Spout for a package and package-spout assembly

A spout includes a base frame fittable about a designated package pour opening surface area, an opening assembly moveably coupled to the base frame and adapted to at least partially cut/rupture/open/pierce the pour opening surface area, and a control device configured to control the opening assembly. The control device comprises at least one interaction element connected to the opening assembly, at least one control ring rotatably coupled to the base frame and at least one interaction member connected/coupled to the control ring and configured to interact with the interaction element. In use, upon rotating the control ring, the interaction member interacts with the interaction element to induce translation of a cutter of the opening assembly for controlling the opening assembly from a rest configuration to an operative configuration and an axial end portion of the interaction member is arranged within a rotation plane fixed relative to the base frame.

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

The present invention also relates to a package-spout assembly having a package, in particular a package filled with a pourable product, even more particular a package filled with a pourable food product, and a spout arranged on the package.

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 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 versions of these packages comprise a piercable and/or rupturable designated pour opening surface area and a spout being fitted to the package.

A typical spout comprises a base frame fitted about the designated pour opening surface area and having a collar defining an inner space and a pouring outlet, a ring-shaped cutter being moveably arranged within the inner space and a threaded lid to be screwed onto the collar so as to close or open the pouring outlet.

The lid also comprises a plurality of flaps protruding with the lid applied on the collar from the lid into the inner space and being configured to contact respective interaction elements of the cutter. During the first un-screwing of the lid each flap interacts with the respective interaction element so as to induce a rototraslatory movement of the cutter for directing the cutter towards and through the designated pour opening surface area. The rototraslatory movement of the cutter is also defined by means of a cam mechanism of which a portion is provided on the inner surface of the collar and another portion is provided on an outer surface of the cutter facing the inner surface of the collar.

A drawback of these kind of spouts is seen in that the control of the cutter requires the lid to be detached. This can lead to losing the lid.

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 sealed package, in particular filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product.

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

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

Further advantageous embodiments of the spout are specified in the dependent claims.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a package-spout assembly according to claim16.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Number1indicates as a whole a package-spout assembly comprising:a sealed package2, in particular a sealed carton package, having a designated pour opening surface area (not shown and known as such); anda spout3, in particular a plastic spout, fitted to package2about the designated pour opening surface area.

Preferably but not necessarily, package2is filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, even more particular a sterilized and/or a sterile-processed pourable food product, such as milk or fruit juice.

Package2is obtained from a web of packaging material having a multilayer structure (not shown), and comprises at least a layer of fibrous material, 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 package2contacting the pourable product.

Preferably but not necessarily, the web of 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 web of 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)3is (are) applied to package(s)2prior, during or after forming, filling and sealing of package(s)2by means of a molding process and/or adhesive bonding and/or welding bonding.

Alternatively, spout(s)3can be applied onto the web of packaging material prior to arranging the web of packaging material within or during advancement of the web of packaging material through a packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing packages2from the web of packaging material.

With particular reference toFIGS.1and3, package2extends along a longitudinal axis A

In particular, the designated pour opening surface area of package2is configured to be at least partially (non-reversibly) opened and/or ruptured and/or cut and/or pierced so as to allow the out-pouring of the pourable product from package2, in particular through spout3. Even more particular, the designated 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.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the designated pour opening surface area comprises a separation membrane (not shown and known as such) configured to be ruptured and/or opened and/or cut and/or pierced. In particular, the separation membrane separates in the area of, in particular at, the designated pour opening surface area the inside of package2from the outside of package2. Preferentially but not necessarily, 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 web of packaging material, in particular a portion of the layers of the web of packaging material being different from the layer of fibrous material.

