A cap arrangement and a food package comprising the cap arrangement

Abstract

A cap arrangement (100) configured to close a neck (11) for a food package (10) containing a liquid or semi-liquid food product is disclosed. The cap arrangement (100) comprising a cap (110) having a top (111) configured to close an upper part of the neck (11) and a cap wall (112) extending from the top (111) along a first axis (A1), wherein the top (111) has an inner surface (111a) surrounded by the cap wall (112), and a gasket (130) being engaged with and covering the inner surface (111a) of the top (111), wherein the cap (110) is made with a natural fiber-based material. It is also disclosed a food package (10) for holding a liquid or semi-liquid food product.

Description

[0001] A CAP ARRANGEMENT AND A FOOD PACKAGE COMPRISING THE CAP ARRANGEMENT

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention generally relates to a cap arrangement configured to close a neck for a food package containing a liquid or semi-liquid food product. The invention also relates to a food package for holding a liquid or semi-liquid food product.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] Many pourable food products, such as fruit juice, milk, tomato sauce, yoghurt, etc., are sold in food packages made of sterilized packaging material. This is well-known in the art. The food package may comprise a closure configured to close the food package. The closure may be formed as a resealable closure such that the food package may be open and closed several times. Moreover, it is well-known in the art to use a cap arrangement as the closure, wherein the cap arrangement is configured to interact with a neck of the food package to close the food package. The food package and the neck may be provided as one piece through molding or as two separate pieces which are molded together.

[0006] Even though cap arrangements have been used in the food package industry for decades, there is room for improvements. For instance, a challenge with today’s cap arrangement is the use of plastic materials, which materials may have a negative impact on the environment. A further challenge is the durability or strength of the cap arrangement when using other materials than plastics.

[0007] For this reason, there is a demand for a cap arrangement that is more environmentally friendly. There is also a demand for a cap arrangement with improved durability to improve the lifetime of the cap arrangement.

[0008] Summary

[0009] It is an object to at least partly overcome one or more of the above-identified limitations of the prior art. In particular, it is an object to provide a cap arrangement that is more environmentally friendly. There is also a demand for a cap arrangement with improved durability to improve the lifetime of the cap arrangement.

[0010] According to a first aspect it is provided a cap arrangement configured to close a neck for a food package containing a liquid or semi-liquid food product, the cap arrangement comprising a cap having a top configured to close an upper part of the neck and a cap wall extending from the top along a first axis, wherein the top has aninner surface surrounded by the cap wall, and a gasket being engaged with and covering the majority, such as at least 80%, of the inner surface of the top, wherein the cap is made with a natural fiber-based material.

[0011] When the neck of the food package is closed with the cap arrangement, the food package is closed, and the cap arrangement is in a closed position. The closed position of the cap arrangement is for ensuring that the food product is kept in the food package. When the cap arrangement is removed from the neck, the food package is open, and the cap arrangement is in an open position. The open position of the cap arrangement is for allowing the food product to be poured from the food package. The cap arrangement may be formed as a resealable cap arrangement such that the food package may be opened and closed several times.

[0012] In this context, it is preferred but not necessary that the cap has a cylindrical shape, wherein the cap wall extends around the first axis and the top is positioned transversally to the first axis.

[0013] The cap may be made by molding the natural fiber-based material, preferably by dry molding. Advantageously, the cap may be made by molding, starting from the natural fiber-based material to define the shape of the cap. The present cap arrangement is advantageous in that it enables an increased paper content in the cap arrangement. Thus, a more environmentally friendly cap arrangement is provided. This is achieved by being able to use a cap which is made with a natural fiber-based material. When the cap arrangement is one part of a liquid food package including liquid packaging board, the increase in paper content of the food package as a whole provides a more sustainable food package.

