CLOSURE ASSEMBLY FOR A CONTAINER AND CONTAINER HAVING A CLOSURE ASSEMBLY
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- MX · MX
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing closure assemblies for containers with pourable products face issues such as the cap becoming disconnected from the ring member, requiring users to hold both the lid and the container, leading to potential soiling and inconvenience.
A closure assembly with coupling elements that connect the cap and ring member in an unbreakable manner, featuring elastic coupling elements that absorb tension during operation, ensuring the cap remains attached to the container and minimizing the need for separate handling.
The solution allows for easy and hygienic operation by keeping the cap attached to the container, reducing soiling and enhancing user convenience while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Smart Images
Figure MX433907B0
Abstract
Description
CLOSURE ASSEMBLY FOR A CONTAINER AND CONTAINER HAVING A CLOSURE ASSEMBLY Field of Invention The present invention relates to a closure assembly for a container, in particular a container filled or fillable with a pourable product, even more particularly a container filled or fillable with a pourable food product. The present invention also relates to a container filled or fillable with a pourable product, even more particularly a container filled or fillable with a pourable food product, having a closure assembly. Background of the Invention As is already 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, such as composite packaging, bottles, cans, and the like. It is also known that such containers are frequently provided with a closure assembly to selectively allow the flow of pourable product from the container. A typical closure assembly comprises a collar, which is connected to the container, having a pouring outlet that allows the pourable product to flow from the container and Ref. 343766 a lid configured to selectively open and close the pouring outlet and which connects to the collar when the pouring outlet is closed. It is also known that the closure assembly typically comprises a ring member coupled to, and surrounding, the collar. The axial movement of the ring member along the collar is typically limited by an annular flange that projects radially from the collar to ensure that the ring member remains coupled to the collar. Furthermore, prior to the first removal of the cap, the ring member and the cap are connected by coupling bridges, which break during the first removal of the cap from the collar. After the first removal of the cap from the collar, the ring member and the cap separate from each other. One disadvantage is that the cap detaches from the ring member, and consequently, when the cap is removed from the collar to open the pouring spout, the cap separates from the container. This means, for example, that a user must hold the cap in one hand and the container in the other. Furthermore, this disadvantage can lead to the cap becoming undesirably soiled. To overcome these disadvantages, it has been proposed to secure the lid to the ring member using a connecting element. Although such closure assemblies work satisfactorily, there is a perceived desire within the industry to further improve them. Summary of the Invention Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide in a simple and economical manner an improved closure assembly for containers, in particular those filled or fillable with a pourable product, and even more particularly those filled or fillable with a pourable food product. Advantageously, an additional object of the present invention is to provide in a simple and economical manner an improved closure assembly for containers, which comes with minimal tension acting on the ring members during the operation of the respective lids. Advantageously, another object of the present invention is to provide in a simple and economical manner a container, in particular filled or fillable with a pourable product, even more particularly filled or fillable with a pourable food product, having a closure assembly, which comes together with minimal tension acting on the ring members during the operation of the respective lids. According to the present invention, a closure assembly is provided according to independent claim 1. Other advantageous forms of the closure assembly are specified in the dependent claims. According to the present invention, a container is also provided according to claim 15. Brief Description of the Figures A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a container having a closure assembly according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the closing assembly of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity; Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the details of the closing assembly of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity; and Figure 4 is another enlarged perspective view of the details of the closing assembly of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity. Detailed Description of the Invention Number 1 indicates, as a whole, a container, such as a bottle, a (composite) package, a can, or the like, comprising a main body 2 and a closure assembly 3 attached or attachable to the main body 2. Preferably, but not necessarily, container 1 is filled or can be filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, even more particularly a pourable food product that is sterilized and / or processed