface 35 configured to abut against the abutment surface 36 of the main interaction structure 33 so as to prevent the angular movement of the lid 9 around the hinge axis C, especially from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position, - a second engagement surface 37, especially on the opposite side of the first engagement surface 35, configured to slide along the guide surface 38 of the main interaction structure 33 so as to control and / or activate the angular movement of the lid 9 from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position around the hinge axis C is provided.

[0069] In particular, the interaction between the first engagement surface 35 and the abutment surface 36 defines a locking mechanism for the lid 9 in the closed angular position.

[0070] In particular, the second engagement surface 37 and the guide surface 38 define respective cam mechanisms.

[0071] Preferably (see FIGS. 5 and 6), the first engagement surface 35 and the second engagement surface 37 are configured to interact with the abutment surface 36 and the guide surface 38, respectively, depending on the angular position of the lid 9 with respect to the rotation axis E.

[0072] Preferably, when the lid 9 is positioned relative to the rotation axis E between the lid positions of the first angle and the second angle, the first engagement surface 35 and the contact surface 36 interact with each other (see FIG. 5), and when the lid 9 is arranged relative to the rotation axis E between the lid positions of the third angle and the fourth angle, the second engagement surface 37 and the guide surface 38 are designed to interact with each other (see FIG. 6). In particular, the lid positions of the third angle and the fourth angle are arranged between the lid position of the second angle and the lid position of the first angle.

[0073] In particular, when the lid 9 is positioned relative to the rotation axis E between the lid positions of the first angle and the second angle, the second engagement surface 37 and the guide surface 38 do not interact with each other (see FIG. 5), and when the lid 9 is arranged relative to the rotation axis E between the lid positions of the third angle and the fourth angle, the first engagement surface 35 and the contact surface 36 do not interact with each other (see FIG. 6).

[0074] In other words, when the lid 9 is arranged relative to the rotation axis E between the lid positions of the first angle and the second angle, the first engagement surface 35 is configured to contact the contact surface 36 during the rotation of the lid 9 around the rotation axis E, and when the lid 9 is arranged between the lid positions of the third angle and the fourth angle, the second engagement surface 37 is configured to slide on the guide surface 38 during the rotation of the lid 9 around the rotation axis E.

[0075] In particular, it should be noted that when the lid 9 rotates around the rotation axis E to a certain extent so that the lid 9 rotates from the lid position of the third angle to the lid position of the fourth angle, the angular movement of the lid 9 around the hinge axis C is an angular movement that moves the lid 9 from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position.

[0076] Furthermore, during use, during the rotation of the lid 9 from the lid position of the fourth angle to the lid position of the third angle, it is possible to angularly move the lid 9 from the intermediate angular position to the closed angular position around the hinge axis C.

[0077] In particular, the main interaction unit 34 and the main interaction structure 33 are also configured such that only angular movement about the hinge axis C is possible for controlling the lid 9 from an intermediate angular position to a closed angular position (during the reclosing operation). In such a case (i.e., during the reclosing operation), the main interaction unit 34 can cross the main interaction structure 33, and when the lid 9 reaches the closed angular position again, the reverse movement from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position is prevented by the interaction between the contact surface 36 and the first engagement surface 35.

[0078] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the main interaction structure 33 and the main interaction unit 34 are also configured to maintain the lid 9 in the intermediate angular position after the movement from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position has ended.

[0079] Preferably, the guide surface 38 is on the opposite side of the contact surface 36.

[0080] In particular, the contact surface 36 faces the coupling base 23, and the guide surface 38 faces the opposite of the coupling base 23.

[0081] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the main interaction structure 33 - has a locking portion 39 that extends between a first angular position X and a second angular position Y about the longitudinal axis B and holds the contact surface 36, - and a cam portion 40 that holds the guide surface 38, extends between a third angular position V and a fourth angular position W about the longitudinal axis B, and is disposed between the second angular position Y and the first angular position X. comprises.

[0082] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the cam portion 40 comprises at least a main cam portion 42, and in particular also comprises an auxiliary cam portion 43 spaced from the main cam portion 42. Preferably, the auxiliary cam portion 43 is angularly and axially spaced from the main cam portion 42 with respect to the rotation axis E.

[0083] Preferably, the main cam portion 42 holds (comprises) the main guiding portion 44 of the guiding surface 38, and in particular, the auxiliary guiding portion 43 holds (comprises) the auxiliary guiding portion 45 of the guiding surface 38.

[0084] In particular, the locking portion 39 is (substantially) arcuate.

[0085] Preferably, the locking portion 39 and / or the abutting surface 36 are in a first plane transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis B.

[0086] Preferably, the cam portion 40 and / or the guiding surface 38 are inclined with respect to the locking portion 39 and / or the abutting surface 36. Even more preferably, the main cam portion 42 and the main guiding portion 44, and in particular further, the auxiliary cam portion 43 and the auxiliary guiding portion 45 are inclined with respect to the locking portion 39 and / or the abutting surface 36.

