SPOUT FOR A PACKAGE, LID-SPOUT ASSEMBLY FOR A PACKAGE AND PACKAGE HAVING A SPOUT

Abstract

A spout comprises a collar carrying a pouring outlet and an inlet opening for the pourable product and delimiting a flow channel. The collar comprises an inner surface delimiting the flow channel. The inner surface comprises at least a main surface portion and a slanted surface portion. The main and slanted surface portions are such that a first intersection of a first intersection plane with the inner surface results in at least one first one-dimensional curve, a second intersection of a second intersection plane with the inner surface results in at least one second one-dimensional curve. The first and second one-dimensional curves each comprise respective first and second portions lying on respectively the slanted surface portion and the main surface portion. The first one-dimensional curve is superimposable on the second one-dimensional curve such that at least the respective first portions and the respective second portions are superposed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a spout for a package, in particular a package having a sealed main body, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product.

Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a lid-spout assembly for a package, in particular a package having a sealed main body, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product.

Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a package, in particular a package having a sealed main body, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product, and comprising a spout.

BACKGROUND ART

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, 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 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 through the designated pour opening. It is also known to arrange a lid-spout assembly having a spout arranged on the main body about the designated pour opening. The spout has a pouring outlet so as to allow for a controlled outpouring of the pourable product from the package and the lid-spout assembly comprises a lid allowing to selectively close and open the pouring outlet.

The spout comprises a collar, which carries the pouring outlet at a first axial end and an inlet opening arranged at a second axial end. The collar comprises an inner surface delimiting a flow channel extending between the inlet opening and the pouring outlet.

The collar also comprises a plurality of inner protrusions. While these inner protrusions are advantageous with respect to the removal of the separation membrane, it has been observed that they may lead to a disturbance of a back-flow of the pourable product back into the package after the termination of an outpouring action.

Thus, the need is felt in the sector to improve such spouts in order resolve such an inconvenience.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner an improved spout for a package, in particular a package having a sealed main body, 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 spout for a package, in particular a package having a sealed main body, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product, which reduces or even eliminates any disturbance of a backflow of the pourable product.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner an improved lid-spout assembly for a package, in particular a package having a sealed main body, 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-spout assembly for a package, in particular a package having a sealed main body, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product, which reduces or even eliminates any disturbance of a backflow of the pourable product.

It is an even further object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner a package, in particular a package having a sealed main body, filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product, having an improved spout.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner a package, in particular a package having a sealed main body, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product, having a spout that reduces or even eliminates any disturbance of a backflow of the pourable product.

According to the present invention, there is provided a spout according to the independent claim 1.

Further advantageous embodiments of the spout are specified in the respective dependent claims 2 to 14.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a lid-spout assembly according to claim 15.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a package according to claims 16 and 17.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a package having a spout according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the package of FIG. 1, with parts removed for clarity;

FIG. 3 is a sectionized view of some details of the spout of FIG. 1 and a lid arranged on the spout, with parts removed for clarity;

FIG. 4 is a sectionized view of some details of the spout of FIG. 1, with parts removed for clarity;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the spout of FIG. 1, with parts removed for clarity;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a spout according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a spout according to a third embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a spout according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity; and

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a spout according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Number 1 indicates as a whole a package (only partially shown to the extent necessary for the comprehension of the present invention) comprising:

• • a sealed main body 2, in particular a sealed carton package, being filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, and in particular having a designated pour opening (not shown and known as such) configured to allow for an outflow of the pourable product from main body 2; and
  • a lid-spout assembly 3 coupled to the sealed main body 2 and having at least a spout 4 arranged and/or arrangeable about the designated pour opening and a lid 5 coupled and/or couplable to spout 4.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, main body 2 is obtained from a packaging material, in particular a composite packaging material, having a multilayer structure (not shown and known as such).

Preferentially, the packaging material is provided in the form of a web.

Preferentially, main body 2 is obtained by forming a tube from the packaging material, longitudinally sealing the tube, filling the tube with the pourable product and by transversally sealing and cutting the tube.

Preferentially, the packaging material comprises 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 defines the inner face of main body 2 contacting the pourable product.

Preferably, 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) 4 is(are) applied to base package(s) 2 prior, during or after the formation, filling and sealing of main body(ies) 2.

Alternatively, spout(s) 4 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 main bodies 2 from the packaging material.