[0014] When the cap arrangement is in the closed position, the inner surface of the top of the cap is facing an interior of the food package, i.e., the inner surface of the top may be exposed to the food product when the cap arrangement is in the closed position. The gasket of the present invention is arranged to be engaged with and covering a majority, such as at least 80%, of the inner surface of the top, thereby protecting the inner surface of the top against the food product when the cap arrangement is in the closed position. This is advantageous as it allows for being able to use a cap which is made with the fiber-based material at the same time as being able to provide a liquid barrier for preventing absorption of the food product into the fibers of the natural fiberbased material of the cap. Thus, liquid resistance of the cap is improved. It should be noted that the percentage of coverage of the inner surface of the top may depend on the design of the gasket which will be discussed in more detail further below. Thegasket may cover at least 80%, such as 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, of the inner surface of the top.

[0015] The gasket may be disk-or ring-shaped having a circular peripheral portion suitable for being interposed and squeezed between the cap and an upper part of the neck of the food package, thereby preventing ways for fluid to pass through. Thus, the gasket is advantageous as it may ensure liquid tightness performances of the cap arrangement. Preferably, the gasket is configured to be radially in contact with the neck when the cap arrangement is in the closed position thereby forming a liquid tightness of the food package. Thus, the gasket is advantageous as it ensures a liquid-tight seal between the cap and the neck of the food package.

[0016] In this context, it is preferred but not necessary, that the gasket is made of a polymeric material, e.g., comprising a plastic material. At least if this is the case, the gasket may be made of a plastic material which is harder than the material, preferably plastic material, of the neck. However, it should be noted that the gasket may comprise or be made of a non-plastic material. By way of example, the gasket may comprise or be made of a natural fiber-based material. At least if this is the case, the gasket may be provided with a plastic film in order to being able to protect the inner surface of the top against the food product. The gasket may contain or be made of a polyolefin material, such as selected from polyethylene (PE) and / or polypropylene (PP). The gasket may be made of polyethylene selected from linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), or any combination thereof, preferably selected from MDPE and / or HDPE. The gasket may be made of or contain HDPE as plastic material.

[0017] The gasket may be molded according to a specific design, preferably being of substantially similar shape as the top of the cap. The gasket may have a thickness as seen along a second axis between 0.05-5 mm, such as 0.05-4 mm. The gasket may have a diameter as seen along a radial direction between 20-50 mm, preferably 20-35 mm.

[0018] Thus, the present invention is advantageous as it allows for a more environmentally friendly cap arrangement. The present invention is further advantageous as it enables a liquid-tight seal between the cap made of natural fiberbased material and the neck, when the cap arrangement is in the closed position. The present invention is yet further advantageous as it provides a liquid barrier for preventing absorption of food product into the fibers of the natural fiber-based materialof the cap, thereby improving liquid resistance of the cap. Thereby, a cap arrangement with improved lifetime is achieved.

[0019] The natural fiber-based material may comprise cellulose.

[0020] In this case, the cap is made by molding the cellulose-based material which may be provided as an air-laid substrate. Air-laid substrate is a textile-like material categorized as a nonwoven fabric which may be made from fluff pulp, or standard pulp. In air-laid papermaking process, fibers are carried and formed to the structure of a substrate by air. The cellulose may be the main component of the cap. Thus, the cap may comprise at least 50% cellulose per weight, advantageously at least 70%, at least 75%, or at least 80% cellulose per weight. The cap arrangement may comprise at least 20% cellulose per weight. Preferably, the cap arrangement may comprise at least 40% cellulose per weight, advantageously at least 50% cellulose per weight.

[0021] In this context, it is preferred but not necessary that the cap is formed by a dry molded cellulose substrate. The dry molded cellulose substrate may be provided with a sizing agent, e.g., alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) sizing which is arranged as a protection against humidity and so forth, i.e. , being arranged as a liquid barrier. The sizing agent may be applied to the substrate by spraying, preferably before molding. At least one of the sides of the air-laid substrate may be provided with sizing agent. Alternatively, the sizing agent may have been provided to the pulp during the manufacturing of the airlaid substrate.