[0087] In particular, the main cam portion 42 and / or the main guiding portion 44 are in a second plane transverse (different from the first plane) to the longitudinal axis B. Even more particularly, the auxiliary cam portion 43 and / or the auxiliary guiding portion 45 are in a third plane spaced from the second plane (different from the first plane and the second plane).

[0088] Preferably, the second plane, and in particular the third plane, are inclined with respect to the first plane.

[0089] In particular, during use, the sliding of the second engaging surface 37 on the guiding surface 38 results in a force in a direction that moves the lid 9 away from the coupling ring 8.

[0090] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the main interaction structure 33, and in particular the locking portion 39, comprises an auxiliary surface 41 designed to enable the lid 9 (on the opposite side of the abutting surface 36) to move angularly from an intermediate angular position to a closed angular position by the only angular movement of the lid about the hinge axis C. In particular, the auxiliary surface 41 is designed such that the main interaction unit 34 passes over the main interaction structure 33, and in particular the locking portion 39, during the only angular movement of the lid 9 about the hinge axis C.

[0091] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, when the lid 9 is controlled to an intermediate angular position so as to maintain the lid 9 in the intermediate angular position, the auxiliary surface 41 is also configured to interact with the main interaction unit 34.

[0092] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the main interaction structure 33, in particular, the locking part 39 and the cam part 40, are connected to the outer surface 21 and, in particular, project from the outer surface 21.

[0093] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the main interaction unit 34 comprises at least a first interaction element 50 that holds (comprises) the first engagement surface 35 and a second interaction element 51 that holds (comprises) at least a first part 52 of the second engagement surface 37. In particular, the first part 52 is configured to slide along the main guide part 44 in order to control the lid 9 from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position during use.

[0094] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the first interaction element 50 holds (comprises) an interaction surface 53 that is configured to engage at least the auxiliary surface 41 when the lid 9 is disposed in the intermediate angular position, on the opposite side of the first engagement surface 35. In particular, by the engagement between the interaction surface 53 and the auxiliary surface 41, it becomes possible to maintain the lid 9 in the intermediate angular position after the movement of the lid 9 from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position is completed (see FIG. 7).

[0095] According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 - 7, the interaction surface 53 also defines a second part of the second engagement surface 37. In particular, the interaction surface 53 is configured to slide along the auxiliary guide part 45 during use and facilitates the movement of the lid 9 from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position during use.

[0096] Preferably, the first interaction element 50 comprises a main wall 54 that holds (comprises) the first engagement surface 35 and at least one tooth 55 protruding from the main wall 54.

[0097] In particular, the tooth 55 holds (comprises) the interaction surface 53.

[0098] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the main interaction unit 34, in particular the first interaction element 50 and the second interaction element 51, are connected, in particular, to projections from the inner surface 15, in particular from the side wall 14.

[0099] Preferably, the first interaction element 50 and the second interaction element 51 are displaced axially, in particular also obliquely, relative to the axis of rotation E, relative to each other.

[0100] In use, the outflow of the product that can be poured from the package filling spout assembly 1, in particular from the package 2, requires the release of the outlet 6. This is done by controlling the lid 9 from the closed configuration to the open configuration. Even more particularly, initially, the lid 9 is controlled from the closed configuration to an intermediate configuration and then from the intermediate configuration to the open configuration.

[0101] In particular, the movement of the lid 9 from the closed configuration to the intermediate configuration requires the rotation of the lid 9 about the axis of rotation E. Even more particularly, the control from the intermediate configuration to the open configuration is done by the user moving the lid 9 at an angle about the hinge axis C.

[0102] Preferably, when the lid 9 is first controlled from the closed configuration to the intermediate configuration, the cutter 17 is controlled from the rest position to the operating position in order to open and / or tear and / or perforate the dispensing opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane. In particular, the control of the cutter 17 from the rest position to the operating position occurs before the control of the lid 9 from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[0103] More specifically, during the control of the lid 9 from the closed configuration to the intermediate configuration, the angular position of the lid 9 with respect to the hinge axis C is changed from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position. When the first engagement surface 35 abuts against the abutment surface 36, the lid 9 needs to rotate about the rotation axis E, passing through the second angular position and the third angular position of the lid, from the first angular position of the lid to the fourth angular position of the lid. The lid 9 rotates about the rotation axis E and is angled and moved from the third angular position of the lid to the fourth angular position of the lid so as to actuate the angular movement of the lid from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position about the hinge axis C. During this movement, the second engagement surface 37 slides on the guide surface 38.

[0104] Even more specifically, while the second engagement surface 37 slides on the guide surface 38, at least the first portion 52 slides along the main guide portion 44, and in particular, the interaction surface 53 slides along the auxiliary guide portion 45.