In particular, application of spout(s) 4 to the packaging material or to main body 2 occurs by means of a molding process and/or adhesive bonding and/or ultrasonic bonding.

Preferentially, lid 5 is coupled to spout 4 prior or after application of spout 4 onto main body 2 or onto the packaging material.

With particular reference to FIG. 1, main body 2 extends along a longitudinal axis A, a first transversal axis B and a second transversal axis C. In particular, the extension of package 2 along longitudinal axis A is larger than the extension of package 2 along first transversal axis B and second transversal axis C.

Preferentially, main body 2 is parallelepiped-shaped.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, main body 2 comprises a first wall portion (not shown and known as such), in particular being transversal, even more particular perpendicular, to longitudinal axis A, from which main body 2 extends along longitudinal axis A. Preferably, the first wall portion defines a support surface of package 1, in particular main body 2, which is designed to be put in contact with a support, such as e.g. a shelf, when, in use, being e.g. exposed within a sales point or when being stored. In particular, when being arranged on a support the first wall portion defines a bottom wall portion.

Preferably, main body 2 also comprises a plurality of lateral walls 6 being (fixedly) connected to the first wall portion and extending, in particular substantially parallel to longitudinal axis A, from the first wall portion.

Preferably, main body 2 also comprises a second wall portion 7 opposite to the first wall portion and being (fixedly) connected to at least some of lateral walls 6. In particular, lateral walls 6 are interposed between the first wall portion and second wall portion 7. In particular, when being arranged on a support second wall portion 7 defines a top wall portion.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the first wall portion and second wall portion 7 may be parallel to one another.

According to a non-limiting alternative embodiment not shown, the first wall portion and second wall portion 7 could be inclined with respect to one another.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, second wall portion 7 carries and/or comprises the designated pour opening.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, package 1, in particular main body 2, comprises an inner space configured to contain and/or containing the pourable product. In particular, the first wall portion, lateral walls 6 and second wall portion 7 delimit the inner space.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, package 1 comprises a separation membrane (not shown and known as such) covering the designated pour opening. In particular, the separation membrane separates in the area of, in particular at, the designated pour opening the inner space 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.

In particular, during the first-time use (see further below for more details), the separation membrane is at least partially removed for allowing the pourable product to flow out of the inner space and main body 2.

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.

With particular reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, spout 4 comprises at least a collar 10 having an inlet opening 11 configured to allow for the pourable product to enter collar 10, in particular from the inner space of main body 2 and a pouring outlet 12 configured to allow for the outflow of the pourable product from collar 10 (and package 1).

Preferentially, spout 4 also comprises a base frame 13 coupling and/or configured to couple spout 4 to main body 2, in particular to second wall portion 7, about the designated pour opening. In particular, base frame 13 carries collar 10.

In more detail, collar 10 extends along a longitudinal (central) axis E, in particular parallel to longitudinal axis A.

Preferentially, pouring outlet 12 and inlet opening 11 are arranged at respectively a first axial end 14 of collar 10 and a second axial end 15 of collar 10 opposite to first axial end 14.

In particular, collar 10 delimits (and/or comprises) a flow channel 16 for the pourable product extending between inlet opening 11 and pouring outlet 12. In use, collar 10 is configured such to receive the pourable product from the inner space through inlet opening 11 and such that the pourable product flows out of pouring outlet 12.

Preferentially, pouring outlet 12 and inlet opening 11 extend within respectively a first plane H1 and a second plane H2 being axially displaced from first plane H1 with respect to longitudinal axis E. In particular, first plane H1 and second plane H2 are perpendicular to longitudinal axis E.

Preferentially, collar 10 comprises an inner surface 17 delimiting flow channel 16.

Even more preferentially, collar 10 also comprises an outer surface 18 opposite to inner surface 17.

Preferentially, collar 10 comprises a first rim 19 arranged at first axial end 14 and delimiting pouring outlet 12 and a second rim 20 arranged at second axial end 15 and delimiting inlet opening 11.

In particular, collar 10 is designed to allow for a back-flow of the pourable product remaining within flow channel 16 after an outpouring action. Such a back-flow of the pourable product occurs through inlet opening 11 and into the inner space of main body 2.

Advantageously, inner surface 17 comprises at least a slanted surface portion 24, in particular allowing for an improved back-flow of the pourable product towards inlet opening 11 and into the inner surface of main body 2.

