Opening device for a package and package having an opening device

Abstract

An opening device for a package comprises a collar having a central axis and delimiting a flow channel extending between an inlet opening of the collar configured to allow entry of the pourable product into the flow channel and a pouring outlet of the collar configured to allow exit of the pourable product from the flow channel and a cutter configured to break the separation membrane and being at least partially arranged within the flow channel. The opening device further comprises a retaining device configured to block movement of the cutter out of the flow channel and through the pouring outlet by inducing a rotation of the cutter about a rotation axis transversal to the central axis. The retaining device comprises a retaining element and an interaction element configured to interact with one another so as to induce the rotation of the cutter about the rotation axis.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an opening device for a package, in particular for a composite package, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a package having a main body filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product, and an opening device arranged on the main body.BACKGROUND ART

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

[0004] A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped package for pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding a laminated strip packaging material. The packaging material has a multilayer structure comprising a carton and / or paper base layer, covered on both sides with layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packages for long-storage products, the packaging material also comprises a layer of oxygen-barrier material, e.g. an aluminum foil, which is superimposed on a layer of heat-seal plastic material, and is in turn covered with another layer of heat-seal plastic material forming the inner face of the package eventually contacting the food product.

[0005] Some of the known packages, in particular respective sealed main bodies of the packages formed from the packaging material, comprise a designated pour opening, which allows the outpouring of the pourable product from the packages. Typically, the designated pour opening is covered by a separation membrane, which isolates an inner space of the main body from an outer environment and which is to be opened or to be removed or to be ruptured or to be cut or to be pierced prior to the first outpouring of the pourable product. It is also known to arrange an opening device having a collar and a closure on the main body about the designated pour opening so as to be able to control the outpouring of the pourable product out of the main body and through the collar. Therefore, the collar has a pouring outlet so as to allow for a controlled outpouring of the pourable product from the package and the closure allows to selectively close and open the pouring outlet.

[0006] Some of the known opening devices comprise a cutter so as to break the separation membrane covering the designated pour opening in a controlled manner.

[0007] Even though such opening devices work satisfyingly well, a need is felt in the sector to further improve the opening devices and / or the packages having opening devices.DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved opening device for a package, in particular a composite package, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product.

[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner a package having a main body filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product, and an opening device applied on the main body.

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

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

[0012] According to the present invention, there is also provided a package according to claim 15.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a package having a main body and an opening device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the opening device of FIG. 1, with parts removed for clarity;

[0016] FIGS. 3a and 3b are sectioned perspective views of portions of the opening device of FIG. 1 being in two different configurations, with parts removed for clarity; and

[0017] FIGS. 4a and 4b are sectioned perspective views of portions of an opening device according to a second embodiment of the present invention being in two different configurations, with parts removed for clarity.BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0018] Number 1 indicates as a whole a package, in particular a composite package, comprising:

[0019] a main body 2, preferentially a composite main body, even more particular a sealed composite main body, being filled with a pourable product, preferentially a pourable food product, and preferentially having a designated pour opening (not shown and known as such) configured to allow for the outpouring of the pourable product from main body 2; and

[0020] an opening device 3, preferentially an opening device formed from a polymer, fitted to main body 2, preferentially to main body 2 about the designated pour opening.

[0021] Main body 2 may be obtained from a multilayer packaging material, preferentially being provided in the form of a web. The packaging material may comprise at least a layer of fibrous material, such as e.g. paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, interposing the layer of fibrous material in between one another. One of these two layers of heat-seal plastic material may define an inner face of main body 2 contacting the pourable product.

[0022] According to some possible embodiments, the packaging material may also comprise a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular being arranged between one of the layers of the heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. More preferentially, the packaging material may also comprise a further layer of heat-seal plastic material being interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0023] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, each opening device 3 may be applied to the respective main body 2 prior, during or after forming, filling and sealing of the respective main body 2 by means of a molding process and / or adhesive bonding and / or ultrasonic bonding and / or welding.

[0024] Alternatively, each opening device 3 can be applied onto the packaging material prior to arranging the packaging material within or during advancement of the packaging material within a packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing the respective main body 2 from the packaging material.