under sterile conditions, such as fruit juices, milk (e.g., ultra-high temperature treated milk), water, wine, tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and others. The following description shall refer to composite packagings 1, in particular to packagings 1 whose main body 2 is obtained from a strip of packaging material having a multi-layered structure, although this is not proposed to limit the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims. In particular, the packaging material band comprises at least one layer of fibrous material, such as, for example, a layer of paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-sealable plastic material, for example, polyethylene, with the fibrous material layer sandwiched between them. One of these two layers of heat-sealable plastic material defines the inner face of the main body 2 that makes contact with the pourable product. Preferably, but not necessarily, the packaging material band also comprises a light and gas barrier layer, for example, an aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, which is positioned, in particular, between one of the heat-sealable plastic material layers and the fibrous material layer. Preferably, but not necessarily, the packaging material band also comprises an additional heat-sealable plastic material interposed between the light and gas barrier layer and the fibrous material layer. According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the main body 2 defines a sealed package, in particular a sealed carton package, having a designated pouring opening surface area (not shown and referred to as such), and the closure assembly 3 is mounted on the main body 2, in particular around the designated pouring opening surface area. According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the closure assembly(s) 3 is applied to the main body(s) 2 before, during, or after the forming, filling, and sealing of the main body(s) 2 by means of a molding process and / or adhesive bonding and / or ultrasonic bonding. Alternatively, the closure assembly(s) 3 can be applied to the packaging material web before the packaging material web is placed inside, or during the advance of the packaging material web inside, a packaging machine to form, fill, and seal the main body(ies) 2 from the packaging material web. With particular reference to Figure 1, the main body 2 extends along a longitudinal axis A, a first transverse axis B, and a second transverse axis C. In particular, axis A is perpendicular to axis B and axis C, and axis B and axis C are perpendicular to each other. Preferably, but not necessarily, the extent of the main body 2 along axis A is greater than the extent of the main body 2 along axis B and axis C. Preferably, but not necessarily, the main body 2 has a parallelepiped shape. According to the non-limiting embodiment described, the main body 2 comprises a first wall portion, in particular that is transverse, and more particularly perpendicular, to axis A, from which the main body 2 extends along axis A. Preferably, but not necessarily, the first wall portion defines a support surface for the container 1, in particular for the main body 2, which, in use, can be placed in contact with a support, such as, for example, a shelf, when, in use, it is displayed, for example, within a point of sale or when it is stored. In particular, when placed on a support and / or, in use, during consumption of the pourable product by a consumer from container 1, the first wall portion defines a portion of the bottom wall. Preferably, but not necessarily, the main body 2 also comprises a plurality of side walls 4 that are (fixedly) connected to the first wall portion and extend, in particular substantially parallel to axis A, from the first wall portion. Preferably, but not necessarily, the main body 2 also comprises at least a second portion of wall 5 opposite the first portion of wall and (fixedly) connected to the side walls 4. In other words, the side walls 4 are interposed between the first portion of wall and the second portion of wall 5. In particular, when placed on a stand and / or, in use, during consumption of the pourable product by a consumer from the container 1, the second portion of wall 5 defines a portion of the top wall. According to some non-limiting modalities, the first portion of the wall and the second portion of wall 5 may be parallel to each other. Alternatively, the first portion of the wall and the second portion of wall 5 could be inclined with respect to each other. According to some non-limiting modalities, the second portion of wall 5 comprises the surface area of the designated pouring opening. According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the designated pouring surface area of the main body 2 comprises a pouring hole that allows the pourable product to flow out from the main body 2. According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the surface area of the designated pouring opening also comprises a separating membrane that seals the pouring orifice. Specifically, the separating membrane is configured to retain the pourable product within the main body 2 when intact and to be at least partially (and not reversibly) opened, torn, cut, and / or punctured to allow the pourable product to flow out of the main body 2 through at least a portion of the pouring orifice. In particular, the separating membrane is configured to allow the pourable product to flow out after it has lost its integrity and to protect the