[0022] The inner surface of the top may be provided with a tissue made of a natural fiber-based material.

[0023] An outer surface of the top and / or an outer surface of the cap wall may be provided with a tissue made of a natural fiber-based material. The cap may have the tissues provided on the inner and outer surfaces of the top, respectively. This is advantageous as it allows for preventing excessive dirt deposition on the outer surfaces of the cap through production, transport, and application processes. This is further advantageous as it enables an easier printing process to the outer surfaces of the cap. It should however be noted that the tissue / s may be provided on the inner and / or outer surface / s before molding the cap.

[0024] In addition, the use of a tissue may provide improved delamination force, prevent loose fibers during forming, and / or allows for better attachment of the plug when using adhesive.

[0025] The gasket may comprise at least two protrusions extending in a radial direction from a circumference of the gasket.This is advantageous as it allows the gasket to be positioned and engaged with the inner surface of the top in a stable way. This is further advantageous as it allows for the gasket to be self-centered when positioning the gasket at the inner surface. The gasket is preferably designed such that, when the gasket is engaged with the inner surface of the top, the protrusions extend from the circumference of the gasket to an inner surface of the cap wall. Thus, the length of the protrusions should preferably correspond to the distance between the circumference of the gasket and the inner surface of the cap wall. In this way, it is possible to engage the gasket with the cap in a stable and efficient way. The length of the protrusions is preferably the same for all protrusions.

[0026] In this context, it is preferred but not necessary that the gasket comprises between two and five protrusions, advantageously three protrusions.

[0027] The at least two protrusions may be essentially symmetrically distributed along the circumference of the gasket.

[0028] The term “essentially symmetrically distributed” should be interpreted as equally spaced along the circumference of the gasket. This is advantageous as it allows for the gasket to be centrally arranged at the inner surface of the top in an easy and efficient way.

[0029] An inner surface of the cap wall is engaging with the at least two protrusions of the gasket. The inner surface of the cap wall may be adapted to engage with the at least two protrusions. For example, an inner surface top position of the inner surface of the cap wall close to an inner surface of the top is adapted to engage with the at least two protrusions, e.g. using at least one recess and / or at least one protrusion of the inner surface of the cap wall. This is advantageous as it allows for keeping the gasket in place when positioned at the inner surface of the top. This allows for keeping the gasket in place in an easy and efficient way.

[0030] The interaction between the at least two protrusions of the gasket with the inner surface of the cap wall preferably allows for aiding the provision of the gasket to the inner part of the cap and may aid in securing the gasket to the inner surface of the cap top and the cap wall.

[0031] The gasket may be engaged with the inner surface of the top by an adhesive layer.

[0032] The adhesive layer allows the gasket to be engaged with the inner surface of the top in a sealed fashion. If the inner surface of the top is provided with the tissue, the adhesive layer is interposed between the tissue and the gasket. In this case, the tissueis advantageous as it may allow attaching the gasket to the inner surface to the top in an easy and efficient way.

[0033] In this context, it is preferred but not necessary that the adhesive layer is a glue. By way of example, the glue may be a hotmelt.

[0034] The gasket may comprise an annular outer ridge protruding from a first side of the gasket along a second axis.

[0035] This is advantageous as it allows for creating a closed area of the gasket, wherein the closed area is arranged inside the annular outer ridge. The adhesive layer may be provided to the closed area. In this way, it is possible to provide the adhesive layer in an easy and controllable way. In the case in which the adhesive layer is glue, the glue may be applied to the closed area of the gasket. The annular outer ridge may be arranged as a wall such that the adhesive layer is able to stay in the closed area within the annular outer ridge when being applied to the gasket. Thus, having the annular outer ridge enables for the glue to the distributed in a controlled way and not be squeezed out laterally. The annular outer ridge may have a height seen along the second axis between 0.05 and 0.8 mm, such as 0.05-0.5 mm, or 0.05-0.3 mm. The higher the annular outer ridge is, the more glue, or any other adhesive layer, may be applied to the gasket.