[0025] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, main body 2 may contain a pourable food product such as water, milk, milk-based drinks, yoghurt drinks, coffee-based drinks, fruit juice, beverages with pulp, tomato sauce, salt, sugar and the like.

[0026] With particular reference to FIG. 1, main body 2 may extend along a central (longitudinal) axis A.

[0027] In more detail, package 2 may comprise a first wall 4, preferentially being transversal, more preferentially perpendicular, to central axis A, from which main body 2 extends along central axis A. Preferentially, first wall 4 may define a supporting surface of package 2, which, in use, can be put in contact with a support element, such as e.g. a shelf, when, in use, being e.g. exposed within a sales point, placed within a storage chamber, placed within a refrigerator or similar. More preferentially, when being arranged on a support element first wall 4 may define a bottom wall of package 1, preferentially main body 2.

[0028] Moreover, main body 2 may also comprise a side wall 5 being (fixedly) connected to first wall 4 and extending from first wall 4.

[0029] Additionally, main body 2 may also comprise a second wall 6 opposite to first wall 4 and being (fixedly) connected to side wall 5. In other words, side wall 5 may be interposed between first wall 4 and second wall 6. In particular, when being arranged on a support element, second wall 6 may define a top wall of package 1, preferentially main body 2.

[0030] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, first wall 4 and second wall 6 may be parallel to one another.

[0031] Alternatively, first wall 4 and second wall 6 may be inclined with respect to one another. In other words, second wall 6 may define a slanted-top or a gable-top.

[0032] Preferentially, second wall 6 may comprise the designated pour opening and opening device 3 may be fitted onto second wall 6.

[0033] Furthermore, main body 2 may comprise a separation membrane covering the designated pour opening so as to isolate an inner space 7 of main body 2 from an outer environment. Additionally, the separation membrane may be at least partially (and non-reversibly) breakable (i.e. openable and / or rupturable and / or cuttable and / or pierceable), in particular so as to allow a loss of the integrity of the separation membrane, which therefore allows the outpouring of the pourable product out of main body 2.

[0034] Preferentially, the separation membrane may comprise a gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film.

[0035] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the separation membrane may be defined by a portion of the packaging material, in particular a portion of the layers of the packaging material being different from the layer of fibrous material. Preferentially, the separation membrane may comprise a portion of the layer of the gas- and light-barrier material.

[0036] With particular reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, opening device 3 comprises at least:

[0037] a collar 15, preferentially aligned with the designated pour opening, delimiting a flow channel 16 for the pourable product; and

[0038] a cutter 17 configured to break (i.e. to rupture and / or cut and / or pierce and / or open) the separation membrane and being at least partially arranged within collar 15 and / or flow channel 16.

[0039] In more detail, collar 15 may comprise an inlet opening 18 configured to allow entry of the pourable product, preferentially from inner space 7, into flow channel 16 and a pouring outlet 19 configured to allow exit of the pourable product from flow channel 16 (and collar 15).

[0040] Preferentially, flow channel 16 may extend between inlet opening 18 and pouring outlet 19.

[0041] In even more detail, in use and once the integrity of the separation membrane is lost due to operation of cutter 17 (see for more details further below), the pourable product can flow from inner space 7 through the designated pour opening and / or inlet opening 18 into flow channel 16 and then through flow channel 16 and out of pouring outlet 19.

[0042] In more detail, collar 15 may comprise an inner surface facing and / or delimiting flow channel 16, and preferentially also an outer surface 21 opposite to inner surface 20 (i.e. facing away from flow channel 16).

[0043] Preferentially, inner surface 20 may also face cutter 17 with cutter 17 being at least partially arranged within flow channel 16.

[0044] Moreover, collar 15 and / or flow channel 16 may extend along a central axis B.

[0045] Preferentially, collar 15 may have an annular cross-section profile in a cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to central axis B.

[0046] Even more preferentially, collar 15 and / or inlet opening 18 and / or pouring outlet 19 may have a (substantially) circular cross-sectional profile, preferentially in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to central axis B.

[0047] Cutter 17 may be arranged, in particular moveably arranged, within flow channel 16.

[0048] Preferentially, cutter 17 may extend along and / or have a central axis C.