Preferentially, inner surface 17 also comprises at least a main surface portion 25, in particular connected to slanted surface portion 24.

Even more preferentially, main surface portion 25 is closer to pouring outlet 12 than slanted surface portion 24 and/or slanted surface portion 24 is closer to inlet opening 11 than main surface portion 25.

In particular, slanted surface portion 24 is transversal to main surface portion 25.

Preferentially, slanted surface portion 24 is inclined with respect to longitudinal axis E or in other words, slanted surface portion 24 is transversal, but not perpendicular, to longitudinal axis E. Even more preferentially, main surface portion 25 is parallel to longitudinal axis E.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, collar 10 comprises a main portion 26 carrying (and/or having) main surface portion 25 and an auxiliary portion 27 carrying (and/or having) slanted surface portion 24. Preferentially, main portion 26 and auxiliary portion 27 are connected to one another.

In particular, main portion 26 carries and/or comprises first rim 19.

According to the specific non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, auxiliary portion 27 carries and/or comprises second rim 20.

Advantageously and with particular reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, main surface portion 25 and slanted surface portion 24 are designed such that:

• • a first intersection of an (imaginary) first intersection plane I containing longitudinal axis E and intersecting with inner surface 17 results in obtaining at least one first one-dimensional curve F, in particular two first one-dimensional curves F (as intersection plane I intersects with two different portions of inner surface 17);
  • a second intersection of an (imaginary) second intersection plane I′ containing longitudinal axis E, being angularly displaced with respect to first intersection plane I around longitudinal axis E and intersecting with inner surface 17 results in obtaining at least one second one-dimensional curve F′, in particular two second one-dimensional curves F′ (as intersection plane I′ intersects with two different portions of inner surface 17);
  • each first one-dimensional curve F and each second one dimensional curve F′ comprises a respective first portion F1 and a respective second portion F2 lying on respectively slanted surface portion 24 and main surface portion 25; and
  • each first one-dimensional curve F is superimposable on each second one-dimensional curve F′ such that at least the respective first portions F1 and the respective second portions F2, preferentially first one-dimensional curve F and second one-dimensional curve F′, are superposable (coincide) irrespective of the relative angular displacement between first intersection plane I and second intersection plane I′.

It should be noted that upon varying the relative angular displacement between first intersection plane I and second intersection plane I′ the respective first portions and the respective second portions remain always superposable. In other words, irrespective of the relative angular displacement between first intersection plane I and second intersection plane I′, first portions F1 and second portions F2 always coincide after superimposing first one-dimensional curves F and second one-dimensional curves F′ with one another.

It should be noted that according to the present description, the use of the term superimpose implies that the at least two objects and/or portions, which become superimposed may not necessarily coincide, while the use of the term superpose implies that the objects coincide.

Preferentially, slanted surface portion 24 has rotational symmetry with respect to a center point of slanted surface portion 24. With particular reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, slanted surface portion 24 has a rotational symmetry such that any rotation of slanted surface portion 24 around any arbitrary angle results in a rotated/transformed slanted surface portion being identical to slanted surface portion 24. It should be noted that slanted surface portion 24 is rotational symmetric with respect to any arbitrary angle between 0° and 360°. Thus, any angular movement around a rotation axis intersecting with the center point (in particular the rotation axis being parallel, even more particular coaxial, to longitudinal axis E) results in the rotated/transformed slanted surface portion having the identical shape of slanted surface portion 24.

Preferentially, slanted surface portion 24 delimits a space, in particular a frustoconical space. In particular, the (frustoconical) space tapers towards inlet opening 11.

Preferentially, slanted surface portion 24 lies on an outer surface of an imaginary truncated cone. In particular, the imaginary truncated cone tapers towards inlet opening 11.

Preferentially, an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with slanted surface portion 24 results in a circular cross-sectional profile, in particular having a respective circle having a defined diameter. In particular, the defined diameter is dependent on an axial distance (with respect to longitudinal axis E) of the respective circle and inlet opening 11. Even more particular, the defined diameter decreases with decreasing the axial distance.

Preferentially, an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with main surface portion 25 results in a circular cross-sectional profile.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, slanted surface portion 24 comprises a first delimiting ring at a first axial end of slanted surface portion 24 and a second delimiting ring at a second axial end of slanted surface portion 24, the second axial end being opposed to the first axial end. In particular, the first delimiting ring is closer to pouring outlet 12 than second delimiting ring and the second delimiting ring is closer to the inlet opening 11 than the first delimiting ring.