[0036] The annular outer ridge may be arranged at a peripheral portion of the gasket. This is advantageous as it allows for providing as large, closed area within the annular outer ridge as possible. In this case, it is possible for the adhesive layer to cover as much of the gasket as possible, thereby being able to provide a secure and stable adhesion.

[0037] The gasket may further comprise an inner ridge protruding from the first side of the gasket along the second axis and being arranged inside the annular outer ridge, thereby forming a closed area between the annular outer ridge and the inner ridge. The annular inner ridge may have a height seen along the second axis between 0.05 and 0.8 mm, such as 0.05-0.5 mm, or 0.05-0.3 mm.

[0038] The skilled person realizes that if the closed area is formed between the annular outer ridge and the inner ridge, the respective ridge forms a closed loop, path, or the like.

[0039] This is advantageous as it allows for applying the adhesive layer in a secure and controllable way in which the annular outer ridge is acting as an outer wall and the inner ridge is acting as an inner wall for the adhesive layer. This is especiallyadvantageous when the adhesive layer is glue such that the glue may be limited to the closed area in an easy and efficient way.

[0040] The size of the closed area may be varying depending on the position of the annular outer ridge and the inner ridge. Thus, the relation between the ridges may control the closed area and thereby also the area to which the adhesive layer may be applied. This is advantageous as it allows for controlling the area to which the adhesive layer is applied in an easy way at the same time as the adhesive layer is limited to the closed area. This is further advantageous as it allows for stabilizing the gasket from possible perpendicular deformations, which may bend the gasket during the application of glue and during the assembly.

[0041] In this context, it is preferred but not necessary, that the inner ridge is an annular inner ridge.

[0042] The closed area of the gasket formed between the annular outer ridge and the inner ridge may be engaged with the inner surface of the top by an adhesive layer.

[0043] If the inner ridge is the annular inner ridge, this is advantageous as it allows for applying the adhesive layer to the closed area of the gasket in an easy and controllable way. In the case in which the adhesive layer is glue, such as hotmelt, this is achieved because the glue is preferably applied in an annular way, so the closed area matches the application procedure.

[0044] The closed area may be covering at least 50% of the first side of the gasket. This is advantageous as it allows for a sufficiently large adhesive layer to be applied to the first side of the gasket to achieve a sufficient adhesion. By controlling the size of the closed area, the amount of adhesive layer used may be controlled and optimized, such that not more glue than necessary is used, which is of benefit both for the environment and from a cost perspective.

[0045] The natural fiber-based material may be calendared. This is advantageous as it allows for the natural fiber-based material to be less fibrous and spongy in appearance as well as providing a shiny surface and to improve the smoothness.

[0046] The tissue may have a grammage of 5-50 g / m2, such as 10-50 g / m2, 20-40 g / m2, 25-35 g / m2, e.g., about 30 g / m2.

[0047] According to a second aspect it is provided a food package for holding a liquid or semi-liquid food product, the food package comprising a cap arrangement according to the present invention, a neck configured to engage with the cap arrangement, and a carton-based body for holding the food product and to which the neck is attached.Effects and features of the second aspect are largely analogous to those described above in connection with the first aspect.

[0048] Still other objectives, features, aspects, and advantages will appear from the following detailed description as well as from the drawings.

[0049] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0050] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which

[0051] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a food package having a cap arrangement.

[0052] Fig. 2a is a schematic perspective view of a cap of the cap arrangement as shown in Fig. 1.

[0053] Fig. 2b is a schematic side view of the cap as shown in Fig. 2a.

[0054] Fig. 2c is a schematic top view of the cap of the cap as shown in Figs 2a and 2b.