pourable product from the external environment before it is cut, opened, torn, and / or punctured. Preferably, but not necessarily, the separation membrane comprises a light and gas barrier material, for example, an aluminum foil film or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the separation membrane is defined by a portion of the packaging material web, in particular a portion of the packaging material web layers that is different from the fibrous material layer. According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the closure assembly 3 comprises and / or is formed from a polymeric material. Alternatively, the closure assembly 3 could comprise and / or be made of a metallic material. With particular reference to figures 1 to 4, the closure assembly 3 comprises at least one closure group 7 having at least: - a lid 8; - a ring member 9; and - one or more coupling elements 101, 102, in the specific case two coupling elements 101, 102 are shown, connected to the cover 8 and the ring member 9. Preferably, the closure group 7 is molded as a single piece from a molten polymer. It should be noted that coupling elements 101, 102 are connected to the cover 8 and the ring member 9 in an unbreakable manner and / or at least in a manner resistant to separation. This means that during normal use of the closure assembly 3, the coupling elements 101, 102 remain connected to the cap 8 and the ring member 9. In particular, the coupling elements 101, 102 are connected to the cap 8 and the ring member 9 in such a way that they resist an actuating force that exceeds the forces typically acting during normal use of the closure assembly 3. An example of such a higher actuating force is when a user intends to intentionally separate the coupling elements 101, 102 from the cap 8 and / or the ring member 9 by pulling the cap 8 and the ring member 9 in opposite directions. In particular, coupling elements 101, 102 fix the cover 8 and the ring member 9 together. According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the closure assembly 3 also comprises one or more breakable first coupling bridges 11 connecting the ring member 9 and the cap 8 to each other. In particular, and as will be explained in more detail later, the first coupling bridges 11 are configured to break during the first operation of the cap 8 (by a consumer). Preferably, but not necessarily, the closure assembly 3 also comprises a tamper evidence ring 12 and one or more (second) breakable coupling bridges 13 connecting the tamper evidence ring 12 and the ring member 9 to each other. In particular, and as will be explained in more detail later, the second coupling bridges 13 are configured to break during the first-time operation of the lid 8. In particular, ring member 9 is placed between cap 8 and tamper evidence ring 12. According to some non-limiting modalities, the closure assembly 3 also comprises a collar 14 that delimits and / or defines and / or has a pouring outlet 15, the pouring outlet 15 being configured to allow the outflow of the pourable product from the container 1. In particular, collar 14 is arranged around the pouring hole. According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, collar 14 extends along a longitudinal axis E. In particular, collar 14 has an annular shape, specifically an annular cross-sectional shape with respect to a section plane that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis E. In particular, collar 14 defines and / or delimits and / or comprises a flow channel for the pourable product. More particularly, the flow channel is interposed and / or is designed to be interposed between the pouring outlet 15 and the pouring orifice. According to some non-limiting modalities, ring member 9 and / or tamper evidence ring 12 is / are mounted and arranged around collar 14. Preferably, the second ring member 9 and / or the tamper evidence ring 12 is / are coaxial to collar 14. Preferably, the lid 8 is connected and / or can be connected to the collar 14 and is configured to selectively close and open the pouring outlet 15 to prevent and allow respectively the outflow of the pourable product from the container 1 through the pouring outlet 15. According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the lid 8 can be controlled in at least one closed position (see Figures 1 to 4) in which the lid 8 closes and / or is configured to close the pouring outlet 15 and an open position (not shown) in which the lid 8 opens and / or is configured to open the pouring outlet 15. Preferably, but not necessarily, the cover 8 is controlled in the closed and open positions, with the cover 8 engaged and disengaged from the collar 14, respectively. In particular, the cover 8 is coaxial with the collar 14 and / or the pouring outlet 15 when controlled in the closed position, and preferably, but not necessarily, transverse to the collar 14 when controlled in the open position. In other words, when the cover 8 is in the closed position, it is engaged with the collar 14 and covers the pouring outlet 15, and when the cover 8 is in the open position, it disengages from the collar 14 and releases the pouring outlet 15. More specifically, in the example described, the cap 8 is controlled between the closed and open positions by means of a threading action. In particular, the cap 8 comprises an internal threaded portion, specifically arranged on an internal surface of the cap 8, and the collar 14 comprises an external threaded portion, specifically arranged on an external