CLOSURE ASSEMBLY FOR CONTAINER AND CONTAINER HAVING CLOSURE ASSEMBLY.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- MX · MX
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA
- Filing Date
- 2022-03-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-19
Smart Images
Figure MX433949B0
Abstract
Description
CLOSURE ASSEMBLY FOR 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 having a closure assembly. Background of the Invention As is well known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in containers, such as packaging made of sterilized packaging material, bottles, cans, and the like. Furthermore, it is known that such containers are frequently provided with a closure assembly that includes a collar that delimits a pouring outlet that allows the pouring of the pourable product from the container and a lid configured to selectively open and close the pouring outlet and that is connected to the collar when the pouring outlet is closed. Furthermore, it is known that the frRcznn / zznz / E / YiAi closure assembly Ref. 330207 typically also comprises a ring member surrounding the collar, and prior to the first removal of the cap, the ring member and the cap are connected to each other by means of coupling bridges, which break during the first removal of the cap from the collar. Therefore, the loss of connection between the ring member and the cap by means of the broken coupling bridges provides evidence of tampering. A drawback is that the lid separates from the other parts of the closure assembly and the container when the pouring spout is opened. This means, for example, that a user must hold the lid and the other parts of the closure assembly in one hand and the container in the other. Furthermore, this inconvenience could lead to the lid becoming an undesirable litter problem in public areas. To overcome such drawbacks, it has been proposed to hinge the lid to the ring member or to use a fastening element to connect the ring member and the lid to each other. While these solutions work well with caps that do not require cap rotation to loosen and tighten the cap to the collar, the application of such concepts has not led to the desired results with respect to closure assemblies that require unscrewing and screwing the cap to open and close the pouring outlet. It has also been found that some solutions are designed in such a way that the lid may bother the user during the pouring of the food product. Therefore, there is a perceived need in the industry to provide a closure assembly that overcomes at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks. In particular, there is a need to provide a locking assembly that ensures the lid remains attached to the container with the pouring outlet open and provides reliable tamper evidence. Additionally or alternatively, there is a perceived need to provide a locking assembly that allows the lid to be secured and loosened with the collar by rotation, ensuring that the lid remains attached to the container with the pouring outlet open and providing reliable tamper evidence. Summary of the Invention Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved closure assembly for containers in a simple and low-cost manner, particularly those filled or fillable with a pourable product, even more particularly those filled or fillable with a pourable food product. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved closure assembly for containers in a simple and economical manner, which ensures the coupling of various portions of the containers with one another during the steps of their use. It is a further object of the present invention to provide in a simple and economical manner a container, in particular filled or that can be filled with a pourable product, even more particularly filled or that can be filled with a pourable food product, which has a closing assembly. According to the present invention, a closure assembly is provided according to independent claim 1. Additional advantageous modes of the closure assembly are specified in the dependent claims. According to the present invention, a container is also provided according to claim 16. 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 container having a closure assembly according to the present invention and the closure assembly being arranged in a first state, with the parts removed for clarity; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the container in Figure 1 with the closure assembly arranged in a second state, with parts removed for clarity; Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the container in Figure 1 with the closure assembly arranged in a third state, with parts removed for clarity; Figure 4 is an exploded view of the closing assembly of Figures 1 to 3, with parts removed for clarity; Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of details of the closing assembly of Figures 1 to 3 which is in the first state, with parts removed for clarity; Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of details of the closing assembly of Figures 1 to 3 which is in the second state, with parts removed for clarity; Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of details of the closing assembly of Figures 1 to 3 which is in the third state, with parts removed for clarity; frRcznn / zznz / E / YiAi Figure 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the closing assembly of Figures 1 to 3, with parts removed for clarity; and Figure 9 is a perspective view of another portion of the closing assembly of Figures 1 to 3, with parts removed for clarity. Detailed Description of the Invention Number 1 refers globally to a container, such as a bottle, a container, 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 sterilized and / or sterilized processed pourable food product, such as fruit juice, milk (e.g. - ultra-high temperature treated milk), wine, tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and