[0055] Fig. 3a is a schematic perspective view of a first side of a gasket of the cap arrangement as shown in Fig. 1.

[0056] Fig. 3b is a schematic top view of the first side of the gasket as shown in Fig.

[0057] 3a.

[0058] Fig. 3c is a schematic perspective view of a second side of the gasket of the cap arrangement as shown in Fig. 1.

[0059] Fig. 3d is a schematic top view of the second side of the gasket as shown in Fig. 3c.

[0060] Fig. 3e is a schematic side view of the gasket as shown in Figs 3a-3d.

[0061] Fig. 4a is a schematic side view of the cap arrangement as shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4b is a schematic perspective view of the cap arrangement as shown in Fig. 4a.

[0062] Fig. 4c is a schematic top view of the cap arrangement as shown in Figs 4a-4b.

[0063] Detailed

[0064]

[0065] With reference to figure 1, a food package 10 for holding a liquid or semi-liquid food product is illustrated by way of example. The food package 10 has a shape of a bottle formed by a carton-based body 12, which is preferably made of a carton-based laminate, and a top portion 13. The carton-based body 12 is for holding the food product. The top portion 13 may, as shown in figure 1, comprise a shoulder section 14. The food package 10 also comprises a neck 11. The neck 11 may be integrally formedwith the top portion 13, such that the entire top portion 13, including the neck 11, may be provided as one piece through molding or as two separate pieces which are molded together. The food package 10 further comprises a cap arrangement 100 being arranged onto the neck 11 for closing the food package 10. The cap arrangement 100 comprises a cap 110 and a gasket 130. The cap will be further discussed in connection with figures 2a-c. The gasket will be further discussed in connection with figures 3a-e. The cap arrangement 100 will be further discussed in connection with figures 4a-c.

[0066] It should be noted that although the food package 10 is illustrated as shown in figure 1, other designs of the food package may be equally suitable and applicable for the present invention. Thus, this food package 10 is only included for illustrative purposes but other designs should also be covered by the present invention.

[0067] With reference to figures 2a-c, a cap 110 forming a part of the cap arrangement 100 as introduced in connection with figure 1 is illustrated by way of example. Figure 2a is a schematic perspective view of the cap 110. Figure 2b is a schematic side view of the cap 110. Figure 2c is a schematic top view of the cap 110.

[0068] The cap 110 has a top 111 and a cap wall 112. The cap wall 112 extends from the top 111 around a first axis A1. The top 111 has an inner surface 111a (best illustrated in figure 4b) and an outer surface 111b. The inner surface 111 a is surrounded by the cap wall 112. The top 111 is configured to close an upper part of the neck 11 when the cap 110 is in a closed position. When the cap 110 is removed from the neck 11, the food package 10 is open and the cap 110 is in an open position. When the cap 110 is in the closed position, the cap wall 112 surrounds the neck 11 of the food package 10. The cap 110 may form a part of the cap arrangement 100 as introduced in connection with figure 1. It should be noted that the cap 110 is configured to close the food package 10 in a similar way as the cap arrangement 100 which will be discussed in more detail further below.

[0069] As depicted in figures 2a-c, the cap 110 has a cylindrical shape, wherein the cap wall 112 extends around the first axis A1 and the top 111 is positioned transversally to the first axis A1 , i.e. the top 111 extends along direction R1 which is transverse to the first axis A1.

[0070] The cap wall 112 is provided with at least one thread 113 which circumference the cap wall 112. The thread 113 is for engaging the neck 11, when the cap 110 is in the closed position. It should be noted that the at least one thread 113 may be designed in any suitable way to engage the neck 11.The cap wall 112 is also provided with a plurality of gripping ribs 114 which extends along the first axis A1. The gripping ribs 114 are distributed at an outer surface 112b of the cap wall 112. The gripping ribs 114 are for improving the gripping of the cap 110 when a user is moving the cap 110 between the open and closed positions. As depicted in figures 2a-b, the gripping ribs 114 may extends from the top 111 to an end edge 112c of the cap wall 112. Each gripping rib 114 may extend in one piece or divided in sub-pieces along the first axis A1. Gripping ribs 114 may be interrupted and divided into sub-pieces by said at least one thread 113 which circumference the cap wall 112. As depicted in figures 2a and 2b, a top of the cap wall 112 comprises a curved surface area 112d. The gripping ribs 114 extends along the curved surface area 112d. The gripping ribs 114 provided on the curved surface area 112d further improves the grip upon use.

