Patent Application
20230115201
The present invention relates to a lid assembly for a container, in particular a sealed package, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product.
Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a container, in particular a sealed package, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product, and comprising a lid assembly, in particular coupled to a spout of the container.
Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method of coupling a lid assembly to a spout.
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, in particular sealed packages, made of sterilized packaging material.
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.
Some of the known packages comprises a designated pour opening surface area having a separation membrane, which isolates the inside of the package from the 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 so as to allow for the outpouring of the pourable product. It is also known to arrange a spout having a pouring outlet on the package about the designated pour opening surface area, the spout being configured to allow for a controlled outpouring of the pourable product from the package.
It is further known to provide for a lid assembly, which is configured to selectively control the reversible closing and opening of the pouring outlet.
A typical lid assembly comprises a coupling ring, e.g. serving as a tamper evidence, and a lid. The coupling ring is arranged around the spout and the lid is configured to close the pouring outlet, when being arranged on the spout.
The lid assemblies are to be applied onto the spouts, which requires the operation of an application device. The application device needs to grip the lid assembly, to align and/or to orient the lid assembly with respect to the spout and/or package itself and to force the lid assembly onto the spout. The application device must operate such that the lid assembly and/or the package do not become damaged during the application of the lid assembly.
Even though application of the known lid assemblies to the known spouts works satisfyingly, there is a need felt in the sector to further improve the lid assemblies and/or the packages and/or the methods of assembling the lid assemblies to the spouts, in particular for improving the application of the lid assemblies onto the spouts.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner an improved lid assembly for a container, in particular a sealed package, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product.
In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner an improved lid assembly for a container, in particular a sealed package, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product, which allows to facilitate and improve its application to respective spouts, in particular so as to further reduce the risk of damaging the lid assembly and/or the spout and/or the sealed package.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner a container, in particular a finalized package, filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product, having a lid assembly, in particular the lid assembly being designed to improve and to facilitate its application to the respective spout, in particular so as to further reduce the risk of damaging the lid assembly and/or the spout and/or the sealed package.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner a method of applying a lid assembly.
According to the present invention, there is provided a lid assembly according to claim 1.
Further advantageous embodiments of the lid assembly are specified in the respective dependent claims.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a container according to any one of claims 12 and 13 .
According to the present invention there is also provided a method according to any one of claims 14 and 15.
Three non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Number 1 indicates as a whole a container, in particular a finalized package, comprising:
According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, package 2 is obtained from a packaging material, in particular being in the form of a web, and having a multilayer structure (not shown). The packaging material comprises at least one layer of fibrous material, such as e.g. a 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 defining the inner face of package 2 contacting the pourable product.
Preferably but not necessarily, the packaging material also comprises 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. Preferentially but not necessarily, the packaging material also comprises 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.
According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, spout(s) 3 is(are) applied to package(s) 2 prior, during or after the formation, filling and sealing of package(s) 2.
Alternatively, spout(s) 3 can be applied onto the packaging material prior to arranging the packaging material within or during advancement of the packaging material through a packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing packages 2 from the packaging material.
In particular, application of spout(s) 3 to the packaging material or to package 2 occurs by means of a molding process and/or adhesive bonding and/or ultrasonic bonding.
In particular, the combination of package 2 and/or of the packaging material with spout 3 defines a precursor of finalized package 1.
With particular reference to
Preferentially, package 2 is parallelepiped-shaped.
In particular, the designated pour opening surface area of package 2 is configured to be at least partially opened and/or ruptured and/or cut and/or pierced and/or removed so as to allow the out-pouring of the pourable product from package 2, in particular through spout 3, even more particular through the pouring outlet. Even more particular, the pour opening surface area is configured to allow the out-pouring of the pourable product after its loss of integrity and to protect the pourable product from the outer environment prior to its cutting and/or opening and/or rupturing and/or piercing and/or removal.