others. The following description will refer to the containers 1, in particular the main bodies 2, obtained from a membrane of packaging material having a multi-layered structure, although this is in no way intended to limit the scope of protection defined by the appended claims. In particular, the packaging material membrane 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, sandwiched between the fibrous material layer. One of these two layers of heat-sealable plastic material defines the inner surface of the main body 2 that comes into contact with the pourable product. Preferably, but not necessarily, the packaging material membrane also comprises a gas- and light-barrier layer, for example, aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular arranged between one of the layers of heat-sealable plastic material and the fibrous material layer. Preferably, but not necessarily, the packaging material membrane also comprises an additional layer of heat-sealable plastic material interposed between the gas- and light-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 fits onto the main body 2 over the designated pouring opening surface area. According to a preferred, but not limited, embodiment, the closure assembly(s) 3 is / are applied to the main body(s) 2 before, during, or after forming, filling, and sealing the main body(s) 2 by means of a molding process and / or an adhesive bond and / or an ultrasonic bond. Alternatively, the closure assembly(s) 3 can be applied to the packaging material membrane before arranging the packaging material membrane within or during the advance of the packaging material membrane within a packaging machine to form, fill, and seal the main body(s) 2 of the packaging material membrane. 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, the longitudinal axis A is perpendicular to the first transverse axis B and the second transverse axis C, and the first transverse axis B and the second transverse axis C are perpendicular to each other. Preferably, but not necessarily, the extent of the main body 2 along the longitudinal axis A is greater than the extent of the main body 2 along the first transverse axis B and the second transverse 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 4, which is transverse, or more specifically perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis A, from which the main body 2 extends along the longitudinal axis A. Preferably, but not necessarily, the first wall portion 4 defines a support surface for the container 1, particularly the main body 2, which, during use, may come into contact with a support, such as a shelf, when, for example, it is displayed at a point of sale or when stored. In particular, when placed on a support and / or, during use, when the food product is poured by a consumer from the container 1, the first wall portion 4 defines a portion of the bottom wall. Preferably, but not necessarily, the main body 2 also comprises a plurality of side walls 5 that are (fixedly) connected to the first wall portion 4 and extending, in particular substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A, from the first wall portion 4. Preferably, but not necessarily, the main body 2 also comprises a second wall portion 6 opposite the first wall portion 4 and which is (fixedly) connected to the side walls 5. In other words, the side walls 5 are interposed between the first wall portion 4 and the second wall portion 6. In particular, when placed on a stand and / or, in use, during consumption of the pourable food product by a consumer from the container 1, the second wall portion 6 defines an upper wall portion. According to some non-limiting modalities, the first portion of wall 4 and the second portion of wall 6 can be parallel to each other. According to a non-limiting alternative modality which is not shown, the first portion of wall 4 and the second portion of wall 6 could be inclined with respect to each other. According to some non-limiting modalities, the second portion of wall 6 comprises the designated pouring opening surface area. According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the designated pouring opening 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, but not limiting, embodiment, the designated pouring opening surface area also comprises a separating membrane that seals the pouring orifice. In particular, the separating membrane is configured to retain the pourable product within the main body 2 when intact and to be at least partially (and irreversibly) open, ruptured, 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. Specifically, 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, ruptured, and / or punctured. Preferably, but not necessarily, the separation membrane comprises a light and gas 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 strip, in particular a portion of the layers of the packaging material strip 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 formed from a metallic material. With particular reference to Figures 1 to 9, the closing assembly 3 comprises at least: - a lid 10; - a first ring member 11; - a second ring member 12, in particular coaxial to the first ring member 11; and - a coupling element 13 connected to the cap 10 and to one of the first ring member 11 and the second ring member 12, in the specific case shown, the coupling element 13 is connected to the cap 10 and to the second ring member 12. Conveniently, the closure assembly 3 also comprises: - one or more breakable first coupling bridges 14 connecting the first ring member 11 and the second ring member 12 to each other; and - one or more second breakable coupling bridges 15 connecting the second ring member 12 and the cap 10 to each other. It shall be noted that the coupling element 13 is connected to the cap 10 and either the first ring member 11 or the second ring member 12 in a manner that is