[0071] The cap 110 is made of a natural fiber-based material. The cap 111 may be made by molding the natural fiber-based material, preferably by dry molding.

[0072] Advantageously, the cap 110 may be made by molding starting from dry molding a natural fiber-based material to define the shape of the cap 110.

[0073] The natural fiber-based material may be calendared.

[0074] By way of examples, the natural fiber-based material may comprise cellulose. In this case, the cap 110 may be made by molding the cellulose-based material which may be an air-laid substrate. The cellulose may be the main component of the cap 110. Thus, the cap 110 may comprise at least 50% cellulose per weight, advantageously at least 70% cellulose per weight. The cap arrangement 100 may comprise at least 20% cellulose per weight. Preferably, the cap arrangement 100 comprises at least 40% cellulose per weight, advantageously at least 50% cellulose per weight. In this context, it is preferred but not necessary that the cap is formed by a dry molded cellulose web. The dry molded cellulose substrate may be provided with a sizing agent, e.g., alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) sizing which is arranged as a protection against humidity and so forth, i.e. , being arranged as a liquid barrier. The sizing agent may be applied to the airlaid substrate by spraying, preferably before molding, and / or may be applied to the pulp during production of the air-laid substrate.

[0075] With reference to figures 3a-e, a gasket 130 forming a part of the cap arrangement 100 as introduced in connection with figure 1 is illustrated by way of example. Figure 3a is a schematic perspective view of a first side S1 of the gasket 130. Figure 3b is a schematic top view of the first side S1 of the gasket 130. Figure 3c is a schematic perspective view of a second side S2 of the gasket 130. Figure 3d is aschematic top view of the second side S2 of the gasket 130. Figures 3e is a schematic side view of the gasket 130.

[0076] The gasket 130 is configured to engage with and cover the inner surface 111a of the top 111 of the cap 110, thereby forming the cap arrangement 100 comprising the cap 110 and the gasket 130.

[0077] The gasket 130 having a substantially circular shape configured to cover the inner surface 111a of the top 111. In this context, it is preferred but not necessary that the shape of the gasket 130 is substantially similar to the shape of the inner surface 111a of the top 111. Thereby, it is possible to achieve the objections discussed above (i.e. , being able to protect the cap 110 against the food product when the cap arrangement 100 is in the closed position) in the most efficient way. As depicted in figures 3a-e, the gasket 130 further comprises three protrusions 131 extending in a radial direction R2 from a circumference of the gasket 130. The protrusions 131 are configured to engage with the inner surface 112a of the cap wall 112, e.g., at an inner surface top position 116 (as best illustrated in figure 4b), of the cap wall 112 close to the inner surface 111a of the top 111 to keep the gasket 130 in position before being adhered to the top 111. The inner surface top position 116 may include at least one recess and / or at least one protrusion of the cap wall 112 adapted to engage with the protrusions 131 of the gasket 130. It should however be noted that the gasket 130 may comprise two protrusions 131 or more than three protrusions 131, preferably a maximum five protrusions 131. The protrusions 131 are equally spaced along the circumference of the gasket 130.