With particular reference toFIG.4, spout3comprises at least:a base frame4configured to be fitted about the designated pour opening surface area of package2;an opening assembly5moveably coupled to base frame4and being adapted to at least partially cut and/or rupture and/or open and/or pierce the designated pour opening surface area; anda control device configured to interact with opening assembly5and to control opening assembly5between a rest configuration, in particular in which opening assembly5with base frame4being fitted around the designated pour opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane, is retracted from the designated pour opening surface area (i.e. opening assembly5does not, in use, open and/or cut and/or rupture and/or pierce the designated pour opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane, when being controlled in the rest configuration), and an operative configuration in which opening assembly5with base frame4being, in use, fitted about the designated pour opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane, is configured to at least partially cut and/or rupture and/or open and/or pierce the designated pour opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, spout3also comprises an outlet cap6configured to allow, in use, the outflow of the pourable product from package2with spout3being arranged on package and with the designated pour opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane, being at least partially opened and/or cut and/or ruptured and/or pierced.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, spout3also comprises, a lid assembly7for at least selectively closing or opening outlet cap6and being controllable between at least a closing configuration (seeFIG.1) in which lid assembly7closes and/or covers outlet cap6, in particular for hindering any out-pouring of the pourable product from package2, and an open configuration (seeFIG.3) in which lid assembly7opens outlet cap6, in particular for allowing the out-pouring of the pourable product from package2.

With particular reference toFIGS.4,6aand6b, base frame4comprises a coupling base11configured to couple and/or connect spout3to package2and a collar12defining and/or delimiting an inner space13and being connected to coupling base11.

Preferentially but not necessarily, coupling base11is configured to be fixed and/or is fixed to an outer surface of package2, in particular in the area of, even more particular at, the designated pour opening surface area.

In particular, coupling base11comprises an opening, in particular a circular opening, and collar12surrounds the opening so that, in use, with the designated pour opening surface area being opened and/or cut and/or ruptured and/or pierced and spout3being fitted to package2a fluid connection between the inside of package2and inner space13is established (i.e. the pourable product can flow into at least a portion of inner space13).

Preferentially but not necessarily, at least a portion of coupling base11has substantially a plate-like configuration.

Preferentially but not necessarily, collar12extends, in particular from coupling base11, along, in particular parallel to, a longitudinal axis B, in particular longitudinal axis B being a central axis of collar12.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, collar12has a circular shape, in particular a circular cross-sectional shape with respect to a sectional plane being orthogonal to axis B.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, collar12comprises an inner surface14facing inner space13and an outer surface15being opposed to inner surface14(and inner space13).

With particular reference toFIGS.4,5aand5b, at least a portion of opening assembly5is configured to at least translate, in particular to rotate and translate, in order to control opening assembly5from the rest configuration to the operative configuration.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, opening assembly5comprises a (ring-shaped) cutter16of which at least a cutting section17(of an axial end portion of cutter16) is adapted to open and/or cut and/or rupture and/or pierce the designated pour opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, in use, during control of opening assembly5from the rest configuration to the operative configuration, at least cutter16approaches the designated pour opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane, until contacting and preferentially at least partially penetrating the designated pour opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane.

In particular, cutter16is moveable between a rest position in which operative assembly5is in the rest configuration and an operative position in which operative assembly5is in the operative configuration. In particular, cutter16is, with spout3being arranged on package2, distanced and/or spaced apart from the designated pour opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane, when being arranged in the rest position and cuts and/or opens and/or ruptures and/or pierces the designated pour opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane, when being arranged in the operative position.

Preferentially but not necessarily, cutter16comprises an outer lateral surface18and an inner lateral surface19.

Preferentially but not necessarily, cutting section17has (comprises) a serrated profile.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, at least a portion of opening assembly5, in particular cutter16, is moveably arranged within inner space13. In particular cutter16, even more particular at least outer lateral surface18, at least partially contacts inner surface14.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, cutter16is configured to at least translate, in particular to rotate and translate, upon activation of the control device, so as to move from the rest position to the operative position (i.e. when controlling, in use, operative assembly5from the rest configuration to the operative configuration).