surface of the collar 14. Preferably, the internal threaded portion and the external threaded portion are configured to allow selective tightening and loosening of the cap 8 to, and from, the collar 14 by means of relative rotation between the cap 8 and the collar 14. According to some non-limiting modalities, the internal threaded portion and / or the external threaded portions define a cam mechanism. It should be noted that before the first time control (first time operation) of the lid 8 from the closed position to the open position, the first coupling bridges 11 connect the ring member 9 and the lid 8 to each other and, in use, during the first time that the lid 8 is controlled from the closed position to the open position, the first coupling bridges 11 are irreversibly broken. In particular, and in an equivalent manner, the second coupling bridges 13 connect the ring member 9 and the tamper evidence ring 12 to each other before the first check of the lid 8 from the closed position to the open position and, in use, during the first time that the lid 8 is checked from the closed position to the open position, the second coupling bridges 13 are irreversibly broken. According to some non-limiting modalities, the closure assembly 3 further comprises a coupling base 16 that carries the collar 14. The coupling base 16 is configured to couple and / or connect and / or be coupled and / or connected to the main body 2. Preferably, but not necessarily, the coupling base 16 is configured to be fixed and / or is fixed to an external surface of the container 1, in particular its main body 2, even more particularly the second portion of the wall 6. In particular, the coupling base 16 is arranged in the area of, even more particularly in, the surface area of the designated pouring opening. In particular, the coupling base 16 comprises an opening, and the collar 14 surrounds the opening so that, in use, with the separation membrane being open and / or cut and / or broken and / or punctured, a fluid connection is established between the inside of the main body 2 and the pouring outlet 15 (i.e., the pourable product can flow out of the container 1). Preferably, but not necessarily, at least a portion of the docking base 16 has (substantially) a plate-like configuration. According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the closure assembly 3, in particular the collar 14, comprises an interaction device configured to interact with the ring member 9 to prevent the ring member 9 from disengaging from the collar 14. In particular, the interaction device is configured to limit axial movement of the ring member 9 along the longitudinal axis E. More specifically, the interaction device comprises, in particular, an annular flange 17 projecting (radially) from the collar 14. In particular, the annular flange 17 projects (radially) from and away from an external surface of the collar 14. According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the annular flange 17 has a continuous form. Alternatively, the annular flange 17 could have a discontinuous form (e.g., the annular flange 17 could be formed from numerous individual pieces projecting from the collar 14). According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the closure assembly 3 comprises an interaction unit, in particular coupled to the collar 14, configured to interact with the ring member 9 and / or the tamper evidence ring 12 to trigger the breaking of the first coupling bridges 11 and / or the second coupling bridges 13 during the first time the lid 8 is controlled from the closed position to the open position. With particular reference to Figure 2, the closing assembly 3 also comprises a cutting device 18 configured to break and / or pierce and / or cut and / or open the separation membrane and a control device configured to control the cutting device 18 from a rest position to an operating position in which the cutting device 18 is adapted to break and / or pierce and / or cut and / or open the separation membrane. Preferably, but not necessarily, the cutting device 18 has an annular shape and is disposed within the flow channel of the collar 14 when disposed in the rest position and protrudes at least partially out of the flow channel when controlled in the operating position. In particular, the cutting device 18 is arranged in the rest position before the first time the lid 8 is controlled from the closed position to the open position and is arranged in the operating position after the first control of the lid 8 to the open position. Preferably, but not necessarily, the cutting device 18 is in an axially elevated position (with respect to the longitudinal axis E) when arranged in the rest position and with respect to the operating position. According to some non-limiting embodiments, the control device comprises control flaps 19, in particular connected to the cover 8. The control device may comprise interaction elements 20 connected to the cutting device 18. The control device may comprise a cam mechanism 21 (see figure 2; known as such and not described in detail) partially associated with the cutting device 18 and partially associated with the collar 14. According to some non-limiting, not shown, modalities, the cam mechanism 21 could comprise respective threaded portions. Preferably, but not necessarily, the control device is configured to be activated during the first control of the lid 8 from the closed position to the open position to move (irreversibly) the cutting device 18 from the