NOZZLE FOR CONTAINER AND CONTAINER-NOZZLE ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A nozzle (3) for a container (2) filled with a pourable product is described. The nozzle (3) comprises at least one collar (5) having a pouring outlet (6) configured to allow pouring of the pourable product and a cap assembly (7) having a coupling ring (8) rotatably arranged around the collar (5) and a cap (9) hinged to the coupling ring (8) and angularly movable around a respective hinge axis (C). The cap (9) can be controlled between at least one closed configuration, one open configuration, and an intermediate configuration. The nozzle (3) comprises an interaction device (16) partially associated with the collar (5) and partially associated with the cap (9).The interaction device (16) is configured so that control of the lid (9) from the closing configuration to the intermediate configuration is possible only by rotating the lid (9) and the coupling ring (8) around a rotation axis (E) and such that control of the lid (9) from the intermediate configuration to the closing configuration is possible by a single angular movement of the lid (9) around the hinge axis (C) from the intermediate angular position to the closing angular position.

Description

CONTAINER NOZZLE AND CONTAINER-NOZZLE ASSEMBLY Field of Invention The present invention relates to a nozzle for a container, in particular for a sealed package, filled with a pourable product, even more particularly filled with a pourable food product. The present invention also relates to a container-nozzle assembly having a sealed container filled with a pourable product, even more particularly filled with a pourable food product, and a nozzle disposed on the sealed container. Background of the Invention As is known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juices, UHT (ultra-high temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in containers made from sterilized packaging material. A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped packaging for pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is manufactured by sealing and folding a laminated strip packaging material. The packaging material has a multi-layer structure comprising a cardboard and / or paper-based layer, covered on both sides with layers of plastic material r; / αη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛA Ref. 334088 heat-sealed, for example, polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packaging for long-term storage products, the packaging material also comprises a layer of oxygen barrier material, for example, aluminum foil, which is superimposed on a layer of heat-sealed plastic material and is in turn covered with another layer of heat-sealed plastic material that forms the inner surface of the packaging that eventually comes into contact with the food product. Some known containers, in particular a sealed main body of the respective containers formed from the packaging material, comprise a designated pouring opening surface area, which allows pouring of the pourable product from the container. Typically, the designated pouring opening surface area is covered by a separating membrane, which isolates the interior of the container from the outside environment and which must be opened, removed, torn, cut, or punctured before the first pouring of the pourable product to allow pouring of the pourable product. It is also known to provide a spout having a collar and a cap on the main body over the designated pouring opening surface area to control pouring of the pourable product.The collar has a pouring outlet to allow controlled pouring of the pourable product from the container and / onn / zznz / E / YiAi the cap allows the pouring outlet to be selectively closed and opened. Some of the known nozzles comprise an opening assembly for piercing and / or opening the pouring opening surface area in a controlled manner. A disadvantage of this type of nozzle is that the detachment of the cap from the collar implies a complete detachment of the cap from the collar, which can possibly lead to an undesirable loss of the cap or to the cap becoming dirty by an irresponsible user. Thus, there is a perceived need in the industry to further improve nozzles and / or container-nozzle assemblies. Summary of the Invention It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide in a simple and low-cost manner an improved nozzle for a container, in particular a sealed package, filled with a pourable product, even more particularly filled with a pourable food product. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide in a simple and low-cost manner an improved nozzle for a container, in particular a sealed package, filled with a pourable product, even more particularly filled with a pourable food product, r; / αηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛA which improves the user experience by having an easy and intuitive use. It is a further object of the present invention to provide in a simple and low-cost manner a container-spout assembly having a sealed container filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product, and a spout. It is a further object of the present invention to provide in a simple and low-cost manner a container-spout assembly having a sealed container filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product, and a spout, which improves the user experience by having an easy and intuitive use. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a nozzle according to the independent claim. Convenient additional embodiments of the nozzle are specified in the respective dependent claims. In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a container-nozzle assembly according to claim 15. Brief Description of the Figures By way of example, three non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached Figures, where: qj / οηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a container-nozzle assembly having a nozzle according to a first embodiment of the present invention arranged in a first configuration, with parts removed for clarity; Figure 2 is an enlarged schematic perspective view of the container-nozzle assembly of Figure 1 with the nozzle arranged in a second configuration, with portions removed for clarity; Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic perspective view of the container-nozzle assembly of Figure 1 with the nozzle arranged in a third configuration, with parts removed for clarity; Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the nozzle of Figures 1 through 3 and arranged in the third configuration, with portions removed for clarity; Figure 5 is an enlarged view of some details of the nozzle of Figures 1 to 3 arranged in the first configuration, with parts removed for clarity; and Figure 6 is an enlarged view of some details of the nozzle of Figures 1 to 3 during control from the first configuration to the second configuration, with parts removed for clarity; Figure 7 is an enlarged view of some details of the nozzle of Figures 1 through 3 while in an r; / αηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ configuration between the first configuration and the second configuration, with parts removed for clarity; Figure 8 is a detailed perspective view of a nozzle according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity; Figure 9 is a perspective view of some additional details of the nozzle according to the second embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity; Figure 10 is a further perspective view of some additional details