non-breakable and / or resistant to separation. This means that during normal use of the closure assembly 3, the coupling element 13 remains connected to the cap 10 and either the first ring member 11 or the second ring member 12. In particular, the respective connections between the cap 10 and either the first ring member 11 or the second ring member 12 are designed to withstand an actuating force that exceeds the forces that normally act during normal use of the closure assembly 3.An example of such an excessive acting force event is the case when a user intends to voluntarily separate the coupling element 13 from the cap 10 and / or the first ring member 11 or the second ring member 12 by pulling the cap 10 and the first ring member 11 and / or the second ring member 12 in different directions from each other. According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the coupling element 13 is rope-shaped. Alternatively, the coupling element 13 could have any other form (for example, being an endless coupling element) and / or the closure assembly 3 comprises more than one coupling element 13 and / or the coupling element 13 comprises different portions that are connected to the cap 10 and / or the first ring member 11 and / or the second ring member 12. Conveniently, each first coupling bridge 14 is arranged in a respective unbroken configuration frRcznn / zznz / E / YiAi when connected to the first ring member 11 and the second ring member 12 and a respective broken configuration when broken (in this case, the respective first coupling bridge 14 is disconnected from the first ring member 11 and / or the second ring member 12). Conveniently, each second coupling bridge 15 is arranged in a respective unbroken configuration when connected to the second ring member 12 and the cap 10 and a respective broken configuration when broken (in this case, the respective second coupling bridge 15 is disconnected from the second ring member 12 and / or the cap 10). In particular, the unbroken configuration of each first coupling bridge 14 and each second coupling bridge 15 is the respective initial configuration (in this case, a user handling container 1 for the first time finds the first coupling bridges and second coupling bridges 15 in their unbroken configuration) and control from the respective unbroken configuration to the respective broken configuration is irreversible. In particular, the first coupling bridges 14 and the second coupling bridges 15 are designed to define at least one initial state of the closure assembly 3 in which the first coupling bridges 14 and the second coupling bridges 15 are arranged in their respective unbroken configurations (in this case, the first coupling bridges 14 and the second coupling bridges 15 are connected respectively to the first ring member 11 and the second ring member 12, and to the cap 10 and the second ring member 12). Specifically, the closure assembly 3 is intact when it is in the initial state (in this case, no manipulation or use of the closure assembly 3 has been initiated or attempted). In other words, the state of the closure assembly 3 corresponds to that in which the closure assembly 3 was applied to the main body 2. According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the closure assembly 3 is arranged in a manipulated state with the first coupling bridges 14 and the second coupling bridges 15 arranged in the respective broken configurations (in this case, the cap 10 is disconnected from the second ring member 12 by means of the second coupling bridges 15 (while still connected by means of the coupling element 13) and the first ring member 11 and the second ring member 12 are disconnected from each other). According to a preferred, but not limiting, embodiment, each first coupling bridge 14 is designed to break with a force equal to or greater than a first breaking force, and each second coupling bridge 15 is designed to break with a force equal to or greater than a second breaking force. In particular, the first breaking force is less than the second breaking force. This ensures that, in use, during handling of the locking assembly 3, the first coupling bridges 14 will break before the second coupling bridges 15. In particular, at least the first ring member 14 acts as evidence of manipulation, or in other words, the first ring member 14 is designed as an element of evidence of manipulation. Preferably, but not necessarily, the second ring member 15 also acts as evidence of manipulation. Preferably, but not necessarily, the closure assembly 3 is in an intermediate state with the first coupling bridges 14 arranged in the breaking configuration and the second coupling bridges 15 arranged in the non-breaking configuration. As will be further explained in more detail later, in use, during a first manipulation of the closure assembly 3, the closure assembly 3 is first controlled from the initial state to the intermediate state and then from the intermediate state to the manipulated state. According to some non-limiting modalities, the closure assembly 3 also comprises a collar 16 that delimits and / or defines a pouring outlet 17 (of the container 1), the pouring outlet 17 being configured to allow the outflow of the pourable product from the container 1. In particular, the first ring member 11 and the second ring member 12 are coupled and surround the collar 16; and the cap 10 is connected and / or can be connected to the collar 16 and is configured to selectively close and open the pouring outlet 17 to prevent and permit respectively the outflow of the pourable product from the container 1 through the pouring outlet 17. According to some non-limiting modalities, the first ring member 11 and the second ring member 12 are coaxial to collar 16. According to some non-limiting embodiments, the first ring member 11 and / or the second ring member 12 are rotatably coupled to the collar 16 about a