[0105] Preferably, after the lid 9 is controlled to the intermediate angular position, the engagement between the interaction surface 53 and the auxiliary surface 41 ensures that the angular position of the lid 9 remains fixed with respect to the hinge axis C.

[0106] When the user intends to newly prevent the outflow of the product that can be poured by the user, the user can control the lid 9 back to the closed angular position (during the re-closing operation). First, it is necessary to control the lid 9 from the open angular position to the intermediate angular position, and subsequently, control the lid 9 from the intermediate angular position to the closed angular position. The latter can be obtained by the only angular movement of the lid 9 about the hinge axis C, or in particular, by the rotation of the lid 9 about the rotation axis E.

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the numeral 3' shows an alternative embodiment of the spout according to the present invention. Since the spout 3' is similar to the spout 3, the following description is limited to the differences between them, using the same reference numerals for the same or corresponding parts where possible.

[0108] In particular, the spout 3' is different from the spout 3 in that the cam part 40 includes the main cam part 42 and does not include the auxiliary cam part 43. Even more particularly, the interaction surface 53 is configured to engage the auxiliary surface 41 but does not facilitate the movement of the lid 9 from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position. In other words, only the second interaction element 51 contributes to the angular movement of the lid 9 from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position.

[0109] Preferentially, the spout 3' is also different from the spout 3 in that the first interaction element 50 includes two teeth 55 protruding from the main wall 54. In particular, the teeth 55 are parallel to each other and each holds a part of the interaction surface 53.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the numeral 3'' indicates a further alternative embodiment of the spout according to the present invention. Since the spout 3'' is similar to the spout 3', the following description is limited to the differences between them, using the same reference numerals for the same or corresponding parts where possible.

[0111] In particular, the spout 3'' is different from the spout 3' in that the main interaction unit 34 includes at least a third interaction element 56 that holds (comprises) at least a third part 57 of the second engagement surface 37, which is different from (and separated from) the second interaction element 51. In particular, the third interaction element 56 is angularly displaced from the second interaction element 51 with respect to the axis of rotation E. Even more particularly, the third interaction element 56 is arranged such that during use, while controlling the lid 9 from the closed configuration to the intermediate configuration, first the third part 57 engages the main guide part 44 and then the first part 52 engages the main guide part 44.

[0112] Preferentially, the third part 57 and the first part 52 are in a common plane that is particularly parallel to the second plane.

[0113] Preferably, the main interaction structure 33, in particular the cam portion 40, and more particularly the plurality of spaced support ridges 58 configured to support the main cam portion 42 and integral with the main cam portion 42, enhance the mechanical stability of the main cam portion 42, and in this regard, the spout 3'' is different from the spout 3'.

[0114] The advantages of the spouts 3, 3', and 3'' and / or the package spout assembly 1 according to the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description.

[0115] In particular, the lid 9 cannot be separated from the other parts of the package spout assembly 1 by being connected to the coupling ring 8. This prevents the lid 9 from scattering.

[0116] The opening of the package spout assembly 1 (the opening of the discharge port 6) is performed by rotating the lid 9 according to the user's experience with known types of spouts, so there is an additional advantage that the operation of the lid 9 is intuitive.

[0117] A further advantage can be seen in that moving the lid 9 to an intermediate angular position shows the user that the interaction between the second engagement surface 37 and the guide surface 38 (and further supported by the auxiliary guide portion 45 and the auxiliary cam portion 43) can further move the lid 9 towards the open angular position.

[0118] Another advantage relates to providing a third interaction element 56 that enables increasing the surface area of the portion of the second engagement surface 37 that interacts with the main guide portion 44 during use.

[0119] Obviously, the spouts 3, 3', and 3'' and / or the package spout assembly 1 as described herein may be modified without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

[0120] According to an alternative non-limiting embodiment not shown, the main interaction unit 34 includes only the first interaction element 50, and the first interaction element 50 holds (includes) the first engagement surface 35 and the second engagement surface 37. Furthermore, the cam portion 40 includes only the auxiliary cam portion 43.

[0121] According to an alternative non-limiting embodiment not shown, the main interaction unit 34 also includes a third interaction element 56.