of the nozzle according to the second embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity; Figure 11 is a perspective view of some details of a nozzle according to a third embodiment of the present invention and which is in a first configuration, with parts removed for clarity; and Figure 12 is a perspective view of the nozzle of Figure 11 in a second configuration, with parts removed for clarity. Detailed Description of the Invention Number 1 indicates globally a container-nozzle assembly, in particular a container-nozzle assembly, comprising: r; / αηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ a container, in particular a sealed package 2, even more particular a sealed carton, which is filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, and in particular having a designated pouring opening surface area (not shown and is known as such); and a nozzle 3, in particular a plastic nozzle, installed on the container, in particular on the package 2 around the designated pouring opening surface area. The packaging 2 is made from a packaging material, particularly in the form of a web, and having a multi-layer structure (not shown). The packaging material comprises at least one layer of fibrous material, such as paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-sealed plastic material, such as polyethylene, sandwiched between the layers of fibrous material. One of these two layers of heat-sealed plastic material defines the inner surface of the packaging 2 that comes into contact with the pourable product. Preferably, but not necessarily, the packaging material also comprises a layer of gas and light barrier material, for example aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular which is arranged between one of the layers of heat-sealed plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferably, qj / oez / zez / E / gela, but not necessarily, the packaging material also comprises a further layer of heat-sealed plastic material which is interposed between the layer of gas and light barrier material and the layer of fibrous material. According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the nozzle(s) 3 is applied to the container(s) 2 before, during or after the forming, filling and sealing of the container(s) 2 by means of a molding and / or adhesive bonding and / or ultrasonic bonding process. Alternatively, the nozzle(s) 3 may be applied onto the packaging material before disposing the packaging material into or during the advancement of the packaging material into a packaging machine to form, fill and seal the packages 2 from the packaging material. With particular reference to Figure 1, the container 2 extends along a longitudinal axis A. Preferably, but not necessarily, container 2 is in the shape of a parallelepiped. In particular, the designated pouring opening surface area of the container 2 is configured to be opened and / or broken and / or cut and / or punctured at least partially (non-reversibly) to allow pouring of the pourable product from the container 2, in particular through the spout 3. Even more particularly, the pouring opening surface area qj / οηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛA is configured to allow pouring of the pourable product after its loss of integrity and to protect the pourable product from the external environment before its cutting and / or opening and / or breaking and / or puncturing. According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the pouring opening surface area comprises a separation membrane (not shown and is known as such) configured to be ruptured and / or opened and / or cut and / or punctured. In particular, the separation membrane separates, in the area of, in particular at, the designated pouring opening surface area inside of the container 2 from the outside of the container 2. Preferably, but not necessarily, the separation membrane comprises a gas and light barrier material, for example aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film. According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the separation membrane is defined by a portion of the packaging material, in particular a portion of the layers of the packaging material that is different from the layer of fibrous material. With particular reference to Figures 1 to 7, the nozzle 3 comprises at least: - a base frame 4 configured to be and / or is installed over the designated pouring opening surface area r; / αη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛA of the container 2 and having a collar 5 provided with at least one pouring outlet 6, configured to allow a (controlled) flow outflow of the pourable product from the container-nozzle assembly of and / or container 2; and a lid assembly 7 coupled and / or coupleable to the base frame 4, in particular to the collar 5, and configured to at least selectively close or open the pouring outlet 6. In particular, the collar 5 extends along a longitudinal axis B (and away from the container 2), preferably but not necessarily parallel to the longitudinal axis A. In particular, the longitudinal axis B defines (is equal to) a central axis of the collar 5 and / or the pouring outlet 6. Preferably, the collar 5 and the discharge outlet 6 have a (substantially) circular cross-sectional profile, in particular with respect to a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B. Conveniently, the cover assembly 7 comprises: - a coupling ring 8 arranged rotatably around the collar 5, in particular such that the coupling ring 8 cannot be separated from the collar 5; and - a cover 9 hinged to the coupling ring 8 and angularly movable around a respective hinge axis C, which in particular is transverse, r; / αηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛA even more particularly orthogonal, to the longitudinal axis A and / or to the longitudinal axis B. In particular, the lid assembly 7 comprises a coupling element 10 configured to hinge the lid 9 to the coupling ring 8 and define the hinge axis C. Conveniently, the lid 9 can be controlled between at least: - a closing configuration (see Figure 1) in which the lid 9 is in an angular closing position with respect to the hinge axis C and in which the lid 9 is configured to cover and / or covers the pouring outlet 6, in particular to prevent an outflow of the pourable product from the container-nozzle assembly 1 and / or container 2; - an open configuration (see Figure 3) in which the lid 9 is in an open angular position with respect to the hinge axis C and in which the lid 9 is configured to be and / or is spaced from the pouring outlet 6; and - an intermediate configuration (see Figure 2) in which the cover 9 is in an intermediate angular position with respect to the hinge axis C, the intermediate angular position being interposed between the closing angular position and the opening angular position. In particular, in use, controlling the lid 9 from the closed configuration to the open configuration first requires control from the closed configuration to the intermediate configuration and then from the intermediate configuration to the open configuration. In other words, in use, controlling the lid 9 from the closed angular position to the open angular position first requires controlling the lid 9 from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position and then to the open angular position. Preferably, cover 9 comprises: - an upper portion 13 configured to cover the pouring outlet 6 with the lid 9 in the angular closing position; and a side wall 14 projecting from the upper portion 13 and