rotation axis E and a rotation axis F, and in particular about the collar 16. In particular, the rotation axis E and the rotation axis F are transverse to the first transverse axis B and the second transverse axis C. According to some non-limiting embodiments, the cap 10 and the collar 16 are designed so that the cap 10 can be fastened and loosened from the collar 16 by means of rotation (by means of screwing and unscrewing respectively) of the cap 10 with respect to the collar 16 around a rotation axis G. In particular, the rotation axis G is transverse to the first transverse axis B and to the second transverse axis C. Preferably, but not necessarily, the cap 10 comprises an internally threaded portion 18, in particular disposed on an inner surface of the cap 10, and the collar 16 comprises an externally threaded portion 19, in particular disposed on an outer surface of the collar 16. The internally threaded portion 18 and the externally threaded portion 19 are configured to allow selective tightening and loosening of the cap 10 to and from the collar 16 by means of relative rotation between the cap 10 and the collar 16. According to some non-limiting modalities, the closure assembly 3 further comprises a coupling base 20 that carries the collar 16 and is configured to couple and / or connect (see Figures 4 to 6) and / or be coupled and / or connected (see Figures 1 to 3) to the main body 2. frRcznn / zznz / E / YiAi Preferably, but not necessarily, the coupling base 20 is configured to be fixed and / or is fixed to an outer surface of the main body 2, in particular the second wall portion 6. In particular, the coupling base 20 is arranged in the area of, even more particularly in, the designated pouring opening surface area. In particular, the coupling base 20 comprises an opening, in particular a circular opening, and the collar 16 surrounds the opening so that, in use, with the separation membrane being opened and / or cut and / or broken and / or perforated, a fluid connection is established between the inside of the main body 2 and the pouring outlet 17 (in this case, the pourable product can flow out of the container 1). Preferably, but not necessarily, at least a portion of the docking base 20 (substantially) has a plate-shaped configuration. Preferably, but not necessarily, the collar 16 extends, in particular from the coupling base 20, along, in particular parallel to, a longitudinal axis I, in particular the longitudinal axis I being a central axis of the collar 16. In particular, the opening of the coupling base 20, the collar 16 and the pouring hole are coaxial with each other. Preferably, but not necessarily, the rotation axis G and the longitudinal axis I are parallel, in particular coaxial with each other. According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, collar 16 has a circular shape, in particular a circular cross-sectional shape with respect to a sectional plane that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis I. According to some non-limiting embodiments and with particular reference to Figure 4, the closure assembly 3 also comprises a cutting device 24 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 24 from a rest position to an operating position in which the cutting device 24 is adapted to break and / or pierce and / or cut and / or open the separation membrane. Preferably, but not necessarily, the cutting device 24 has an annular shape and is disposed within an interior space 25 of the collar 16 when disposed in the rest position and protrudes at least partially out of the interior space 25 when controlled in the operating position. In particular, the cutting device 24 is arranged in the rest position with the closing assembly 3 arranged in the initial state and is arranged in the operating position with the closing assembly 3 arranged in the manipulated state. frRcznn / zznz / E / YiAi Preferably, but not necessarily, the cutting device 24, in use, is controlled by means of the control device from the rest configuration to the operating configuration during the control of the closing assembly 3 from the intermediate state to the manipulated state. Preferably, but not necessarily, the cutting device 24 is in an axially elevated position (with respect to the longitudinal axis I) when arranged in the rest position and with respect to the operating position. According to some non-limiting embodiments, the control device comprises the control flaps 26, in particular connected to the cap 10, the interaction elements 27 connected to the cutting device 24 and a cam mechanism 28 (see Figure 4; known as such and not described in detail) partially associated with the cutting device 24 and partially associated with the collar 16. In particular, the control fins 2 6 are configured to protrude and / or do protrude into the interior space 25. Preferably, but not necessarily, the control fins 26 are connected to, and protrude from, a portion of the inner surface of the lid 10. Preferably, but not necessarily, the control device can be actuated by means of the rotation of the control flaps 26 around a respective axis of rotation, in particular by means of the rotation of the cover 10 around the axis of rotation G. In particular, the rotation of the control flaps 26 leads, in use, to a rototranslational movement of the cutting device 24, which is guided by means of a cam mechanism 28. According to some preferred, but not limited, embodiments, the cover 10 is controllable in at least a first operating configuration (see Figures 1, 2, 5 and 6) in which the cover 10 is coaxial to the first ring member 11 and / or the second ring member 12 and a second operating configuration (see Figures 3 and 7) in which the cover 10 is arranged transversely with respect to the first ring member 11 and / or the second ring member 12. In particular, lid 10 is configured to close and open pouring outlet 17 with lid 10 being controlled in