[0078] The gasket 130 further comprises an annular outer ridge 132. The annular outer ridge 132 protrudes from the first side S1 of the gasket 130 along a second axis A2. The annular outer ridge 132 is arranged at a peripheral portion 134 of the gasket 130. In this context, it is preferred but not necessary, that the annular outer ridge 132 is arranged between 0.1-0.5 mm from the circumference of the gasket. The annular outer ridge 132 has an outer ridge extension OLE along the second axis A2. The outer ridge extension OLE is 0.05 and 0.8 mm, such as 0.05-0.3 mm. The annular outer ridge 132 provides a closed area 135. The closed area 135 is arranged inside the annular outer ridge 132.

[0079] The gasket 130 further comprises an inner ridge 133. The inner ridge 133 protrudes from the first side S1 of the gasket 130 along the second axis A2. The inner ridge 133 is arranged inside the annular outer ridge 132. In this context, it is preferred but not necessary that the inner ridge 133 is an annular inner ridge. As depicted infigure 3b, the annular outer ridge 132 and the inner ridge 133 is arranged at a distance D between each other. The distance D extends along a direction which is transverse to the second axis A2. In this case, the annular inner ridge 133 is centrally arranged such that the distance D is the same between the ridges 132, 133 as seen in all directions. The inner ridge 133 has an inner ridge extension ILE along the second axis A2. The inner ridge extension ILE is 0.05 and 0.8 mm, such as 0.05-0.3 mm. Preferably, the annular outer ridge 132 and the inner ridge 133 has the similar ridge extensions OLE, ILE. In this case, the closed area 135 is formed between the annular outer ridge 132 and the inner ridge 133. The inner ridge 133 has a diameter as seen along the radial direction D2 between 2-8 mm, such as 4-6 mm.

[0080] As depicted in figured 3a-b, wherein the gasket 130 comprises the annular outer ridge 132 and the inner ridge 133, a closed area 135 is formed between the outer ridge 132 and the inner ridge 133.

[0081] As depicted in figures 3c-d, the gasket 130 further comprises a sealing lip 136. The sealing lip 136 protrudes from the second side S2 along the second axis A2. The sealing lip 136 is arranged at the peripheral portion 134 of the gasket 130. In this context, it is preferred but not necessary that the sealing lip 136 is an annular sealing lip. However, the sealing lip 136 should have the same shape as the neck 11 of the food package 10 such that the sealing lip 136 and the neck 11 together forms liquid tightness performances when the cap arrangement 100 is in the closed position. Thus, the sealing lip 136 may be interposed and squeezed between the cap 110 and the upper part of the neck 11 of the food package 10 when the cap arrangement 100 is in the closed position, thereby preventing ways for fluid to pass through. Preferably, the gasket 130 is configured to be radially in contact with the neck 11 when the cap arrangement 100 is in the closed position thereby forming a liquid tightness of the food package. The sealing lip 136 has a sealing lip extension SLE along the second axis A2. The sealing lip extension SLE may be 3-10 mm. Other sealing lip extensions SLE such as 4-8 mm, more preferably 5-6 mm, may be used to advantage.

[0082] With reference to figures 4a-c, the cap arrangement 100 is illustrated by way of example. Figure 4a is a schematic side view of the cap arrangement 100. Figure 4b is a schematic perspective view of the cap arrangement 100. Figure 4c is a schematic top view of the cap arrangement 100.

[0083] As said, the cap arrangement 100 comprises the cap 110 as introduced in connection with figures 2a-c and the gasket 130 as introduced in connection withfigures 3a-e. The gasket 130 is engaged with and covers the inner surface 111a of the top 111 of the cap 110.

[0084] As depicted in figure 4a, the cap arrangement 100 further comprises a tissue 140. The tissue 140 is interposed between the inner surface 111a of the top 111 and the gasket 130. The tissue 140 is preferably made of a natural fiber-based material such as cellulose. The tissue 140 may have a grammage of 5-50 g / m2, such as 10-50 g / m2, 20-40 g / m2, 25-35 g / m2, e.g., about 30 g / m2. Although not illustrated, the outer surface 111b of the top 111 may also be provided with a tissue similar to the tissue 140 interposed between the inner surface 111a of the top 111 and the gasket 130.