configured to at least partially surround the collar 5 with the lid 9, which is controlled in the angular closing position. In particular, and with the cover 9 being in the angular closing position, the upper portion 13 is transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis B and the side wall 14 is (substantially) parallel to the longitudinal axis B. According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the lid 9 is, in particular the upper portion 13 and / or the side wall 14, coupled to the collar 5 when the / onn / zznz / E / YiAi lid 9 is, in use, in the angular closing position (and in the intermediate angular position. Preferably, the lid 9 comprises an inner surface 15, in particular the inner surface 15 facing the collar 5 with the lid 9 being in the closed angular position (and in the intermediate angular position). In particular, the upper portion 13 and the side wall 14 carry the inner surface 15. Conveniently, the nozzle 3 comprises an interaction device 16 partially associated with (and / or connected to and / or carried by) the collar 5 and partially associated with (and / or connected to and / or carried by) the cap 7 and which is configured such that controlling the cap 9 from the closing configuration towards the intermediate configuration (in other words, from the closing angular position towards the intermediate angular position) is possible only by rotation of the cap 9 and the coupling ring 8 around a (common) rotation axis E, in particular parallel, even more particularly coaxial, to the longitudinal axis B, and such that controlling the cap 9 from the intermediate configuration to the closing angular configuration (in other words,from the intermediate angular position to the closing angular position) is at least possible by a single angular movement of the cover 9 around the hinge axis C from the intermediate angular position to the closing angular position r; / αηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ., Preferably, the control of the lid 9 from the intermediate angular position to the closing angular position is possible selectively by a single angular movement of the lid 9 around the hinge axis C from the intermediate angular position to the closing angular position and by rotating the lid 9 and coupling the ring 8 around the rotation axis E. It should be noted that, according to the non-limiting embodiment, a user can freely choose whether to control the lid 9 by a single angular movement around the hinge axis C or to induce control of the lid 9 from the intermediate angular position to the closing angular position by rotating the lid 9 around the rotation axis E. It should furthermore be noted that a combination of both means for controlling the lid 9 from the intermediate angular position to the closing angular position is also possible. According to some non-limiting preferred embodiments, the nozzle 3 also comprises: - a cutter 17 (ring-shaped) movably coupled to the base frame 4, in particular the collar 5, and configured to at least partially cut and / or break and / or open and / or pierce the designated pouring opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane; and a control device 18 configured to interact with and to control the cutter 17 between a rest position, in which the cutter 17 is configured to be and / or is retracted from the designated pouring opening surface area, and an operative position in which the cutter 17 is configured to at least partially cut and / or break and / or open and / or pierce the designated pouring opening surface area. In particular, the control device 18 is configured to control the cutter 17 from the rest position to the operative position upon rotation of the cap 9 and the coupling ring 8 about the rotation axis E. Even more particularly, the first time the cap 9 and the coupling ring 8 are rotated, in use, the control device 18 is configured to control the cutter 17 from the rest position toward the operative position, about the rotation axis E to move the cap 9 for the first time from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position. With particular reference to Figures 3 to 7, the collar 5 delimits an interior space 19 within which the cutter 17 is at least partially placed. Preferably, the collar 5 has a circular cross-sectional shape with respect to a sectional plane which is qj / οηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ orthogonal to the longitudinal axis B. According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the collar 5 comprises an inner surface 20 facing the inner space 13 and an outer surface 21 which is opposite the inner surface 15 (and the inner space 19). In particular, with the cover 9 being in the closed angular position (or in the intermediate angular position), the inner surface 15 faces the outer surface 21. According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the cutter 17 is configured to at least translate, in particular to rotate and translate, during its movement from the rest position to the operative position. Preferably, the cutter 17 comprises a cutting section 22 (disposed at and / or defining an axial end portion of the cutter 17) configured to open and / or cut and / or break and / or pierce the designated pouring opening surface area, in particular the membrane separation. Preferably, the cutting section 22 has (comprises) a serrated profile. According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the control device 18 comprises a group of cams configured to guide the movement of the cutter 17 from the rest position to the operating position. r; / αηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ Preferably, the cam assembly comprises a cam profile and at least one, preferably a plurality of, guide element(s) configured to interact with the cam profile. In particular, the cam profile and the guide element(s) cooperate such that the cutter 17 executes, in use, a rototranslational movement when moving from the rest position to the operative position. Preferably, the cam profile is associated and / or connected and / or integrated with the cutter 17 and the guide element(s) are connected and / or associated and / or integrated with the base frame 4, in particular with the collar 5, even more particularly with the inner surface 19. With particular reference to Figures 3 to 7, the base frame 4 further comprises a coupling base 23 configured to couple and / or connect and / or couple and / or connect the nozzle 3 with the container 2. In particular, the coupling base 23 carries the collar 5. Preferably, the coupling base 23 is configured to be fixed and / or is fixed to an exterior surface of the container 2, in particular in the area of, and even more particularly in, the designated pouring opening surface area. In particular, at least a portion of the coupling base 23 has substantially a plate-like configuration. r; / αηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ Preferably, but not necessarily, the collar 5 extends from the coupling base 23 along, in particular parallel to, the longitudinal axis B. With particular reference to Figures 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 a respective interaction element 24. In particular, each interaction member 25 is coupled and / or connected to the lid 9 such that a rotation of the lid 9 around the rotation axis E also leads to a rotation of the interaction members 25 around the rotation axis E. Preferably, in use, the rotation of the cap 9 and the interaction members 25 around the axis of rotation E causes at least one translational, preferably