[0049] Preferentially, central axis C may be coaxial to central axis B with cutter 17 being at least partially placed within flow channel 16. In other words, cutter 17 when being at least partially arranged within flow channel 16 may be coaxial to collar 15.

[0050] Preferentially, cutter 17 may comprise at least a cutting section 22 configured to break the separation membrane. More preferentially, cutting section 22 may comprise, even more preferentially consist of, a (curved) saw blade.

[0051] Moreover, cutting section 22 may be arranged at a first end portion 23 of cutter 17.

[0052] Preferentially, cutter 17 may be controlled in a rest position in which cutter 17 is detached from the separation membrane (so as to guarantee integrity of the separation membrane) and an active position in which cutter 17, in particular cutting section 22, may be configured to break the separation membrane.

[0053] More preferentially, when package 1 is provided to an end customer, cutter 17 is arranged in the rest position and the separation membrane is intact. Moreover, control of cutter 17 from the rest position to the active position may be actuated once. After the separation membrane has been broken, it is not necessary to repeatedly control cutter 17 between the active position and the rest position. In other words, after the separation membrane has been broken, control cutter 17 remains in the active position.

[0054] Cutter 17 may be arranged in a first axial position and a second axial position with respect to central axis B when being in respectively the rest position and the active position.

[0055] Preferentially, cutter 17, when being in the rest position and / or the first axial position, may be (substantially) fully arranged within flow channel 16.

[0056] Cutter 17, when being in the active position and / or the second axial position, may at least partially extend out of flow channel 16 and through inlet opening 18. Preferentially, at least cutting section 22 may extend out of flow channel 16 and through inlet opening 18.

[0057] In further detail, cutter 17, when being in the rest position, may be closer to pouring outlet 19 than when being in the active position.

[0058] As will be explained in more detail further below, cutter 17 may be configured to at least translate along central axis B and / or central axis C when, in use, moving between the rest position and the active position. Preferentially, cutter 17 may be configured to translate along and rotate about central axis B and / or central axis C when, in use, moving between the rest position and the active position.

[0059] Preferentially, in use, during movement between the rest position and the active position cutter 17 moves along a first direction D1.

[0060] More specifically, cutter 17 may be ring-shaped (i.e. having a cross-section with an annular shape in a plane perpendicular to central axis C).

[0061] Cutter 17 may comprise an outer surface 24 facing inner surface 20, in particular at least with cutter 17 being in the rest position.

[0062] Preferentially, opening device 3 may comprise an actuation device configured to actuate and guide movement of cutter 17 from the rest position to the active position.

[0063] Opening device 3 further comprises a retaining device configured to block movement of cutter 17 out of flow channel 16 and through pouring outlet 19. In other words, the retaining device guarantees that cutter 17 cannot (accidently) exit from flow channel 16 through pouring outlet 19.

[0064] The retaining device is configured to induce a rotation of cutter 17 about a rotation axis E transversal to central axis B and / or central axis C, preferentially leading to a jamming of cutter 17 within flow channel 16 and / or collar 15.

[0065] As will be explained in further detail, in case that cutter 17 may (accidently) move towards pouring outlet 19 the retaining device guarantees that cutter 17 rotates about rotation axis E prior to reaching pouring outlet 19. This again leads to cutter 17 becoming inclined with respect to central axis B and engaging with inner surface 20.

[0066] With particular reference to FIGS. 2 to 3b, the retaining device may comprise:

[0067] a retaining element 31 connected to, preferentially protruding from, inner surface 20 (and into flow channel 16); and

[0068] an interaction element 32 connected to, and preferentially protruding from, cutter 17, more preferentially outer surface 24.

[0069] Furthermore, retaining element 31 and interaction element 32 are configured to interact with one another so as to induce the rotation of cutter 17 about rotation axis E, preferentially leading to the jamming of cutter 17 within the flow channel 16 and / or collar 15.

[0070] More specifically, during a(n) (accidentally occurring) movement of cutter 17 along a second direction D2 opposite to first direction D1, interaction element 32 interacts with retaining element 31 which leads to actuation of the angular movement of cutter 17 about rotation axis E. This again leads to the inclination of cutter 17 with respect to central axis B and the successive jamming of cutter 17 within flow channel 16.

