Patent Description:
Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for forming a composite packaging material sheet for the formation of a composite package.

Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a composite package, in particular a composite package having a sealed main body, filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product, and comprising an opening device.

Additionally, the present invention also relates to a method for forming a composite package for a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product.

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 composite packages made of a multilayer composite packaging material.

Some of the known composite packages comprise each:.

A typical opening device comprises a base frame connecting the opening device to the main body and about the designated opening, a collar extending from the base frame having an outlet and a lid for selectively closing and opening the outlet.

It is furthermore known that such composite packages are formed in automatic packaging machines from respective composite packaging material sheets, which can be provided singularly or in the form of a web of a succession of basic units.

Even though the known composite packages work satisfyingly well, a desire is felt in the sector to provide for improved composite packaging material sheets for the formation of composite packages.

Another desire is felt in the sector to provide for an improved method for forming composite packaging material sheets for the formation of composite packages.

Additionally, a desire is felt in the sector to provide for an improved composite package for pourable products.

A further desire is felt in the sector to provide for an improved method for forming composite packages for pourable products.

<CIT> discloses a method for applying an opening device to a sheet packaging material for packaging pourable food products, comprising the step of fitting a frame of the opening device to the packaging material in a position in which it extends across a crease line designed to define an edge of the finished package.

<CIT> discloses a synthetic resin pouring spout which is previously attached to a packaging container filled with liquid food such as juice, milk and the like, and which can be easily used by a user.

<CIT> discloses a pour-out hole that is formed in a paper container by folding the flange of the pour-out hole in a straight line in the positions close to the container opening area in such a manner as to conform with the interior contour of the corner of a top panel of the paper container. The opening area for the pour-out hole is so close to the corner that the contents can be easily poured out by tilting the paper container with little content residue left at the corner part.

<CIT> discloses a pouring port to be attached to a cardboard package, in which a beverage, such as milk or juice is to be packed, which is integrally formed of a cylindrical body by inserting through and fixed to a wall of the package, and a cap closing the opening of the cylindrical body, by using an elastic material, such as polyethylene.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner an improved composite packaging material sheet for the formation of a composite package filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product.

It is another object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner a method for forming a composite packaging material sheet for the formation of a composite package for pourable products, in particular pourable food products.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner a composite package for a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product.

It is an even other object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner a method for forming a composite package for pourable products, in particular pourable food products.

According to the present invention, there is provided a composite packaging material sheet according to independent claim <NUM>.

Further advantageous embodiments of the composite packaging material sheet are specified in the claims being directly or indirectly dependent on claim <NUM>.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a method for forming composite packaging material sheets according to independent claim <NUM>.

Further advantageous embodiments of the method for forming composite packaging material sheets are specified in the claims being directly or indirectly dependent on claim <NUM>.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a composite package according to independent claim <NUM>.

Further advantageous embodiments of the composite package are specified in the claims being directly or indirectly dependent on claim <NUM>.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a method for forming composite packages according to independent claim <NUM>.

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

Number <NUM> indicates as a whole a first embodiment of a composite package for a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, even more particular a liquid food product, comprising:.

In particular, package <NUM> may be obtained from a composite packaging material sheet <NUM>, in particular having a multilayer structure, as e.g. disclosed in <FIG>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, package <NUM>, in particular main body <NUM>, may extend along a longitudinal axis A, a first transversal axis B and a second transversal axis C. In particular, the extension of package <NUM> along longitudinal axis A may be larger than the extension of package <NUM> along first transversal axis B and second transversal axis C.

Preferentially, package <NUM>, in particular main body <NUM>, may be parallelepiped-shaped. Alternatively, package <NUM>, in particular main body <NUM>, may have a cylindrical shape or any other shape.

In more detail, main body <NUM> may comprise a plurality of walls, in particular a first wall <NUM>, one or more lateral walls <NUM>, in the specific case shown four, and at least one second wall <NUM>, in the specific case shown one.

More specifically, first wall <NUM> may be transversal, in particular perpendicular, to longitudinal axis A, and main body <NUM> may extend from first wall <NUM> along longitudinal axis A. Preferentially, first wall <NUM> may define a support surface of package <NUM>, in particular main body <NUM>, which is designed to be put in contact with a support, such as e.g. a shelf, in particular when, in use, being e.g. exposed within a sales point or when being stored. In particular, when being arranged on a support first wall <NUM> defines a bottom wall of package <NUM>.

Additionally, first wall <NUM> may define a bottom wall of package <NUM> during a normal use of package <NUM>.

Furthermore, lateral walls <NUM> may be (fixedly) connected to first wall <NUM> and extend, in particular (substantially) parallel to longitudinal axis A, from first wall <NUM>. In particular, lateral walls <NUM> (substantially) define the extension of package <NUM> along longitudinal axis A.