roto-translational, movement of the cutter 17 by means of the interaction between the interaction members 25 and the interaction elements 24 and the cooperation between the cam profile and the guiding element(s). With particular reference to Figures 1 to 4, the nozzle 3 also comprises a plurality of breakable main coupling bridges 26 connecting the coupling ring 8 and the cap 9 to one another, in particular before the first time that the cap 9 is, in use, controlled from the closing angular position towards the intermediate angular position. In particular, in use, during the first time that the cap 9 is controlled from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position, the main coupling bridges 26 are irreversibly broken. Even more particularly, in use, the main coupling bridges 26 are broken after the control of the cutter 17 from the rest position to the operative position. With particular reference to Figures 1 to 4, the nozzle 3 also comprises a tamper-evident ring 27 arranged around the collar 5, and in particular between the coupling base 23 and the coupling ring 8. In particular, the tamper-evident ring 27 lies parallel to the coupling ring 8 and is axially offset from the coupling ring 8. In particular, the nozzle 3 also comprises frangible auxiliary coupling bridges 28 coupling the tamper-evident ring 27 and the coupling ring 8 to one another. The auxiliary coupling bridges 28 are configured to irreversibly break on the first occasion that a rotation of the cap 9 and the coupling ring 8 is triggered around the rotation axis E. Preferably, in use, the auxiliary coupling bridges 28 break before the movement of the cutter 17 from the rest position to the operative position. According to some non-limiting preferred embodiments, the collar 5 comprises an interaction ring 29, in particular protruding from the outer surface 21 and 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 around the rotation axis E. Conveniently and with special reference to Figures 1 to 7, the interaction device 16 comprises at least: - a main interaction structure 33 associated with, in particular connected to and / or carried by, the collar 5; and - a main interaction unit 34 associated with, in particular connected to and / or carried by the cover 9 and configured to interact with the main interaction structure 33. In particular, the interaction of the main interaction unit 34 with the main interaction structure 33 is such that, in use, movement of the lid 9 from the closing angular position towards the intermediate angular position r; / αη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛA requires rotation of the lid 9 (and of the coupling ring 8) about the rotation axis E (in this case, the interaction between the main interaction unit 34 and the main interaction structure 33 does not allow a single angular movement of the lid 9 about the hinge axis C to control the lid 9 from the closing angular position towards the intermediate angular position). It should be noted that, within the scope of the present disclosure, a single angular movement of the lid 9 about the hinge axis C is an angular movement of the lid 9 about the hinge axis C that occurs while the lid 9 remains angularly fixed with respect to the rotation axis E. In other words, any angular movement of the lid 9 about the hinge axis C is a single angular movement if the lid 9 does not rotate about the rotation axis E. Preferably, the interaction of the main interaction structure 33 and the main interaction unit 34 is such that the first time the rotation of the lid 9 around the rotation axis E is activated, the angular movement of the lid 9 around the hinge axis C, in particular from the closing angular position towards the intermediate angular position, is executed only after the movement of the cutter 17 from the rest position towards the operating position. r; / αηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ Preferably, the main interaction unit 34 comprises: - a first engagement surface 35 configured to bear against a support surface 36 of the main interaction structure 33 to prevent angular movement of the lid 9 around the hinge axis C, in particular from the closing angular position towards the intermediate angular position; and - a second engagement surface 37, in particular opposite to the first engagement surface 35 and configured to slide along a guide surface 38 of the main interaction structure 33 to control and / or actuate the angular movement of the lid 9 around the hinge axis C and from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position. In particular, the interaction of the first engagement surface 35 and the support surface 36 defines a locking mechanism of the cover 9 in the angular closing position. In particular, the second engagement surface 37 and the guide surface 38 define a respective cam mechanism. Preferably (see Figures 5 and 6), the first engagement surface 35 and the second engagement surface 37 are configured to interact with the support surface 36 and the guide surface 38, respectively, in dependence on an angular position of the cap 9 relative to the axis of rotation E. Preferably, the main interaction structure 33 and the main interaction unit 34 are designed such that the first engagement surface 35 and the support surface 36 interact with each other (see Figure 5), with the lid 9 being positioned relative to the axis of rotation E between a first angled lid position and a second angled lid position, and such that the second engagement surface 37 and the guide surface 38 interact with each other (see Figure 6) with the lid 9 arranged relative to the axis of rotation E between a third angled lid position and a fourth angled lid position. In particular, the third angled lid position and the fourth angled lid position are interposed between the second angled lid position and the first angled lid position. In particular, with the cover 9 being positioned relative to the axis of rotation E between the first angled cover position and the second angled cover position, the second engaging surface 37 and the guide surface 38 do not interact with one another (see Figure 5) and with the cover 9 being arranged relative to the axis of rotation E between the third angled cover position and the fourth angled cover position, the first engaging surface 35 and the bearing surface 36 do not interact with one another (see Figure 6). In other words, the first engagement surface 35 is configured to bear against the support surface 36 during a rotation of the cover 9 about the axis of rotation E and with the cover 9 being arranged between the first angled cover position and the second angled cover position with respect to the axis of rotation E and the second engagement surface 37 is configured to slide on the guide surface 38 during a rotation of the cover 9 about the axis of rotation E and with the cover 9 being arranged between the third angled cover position and the fourth angled cover position. In particular, it should be noted that with the rotation of the cover 9 around the axis of rotation E in one direction, such that the cover 9 rotates from the third angular cover position to the fourth angular cover position, the angular movement of the cover 9 around the hinge axis C is such that the cover 9 moves from the closing angular position towards the intermediate angular position. Furthermore, in use, during rotation of the lid 9 from the fourth angled lid position to the third angled lid position, it is possible to angularly move the lid 9 around the hinge axis C and from the intermediate