According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the pour opening surface area comprises a separation membrane (not shown and known as such) configured to be ruptured and/or (partially or fully) removed and/or opened and/or cut and/or pierced and/or removed. In particular, the separation membrane separates in the area of, in particular at, the pour opening surface area the inside of package 2 from the outer environment. Preferentially, the separation membrane comprises a gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film.
According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the separation membrane is defined by a portion of the packaging material, in particular a portion of the layers of the packaging material being different from the layer of fibrous material.
According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, finalized package 1 also comprises an opening arrangement configured to rupture and/or open and/or cut and/or pierce and/or (partially or fully) remove the separation membrane. In particular, the opening arrangement is coupled to lid assembly 4 such that the opening arrangement is actuatable by means of lid assembly 4.
According to some non-limiting embodiments, the opening arrangement could comprise a cutter.
According to some alternative non-limiting embodiments, the opening arrangement could comprise a (polymer) covering layer covering, in particular being molded onto the separation membrane and/or partially defining the separation membrane, and a leg assembly molded and/or welded and/or fused to lid assembly 4 and to the covering layer.
With particular reference to
In particular, the collar extends along a longitudinal axis E, preferentially parallel to longitudinal axis A, and away and from base frame 5.
Preferentially, the collar and the pouring outlet present a (substantially) circular cross-sectional profile, in particular with respect to a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to longitudinal axis E.
Advantageously, lid assembly 4 comprises:
Preferentially, lid 7 is hinged to coupling ring 6 by means of the tethering element and is adapted to angularly move around a hinge axis defined by the tethering element. In particular, the hinge axis being transversal to longitudinal axis E and/or axis A.
In particular, the tethering element is connected to a rear section 8 of lid 7.
According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, lid 7 is controllable between at least:
In particular, in use, control of lid 7 between the closed configuration and the open configuration requires the exertion of an opening force or closing force by means of a user so as to actuate the angular movement of lid 7 around the hinge axis.
In particular, during formation of finalized package 1, lid assembly 4 is coupled to and/or arranged on and/or associated to spout 3 such that lid 7 is in the closed configuration. Even more particular, finalized package 1 is provided to a user with lid 7 being in the closed configuration.
Preferentially, the opening arrangement is actuated during the first time of controlling lid 7 from the closed configuration to the open configuration so as to rupture and/or open and/or cut and/or pierce and/or /fully or partially) remove the separation membrane.
Preferentially, lid assembly 4 also comprises one or more rupturable coupling bridges 9 connecting coupling ring 6 to lid 7. In particular, coupling bridges 9 are configured to irreversibly rupture during the first time lid 7 is controlled from the closed configuration to the open configuration.
According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, lid 7 comprises a main portion 14 carrying and/or having rear section 8 and a front section 15 opposite to rear section 8; and
- a lifting portion 16 protruding, in particular in a forward direction, from front section 15, and in particular away from rear section 8 and/or main portion 14.
It should be noted that the terms “front” and “rear” are to be understood in the context on how lid assembly 4 is arranged on spout 3 and, accordingly, on finalized package 1. In particular, the first time a user intends to control lid 7 from the closed configuration to the opening configuration the user faces front section 15, while rear section 8 is distanced from the user. In other words, during such a situation, front section 15 is interposed between the user and rear section 8.
However, within the context of the present description, it is important to note that rear section 8 is the section of lid 7 that is in direct contact with the tethering element, while front section 15 that is opposed to rear section 8.
In particular, lifting portion 16 is configured to be manipulated by a user in order to exert at least the opening force on lid 7 in order to control lid 7 from the first angular position to the second angular position around the hinge axis. In other words, lifting portion 16 defines a contact surface for the user. In particular, lifting portion 16 is designed to be contacted by a finger, such as the thumb, of the user.
Preferentially, lid 7, in particular main portion 14, comprises:
In particular and with lid 7 being in the closed configuration top wall 17 is transversal, in particular perpendicular, to longitudinal axis E and side wall 18 is (substantially) parallel to longitudinal axis E.