rest position to the operating position. With particular reference to Figures 1 to 4, the ring member 9 comprises a central axis F. In particular, the central axis F is parallel, even more particularly coaxial, to the longitudinal axis E with the ring member 9 and / or the locking assembly 3 that are coupled to the collar 14. In particular, the central axis F defines a central axis of the closing group 7. Preferably, the cover 8 is coaxial with the ring member 9 and / or the central axis F, with the cover 8 in the closed position. Preferably, tamper evidence ring 12 is coaxial with ring member 9 and / or with central axis F. With particular reference to figures 1 to 4, cover 8 comprises: - an upper wall 25 configured to cover the pouring outlet 15 with the lid 8 in the closed position; and - a side wall 26 projecting (axially) from the upper portion 25 and, in particular, configured to at least partially surround the collar 14 with the cap 8 that is controlled in the closed position. Preferably, the side wall 26 has a respective annular cross-section profile, in particular with respect to a cross-section plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis E and / or the central axis F and with the cover 8 in the closed position. In particular, and with the lid 8 in the closed position, the top wall 25 is transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the central axis F and the side wall 26 is (substantially) parallel to the longitudinal axis E and / or the central axis F. According to some possible non-limiting modalities, the cover 8, in particular the top wall 25 and / or the side wall 26, is coupled to, and separated from the collar 14 when the cover 8 is, in use, in the closed position and in the open position, respectively. According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the cover 8, in particular the side wall 26, comprises a first edge 27. In particular, the first edge 27 delimits an opening in the cover 8 opposite the top wall 25. The first edge 27 may comprise a first surface 28. In more detail, the first surface 28 extends within a foreground, in particular the foreground is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis E and / or the central axis F, with the lid 8 arranged in the closed position. According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the ring member 9 comprises a second rim 29 that is turned towards the first rim 27, in particular with the cap 8 arranged in the closed position. The second edge 29 can have a second surface 30 that is turned towards the first surface 28. In more detail, the second surface 30 extends into a second plane. Preferably, the second plane is parallel to the first plane, particularly with the lid 8 in the closed position. With particular reference to Figures 2 to 4, each coupling element 101, 102 preferably comprises at least: - a respective intermediate (linear) portion 35; - a respective first curved portion 36 connected to the lid 8, in particular to the first edge 27, even more particularly to the first surface 28, and to the intermediate portion 35; and - a respective second curved portion 37 connected to the ring member 9, in particular to the second edge 29, even more particularly to the second surface 30, and to the intermediate portion 35. In other words, each coupling element 101, 102 preferably comprises an intermediate portion 35 that is interposed between the first curved portion 36 and the second curved portion 37. More specifically, each intermediate portion 35 comprises a first end 38 and a second end 39 opposite the first end 38. Preferably, the intermediate portion 35 extends (substantially and) linearly between the first end 38 and the second end 39. In particular, the first curved portion 36 is connected to the first end 38 and the second curved portion 37 is connected to the second end 39. Preferably, each coupling element 101, 102 has an S shape. Advantageously, each intermediate portion 35 is inclined with respect to and / or not parallel to the lid 8, in particular the first edge 27, more particularly the first surface 28, preferably in the absence of any stress and / or external forces acting on the locking assembly 3 (as possibly resulting from a user-operated locking assembly 3). Alternatively or additionally, each intermediate portion 35 is inclined with respect to, and / or not parallel with respect to, the ring member 9, in particular the second edge 29, even more particularly the second surface 30, preferably in the absence of any stress and / or external forces acting on the locking assembly 3 (as possibly resulting from a user-operated locking assembly 3). Preferably, each intermediate portion 35 is tilted with respect to, and / or is not parallel with respect to the first plane and / or the second plane, particularly in the absence of any stress and / or strain and / or external forces acting on the locking assembly 3 (as possibly resulting from a user-operated locking assembly 3). In other words, each intermediate portion 35 comprises at least two imaginary linear projections 40, one extending linearly from and away from the first endpoint 38 and the other extending linearly from and away from the second endpoint 39. In particular, the imaginary linear projections 40 intersect with the foreground and / or background plane. According to some preferred non-limiting modalities, each intermediate portion 35 is inclined with respect to the central axis F and / or the longitudinal axis E. In particular, each intermediate portion 35 is