angled position to the closing angled position. / onn / zznz / E / YiAi In particular, the main interaction unit 34 and the main interaction structure 33 are also configured such that a single angular movement around the hinge axis C is possible for controlling the lid 9 from the intermediate angular position to the closing angular position (during a reclosing operation). In such a case (in this case, during a reclosing operation), the main interaction unit 34 can override the main interaction structure 33 and once the lid 9 is again in the closing angular position, a reverse movement from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position is prevented by the interaction between the support surface 36 and the first engagement surface 35. According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the main interaction structure 33 and the main interaction unit 34 are also configured to retain the lid 9 in the intermediate angular position after the movement from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position has been completed. Preferably, the guide surface 38 is opposite the support surface 36. In particular, while the support surface 36 faces the coupling base 23, the guide surface r; / αηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛA faces away from the coupling base 23. According to some non-limiting preferred embodiments, the main interaction structure 33 comprises: - a locking portion 39, which extends between a first angular position X and a second angular position Y around the longitudinal axis B and carries a support surface 36; and - a cam portion 40 carrying the guide surface 38 and extending between a third angular position V and a fourth angular position W around the longitudinal axis B and interposed between the second angular position Y and the first angular position X. According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the cam portion 40 comprises at least a main cam portion 42, and in particular also an auxiliary cam portion 43 spaced apart from the main cam portion 42. Preferably, the auxiliary cam portion 43 is angularly and axially spaced apart from the main cam portion 42 with respect to the axis of rotation E. Preferably, the main cam portion 42 carries (comprises) a main guide portion 44 of the guide surface 38, and in particular the auxiliary guide portion 43 carries (comprises) an auxiliary guide portion 45 of the guide surface 38. qj / οηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ In particular, the locking portion 39 has (substantially) an arc shape. Preferably, the locking portion 39 and / or the support surface 36 is located within a first transverse plane, in particular perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis B. Preferably, the cam portion 40 and / or the guide surface 38 is inclined with respect to the locking portion 39 and / or the support surface 36. Even more preferably, the main cam portion 42 and the main guide portion 44, in particular also the auxiliary cam portion 43 and the auxiliary guide portion 45, are inclined with respect to the locking portion 39 and / or the support surface 36. In particular, the main cam portion 42 and / or the main guide portion 44 is located within a second plane (distinct from the first plane) transverse to the longitudinal axis B. Even more particularly, the auxiliary cam portion 43 and / or the auxiliary guide portion 45 is located within a third plane (distinct from the first plane and the second plane) spaced apart from the second plane. Preferably, the second plane, and in particular the third plane, is / are inclined with respect to the foreground. In particular, in use, sliding of the second engagement surface 37 over the guide surface 38 r; / αηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛA results in a force in a direction to distance the cover 9 from the coupling ring 8. According to some non-limiting preferred embodiments, the main interaction structure 33, in particular the locking portion 39, comprises an auxiliary surface 41 (opposite the support surface 36 and) designed so as to allow the lid 9 to move angularly from the intermediate angular position to the closing angular position by means of a single angular movement of the lid around the hinge axis C. In particular, the auxiliary surface 41 is designed such that the main interaction unit 34 overcomes the main interaction structure 33, in particular the locking portion 39, during a single angular movement of the lid 9 around the hinge axis C. According to some non-limiting preferred embodiments, the auxiliary surface 41 is also configured to interact with the main interaction unit 34 with the lid 9 being controlled in the intermediate angular position to retain the lid 9 in the intermediate angular position. According to some non-limiting preferred embodiments, the main interaction structure 33, in particular the locking portion 39 and the cam portion 40, is / are connected to, in particular protrudes from, the outer surface 21. According to some non-limiting preferred embodiments, the main interaction unit 34 comprises at least a first interaction element 50 carrying (comprising) the first engagement surface 35 and a second interaction element 51 carrying (comprising) at least a first portion 52 of the second engagement surface 37. In particular, the first portion 52 is configured to slide, in use, along the main guide portion 44 to control the lid 9 from the closing angular position towards the intermediate angular position. According to some non-limiting preferred embodiments, the first interaction element 50 carries (comprises) an interaction surface 53 opposite the first engagement surface 35 and which is at least configured to engage with the auxiliary surface 41 with the lid 9 arranged in the intermediate angular position. In particular, the engagement of the interaction surface 53 with the auxiliary surface 41 makes it possible to retain the lid 9 in the intermediate angular position after completing the movement of the lid 9 from the closing angular position towards the intermediate angular position (see Figure 7). According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 7, the interaction surface 53 also defines a second portion of the second engagement surface 37. In particular, the interaction surface 53 is configured to slide, in use, along the auxiliary guide portion 45, in use, which promotes movement of the lid 9 from the closing angular position towards the intermediate angular position. Preferably, the first interaction element 50 comprises a main wall 54 carrying (comprising) the first engagement surface 35 and at least one tooth 55 protruding from the main wall 54. In particular, tooth 55 carries (comprises) interaction surface 53. According to some non-limiting preferred embodiments, the main interaction unit 34, in particular the first interaction element 50 and the second interaction element 51, is / are connected to, in particular protrude from, the inner surface 15, and in particular the side wall 14. Preferably, the first interaction element 50 and the second interaction element 51 are axially, and in particular also angularly, offset from each other with respect to the axis of rotation E. In use, pouring of the pourable product from the container-spout assembly 1, in particular the container 2, requires releasing the pouring outlet 6. This is done by controlling the lid 9 from the closed configuration to the open configuration. Even more particularly, first, the lid 9 is controlled from the closed configuration to the intermediate configuration and then