Claims

1. A spout (3, 3') for a container (2) filled with a product that can be poured, comprising at least - a collar (5) having an outlet (6) configured to allow the outflow of the product that can be poured, - a coupling ring (8) rotatably arranged around the collar (5), and a lid assembly (7) having a lid (9) hingedly connected to the coupling ring (8) and angularly movable around respective hinge axes (C). The spout is provided with The lid (9) is at least - a closed configuration in which the lid (9) is in a closed angular position with respect to the hinge axis (C), and the lid (9) is configured to cover and / or covers the outlet (6); - an open configuration in which the lid (9) is in an open angular position with respect to the hinge axis (C), and the lid (9) is configured to be separated from and / or is separated from the outlet (6); - an intermediate configuration in which the lid (9) is arranged between the closed angular position and the open angular position and is in an intermediate angular position with respect to the hinge axis (C). The lid (9) is controllable between these configurations. The spout (3) comprises an interaction device (16) that is partially associated with the collar (5) and partially associated with the lid (9). The interaction device (16) is configured such that the control of the lid (9) from the closed configuration to the intermediate configuration is possible only by rotation of the lid (9) and the coupling ring (8) around a rotation axis (E), and the control of the lid (9) from the intermediate configuration to the closed configuration is possible by the only angular movement of the lid (9) around the hinge axis (C) from the intermediate angular position to the closed angular position. A spout (3, 3').

2. The control of the lid (9) from the intermediate configuration to the closed configuration is selectively possible by the only angular movement of the lid (9) around the hinge axis (C) and by rotation of the lid (9) and the coupling ring (8) around the rotation axis (E). The spout according to Claim 1. The spout according to claim 1.

3. The interaction device (16) comprises at least a main interaction structure (33) associated with the collar (5), and a main interaction unit (34) associated with the lid (9) and configured to interact with the main interaction structure (33). The interaction device (16) is provided with The main interaction unit (34) is - A first engaging surface (35) configured to abut against the abutting surface (36) of the main interaction structure (33) so as to prevent angular movement of the lid (9) from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position about the hinge axis (C); - A second engaging surface (37) configured to slide along the guiding surface (38) of the main interaction structure (33) so as to control angular movement of the lid (9) from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position about the hinge axis (C); comprising; The spout according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first engaging surface (35) and the second engaging surface (37) are configured to interact with the abutting surface (36) and the guiding surface (38), respectively, as a function of the angular position of the lid (9) relative to the axis of rotation (E). The spout according to claim 3.

5. The main interaction structure (33) comprises: - A locking portion (39) extending between a first angular position (X) and a second angular position (Y) about the longitudinal axis (B) of the outlet (6) and / or the collar (5) and holding the abutting surface (36); - A cam portion (40) holding the guiding surface (38), extending between a third angular position (V) and a fourth angular position (W) about the longitudinal axis (B), and disposed between the second angular position (Y) and the first angular position (X). comprising; The spout according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The locking portion (39) and / or the abutting surface (36) is in a transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis (B). The spout according to claim 5.

7. The cam portion (40) is inclined with respect to the locking portion (39). The spout according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The guiding surface (38) is on the opposite side of the abutting surface (36). The spout according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. When the lid (9) is positioned relative to the axis of rotation (E) between a lid position at a first angle and a lid position at a second angle with respect to the axis of rotation (E), the first engaging surface (35) is configured to abut against the abutting surface (36) during rotation of the lid (9) about the axis of rotation (E). The lid (9) is positioned relative to the rotation axis (E) between a lid position at a third angle and a lid position at a fourth angle, and when arranged between the lid position at the second angle and the lid position at the first angle, the second engagement surface (37) is configured to slide along the guide surface (38) during rotation of the lid (9) around the rotation axis (E). The spout according to any one of claims 3 to 8.

10. The lid (9) has an inner surface (15), and the collar (5) has an outer surface (21). When the lid (9) is controlled in the closed configuration, the inner surface (15) and the outer surface (21) face each other. The main interaction structure (33) is connected to the outer surface (21), and the main interaction unit (34) is connected to the inner surface (15). The spout according to any one of claims 3 to 9.

11. The main interaction structure (33) protrudes from the outer surface (21), and / or The main interaction unit (34) protrudes from the inner surface (15). The spout according to claim 10.

12. The main interaction unit (34) is a first interaction element (50) that holds the first engagement surface (35), and a second interaction element (51) that holds at least a first portion (52) of the second engagement surface (37). comprising. The spout according to claim 11.

13. The first interaction element (50) holds a second portion (53) of the second engagement surface (37), The guide surface (38) comprises a main guide portion (44) and an auxiliary guide portion (45), In use, the second interaction element (51) is configured to interact with the main guide portion (44), and the first interaction element (50) is configured to interact with the auxiliary guide portion (45). The spout according to claim 12.

14. The main interaction unit (34), different from the second interaction element (51), comprises a third interaction element (56) that holds at least a third portion (57) of the second engagement surface (37). The spout according to claim 12 or 13.

15. The main interaction structure (33) and the main interaction unit (34) are also configured to maintain the lid (9) in the intermediate angular position after the movement from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position is completed. The spout according to claim 3. A sealed package (2) formed from a multi-layer packaging material, filled with a product that can be poured, and having a designated pour-out outlet surface area, and a spout (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, attached around the designated pour-out outlet surface area, and comprising a package spout assembly (1).

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