In more detail, cutter16is rotatable around a central axis C of cutter16itself, in particular axis C being parallel, even more particular coaxial, to axis B, and is configured to move along a direction D parallel to axis C (and B), in particular towards (and through) the designated pour opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane.

In particular, the control device is configured to actuate, in use, rotation of cutter16around axis C and translation of cutter16along direction D for controlling opening assembly5from the rest configuration to the operative configuration.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the control device comprises a cam group configured to guide movement of cutter16from the rest position to the operative position.

Preferentially but not necessarily, the cam group comprises a cam profile20and at least one, preferentially a plurality of, guiding element(s)21, cam profile20and guiding element(s)21being configured to guide in cooperation with one another cutter16during movement between the rest position and the operative position.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, cam profile20and guiding element(s)21cooperate in such a manner that cutter16executes, in use, a rototraslatory movement when moving from the rest position to the operative position.

Preferentially but not necessarily, cam profile20is associated and/or connected to and/or integral to cutter16, even more particular to outer lateral surface18. In particular, cam profile20protrudes from and/or is integral to cutter16, in particular outer lateral surface18.

Preferentially but not necessarily, guiding element(s)21is/are connected and/or associated and/or integral to base frame4, in particular collar12, even more particular to inner surface14. In particular, guiding element(s)21protrude(s) from and/or is/are integral to inner surface14.

With particular reference toFIGS.4,6aand6b, outlet cap6is rotatably coupled to base frame4, in particular collar12, in particular outlet cap6is rotatable around a respective rotation axis E.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment and as will be described in further detail further below, outlet cap6carries and/or comprises at least a portion of the control device, in particular the respective portion of the control device being integral to outlet cap6.

More specifically, spout3, in particular outlet cap6, comprises a pouring outlet26configured to allow a controlled out-pouring of the pourable product.

Even more specifically, outlet cap6comprises a coupling ring27configured to rotatably couple outlet cap6itself to collar12and, preferably but not necessarily a stub28, in particular realized as a mouthpiece, having pouring outlet26.

Preferentially but not necessarily, coupling ring27contacts at least collar12, in particular at least outer surface15, even more particular outer surface15and inner surface14.

In particular, a respective inner surface of coupling ring27faces outer surface15and, in particular is at least partially in contact with outer surface15.

In particular, coupling ring27at least partially surrounds a portion of collar12.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, coupling ring27is coaxial to collar12.

With particular reference toFIGS.4,5a,5b,6aand6b, the control device comprises:a plurality of interaction elements29connected to, in particular integral to, opening assembly5, in particular cutter16;at least one control ring rotatably coupled to base frame4, in particular collar12, around a rotation axis F, in particular parallel to axis B and/or axis C and/or axis E, even more particular coaxial to axis B and/or axis C and/or axis E; anda plurality of interaction members30connected to and/or coupled to the control ring and each one being configured to interact with one respective interaction element29.

In particular, each interaction member30is coupled and/or connected to the control ring such that a rotation of the control ring around axis F induces also a rotation of the interaction member30, in particular around axis F.

In particular, in use, upon rotation of the control ring around rotation axis F, interaction elements29and interaction members30interact with one another such that cutter16at least translates from the rest position to the operative position. In particular, the interaction of interaction elements29and interaction members30is such that, in use, upon rotation of the control ring a rototraslatory movement of cutter16is induced for moving cutter16from the rest position to the operative position. Even more particular, in use, upon rotation of the control ring cutter16translates along direction D and rotates around axis C.

Preferentially but not necessarily, the rototraslatory movement of cutter16is guided by cooperation of guiding element(s)21and cam profile20.

Each interaction member30comprises an axial end portion31, in particular distal to the control ring, and being arranged within a rotation plane orthogonal to rotation axis F and, in use, upon rotation of the control ring around rotation axis F, the rotation plane is fixed with respect to base frame4and/or package2and/or the designated pour opening surface area. In other words, interaction members30and the respective axial end portions31are not subjected to any translation with respect to base frame4and/or package2and/or the designated pour opening surface area.