Additionally, second wall <NUM> may be positioned opposite to first wall <NUM> and may be (fixedly) connected to (at least some) lateral walls <NUM>. In particular, also second wall <NUM> may be transversal to longitudinal axis A.

In particular, lateral walls <NUM> may be interposed between first wall <NUM> and second wall <NUM>.

In particular, when being arranged on a support and/or during a normal use of package <NUM>, second wall <NUM> may define a top wall of main body <NUM>.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, first wall <NUM> and second wall <NUM> may be parallel to one another.

According to alternative non-limiting embodiments not shown, first wall portion <NUM> and second wall portion <NUM> may be inclined with respect to one another.

According to another alternative embodiment not shown, second wall <NUM> may have two portions transversal to one another (i.e. so as to form a gable-top configuration).

According to some non-limiting embodiments, second wall <NUM> may carry and/or comprise the designated opening.

Furthermore, main body <NUM> may comprise a plurality of edges, in particular:.

In particular, first transversal edges <NUM> and second transversal edges <NUM> may be transversal, in particular perpendicular, to longitudinal edges <NUM>.

In further detail, first transversal edges <NUM> may define bottom transversal edges of main body <NUM> and second transversal edges <NUM> may define top transversal edges of main body <NUM>.

Moreover, longitudinal edges <NUM> may be (substantially) parallel to longitudinal axis A.

Furthermore, main body <NUM> may comprise an inner space <NUM> for the pourable product. In particular, first wall <NUM>, lateral walls <NUM> and second wall <NUM> may delimit inner space <NUM>.

Additionally, the designated opening may be configured to allow for the outpouring of the pourable product from main body <NUM>, in particular out of inner space <NUM>.

Furthermore, package <NUM>, in particular main body <NUM>, may comprise an inner surface <NUM> facing inner space <NUM> and/or contacting the pourable product, and in particular an outer surface <NUM> opposite to inner surface <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, opening device <NUM> is configured to close and seal the designated opening, in particular prior to the first-time use of package <NUM>, and to be controllable in an open configuration, in which opening device <NUM> frees at least a portion of the designated opening so as to allow the outpouring of the pourable product from package <NUM>, in particular main body <NUM>.

Additionally, opening device <NUM> may also be controllable in a closing configuration, in which opening device <NUM> closes the designated opening.

Moreover, prior to the first-time use of package <NUM>, opening device <NUM> is controlled in the closing configuration and is configured to seal and close the designated opening and after the first-time control of opening device <NUM> in the opening configuration and when controlling opening device <NUM> back in the closing configuration, opening device <NUM> is adapted to close the designated opening.

With particular reference to <FIG>, opening device <NUM> comprises at least a base frame <NUM> for coupling opening device <NUM> to main body <NUM>.

Additionally, base frame <NUM> may be arranged about the designated opening. In particular, base frame <NUM> may comprise a passage, in particular being aligned with at least a portion of the designated opening.

Furthermore, opening device <NUM> may comprise a collar <NUM> extending from base frame <NUM> and a lid <NUM> coupled and/or couplable to collar <NUM>.

In more detail, collar <NUM> may comprise an outlet opening, in particular aligned with the passage and the designated opening, being configured to allow for the outflow of the pourable product, and lid <NUM> is configured to selectively close and open the outlet opening.

In further detail, prior to a first-time use, lid <NUM> may be in a closing position, in which lid <NUM> closes and seals the outlet opening. Additionally, lid <NUM> may be moveable in an open position, in which lid <NUM> opens the outlet opening. Moreover, once lid <NUM> has been moved for the first time to the open position, lid <NUM> is repeatedly moveable between the open position and the closing position, but when being in the closing position lid <NUM> is configured to close the outlet opening.

In particular, opening device <NUM> is controlled in the open configuration and the closing configuration with lid <NUM> being in the open position and the closing position.

In even further detail, prior to the first-time control of lid <NUM> from the closing position to the open position, lid <NUM> is rupturably joined to a rim of collar <NUM>, the rim delimiting the outlet opening.

Additionally, opening device <NUM> may comprise a tethering element <NUM> tethering lid <NUM> to collar <NUM> and/or base frame <NUM>, in the specific case shown to collar <NUM>.

Moreover, opening device <NUM> may comprise a retaining element <NUM> configured to retain lid <NUM> in the open position. In particular, retaining element <NUM> may be configured to interact with tethering element <NUM> so as to retain lid <NUM> in the open position.

In particular, retaining element <NUM> is (integrally) connected to, and extends from, base frame <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, package <NUM> is formed from a packaging material sheet <NUM> comprising:.