from the intermediate configuration to the open configuration. In particular, the movement of the lid 9 from the closed configuration to the intermediate configuration requires the rotation of the lid 9 around the rotation axis E. Even more particular, the control from the intermediate configuration to the open configuration must be executed by the user by angularly moving the lid 9 around the hinge axis C. Preferably, the first time the lid 9 is moved from the closed configuration to the intermediate configuration, the cutter 17 is moved from the rest position to the operating position to open and / or break and / or pierce the pouring opening surface area, particularly the separation membrane. In particular, the cutter 17 is moved from the rest position to the operating position before the lid 9 is moved from the closed configuration to the open configuration. In more detail, during the control of the lid 9 from the closed configuration to the intermediate configuration, the position of the angled lid 9 with respect to the hinge axis C must be changed from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position. Since the first engagement surface 35 bears against the support surface 36, the lid 9 needs to be rotated around the rotation axis E and from the first angled lid position to the fourth angled lid position and through the second angled lid position and the third angled lid position. The second engagement surface 37 slides on the guide surface 38 while the lid 9 rotates around the rotation axis E and moves angularly from the third angled lid position to the fourth angled lid position to activate the angular movement around the hinge axis C and from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position. In even greater detail, 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, in particular, also the interaction surface 53 slides along the auxiliary guide portion 45. Preferably, after the lid 9 has been controlled in the intermediate angular position, the engagement of the interaction surface 53 with the auxiliary surface 41 ensures that the position of the angular lid 9 remains fixed with respect to the hinge axis C. When a user intends to prevent the pourable product from flowing out again, the user can control the lid 9 again (during a closing operation) in the closing angular position. First, the lid 9 needs to be controlled from the open angular position to the intermediate angular position, followed by controlling the lid 9 from the intermediate angular position to the closing angular position. The latter can be obtained by a single angular movement of the lid 9 around the hinge axis C, and in particular alternatively by a rotation of the lid 9 around the rotation axis E. With reference to Figures 8 to 10, the numeral 3' indicates an alternative embodiment of a nozzle according to the present invention; since nozzle 3' is similar to nozzle 3, the following description is limited to the differences between them, with the use of the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts. In particular, the nozzle 3' differs from the nozzle 3 in that the cam portion 40 comprises the main cam portion 42 and does not comprise the auxiliary cam portion 43. Even more particularly, the interaction surface 53 is configured to engage the auxiliary surface 41 but does not promote movement of the lid 9 from the closing angular position towards the intermediate angular position. In other words, only the second interaction element 51 contributes to the angular movement of the lid 9 from the closing angular position towards the intermediate angular position. Preferably, the nozzle 3' also differs from the nozzle 3 in that the first interaction element 50 comprises two teeth 55 protruding from the main wall 54. In particular, the teeth 55 are parallel to each other and each carries a respective portion of the interaction surface 53. With reference to Figures 11 and 12, numeral 3 indicates another alternative embodiment of a nozzle according to the present invention; since nozzle 3' is similar to nozzle 3', the following description is limited to the differences between them, and with the use of the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts. In particular, the nozzle 3'' differs from the nozzle 3' in that the main interaction unit 34 comprises at least one third interaction element 56 distinct (and separate) from the second interaction element 51, which carries (comprises) at least a third portion 57 of the second engagement surface 37. In particular, the third interaction element 56 is angularly offset from the second interaction element 51 with respect to the axis of rotation E. Even more particularly, the third interaction element 56 r; / αη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛA is arranged such that, in use and during a control of the lid 9 from the closing configuration towards the intermediate configuration, at first the third portion 57 engages the main guide portion 44 and subsequently the first portion 52 engages the main guide portion 44. Preferably, the third portion 57 and the first portion 52 are located within a common plane, in particular that they are parallel to the second plane. Preferably, the nozzle 3' also differs from the nozzle 3' in that the main interaction structure 33, in particular the cam portion 40, comprises a plurality of spaced apart support ridges 58, in particular integral with the main cam portion 42, configured to support the main cam portion 42, in particular to improve the mechanical stability of the main cam portion 42. The advantages of the nozzles 3, 3' and 3'' and / or the container-nozzle assembly 1 according to the present invention will be clear from the above description. In particular, the cap 9, being connected to the coupling ring 8, cannot be separated from the other parts of the nozzle-container assembly 1. This makes it difficult to dispose of the cap 9. An additional advantage is that the operation of the lid 9 is intuitive since the opening of the container-nozzle assembly 1 (opening of the pouring outlet 6) is carried out by rotating the lid 9 according to the user's experience with known types of nozzles. A further advantage can be seen in that the interaction of the second engagement surface 37 with the guide surface 38 (and in support also of the auxiliary guide portion 45 and the auxiliary cam portion 43) moves the lid 9 into the intermediate angular position, which indicates to the user that it is possible to further move the lid 9 to the open angular position. Another advantage is related to also providing a third interaction element 56 that allows to increase the surface area of the portion of the second engagement surface 37 that interacts, in use, with the main guide portion 44. Clearly, changes may be made to the nozzle 3, 3' and 3'' and / or to the container-nozzle assembly 1 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims. According to an alternative, non-limiting embodiment, not shown, the main interaction unit 34 comprises only the first interaction element 50 and the first interaction element 50 carries (comprises) both the first engagement surface 35 and the second engagement surface r; / αη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛA. Furthermore, the cam portion 40 only comprises the auxiliary cam portion 43. According to an alternative non-limiting embodiment, not shown, the main interaction unit 34 also comprises a third interaction element 56. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to put the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