[0071] FIG. 3a illustrates cutter 17 being in its rest position and FIG. 3b shows cutter 17 in a jammed configuration. When cutter 17 is jammed, central axis C is inclined with respect to central axis B.

[0072] In particular, retaining device may comprise only a single retaining element 31 and / or a single and unilateral retaining element 31.

[0073] Moreover, retaining element 31 may be locally restricted, i.e. retaining element 31 may have a limited local extension.

[0074] More precisely, retaining element 31 may extend between a first angular position 33 and a second angular position 34 about central axis B. Preferentially, a difference between first angular position 33 and second angular position 34 may be less than 10°, preferentially less than 5°, more preferentially less than 3°.

[0075] According to some possible embodiments, a width (i.e. corresponding to the difference between first angular position 33 and second angular position 34 of retaining element 31 may range between 1.2 mm and 1.8 mm, preferentially between 1.3 mm and 1.7 mm, even more preferentially between 1.4 mm and 1.6 mm. According to some embodiments, the width of retaining element 31 may equal 1.5 mm.

[0076] More specifically, retaining element 31 may radially protrude from inner surface 20 towards a center of collar 15 and / or towards central axis B.

[0077] Preferentially, retaining element 31 and / or interaction element 32 may be interposed between outer surface 24 and inner surface 20.

[0078] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, a maximum radial extension d of retaining element 31 substantially equals, preferentially equals, the difference between an inner diameter of collar 15 (i.e. a radial distance between a first portion of inner surface 20 and a second portion of inner surface 20 opposite to the first portion of inner surface 20) and an outer diameter of cutter 17 (i.e. a radial distance between a first portion of outer surface 24 and a second portion of outer surface 24 opposite to the first portion of outer surface 24).

[0079] In particular, maximum radial extension d of retaining element 31 may be determined as the distance between inner surface 20 and the farthest radial extension of retaining element 31 into flow channel 16.

[0080] Preferentially, maximum radial extension d of retaining element 31 may be at least or may be larger than 0.7 mm. According to some embodiments, maximum radial extension d of retaining element 31 may equal 0.9 mm.

[0081] This guarantees a good control of the angular movement of cutter 17 about rotation axis E and an easy demolding of cutter 17 during manufacturing.

[0082] In further detail, retaining element 31 may comprise an abutment surface 35, preferentially facing inlet opening 18.

[0083] Moreover, interaction element 32 may have an engagement surface 36, preferentially facing pouring outlet 19.

[0084] Engagement surface 36 may be configured to abut against abutment surface 35, preferentially during a(n) (accidental) movement of cutter 17 along second direction D2, so as induce the angular movement of cutter 17 about rotation axis E and so as to guarantee the jamming of cutter 17 within flow channel 16 and / or collar 15.

[0085] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, abutment surface 35 may be inclined with respect to central axis B and / or inner surface 20.

[0086] Preferentially, abutment surface 35 may define together with inner surface 20 an angle ranging between 140° and 160°, preferentially between 145° and 155°. In particular, such an angle is favorable with regard to a demolding operation.

[0087] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, retaining element 31 may also comprise a guiding surface 37 facing pouring outlet 19 and configured to allow for a facilitated insertion of cutter 17 into flow channel 16 and / or collar 15.

[0088] Preferentially, guiding surface 37 may be inclined with respect to central axis B and / or inner surface 20.

[0089] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, retaining element 31 may be integral to collar 15 and / or interaction element 32 may be integral to cutter 17. Even more preferentially, retaining element 31 and collar 15 may be molded in a single piece and / or cutter 17 and interaction element 32 may be molded in a single piece.

[0090] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, retaining element 31 may be formed as a solid protuberance.

[0091] With particular reference to FIGS. 2 to 3b, cutter 17 may comprise a second end portion 38 opposite to first end portion 23.

[0092] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, cutter 17 may also comprise a flange 39.

[0093] Flange 39 may be designed to stabilize movement of cutter 17 within flow channel 16.

[0094] In more detail, flange 39 may interact with collar 15, preferentially inner surface 20, for stabilizing movement of cutter 17, preferentially when moving from the respective rest position to the respective active position.

[0095] Preferentially, flange 39 may comprise at least two flange elements 40 angularly displaced from one another about central axis C.