transverse, but not perpendicular to the central axis F and / or the longitudinal axis E (i.e., each intermediate portion 35 describes with the central axis F and / or the longitudinal axis E an angle that varies between 0 and 90°, with 0 and 90° being excluded). Preferably, the closure assembly 3 comprises an intermediate space 41 disposed between, and / or delimited by the cap 8, in particular the first edge 27, even more particularly the first surface 28, and the ring member 9, in particular the second edge 29, even more particularly the second surface 30, and each coupling element 101, 102 is positioned within the intermediate space 41. With particular reference to figures 2 to 4, each first curved portion 36 is connected to the first edge 27, in particular the first surface 30, in a respective first position 42 and each second curved portion 37 is connected to the second edge 29, in particular the second surface 30, in a respective second position 43. Advantageously, each first position 42 and the respective second position 43 are angularly displaced, in particular also axially, from each other, in particular around (and along) the central axis F. In particular, the first positions 42 are also angularly displaced from each other and the second positions 43 are also angularly displaced from each other. According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first curved portion 36 is convex with respect to the ring member 9 and each second curved portion is concave with respect to the ring member 9. In other words, each first curved portion 36 is concave with respect to the cap 8 and each second curved portion 37 is convex with respect to the cap 8. In particular, each first curved portion 36 is curved towards (points towards) the ring member 9 and each second curved portion 37 is curved towards (points towards) the cap 8. Advantageously, each coupling element 101, 102 is elastically deformable, in particular so that the coupling elements 101, 102 act in use and during handling and / or operation of the closing assembly 3, in particular the closing group 7, (for example, the movement of the lid 8 from the closed position to the open position) as spring elements. More specifically, each first curved portion 36 comprises a first coupling surface 44 and each second curved portion 37 comprises a second coupling surface 45. Preferably, each coupling element 101, 102 can be deformed so as to allow the respective first coupling surface 44 to bear against (a respective first bearing portion of the first edge 27, in particular the first surface 28 of) the cap 8 and the second coupling surface 45 to bear against (a second portion of the bearing surface of the second edge 29, in particular the second surface 30 of) the ring member 9. In other words, each first mating surface 44 and each second mating surface 45 are adapted to mate respectively with the respective first support portion and the respective second support portion, in particular during handling and / or operation of the closure assembly 3, and even more particularly during handling and / or operation of the closure group 7. In particular, in use, each mating surface 44 and each mating surface 45 mate respectively with the respective first support portion and the respective second support portion during the removal of the closure group 7 from a molding tool and / or during the assembly of the closure group 7 into the collar 14. Furthermore, in use, the coupling elements 101, 102 may deform as a result of tension and / or stresses and / or forces acting during handling and / or operation of the closing assembly 3, in particular the closing group 7 (e.g., the movement of the lid 8 from the closed position to the open position). In use, a consumer operates the closing assembly 3, in particular the closing group 7, to selectively open and close the pouring outlet 15 by means of controlling the lid 8 in the open configuration or in the closed position. Specifically, before the first operation of the closing assembly 3, particularly the closing group 7, the lid 8 is in the closed position and the first coupling bridges 11, and preferably also the second coupling bridges 13, are intact (i.e., they are not broken). The first time the lid 8 is moved from the closed position to the open position, the first coupling bridges 11, and preferably also the second coupling bridges 13, are irreversibly broken. Therefore, coupling elements 101 and 102 ensure that cap 8 and ring member 9 remain connected (fixed) to each other. Furthermore, this means that cap 8 remains coupled to collar 14 by means of ring member 9. Additionally, the tamper evidence ring 12 is separate from ring member 9 and allows for tamper evidence. Furthermore, during the first-time control of the cover 8 from the rest position to the operating position, the cutting device 18 is activated, in particular by cutting and / or piercing and / or opening and / or breaking the separation membrane. During the operation of the closing group 7, in particular the control of the lid 8 between the closed position and the open position, the coupling elements 101, 102 deform elastically, thus at least partially absorbing the stresses and / or external forces acting on the closing assembly 3 and / or the closing group 7. Furthermore, each first coupling surface 44 and each second coupling surface 45 can be supported respectively against the first relative support portion and the second relative support portion. With particular reference to Figures 2 to 4, the internal