According to the preferred non-limiting embodiment disclosed, each interaction member30rotates, in use, around axis F upon rotation of the control ring around axis F.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, in use, the rotation of the control ring and the interaction members30around axis F is transformed into at least a translatory, preferentially a rototraslatory, movement of cutter16by means of the interaction between interaction members30and interaction elements29and the cooperation between cam profile20and guiding element(s)21.

According to the preferred non-limiting embodiment disclosed, the control ring is defined by a portion of outlet cap6, in particular by the coupling ring27, and, accordingly, rotation of the control ring around axis F is, in use, actuated by means of a rotation of outlet cap6around rotation axis E. Additionally, interaction members30are connected to the portion of outlet cap6defining the control ring. In other words, outlet cap6comprises the control ring.

Alternatively, the control ring could be distinct from outlet cap6.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each interaction element29is arranged on inner lateral surface19of cutter16. In particular, each interaction element29protrudes away from inner lateral surface19.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each interaction element29contacts the respective interaction member30when controlling, in use, operative assembly5from the rest configuration to the operative configuration.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each interaction element30protrudes from and/or extends from the control ring, in particular outlet cap6, into inner space13.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, each interaction member30comprises an engagement surface37being in contact with the respective interaction element29. In particular, each engagement surface37has a profile being inclined with respect to axis F.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, in use, during movement of cutter16from the rest position to the operative position, each interaction element29slides along the respective engagement surface37. In particular, while interaction members30and the respective engagement surface37are subjected to only a rotational movement around axis F, interaction elements29are subjected to both a rotation around axis F and a translation along direction D.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, each interaction member30is realized in the form of a flap.

According to an alternative non-limiting embodiment, each interaction member30could be realized in any other manner, e.g. in the form of a guiding bar.

With particular reference toFIG.7, spout3also comprises a coupling group38configured to couple the control ring and/or outlet cap6to base frame4in a manner that control ring and/or outlet cap6are rotatable around respectively axis F and axis E and a translation of control ring and/or outlet cap6with respect to base frame4is blocked and/or impeded.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, coupling group38comprises at least one groove associated and/or connected to one of:base frame4and/or collar12and/or outer surface15; andthe control ring and/or outlet cap6and/or coupling ring27and/or the inner surface of coupling ring27.

In particular, coupling group38also comprises at least one, preferentially a plurality of, engagement members40configured to engage and/or engaging the groove and being associated to the other one of:base frame4and/or collar12and/or outer surface15; andthe control ring and/or outlet cap6and/or coupling ring27and/or the inner surface of coupling ring27.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the groove has an annular shape.

According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the groove could have an arc-shaped profile or could comprise a plurality of arc-shaped sections.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, each engagement member40has an arc-shaped profile.

According to an alternative embodiment, engagement member40could have a circular shape.

With particular reference toFIG.7, the groove is arranged on base frame4, in particular collar12, even more particular on outer surface15.

According to the non-limiting embodiment shown, coupling group38comprises two annular protrusions39spaced apart from one another, protruding from base frame24, in particular collar12, even more particular outer surface15and defining the groove.

Preferentially but not necessarily, the groove and/or annular protrusions39are integral to base frame4.

With particular reference toFIG.7, each engagement member40is arranged on and protrudes from the control ring and/or outlet cap6and/or coupling ring27and/or the inner surface of coupling ring27into the groove.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each engagement member40is integral to the control ring and/or outlet cap6and/or coupling ring27and/or the inner surface of coupling ring27.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the control device further comprises at least one engagement element32connected to the control ring, in particular outlet cap6, and at least a first abutment element33and at least a second abutment element34coupled to and/or connected to and/or arranged on base frame4and being configured to interact with engagement element32and to define in cooperation respectively an angular start position and an angular end position of the control ring, in particular also of outlet cap6.