[0096] By having spaced apart flange elements 40 it is possible to easily arrange cutter 17 within flow channel 16.

[0097] In more detail and with particular reference to FIG. 2, each flange element 40 may radially protrude from cutter 17, preferentially from second end portion 38 of cutter 17 opposite to first end portion 23.

[0098] Preferentially, each flange element 40 may radially protrude away from the respective central axis C.

[0099] Preferentially, each flange element 40 may protrude towards inner surface 20 and / or away from a center of cutter 17.

[0100] According to the example embodiment shown, each flange element 40 may comprise and / or or may be defined by a plate, in particular a plate perpendicular to central axis C.

[0101] Preferentially, each flange element 40 may be arc-shaped.

[0102] Preferentially, each flange element 40 may have the same size as the other flange element(s) 40.

[0103] In further detail and with particular reference to FIGS. 1 to 3b, opening device 3 may also comprise

[0104] a base frame 45 configured to be fitted and / or being fitted on main body 2, in particular second wall 6, and about the designated pour opening and carrying collar 15; and

[0105] a closure 46 configured to selectively open and close pouring outlet 19.

[0106] Moreover, opening device 3 may also comprise a coupling ring 47 rotatably arranged around collar 15, in particular such that coupling ring 47 is inseparable from collar 15.

[0107] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments not shown, each opening device 3 may also comprise a connection element, preferentially a tethering element, connected to, preferentially non-rupturably connected to, coupling ring 47 and closure 46.

[0108] Advantageously, closure 46 may be controllable in at least:

[0109] a closing position (see FIG. 1) in which closure 46 may be configured to cover and / or may cover pouring outlet 19, preferentially for impeding an outflow of the pourable product from collar 15; and

[0110] an opening position (not specifically shown) in which closure 46 may be configured to be and / or may be detached from pouring outlet 19 so as to allow for an outflow of the pourable product.

[0111] In particular, closure 46 may be rotatably coupled (about central axis B) to collar 15 when being in the closing position.

[0112] Advantageously, opening device 3 may comprise an actuation device partially associated to (and / or connected to and / or carried by) collar 15, partially associated to (and / or connected to and / or carried by) closure 46 and partially associated to cutter 17 and being configured such that a rotation of closure 46 about central axis B may move cutter 17 from the rest position to the active position.

[0113] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the actuation device may comprise first interaction members (not shown), preferentially flaps, connected to closure 46, and second interaction members 48 connected to, in particular integrally connected to, cutter 17.

[0114] Preferentially, the actuation device may also comprise a cam mechanism connected to collar 15 and / or cutter 17 and configured to guide movement of cutter 17 from the rest position to the active position.

[0115] Preferentially, the cam mechanism may comprise a cam structure 49 connected to, preferentially integrally connected to, and protruding from cutter 17 and a plurality of cam elements 50 connected to, in particular integrally connected to, collar 15.

[0116] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, at least a portion of cam structure 49 may define interaction element 32.

[0117] In particular, the first interaction members and second interaction members 48 may be configured to interact with one another for actuating movement of cutter 17 from the rest position to the active position.

[0118] Even more particular, a rotation of the first interaction members about central axis B may be actuated for moving cutter 17, in particular by means of a rototranslatory movement, from the rest position to the active position.

[0119] In use, outpouring of the pourable product from package 1, in particular main body 2, requires opening of pouring outlet 19 and breaking of the separation membrane.

[0120] The separation membrane is broken by moving cutter 17 from the rest position to the active position. This is achieved by the first interaction members rotating about central axis B.

[0121] With reference to FIGS. 4a and 4b, number 3′ indicates an alternative embodiment of an opening device according to the present invention; as opening device 3′ is similar to opening device 3, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.

[0122] In particular, opening device 3′ differs from opening device 3 in that retaining element 31 is hollow, thereby reducing the amount of plastic used.

[0123] In other words, retaining element 31 may be formed as a hollow protuberance. In other words, each retaining element 33 may comprise a respective cavity.

[0124] In more detail, according to such an embodiment retaining element 31 may comprise, preferentially may consist of, a curved solid wall 51. Preferentially, solid wall 51 may delimit and / or define the respective hollow protuberance and / or the respective cavity.