the first operating configuration and in the second operating configuration respectively. Preferably, but not necessarily, the cap 10 is controlled in the first and second operating configurations by the same cap 10, which is connected to, and separate from, collar 16, respectively. In particular, the cap 10 is coaxial with collar 16 when controlled in the first operating configuration and preferably, but not necessarily, transverse to collar 16 when controlled in the second operating configuration. In other words, when the cap 10 is arranged in the first operating configuration, it is connected to collar 16 and covers the pouring outlet 17, and when the cap 10 is arranged in the second operating configuration, it is decoupled from collar 16, leaving the pouring outlet 17 unobstructed. In particular, a ring portion 29 of the cap 10 is parallel to, and transverse to, the ring member 11 when controlled in the first and second operating configurations, respectively. This reflects the fact that the cap 10 needs to be spaced and / or separated from the first ring member 11 and / or the second ring member 12 to allow the pourable product to flow out through the pouring outlet 17 (see, for example, Figures 3 and 7). Preferably, but not necessarily, coupling element 13 is connected to ring portion 29. Preferably, but not necessarily, the second ring member 12 is interposed between the cap 10 and the first ring member 11, with the cap 10 being controlled in the first operating configuration. In particular, lid 10 is arranged in the first operating configuration with the locking assembly 3 being controlled in the initial state. In particular, the closure assembly 3, in particular the cap 10, the first ring member 11, the second ring member 12, the first coupling bridges 14 and the second coupling bridges 15 are designed so that the first time, the cap 10 is controlled from the first operating configuration, the closure assembly 3 is controlled from the initial state to the manipulated state, in particular from the initial state to the intermediate state and from the intermediate state to the manipulated state. It should be noted that preferably, but not necessarily, while the control of the closing assembly 3 from the initial state to the intermediate state and / or the manipulated state is irreversible, the control of the lid 10 from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration is reversible (in this case, the lid 10 can be controlled between the first operating configuration and the second operating configuration, a plurality of times). According to some non-limiting modalities, the control device is configured to move the cutting device 24 from the rest position to the operating position when, in use, the closing assembly 3 is in the initial state and during the control of the frRcznn / zznz / E / YiAi cover 10 from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration. Preferably, but not necessarily, the control fins 26 protrude into, and are withdrawn from the interior space 25 with the lid 10 that is arranged in the first operating configuration and the second operating configuration respectively. According to some non-limiting embodiments, the cap 10 is configured to be controlled between the first operating configuration and the second operating configuration by means of a relative rotation of the cap 10 around the rotation axis G. In particular, the internal threaded portion 18 and the external threaded portion 19 are configured to guide the control of the cap 10 between the first operating configuration and the second operating configuration. In particular, the lid 10 is controlled, in use, from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration and from the second operating configuration to the first operating configuration by rotating the lid 10 around the rotation axis G in, respectively, a first direction of rotation and a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation. According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the first ring member 11 and the second ring member 12 frRcznn / zznz / E / YiAi are axially displaced (with respect to the rotation axis G and / or the longitudinal axis I) from each other. In particular, the first ring member 11 is interposed between the second ring member 12 and the coupling base 20. With particular reference to Figures 4, 8 and 9, the closing assembly 3 further comprises: a first breaking device configured to trigger an irreversible breaking of the first coupling bridges 14 during the control of the closing assembly 3 from the initial state to the manipulated state, in particular to the intermediate state and also; and - a second breaking device configured to trigger an irreversible breaking of the second coupling bridges 15 during the control of the closing assembly 3 from the initial state to the manipulated state, in particular from the initial state to the intermediate state to the manipulated state. In particular, the first breaking device and the second breaking device are activated during the control of the lid 10 from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration, in particular by means of the rotation of the lid 10 around the rotation axis G. According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the first breaking device and the second breaking device are configured so that the first coupling bridges 14 break before the second coupling bridges 15 during the control of the closing assembly 3 from the initial state to the manipulated state. In particular, the first breaking device is activated, in use, during the control of the closing assembly 3 from the initial state to the intermediate state and the second breaking device is activated, in use, during the control of the closing assembly 3 from the intermediate state to the intermediate state to the manipulated state. In particular, the first breaking device is configured to create a force