In particular, lid 7, in particular main portion 14, is, even more particular top wall 17 and side wall 18 are, at least partially in contact with the collar when lid 7 is, in use, controlled in the closed configuration.
In particular, top wall 17 presents a circular shape and side wall 18 encloses a substantially cylindrical space.
Preferentially, lid 7 comprises an inner surface, in particular the inner surface being in contact with and/or facing the collar with lid 7 being controlled in the closed configuration.
With particular reference to
Preferentially, lifting portion 16 comprises an elongated main wall 19, in particular extending away from main portion 14, in particular top wall 17 and/or side wall 18.
According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, elongated main wall 19 is (substantially) parallel to top wall 17 and/or is transversal, in particular perpendicular, to longitudinal axis E.
Alternatively, elongated main wall 19 could be transversal to top wall 17.
Preferentially, top wall 17 lies on a first extension plane and elongated main wall 19 lies on a second extension plane. According to possible non-limiting embodiments, first extension plane and second extension plane could coincide or be distinct from one another. In other words, first extension plane and second extension plane could be parallel to one another but being spaced apparat from one another.
Advantageously, lid 7 comprises at least a first gripping wall 20 and at least a second gripping wall 21. In particular, each one of first gripping wall 20 and second gripping wall 21 define a respective engagement surface configured to be engaged by a portion of an application device, the application device being adapted to arrange lid assembly 4 onto spout 3, and/or to align and/or to orient lid 7 during coupling and/or applying and/or arranging lid assembly 4 onto spout 3. In particular, first gripping wall 20 and second gripping wall 21 are configured to support alignment and/or orientation and/or rotation of lid 4 (by the application device).
Preferentially, first gripping wall 20 and second gripping wall 21 are opposed to one another (i.e. are arranged at opposite portions of lid 7).
In particular, first gripping wall 20 lies on a first plane H1 and second gripping wall 21 lies on a second plane H2. First plane H1 and second plane H2 being distinct from one another.
Preferentially, first plane H1 and second plane H2 are parallel to one another or in other words first gripping wall 20 and second gripping wall 21 are parallel to one another.
According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, first plane H1 and second plane H2 are parallel to longitudinal axis E, in particular with lid 7 being controlled in the closed configuration.
In particular, first gripping wall 20 and second gripping wall 21 by lying within respectively first plane H1 and second plane H2, present straight portions, which are advantageous with respect to their gripping properties.
In particular, first gripping wall 20 and second gripping wall 21 are designed to be engaged by a gripping element of the application device.
By providing for first gripping wall 20 and second gripping wall 21, the application device is able to improve the control of the application of lid assembly 4 onto spout 3. In particular, it is easier to grip and to orient and/or to align lid assembly 4 with respect to spout 3 and/or package 2 and at the same time to reduce the risk of damaging lid assembly 4 and/or spout 3 and/or package 2.
According to the non-limiting embodiment disclosed in
Preferentially, first gripping wall 20 and second gripping wall 21 are transversal, in particular perpendicular, to elongated main wall 19. In particular, elongated main wall 19 is arranged on first gripping wall 20 and second gripping wall 21.
Preferentially, first gripping wall 20 and second gripping wall 21 are interposed between elongated main wall 19 and base frame 5 with lid assembly 4 being coupled to spout 3 and lid 7 being in the closed configuration.
Preferentially, first gripping wall 20 and second gripping wall 21 define respective lateral end walls of lifting portion 16.
In particular, first gripping wall 20 and second gripping wall 21 are connected to front section 15 and/or protrude from side wall 18.
According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, lifting portion 16 further comprises one or more auxiliary walls 22 (only partially shown in
Preferentially, auxiliary walls 22 are designed such to provide for an improved contact sensation of lifting portion 16 by a finger of the user.
Preferentially, auxiliary walls 22 are parallel to one another and to first gripping wall 20 and second gripping wall 21.
Preferentially, auxiliary walls 22 are connected to and protrude from front section 15 and/or side wall 18.