[0085] The gasket 130 may be engaged with the inner surface 111a of the top 111 by an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may be a hotmelt adhesive such as glue. The adhesive layer is applied to the first side S1 of the gasket 130, inside the annular outer ridge 132. In the case as depicted in figures 3a-e, wherein the gasket 130 comprises the annular outer ridge 132 and the inner ridge 133, the adhesive layer is applied at the first side S1, between the annular outer ridge 132 and the inner ridge 133, i.e. at the closed area 135 of the gasket 130.

[0086] As best seen in figures 4b and 4c, the gasket 130 is engaged with and covering the inner surface 111a of the top 111. An inner surface top position 116 of an inner surface 112a of the cap wall 112, wherein the inner surface top position 116 being positioned close to the inner surface 111 a of the top 111, is engaging the protrusions 131 such that the gasket 130 is kept in position.

[0087] When the gasket 130 is engaged with and covering the inner surface 111a of the top 111, the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 is parallel with each other. Thus, the first and second axes A1 , A2 coincides with each other.

[0088] From the description above follows that, although various embodiments of the invention have been described and shown, the invention is not restricted thereto but may also be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject-matter defined in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cap arrangement (100) configured to close a neck (11) for a food package (10) containing a liquid or semi-liquid food product, the cap arrangement (100) comprising:a cap (110) having a top (111) configured to close an upper part of the neck (11) and a cap wall (112) extending from the top (111) along a first axis (A1), wherein the top (111) has an inner surface (111a) surrounded by the cap wall (112), anda gasket (130) being engaged with and covering the majority of the inner surface (111a) of the top (111),wherein the cap (110) is made with a natural fiber-based material.

2. The cap arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein the natural fiberbased material comprises cellulose.

3. The cap arrangement (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner surface (111a) of the top is provided with a tissue (140) made of a natural fiber-based material.

4. The cap arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gasket (130) comprises at least two protrusions (131) extending in a radial direction (R2) from a circumference of the gasket (130).

5. The cap arrangement (100) according to claim 4, wherein the at least two protrusions (131) are essentially symmetrically distributed along the circumference of the gasket (130).

6. The cap arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an inner surface (112a) of the cap wall (112) is engaged with the at least two protrusions (131), preferably an inner surface top position 116 of the inner surface (112a) of the cap wall 112 close to the inner surface 111a of the top 111 is engaged with the at least two protrusions (131).

7. The cap arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gasket (130) is engaged with the inner surface (111a) of the top (111) by an adhesive layer.

8. The cap arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gasket (130) comprises an annular outer ridge (132) protruding from a first side (S1) of the gasket (130) along a second axis (A2).

9. The cap arrangement (100) according to claim 8, wherein the annular outer ridge (132) is arranged at a peripheral portion (134) of the gasket (130).

10. The cap arrangement (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the gasket (130) further comprises an inner ridge (133) protruding from the first side (S1) of the gasket (130) along the second axis (A2) and being arranged inside the annular outer ridge (132), thereby forming a closed area (135) between the annular outer ridge (132) and the inner ridge (133).

11. The cap arrangement (100) according to claim 10, wherein the closed area (135) of the gasket (130) formed between the annular outer ridge (132) and the inner ridge (133) is engaged with the inner surface (111a) of the top (111) by an adhesive layer.

12. The cap arrangement (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the closed area (135) is covering at least 50% of the first side (S1) of the gasket (130).

13. The cap arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the natural fiber-based material is calendared.

14. The cap arrangement according to any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein the tissue (140) has a grammage of 5-50 g / m2.

15. A food package (10) for holding a food liquid or semi-liquid product, the food package (10) comprising:a cap arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, a neck (11) configured to engage with the cap arrangement, anda carton-based body (12) for holding the food product and to which the neck (11) is attached.

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