which is equal to or greater than the first breaking force and which is less than the second breaking force, while the second breaking device is configured to create a force which is equal to or greater than the second breaking force. With particular reference to Figures 4 and 9, the first breaking device comprises one or more first interaction elements 30 associated with and / or carried by the collar 16 and one or more second interaction elements 31 associated with and / or carried by the first ring member 11. In particular, each second interaction element 31 is configured to bear against a respective first interaction element 30 to actuate the irreversible breaking of the first coupling bridges 14. frRcznn / zznz / E / YiAi Even more particularly, each second interaction element 31 and the respective first interaction element 30 are designed so that the second interaction element 31 rests, in use, against the respective first interaction element 30 after a relative rotation of the first ring member 11 (around the rotation axis E y) with respect to the collar 16. Preferably, but not necessarily, each second interaction element 31 and the respective first interaction element 30 are arranged so that each second interaction element 31 is supported, in use, against the respective first interaction element 30 in a relative angular movement of the first ring member 11 with respect to the first interaction elements 30 of at most 20°. Preferably, but not necessarily, the first interaction elements 30 are connected to an outer surface of the collar 26 and protrude radially away from the collar 26. In particular, the first interaction elements 30 are equally spaced around the longitudinal axis I. Preferably, but not necessarily, the second interaction elements 31 are connected to an inner surface of the first ring member 11 that are oriented towards the outer surface of the collar 16 and protrude radially away from the first ring member 11. In particular, the second interaction elements 31 are equally spaced around the rotation axis E. With particular reference to Figures 4 and 8, the second breaking device comprises at least one first interaction member 32 associated with, and / or carried by the collar 16 and one or more second interaction members 33 associated with and / or carried by the second ring member 12. According to a preferred, but not limiting, embodiment, each second interaction member 33 is configured to bear against at least a respective portion of the first interaction member 32 to actuate the irreversible breaking of the second coupling bridges 15. In particular, each second interaction member 33 and the respective first interaction member 32 are designed such that each second interaction member 33 bears, in use, against at least a portion of the respective first interaction member 32 following a relative axial movement of the second ring member 12 with respect to the first interaction member 32 and / or the collar 16. Even more particularly, the relative axial movement is actuated by means of the rotation of the cap 10 about the rotation axis G and the interaction between the internal threaded portion 18 and the external threaded portion 19. frRcznn / zznz / E / YiAi Preferably, but not necessarily, the second interaction members 33, the first interaction member 32, and the internal threaded portion 18 and the external threaded portion 19 are arranged so that the second interaction members 33 are supported, in use, against the respective portions of the first interaction member 32 within a relative angular movement of the cap 10 about the rotation axis G of at least 20° and at most 45°. Preferably, but not necessarily, the first interaction member 32 is connected to the outer surface of collar 26 and projects radially away from collar 26. In particular, the first interaction member 32 comprises a ring element connected to and surrounding collar 16 in a non-rotational manner. Even more particularly, the ring element is integral to collar 16. Preferably, but not necessarily, the first interaction member 32 is axially offset (with respect to the longitudinal axis I and) with respect to the first interaction elements 30. In particular, the first interaction elements 30 are interposed between the first interaction member 32 and the coupling base 20. Preferably, but not necessarily, the second interaction members 33 are connected to an inner surface of the second ring member 12 that are frRcznn / zznz / E / YiAi oriented towards the outer surface of the collar 16 and project radially away from the second ring member 12. In particular, the second interaction members 33 are equally spaced around the rotation axis F. According to the non-limiting modality shown, the second interaction members 33 are in the form of fins protruding from the inner surface of the second ring member 12. According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the second ring member 12 comprises a recess 36 to accommodate at least a portion of the coupling element 13, and the second ring member 12 and the cap 10 are axially separated from each other to accommodate another portion of the coupling element 13 with the locking assembly 3 found in the first operating configuration. In use, a user needs to execute a first control step, during which the closure assembly 3 is controlled from the initial state to the handled state (before a pouring step of the pourable product from container 1). In particular, during the first control step, the closure assembly 3 is controlled so that the first coupling bridges 14 and the second coupling bridges 15 are broken, while the cap 10 and the second ring member 12 remain connected to each other by means of the coupling element 13. Even more specifically, during the first control step, the closure assembly 3 is initially controlled from the initial state to the intermediate state, followed by the control of the closure assembly 3 from