threaded portion (provided on cap 8) and the external threaded portion (provided on collar 14) are configured to allow cap 8 to be fastened to collar 14 by rotating cap 8 relative to collar 14 in a first direction of rotation, and / or cap 8 to be loosened from collar 14 by rotating cap 8 relative to collar 14 in a second direction of rotation. The second direction of rotation is opposite to the first direction of rotation. Each coupling element 101, 102 has a first end 101A, 102A connected to the cap 8 and a second end 101B, 102B connected to the ring member 9. In particular, each coupling element 101, 102 is elongated between the respective first end 101A, 102A and the respective second end 101B, 102B. In each coupling element 101, 102, the first end 101A, 102A is positioned downstream of the second end 101B, 102B, along the second direction of rotation. In other words, in each coupling element 101, 102, the first end 101A, 102A is positioned upstream of the second end 101B, 102B, along the first direction of rotation. This configuration is particularly advantageous during the first opening of the closing assembly (in which the separating membrane is broken by the cutting device 18). In fact, it allows the cap 8 (held by the user) to drag the ring member 9 in the second direction without overloading the coupling element(s) 101, 102. Therefore, even when the force required to break the separation membrane is large, the coupling element(s) 101, 102 do not break. Preferably, the first end 101A, 102A of each coupling element 101, 102 is connected to the first edge 27 of the cap 8. Preferably, the second end 101B, 102B of each coupling element 101, 102 is connected to the second edge 29 of the ring member 9. Preferably, the locking assembly 3 comprises a first coupling element 101 and a second coupling element 102, which define one or more coupling elements 101, 102. The first coupling element 101 and the second coupling elements 101 are angularly spaced from each other (along the first and / or second direction of rotation). In particular, the first coupling element 101 is positioned upstream of the second coupling element 102 along the second direction of rotation. More particularly, the first end 101A of the first coupling element 101 is positioned upstream of the first end 102A of the second coupling element 102, and the second end 101B of the first coupling element 101 is positioned upstream of the second end 102B of the second coupling element 102, along the second direction of rotation.Furthermore, preferably, the first end 101A of the first coupling element 102 is positioned upstream of the second end 102B of the second coupling element 102, along the second direction of rotation. In one embodiment, the first coupling element 101 and the second coupling element 102 are located within an angular sector having an angular extension, around a central axis F of the closing assembly 3, in the range of 20 degrees to 180 degrees (preferably 20 degrees to 100 degrees, more preferably 30 degrees to 80 degrees). Preferably, a minimum distance between the first coupling element 101 and the second coupling element 102 is greater than a minimum thickness of the first coupling element 101 and / or the second coupling element 102. In particular, the minimum thickness is considered along a circumference of the closing assembly. The advantages of the closure assembly 3 according to the present invention will become clear from the above description. In particular, coupling elements 101, 102 allow for the damping of any tension and / or stresses and / or forces acting on the closure assembly 3, in particular the closure group 7. An additional advantage has been observed in that the handling and / or operation of the closure assembly 3, in particular the closure group 7, is more consumer-friendly. Furthermore, by providing more than one connecting element 101, 102, it is possible to increase the clamping force between the ring member 9 and the cap 8. Another advantage relates to the assembly of the closure group 7 on the collar 14. To assemble the closure group 7 on the collar 14, the closure group 7 is forced onto the collar 14. Therefore, the connecting elements 101, 102 absorb at least a portion of the actuating forces, reducing the risk of possible deformation of the collar 14 and / or the container 1 and / or the closure group 7. In particular, each first mating surface 44 and each second mating surface 45 bear against the cap 8 and the ring member 9, respectively. The applicant has also noted that the specific shape of the connecting elements 101 and 102 allows for the design of longer-lasting molding tools compared to connecting elements 10 with other shapes. In particular, the specific shape and size of the connecting elements 101 and 102 allow for the creation of molding tools with portions that define the connecting elements 101 and 102, and whose dimensions provide a longer service life. Furthermore, during the demolding of the closing group 7 of the molding tool, the first mating surface 44 and the second mating surface 45 are supported against the cap 8 and the ring member 9, respectively, thus limiting deformation. Clearly, changes can be made to the container 1 and / or the closure assembly 3 as described in this document without departing, however, from the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims. It is hereby stated that, as of this date, the best method known to the applicant for putting the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.