In particular, with the control ring being arranged in the angular start position and the angular end position, outlet assembly5is controlled respectively in the rest configuration and the operative configuration of the opening assembly and/or cutter16respectively in the rest position and the operative position. In use, the control ring, in particular outlet cap6, is rotated from the angular start position to the angular end position so as to control outlet assembly5from the rest configuration to the operative configuration and/or cutter16from the rest position to the operative position.

Preferentially but not necessarily, the angular start position and the angular end position are defined by engagement element32contacting respectively first abutment element33and second abutment element34.

According to the preferred non-limiting embodiment shown, engagement element32is at least partially interposed between first abutment element33and second abutment element34.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, first abutment element33and second abutment element34are arranged such that, in use, a rotation of the control ring, in particular also of outlet cap6, between 160° to 200°, in particular of substantially 180°, controls the control ring, in particular also outlet cap6, from the angular start position to the angular end position.

More specifically, first abutment element33and second abutment element34are arranged on collar12, in particular on outer surface15. In particular, first abutment element33and second abutment element34are angularly displaced from one another.

Preferentially but not necessarily, first abutment element33and second abutment element34are integral to base frame4, in particular to collar12.

With particular reference toFIGS.4and8, lid assembly7is configured to at least selectively close and open pouring outlet26(when being controlled in respectively the closing configuration and the opening configuration) so as to respectively hinder and allow the out-pouring of the pourable product.

Preferentially but not necessarily, lid assembly7comprises a ring-shaped frame35rotatable around a respective rotation axis G and being coupled to the control ring, in particular also outlet cap6, in a manner that a rotation of the control ring, in particular also of outlet cap6, results in a rotation of ring-shaped frame35and/or a rotation of ring-shaped frame35results in a rotation of the control ring, in particular also of outlet cap6.

According to the preferred non-limiting embodiment shown, in use, a user contacts a portion of ring-shaped frame35, rotates the ring-shaped frame35so as to contemporaneously actuate a rotation of the control ring and outlet cap6.

Preferentially but not necessarily, lid assembly7also comprises a lid36hinged to ring-shaped frame35and being displaceable and/or controllable between at least a closing position in which lid36fully closes pouring outlet26and/or outlet cap6, and an opening position in which lid36fully opens outlet cap6and/or pouring outlet26.

Preferentially but not necessarily, lid36is also displaceable and/or controllable also in at least an intermediate position in which lid36partially opens outlet cap6and/or pouring outlet26.

In particular, with lid36being in the closing position and the opening position, lid assembly7is controlled in respectively the closing configuration and the opening configuration. With lid36being controlled in the intermediate position lid assembly7is controlled in a respective intermediate configuration. The intermediate position of lid36is to be considered to form a help to the consumer, in particular during the first use of package2.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, spout3further comprises an actuating device configured to control lid36from the closing position to the intermediate position upon rotation of ring-shaped frame35around axis G.

In more detail, the actuating device comprises at least one cam element41, in the specific case shown two, connected to and/or arranged on and/or integral to base frame4, in particular collar12, even more particular outer surface15, and at least one counter-cam element42, in the specific case shown two, connected to and/or arranged on and/or integral to lid36and being configured to interact with cam element41so as to exert, in use during at least a portion of the rotation of ring-shaped frame35, a force on lid36so as to move lid36from the closed position to the intermediate position.

In particular, each cam element41and the respective counter-cam element42are arranged such that starting from at least a first defined angular position of ring-shaped frame35, each cam element41and the respective counter-cam element42engage with one another so that upon further rotation of ring-shaped frame35the respective counter-cam element42advances along a cam-surface of cam element41.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, outlet cap6comprises at least one through-hole43, in the specific case shown two, through which at least one respective counter-cam element42extends.