the intermediate state to the manipulated state. Preferably, but not necessarily, during control from the initial state to the intermediate state, the first coupling bridges 14 are broken, disconnecting the first ring member 11 and the second ring member 12 from each other, and during control from the intermediate state to the manipulated state, the second coupling bridges 15 are broken so that the second ring member 12 and the cover 10 remain connected to each other only by means of the coupling element 13. According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, during the first control step, the first rupture device is first activated followed by the activation of the second rupture device. According to a preferred non-limiting modality, during the first control step a second control step is executed, during which lid 10 is controlled from the first operating configuration to the second frRcznn / zznz / E / YiAi operating configuration. Preferably, but not necessarily, during the second control step, the lid 10 is controlled (reversibly) from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration by rotating the lid 10 around the rotation axis G and / or the collar 16. Preferably, but not necessarily, during the first control step and during the second control step, the control of lid 10 from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration activates (first) the first breaking device and (then) the second breaking device to respectively break the first coupling bridges 14 and the second coupling bridges 15. In particular, during the first control step and during the second control step and during the rotation of the cap 10 around the rotation axis E, both the first ring member 11 and the second ring member 12 rotate around the rotation axis E and the rotation axis F respectively due to the connection of the cap 10 and the second ring member 12 by means of the coupling element 13 and the second coupling bridges 15 and the connection of the second ring member 12 and the first ring member 11 by means of the first coupling bridges 14. According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the rotation of the first ring member 11 results in a relative angular movement between each second interaction element 31 and the respective first interaction element 30 until each second interaction element 31 rests against the respective first interaction element 30, leading to the establishment of the first breaking force and the breaking of the first coupling bridges 14. This also means that any further rotation of the cap 10 is not transferred to the first ring member 11. According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, during the first control step and during the second control step and during the rotation of the cap 10 about the rotation axis E, the second ring member 12 (together with the cap 10) is also axially displaced, in particular due to the interaction between the internal threaded portion 18 and the external threaded portion 19, resulting in relative axial movement between the second interaction members 33 and the first interaction member 32 until each second interaction member 33 rests against the respective portion of the first interaction member 32, leading to the establishment of the second breaking force and the breaking of the second coupling bridges frRcznn / zznz / E / YiAi 15. This also means that any further rotation of the cap 10 is transferred to the second ring member 12 by means of the coupling element 13 only. In particular, during the additional control steps of the cap 10 between the first operating configuration and the second operating configuration, the second ring member 12 rotates about the axis of rotation F. According to a preferred, but not limited, embodiment, during the first control step and / or the second control step, the cutting device 24 is activated to break and / or cut and / or pierce and / or open the separation membrane. The advantages of the closure assembly 3 according to the present invention will be clarified from the above description. Specifically, lid 10 is attached to container 1 regardless of whether lid 10 is controlled in the first operating configuration, the second operating configuration, or any intermediate configuration. Simultaneously, the first ring member 11 clearly provides evidence of tampering, as the second coupling bridges 15 also indicate tampering. Another advantage has been identified in the fact that the production of the closure assemblies 3 can be carried out based on molds similar to those already known, which require only minor modifications. Another advantage is that the gradual control of the closing assembly 3, from the initial state to the intermediate state and from the intermediate state to the manipulated state, also allows one to determine whether the cutting device 24 has already cut, opened, pierced, or broken the separation membrane. In fact, the cutting device 24 only begins to interact with the separation membrane after the closing assembly 3 is controlled in the intermediate state. Thus, a user understands that because the second coupling bridges 15 are not broken, the separation membrane is still intact. An additional advantage is that the coupling element 13 allows the relative position and distance between the cover 10 and the second ring member 12 to be controlled in a flexible manner. Clearly, changes can be made to the container 1 and / or the closure assembly 3 as described herein 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: - a lid; - a first ring member; - a second ring member; - a coupling element connected to the lid and to one of the first ring member and the second ring member; - at least one first breakable coupling bridge connecting the first ring member and the second ring member to each other; and - at least one second breakable coupling bridge connecting the second ring member and the lid to each other.