Preferentially, the first delimiting ring is larger than the second delimiting ring. Even more preferentially, a diameter of the first delimiting ring is larger than a diameter of the second delimiting ring.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, main surface portion 25 and slanted surface portion 24 are connected to one another, in particular at the first delimiting ring. In particular, main surface portion 25 continuously goes over to slanted surface portion 24. In other words, a diameter of main surface portion 25 at the first delimiting ring (substantially) equals the diameter of the first delimiting ring.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, main surface portion 25 delimits a cylindrical space. In particular, the cylindrical space and the frustoconical space are directly adjacent to one another (i.e. the cylindrical space and the frustoconical space comprise a common interface).

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, lid 5 is controllable between at least:

• • a closed configuration, in which lid 5 is configured to cover and/or covers pouring outlet 12, in particular for impeding an outflow of the pourable product out of pouring outlet 12; and
  • an open configuration in which lid 5 is configured to be and/or is detached from pouring outlet 12, in particular for allowing an outflow of the pourable product through pouring outlet 12.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, lid 5 comprises a top wall 28 configured to cover the pouring outlet with lid 5 being controlled in the closed configuration and a side wall 29 protruding from top wall 28 and being configured to at least partially surround collar 10 with lid 5 being arranged in the closed configuration.

Preferentially, top wall 28 and side wall 29 delimit an internal space having a (substantially) cylindrical shape. In particular, the internal space houses, with lid 5 being arranged in the closed configuration, at least a portion of collar 10 and flow channel 16.

Advantageously, lid-spout assembly 3 also comprises a coupling ring 30 configured to be arranged and/or being arranged around at least a portion of spout 4, in particular around at least a portion of collar 10, in particular such that coupling ring 20 is inseparable from spout 4, in particular from collar 10.

Preferentially, lid-spout assembly 3 also comprises rupturable coupling bridges 31 connecting coupling ring 30 and lid 5 with one another. The coupling bridges are designed to irreversibly rupture when lid 5 is controlled from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

Preferentially, lid 5 is hinged to coupling ring 27 and is adapted to angularly move around a hinge axis. In particular, the hinge axis being transversal, in particular perpendicular, to longitudinal axis E and/or longitudinal axis A.

Preferentially, lid 5 is movable around the hinge axis between at least a first angular position and a second angular position in which lid 5 is controlled in respectively the closed configuration and the open configuration.

According to the non-limiting embodiment shown, spout 4 comprises a (polymer) covering member 33 designed to control and/or interrupt a fluidic connection between inlet opening 11 and pouring outlet 12.

Preferentially, covering member 33 is movable between an active position in which covering member 33 interrupts the fluidic connection between inlet opening 11 and pouring outlet 12 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) and a rest position in which covering member 33 allows for the fluidic connection between inlet opening 11 and pouring outlet 12 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

Even more preferentially and with particular reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, covering member 33 is arranged within flow channel 16 when being in the active position. In particular, covering member 33 contacts inner surface 17, in particular at second rim 20.

Preferentially, covering member 33 is (even) fixed to inner surface 17, in particular prior to the first time covering member 33 is controlled from the active position to the rest position.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, covering member 33 is reversibly controllable between the active position and the rest position. In particular, after the first-time control from the active position to the rest position covering member 33 only contacts inner surface 17 but is not fixed to inner surface 17.

In particular, package 1 is delivered to a user with covering member 33 being in the active position.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, covering member 33 comprises a coupling membrane 35 fixing closing element 14 to inner surface 17, in particular prior to the first-time control of covering member 33 from the active position to the rest position. In particular, coupling membrane 35 guarantees sealing of any fluidic connection between inlet opening 11 and pouring outlet 12.

Preferentially, coupling membrane 35 is configured to irreversibly rupture during the first-time control of covering member 35 from the active position to the rest position. This means that after the rupture of coupling membrane 35 and by arranging again covering member 33 in the active position, there is contact between covering member 33 and inner surface 17 but covering member 33 is not fixed to inner surface 17.

In particular, coupling membrane 35 has an annular shape.

According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, covering member 33 is convex with respect to second plane H2.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, covering member 33 is fused and/or connected to the separation membrane and/or at least partially defines the separation membrane.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, covering member 33 defines a portion of the separation membrane and one or more layers of the packaging materials defines another portion of the separation membrane.