[0125] Preferentially, solid wall 51 may protrude towards the center of collar 15 and / or towards central axis B.

[0126] More specifically, retaining element 33, preferentially solid wall 51, may be convexly shaped towards the center of collar 15 and / or towards central axis B.

[0127] Advantageously, solid wall 51 may be integral to inner surface 20.

[0128] In more detail, retaining element 33, preferentially solid wall 51, may define a respective indentation and / or groove in outer surface 24.

[0129] Moreover, solid wall 51 may have a thickness, preferentially a (substantially) constant thickness. Preferentially, the thickness of solid wall 51 corresponds to the thickness of the portions of collar 15 adjacent to and connected to solid wall 51 and / or of one or more other portions of collar 15.

[0130] The advantages of opening device 3 and / or package 1 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

[0131] In particular, by providing for the retaining device one guarantees that cutter 17 cannot exit from flow channel 16 and through pouring outlet 19. Additionally, the Applicant has observed that retaining element 31 can be easily demoulded, i.e. extracted from the forming mold during the manufacturing process.

[0132] Clearly, changes may be made to opening device 3 or 3′ and / or package 1 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. Opening device for a package having a designated pour opening covered with a separation membrane and filled with a pourable product;the opening device comprising at least:a collar having a central axis and delimiting a flow channel extending between an inlet opening of the collar configured to allow entry of the pourable product into the flow channel and a pouring outlet of the collar configured to allow exit of the pourable product from the flow channel; anda cutter configured to break the separation membrane and being at least partially arranged within the flow channel;the collar comprising an inner surface facing the flow channel;the opening device further comprising a retaining device configured to block movement of the cutter out of the flow channel and through the pouring outlet by inducing a rotation of the cutter about a rotation axis transversal to the central axis;the retaining device comprising a retaining element protruding from the inner surface of the collar and an interaction element connected to the cutter; andthe retaining element and the interaction element being configured to interact with one another so as to induce the rotation of the cutter about the rotation axis.

2. Opening device according to claim 1, wherein the retaining element and the interaction element are configured such that the rotation of the cutter about the rotation axis leads to a jamming of the cutter within the flow channel.

3. Opening device according to claim 1, wherein the retaining device comprises only a single retaining element and / or a single unilateral retaining element.

4. Opening device according to claim 1, wherein the retaining element extends between a first angular position and a second angular position about the central axis;wherein a difference between the first angular position and the second angular position is less than 10°.

5. Opening device according to claim 1, wherein a maximum radial extension of the retaining element substantially equals the difference between an inner diameter of the collar and an outer diameter of the cutter.

6. Opening device according to claim 1, wherein a maximum radial extension of the retaining element is at least or is larger than 0.7 mm.

7. Opening device according to claim 1, wherein the retaining element comprises a guiding surface facing the pouring outlet and configured to allow for a facilitated insertion of the cutter into the flow channel.

8. Opening device according to claim 1, wherein the retaining element comprises an abutment surface and the interaction element comprises an engagement surface;wherein the engagement surface is configured to abut against the abutment surface leading to the rotation of the cutter around the rotation axis.

9. Opening device according to claim 8, wherein the abutment surface inclined with respect to the central axis and / or the inner surface.

10. Opening device according to claim 9, wherein the abutment surface defines together with the inner surface an angle ranging between 140° and 160°.

11. Opening device according to claim 1, wherein the retaining element is integrally connected to the inner surface of the collar.

12. Opening device according to claim 1, wherein the retaining element is formed by a hollow protuberance or as a solid protuberance.

13. Opening device according to any claim 1, wherein the cutter is arrangeable in a rest position in which the cutter is detached from the separation membrane and an active position in which the cutter is configured to break the separation membrane;wherein the opening device also comprises an actuation device configured to actuate movement of the cutter from the rest position to the active position.

14. Opening device according to claim 1, and further comprising:a base frame configured to be fitted and / or being fitted on the main body and about the designated pour opening and carrying collar; anda closure configured to selectively open and close the pouring outlet.

15. Package comprising:a main body filled with a pourable product and having a designated pour opening covered with a separation membrane; andan opening device according to claim 1 fitted about the designated pour opening.

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