Preferentially, elongated main wall 19 is also arranged on auxiliary walls 22.
In particular, auxiliary walls 22 are interposed between elongated main wall 19 and base frame 5.
During the packaging process, coupling of lid assembly 4 to spout 3 requires coupling lid assembly 4 to a precursor of finalized package 1. In particular, the precursor of finalized package 1 comprises spout 3.
The precursor of finalized package 1 can be defined by the packaging material and spout 3 being connected to the packaging material. Alternatively, the precursor of finalized package 1 can be defined by package 2 carrying spout 3.
The coupling of lid assembly 4 to spout 3 comprises at least the steps of:
In particular, during the step of gripping, first gripping wall 20 and second gripping wall 21 are engaged by the gripping element of the application device and during the step of orienting and/or aligning the gripping element is controlled such to orient and/or to align lid assembly 4.
Preferentially, during the step of applying and/or arranging coupling ring 6 is arranged around the collar and lid 7 is arranged on spout 3 so as to cover the pouring outlet.
In use, outpouring of the pourable product from finalized package 1 requires to liberate and/or open the pouring outlet of spout 3. This is done by controlling lid 7 from the closed configuration to the open configuration.
The control from the closed configuration to the open configuration is done by the user engaging lifting portion 16 and exerting an opening force so as to angularly move lid 7 from the first angular position to the second angular position.
Preferentially, the first time lid 7 is to be controlled from the closed configuration to the open configuration coupling bridges 9 irreversibly rupture and the separation membrane become ruptured and/or opened and/or cut and/or removed and/or pierced.
It is repeatedly possible to close and open the pouring outlet by repeatedly moving lid 7 between the closed configuration and the open configuration.
With reference to
In particular, lid assembly 4' differs from lid assembly 4 in comprising lid 7'; as lid 7' is similar to lid 7, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.
In particular, lid 7' differs from lid 7 in that main portion 14 comprises first gripping wall 20 and second gripping wall 21.
Preferentially, top wall 17 and/or side wall 18 comprise(s) first gripping wall 20 and second gripping wall 21.
In particular, according to the embodiment of
In particular, top wall 17 and/or side wall 18 comprise(s) respective linear and curved outer portions.
As the method of coupling lid assembly 4' to spout 3 is substantially identical to the method of coupling of lid assembly 4 to spout 3, we refer to the above-provided description.
As the use of finalized package 1 having lid assembly 4' is similar to the use of finalized package 1 having lid assembly 4, we refer to the above-provided description.
With reference to
In particular, lid assembly 4' differs from lid assembly 4' in comprising lid 7''; as lid 7'' is similar to lid 7', the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.
In particular, lid 7'' differs from lid 7' in that first gripping wall 20 and second gripping wall 21 are not parallel to one another.
As the method of coupling lid assembly 4'' to spout 3 is identical to the methods of coupling lid assembly 4' or lid assembly 4 to spout 3, we refer to the above-provided description.
As the use of finalized package 1 having lid assembly 4’' is similar to the use of finalized package 1 having lid assembly 4 or lid assembly 4' , we refer to the above-provided description.
The advantages of lid assembly 4, 4' or 4'' and/or the finalized package 1 and/or the method of coupling lid assembly 4, 4' or 4'' to spout 3 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.
In particular, by providing for first gripping wall 20 and second gripping wall 21 the overall handling of lid assemblies 4, 4' and 4'' by means of the application device is facilitated. First gripping wall 20 and second gripping wall 21 allow to improve the gripping and the alignment and/or orientation of lid assembly 4, 4' and 4'' and at the same time to reduce the risk of damaging lid assembly 4, 4' and 4‘' and/or finalized package 1 and/or package 2 and/or spout 3 during the application of lid assembly 4, 4' and 4''.
Clearly, changes may be made to lid assembly 4, 4' and 4'' and/or finalized package 1 and/or the method of coupling as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20168898.3 | Apr 2020 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2021/058616 | 4/1/2021 | WO |