According to some alternative embodiments, covering member 33 defines the separation membrane.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, covering member 33 is coupled to lid 5 so that any movement of lid 5 imparts a movement to covering member 33 so that covering member 33 is in the active position and the rest position with lid 5 being respectively in the closed configuration and the open configuration.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, spout 4 also comprises a coupling member 34 connected to and protruding from covering member 33 and configured to couple covering member 33 to lid 5. In particular, coupling member 33 is also connected to lid 5, in particular top wall 28. In particular, in use, the angular movement of lid 5 around the hinge axis also leads to an angular movement of covering member 33 around the hinge axis.

In use, a user receives package 1 with lid 5 being respectively in the closed configuration. In order to allow for an outflow of the pourable product from package 1, the user controls lid 5 in the open configuration.

Control of lid 5 from the closed configuration to the open configuration also leads to a movement of covering member 33 from the active position and the rest position.

In particular, the first time covering member 33 is moved from the active position to the rest position, coupling membrane 35 irreversibly ruptures.

The presence of slanted surface portion 24 guarantees that all the pourable product still present within flow channel 16 flows back into the inner space of main body 2.

With reference to FIG. 6, number 4′ indicates a second embodiment of a spout according to the present invention; as spout 4′ is similar to spout 4, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.

In particular, spout 4′ differs from spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with slanted surface portion 24 results in an oval cross-sectional profile.

In particular, spout 4′ also differs from spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with main surface portion 25 also results in an oval cross-sectional profile.

In particular, spout 4′ further differs from spout 4 in that slanted surface portion 24 does not have a rotational symmetry.

As the operation of package 1 having spout 4′ is similar to the one of package 1 having spout 4, we refer to the above-provided description.

With reference to FIG. 7, number 4″ indicates a third embodiment of a spout according to the present invention; as spout 4″ is similar to spout 4, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.

In particular, spout 4″ differs from spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with slanted surface portion 24 results in an elliptical cross-sectional profile.

In particular, spout 4″ also differs from spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with main surface portion 25 also results in an elliptical cross-sectional profile.

In particular, spout 4″ further differs from spout 4 in that slanted surface portion 24 has a rotational symmetry of an angle of 180°. Thus, a rotation of slanted surface portion 24 at an angle of 180° with respect to longitudinal axis E results in the rotated slanted surface portion 24 being identical to slanted surface portion 24.

As the operation of package 1 having spout 4″ is similar to the one of package 1 having spout 4, we refer to the above-provided description.

With reference to FIG. 8, number 4′″ indicates a fourth embodiment of a spout according to the present invention; as spout 4′″ is similar to spout 4, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.

In particular, spout 4′″ differs from spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with slanted surface portion 24 results in a rounded rectangular cross-sectional profile.

In particular, spout 4′″ also differs from spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with main surface portion 25 also results in a rounded rectangular cross-sectional profile.

In particular, spout 4′″ further differs from spout 4 in that slanted surface portion 24 has a rotational symmetry of an angle of 180°. Thus, a rotation of slanted surface portion 24 at an angle of 180° with respect to longitudinal axis E results in the rotated slanted surface portion 24 being identical to slanted surface portion 24.

As the operation of package 1 having spout 4′″ is similar to the one of package 1 having spout 4, we refer to the above-provided description.

With reference to FIG. 9, number 4″″ indicates a fifth embodiment of a spout according to the present invention; as spout 4′″ is similar to spout 4, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.

In particular, spout 4″″ differs from spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with slanted surface portion 24 results in a rounded square cross-sectional profile.

In particular, spout 4″″ also differs from spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with main surface portion 25 also results in a rounded square cross-sectional profile.

In particular, spout 4″″ further differs from spout 4 in that slanted surface portion 24 has a rotational symmetry of an angle of 90°. Thus, a rotation of slanted surface portion 24 at an angle of 90° with respect to longitudinal axis E results in the rotated slanted surface portion 24 being identical to slanted surface portion 24.

As the operation of package 1 having spout 4′″ is similar to the one of package 1 having spout 4, we refer to the above-provided description.

The advantages of spout 4, 4′, 4″, 4′″, 4″″ and/or lid-spout assembly 3 and/or of package 1 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

In particular, by providing for slanted surface portion 24 it is guaranteed that after an outpouring of the pourable product from package 1 all the pourable product flows in an undisturbed manner back into the inner space of main body 2.