Claims
1. A closure assembly for a container filled or fillable with a pourable product, characterized in that it comprises at least: a collar delimiting a pouring outlet configured to permit the outflow of the pourable product from the container, wherein the collar includes an external threaded portion; a cap having a first rim and including an internal threaded portion, wherein the internal threaded portion and the external threaded portion are configured to permit the cap to be engaged with the collar by rotating the cap about the collar in a first direction of rotation and the cap to be released from the collar by rotating the cap about the collar in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation; a ring member having a second rim that is turned towards the first rim; and a shearing device configured to break a separating membrane that seals a pouring orifice provided in the container.a control device configured to control the cutting device from a rest position to an operating position in which the cutting device is adapted to break the separating membrane, wherein the control device comprises control vanes connected to the lid; - one or more coupling elements, each having a first end connected to the lid and a second end connected to the ring member; wherein, in each coupling element, the first end is positioned downstream of the second end along the second direction of rotation.
2. The closure assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that in each coupling element, the first end is connected to the first edge of the lid.
3. The closure assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that in each coupling element, the second end is connected to the second edge of the ring member.
4. The closing assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first coupling element and a second coupling element angularly spaced from each other and which define one or more coupling elements.
5. The locking assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that along the second direction of rotation: - the first coupling element is positioned upstream of the second coupling element; the first end of the first coupling element is positioned upstream of the first end of the second coupling element; the second end of the first coupling element is positioned upstream of the second end of the second coupling element; the first end of the first coupling element is positioned upstream of the second end of the second coupling element.
6. The locking assembly according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the first coupling element and the second coupling element are located within an angular sector having an angular extension, around a central axis of the locking assembly, in the range of 20 degrees to 100 degrees.
7. The closing assembly according to any of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that a minimum distance between the first coupling element and the second coupling element is greater than a minimum thickness of the first coupling element and / or the second coupling element.
8. The closure assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises an intermediate space disposed between and / or delimited by the cover and the ring member; wherein each coupling element is positioned within the intermediate space.
9. The closure assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each coupling element comprises: - a respective intermediate portion; - a respective first curved portion connected to the first edge and to the intermediate portion; and - a respective second curved portion connected to the second edge and to the intermediate portion; wherein the intermediate portion is inclined with respect to the first edge of the cap and / or to the second edge of the ring member.
10. The locking assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that in each coupling element, the first curved portion is connected to the first edge at the first end and the second curved portion is connected to the second edge at the second end.
11. The closure assembly according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the first edge has a first surface; wherein the second edge has a second surface that is turned towards the first surface; wherein each first curved portion is connected to the first surface and each second curved portion is connected to the second surface; wherein each intermediate portion is inclined with respect to the first surface and / or the second surface, wherein each first curved portion is convex with respect to the ring member and each second curved portion is concave with respect to the ring member.
12. The closing assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device further comprises interaction elements connected to the cutting device and a cam mechanism partially associated with the cutting device and partially associated with the collar.
13. The closure assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a coupling base that carries the collar and is configured to couple with an external surface of a main body of the container, wherein at least a portion of the coupling base has a plate-like configuration.
14. The closure assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a tamper evidence ring and at least one breakable coupling bridge designed to breakably connect to, and / or breakably connect the ring member and the tamper evidence ring to each other.
15. A container for a pourable product, characterized in that it comprises at least one main body filled or fillable with the pourable product and at least one closure assembly in accordance with any of the preceding claims.