1. A nozzle for a container, in particular a sealed container, filled with a pourable product; characterized in that it comprises at least: - a collar having a pouring outlet configured to permit pouring of the pourable product; and a cap assembly having a coupling ring rotatably arranged around the collar and a cap hinged to the coupling ring and angularly movable about a respective hinge axis; wherein the cap can be controlled between at least: - a closed configuration in which the cap is in a closed angular position with respect to the hinge axis and in which the cap is configured to cover and / or does cover the pouring outlet; an open configuration in which the cap is in an open angular position with respect to the hinge axis and in which the cap is configured to be pulled back and / or is pulled back from the pouring outlet;and - an intermediate configuration in which the cap is in an intermediate angular position with respect to the hinge axis interposed between the closing angular position and the opening angular position; wherein the nozzle comprises an interaction device partially associated with the collar and partially associated with the cap; wherein the interaction device is configured such that control of the cap from the closing configuration to the intermediate configuration is possible only by rotation of the cap and the coupling ring about a rotation axis and such that control of the cap from the intermediate configuration to the closing configuration is possible by a single angular movement of the cap about the hinge axis from the intermediate angular position to the closing angular position.

2. The nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that control of the lid from the intermediate configuration to the closed configuration is selectively possible by the single angular movement of the lid around the hinge axis and by the rotation of the lid and the coupling ring around the rotation axis.