Clearly, changes may be made to spout 4 and/or lid-spout assembly 3 and/or package 1 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

According to a non-limiting embodiment not shown, inner surface 17 may also comprises an auxiliary surface portion delimiting a cylindrical space. In particular, the auxiliary surface portion is arranged closer to inlet opening 11 than slanted surface portion 24.

Preferentially, according to such an alternative embodiment, slanted surface portion 24 is interposed between and connected to main surface portion 25 and the auxiliary surface portion.

Preferentially, according to such an alternative embodiment, the auxiliary surface portion comprises second rim 20.

Claims

1. Spout for a package having a designated pour opening and being filled with a pourable product; the spout comprises at least a collar extending along a longitudinal axis, carrying a pouring outlet at a first axial end and an inlet opening for the pourable product at a second axial end and delimiting a flow channel for the pourable product extending between the pouring outlet and the inlet opening; wherein the collar comprises an inner surface delimiting the flow channel;wherein the inner surface comprises at least a main surface portion and an slanted surface portion;wherein the main surface portion and the slanted surface portion are designed such that: a first intersection of a first intersection plane containing the longitudinal axis and intersecting with the inner surface results in obtaining at least one first one-dimensional curve;a second intersection of a second intersection plane containing the longitudinal axis, being angularly displaced with respect to the first intersection plane around the longitudinal axis and intersecting with the inner surface results in obtaining at least one second one-dimensional curve;the first one-dimensional curve and the second one dimensional curve each comprises a respective first portion and a respective second portion lying on respectively the slanted surface portion and the main surface portion; andthe first one-dimensional curve is superimposable on the second one-dimensional curve such that at least the respective first portions and the respective second portions are superposed irrespective of the relative angular displacement between the first intersection plane and the second intersection plane.

2. Spout according to claim 1, wherein the first one-dimensional curve is superimposable on the second one-dimensional curve such that the first one-dimensional curve and the second one-dimensional curve are superposed irrespective of the relative angular displacement between the first intersection plane and the second intersection plane.

3. Spout according to claim 1, wherein the slanted surface portion is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis.

4. Spout according to claim 1, wherein the main surface portion is parallel to the longitudinal axis.

5. Spout according to claim 1, wherein the angular slanted surface portion is transversal to the main surface portion.

6. Spout according to claim 1, wherein an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and intersecting with the slanted surface portion results in a circular or elliptical or a rounded square or a rounded rectangular or oval cross-sectional profile.

7. Spout according to claim 1, wherein the slanted surface portion comprises a first delimiting ring at a first axial end of the slanted surface portion itself and a second delimiting ring at a second axial end of the slanted surface portion itself; wherein the first delimiting ring is closer to the pouring outlet than the second delimiting ring and the second delimiting ring is closer to the inlet opening than the first delimiting ring;wherein the first delimiting ring is larger than the second delimiting ring.

8. Spout according to claim 1, wherein the slanted surface portion delimits a space tapering towards the inlet opening.

9. Spout according to claim 1, wherein the slanted surface portion has rotational symmetry with respect to a center of the slanted surface portion.

10. Spout according to claim 9, wherein the slanted surface portion has rotational symmetry such that any rotation of the slanted surface portion around any arbitrary angle or an angle of 90° or an angle of 180° results in a rotated slanted surface portion being identical to the slanted surface portion.

11. Spout according to claim 1, wherein the main surface portion is arranged closer to the pouring outlet than the slanted surface portion.

12. Spout according to claim 1, and further comprising a covering member configured to interrupt a fluidic connection between the inlet opening and the pouring outlet; wherein the covering member is fixed to the inner surface.

13. Spout according to claim 12, wherein the covering member is movable between at least an active position in which the covering member interrupts the fluidic connection between the inlet opening and the pouring outlet and a rest position in which the covering member allows for the fluidic connection between the inlet opening and the pouring outlet; wherein prior to a first control of the covering member from the active position to the inactive position the covering member is fixed to the inner surface.

14. Spout according to claim 12, and further comprising a coupling member connected to the covering member and configured to connect the covering member to a lid of the package.

15. Lid-spout assembly for a package comprising a spout according to claim 1 and a lid configured to selectively open and close the pouring outlet.

16. Package filled with a pourable product and comprising at least one spout according to claim 1.

17. Package according to claim 16, and further comprising a main body having the designated pour opening and being formed from a multilayer composite packaging material.