In use, a consumer actuates rotation of the control ring so as to control opening assembly5from the rest configuration to the operative configuration so that opening assembly5pierces and/or cuts and/or opens and/or ruptures the designated pour outlet surface area, in particular the separation membrane.

In particular, upon rotation of the control ring cutter16is translated towards and through the separation membrane.

According to the preferred non-limiting embodiment shown, the control ring is integral to outlet cap6and, thus, rotation of the control ring also means rotation of outlet cap6. In particular, a consumer contacts and rotates ring-shaped frame35so as to induce rotation of the control ring and outlet cap6.

During rotation of ring-shaped frame35, the actuation device guarantees that lid36is controlled from the closing position to the intermediate position.

With reference toFIGS.9to12, number3′ indicates an alternative embodiment of a spout according to the present invention; as spout3′ is similar to spout3, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, spout3′, in particular base frame4, even more particular collar12, comprises a pouring outlet50, in particular in fluid connection with inner space13, and configured to allow a controlled out-pouring of the pourable product from package2, in particular with the separation membrane having lost integrity.

According to the non-limiting embodiment shown inFIGS.9to12, collar12has pouring outlet50and defines a mouthpiece of spout3′.

In particular, spout3′ also differs from spout3in comprising lid assembly7′. As lid assembly7′ is similar to lid assembly7, the following description is limited to the differences between them, using the same references, if possible, for similar or corresponding parts.

In particular, lid assembly7′ is configured to at least selectively close or open pouring outlet50. Accordingly, lid assembly7′ is controllable between at least respectively a closing configuration (seeFIG.9) in which lid assembly7′ closes and/or covers pouring outlet50, in particular for hindering any out-pouring of the pourable product from package2, and an open configuration (seeFIG.10) in which lid assembly7′ opens pouring outlet50, in particular for allowing the out-pouring of the pourable product from package2.

In particular, lid36of lid assembly7′ is controllable between a closing position and an opening position in which lid assembly7′ is controlled in respectively the closing configuration and the opening configuration; i.e. lid36closes and/or covers pouring outlet50and opens pouring outlet50with lid36being controlled in respectively the closing position and the opening position.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, lid assembly7′ comprises the control device.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, ring-shaped frame35of lid assembly7′ defines and/or comprises the control ring. In particular, axis F and axis G coincide.

Preferentially but not necessarily, coupling group38rotatably couples and/or connects ring-shaped frame35to base frame4, in particular collar12. In particular, ring-shaped-frame35carries one of the groove and engagement member(s)40, in particular in the example shown engagement member(s)40.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, interaction members30are connected to lid assembly7′, in particular lid36. Even more particular interaction members30protrude from lid36.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, interaction members30are connected to an inner surface of lid36facing base frame4and/or inner space13with lid36being arranged and/or moved and/or controlled in the closing position. In particular, with lid36being in the closing position, interaction members30protrude from the inner surface of lid36into inner space13.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, ring-shaped frame35(the control ring) and lid36are connected to one another. In particular, lid36is hinged to ring-shaped frame35(the control ring).

As the use of spout3′ is similar to the use of spout3, the following description is limited to the differences between them.

In particular, in order to control and/or move opening assembly5from the rest configuration to the operative configuration, a consumer actuates rotation of ring-shaped frame35around axis G (and, accordingly, around axis F). The rotation of ring-shaped frame35results also in the rotation of interaction members30around axis F (and axis G). In particular, as lid36is connected and/or hinged to ring-shaped frame35, the rotation of ring-shaped frame35is transferred to lid36and thereby to interaction members30.

The advantages of spout3and spout3′ according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

In particular, spout3and spout3′ allow to pierce and/or cut and/or open and/or rupture the separation membrane without any parts getting detached from package-spout assembly1itself.

Another advantage is seen in allowing for the partial opening of lid36during rotation of ring-shaped frame35. Facilitating the overall use of package-spout assembly1.

Clearly, changes may be made to spout3and spout3′ as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.