2. The locking assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the first coupling bridge is designed to break with a force that is equal to or greater than a first breaking force and the second coupling bridge is designed to break with a force that is equal to or greater than a second breaking force; wherein the first breaking force is less than the second breaking force.
3. The closure assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second ring member is interposed between the lid and the first ring member.
4. The closure assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the first ring member is designed as a tamper evidence element.
5. The closure assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure assembly can be controlled in an initial state, with the first coupling bridge and the second coupling bridge being connected respectively to the first ring member and the second ring member and to the cap; and - a manipulated state in which the first coupling bridge and the second coupling bridge are broken; wherein the closure assembly further comprises: a first breaking device configured to actuate an irreversible break of the first coupling bridge during the control of the closure assembly from the initial state to the manipulated state; and - a second breaking device configured to actuate an irreversible break of the second coupling bridge during the control of the closure assembly from the initial state to the manipulated state.
6. The locking assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that it can also be controlled in an intermediate state in which the first coupling bridge is broken and the second coupling bridge is connected to the second ring member and the cap; wherein the first breaking device is configured to actuate the irreversible breaking of the first coupling bridge during the control of the locking assembly from the initial state to the intermediate state; and the second breaking device is configured to actuate the irreversible breaking of the second coupling bridge during the control of the locking assembly from the intermediate state to the manipulated state.
7. The closing assembly according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the lid can be controlled between at least a first operating configuration in which the lid is coaxial with the first ring member and / or the second ring member and a second operating configuration in which the lid is arranged transversely to the first ring member and / or the second ring member; wherein the lid is in the first operating configuration when the closing assembly is in the initial state; wherein the first breaking device and the second breaking device are configured such that the first coupling bridge breaks before the second coupling bridge during the control of the lid from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration.
8. The closure assembly according to any of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that it further comprises a collar that delimits a pouring outlet; wherein the first ring member and the second ring member are coupled with, and surround, the collar.
9. The closure assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the collar carries at least a first interaction element of the first breaking device and the first ring member carries at least a second interaction element of the first breaking device; wherein the second interaction element is configured to bear against the first interaction element to actuate the irreversible breaking of the first coupling bridge.
10. The closure assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the first ring member is rotatable about a respective axis of rotation (E); wherein the first interaction element and the second interaction element are arranged so that the second interaction element bears, in use, against the first interaction element within a relative angular movement of the first ring member with respect to the first interaction element of at most 20°.
11. The closure assembly according to any of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the collar carries at least one first interaction member of the second breaking device and the second ring member carries at least one second interaction member of the second breaking device; wherein the second interaction member is configured to bear against the first interaction member to actuate the non-reversible breaking of the second coupling bridge.
12. The closure assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the second ring member is designed to move axially with respect to the first interacting member in dependence on a rotation of the cap about a respective rotation axis (G); wherein the first interacting member and the second interacting member are arranged such that the second interacting member is supported, in use, against the first interacting member within an angular movement of the cap of at most 45°.
13. The closure assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the cap comprises an internally threaded portion and the collar comprises an externally threaded portion; wherein the internally threaded portion and the externally threaded portion are configured to allow selective tightening and loosening of the cap in the collar.
14. The closure assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a cutting device configured to break and / or pierce and / or cut and / or open a container separation membrane.
15. The closure assembly in accordance with any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element is connected to the cover and to the second ring member.
16. A container for a pourable product, characterized in that it comprises at least one main body that is filled or can be filled with the pourable product and at least one closure assembly according to one of the preceding claims and that is coupled to the main body.