3. The nozzle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the interaction device comprises at least one main interaction structure associated with the collar and a main interaction unit associated with the cap and configured to interact with the main interaction structure; wherein the main interaction unit comprises: a first engagement surface configured to bear against a support surface of the main interaction structure to prevent angular movement of the cap about the hinge axis and from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position; and a second engagement surface configured to slide along a guide surface of the main interaction structure to control angular movement of the cap about the hinge axis and from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position.

4. The nozzle according to claim 3, characterized in that the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface are configured to interact with the support surface and the guide surface respectively, depending on an angular position of the cap with respect to the axis of rotation.

5. The nozzle according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the main interaction structure comprises: - a locking portion, which extends between a first angular position and a second angular position / onn / zznz / E / YiAi around a longitudinal axis of the pouring outlet and / or collar and carries the bearing surface; and - a cam portion carrying the guide surface and extending between a third angular position and a fourth angular position around the longitudinal axis and interposed between the second angular position and the first angular position.

6. The nozzle according to claim 5, characterized in that the locking portion and / or the support surface is located within a transverse plane, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

7. The nozzle according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the cam portion is inclined with respect to the locking portion.

8. The nozzle according to any of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the guide surface is opposite the support surface.

9. The nozzle according to any of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the first engagement surface is configured to bear against the support surface during a rotation of the cap about the axis of rotation and with the cap being positioned with respect to the axis of rotation between a first angular cap position and a second angular cap position with respect to the axis of rotation and the second engagement surface is configured to slide along the guide surface during a rotation of the cap about the axis of rotation and with the cap being positioned with respect to the axis of rotation between a third angular cap position and a fourth angular cap position, interposed between the second angular cap position and the first angular cap position.

10. The nozzle according to any of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the cap comprises an inner surface and the collar comprises an outer surface; wherein the inner surface and the outer surface are oriented towards each other with the cap being controlled in the closed configuration; wherein the main interaction structure is connected towards the outer surface and the main interaction unit is connected to the inner surface.

11. The nozzle according to claim 10, characterized in that the main interaction structure protrudes from the outer surface and / or the main interaction unit protrudes from the inner surface.

12. The nozzle according to claim 11, characterized in that the main interaction unit comprises a first interaction element carrying the first engagement surface and a second interaction element carrying at least a first portion of the second engagement surface.

13. The nozzle according to claim 12, characterized in that the first interaction element carries a second portion of the second engagement surface; wherein the guide surface comprises a main guide portion and an auxiliary guide portion; wherein, in use, the second interaction element is configured to interact with the main guide portion and the first interaction element is configured to interact with the auxiliary guide portion.

14. The nozzle according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the main interaction unit comprises a third interaction element distinct from the second interaction element and which carries at least a third portion of the second engagement surface.

15. The nozzle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main interaction structure and the main interaction unit are also configured to retain the cap in the intermediate angular position after movement from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position.

16. - A container-nozzle assembly, characterized in that it comprises a sealed container, in particular formed from a multi-layered packaging material, filled with a pourable product comprising a designated pouring outlet surface area and a nozzle according to any of the preceding claims installed on the designated pouring outlet surface area.

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