It should be noted that packaging material sheet base <NUM> comprises the designated opening and once package <NUM> has been formed from packaging material sheet <NUM> the designated opening of main body <NUM> originates from the designated opening of packaging material sheet base <NUM>.

It should be furthermore noted that main body <NUM> is obtained by folding and sealing packaging material sheet base <NUM> and, as opening device <NUM> is connected to packaging material sheet base <NUM> (as part of packaging material sheet <NUM>), opening device <NUM> is also coupled to main body <NUM> after formation of package <NUM> as a whole.

Moreover, packaging material sheet base <NUM> may comprise a first face and a second face <NUM> opposite to the first face. In particular, the first face defines outer surface <NUM> and second face <NUM> defines inner surface <NUM> once package <NUM> has been formed from packaging material sheet <NUM>.

In even further detail, packaging material sheet base <NUM> may comprise 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 first face and the other one defining second face <NUM>.

Moreover, packaging material sheet base <NUM> may also comprise a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular being arranged between one of the layers of the heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferentially, the packaging material may also comprise a further layer of heat-seal plastic material being interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

With particular reference to <FIG>, packaging material sheet <NUM>, in particular packaging material sheet base <NUM>, comprises a plurality of crease lines <NUM> delimiting and/or defining a plurality of panels <NUM> of packaging material sheet <NUM>, in particular packaging material sheet base <NUM>.

More specifically, packaging material sheet <NUM>, in particular packaging material sheet base <NUM>, is folded along crease lines <NUM> so as to obtain package <NUM>.

In particular, at least some crease lines <NUM> define and/or correspond to longitudinal edges <NUM>, at least some crease lines <NUM> define and/or correspond to first transversal edges <NUM> and at least some crease lines <NUM> define and/or correspond to second transversal edges <NUM>.

In further detail, each panel <NUM> may define at least partially a respective wall (first wall <NUM> or one lateral wall <NUM> or second wall <NUM>) of main body <NUM>.

Moreover, at least one panel <NUM> may comprise the designated opening. In particular, according to the invention shown in <FIG>, exactly one panel <NUM> comprises the designated opening.

Preferentially, the panel <NUM> comprising the designated opening may at least partially form second wall <NUM> after formation of package <NUM>.

In more detail, the panel <NUM> having the designated opening may be sealed during the formation of package <NUM> with another panel <NUM> so as to form second wall <NUM>.

Moreover, the panel <NUM> having the designated opening may be delimited by a plurality of crease lines <NUM> and/or may have a rectangular shape.

With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, base frame <NUM> comprises at least a first flange <NUM> molded onto second face <NUM>.

In more detail, first flange <NUM> may have at least a peripheral portion <NUM>, in particular having an annular shape.

In even more detail, first flange <NUM>, in particular peripheral portion <NUM>, may comprise a rectilinear peripheral portion <NUM> being adjacent and parallel to one respective crease line <NUM> defining a reference crease line <NUM>. In particular, reference crease line <NUM> has a rectilinear shape, too.

Additionally, first flange <NUM>, in particular peripheral portion <NUM>, may comprise an auxiliary peripheral portion <NUM> spaced apart from rectilinear peripheral portion <NUM> and facing away from and being distanced from reference crease line <NUM>. In the specific example shown, auxiliary peripheral portion <NUM> has a rectilinear shape, in particular being (substantially) parallel to rectilinear peripheral portion <NUM>. Alternatively, auxiliary peripheral portion <NUM> may have a shape different from the rectilinear one.

Moreover, first flange <NUM>, in particular peripheral portion <NUM>, may comprise further auxiliary peripheral portions <NUM> connecting rectilinear peripheral portion <NUM> and auxiliary peripheral portion <NUM> to one another. In particular, auxiliary peripheral portions <NUM>, rectilinear peripheral portion <NUM> and auxiliary peripheral portion <NUM> may define an annular shape.

In further detail, first flange <NUM> may comprise the passage.

Furthermore, first flange <NUM> may comprise an inner portion <NUM> being connected to peripheral portion <NUM>. In particular, peripheral portion <NUM> may be radially arranged outside and inner portion <NUM> may be radially arranged inside.

Moreover, peripheral portion <NUM> may extend within a first plane and inner portion <NUM> may extend within a second plane displaced from the first plane. In particular, inner portion <NUM>, even more particular the second plane, may be flush with the first face.

Moreover, first plane may be flush with second face <NUM>.

Moreover, collar <NUM> is integral to first flange <NUM> and extends from first flange <NUM>.

According to the invention a distance between rectilinear peripheral portion <NUM> and reference crease line <NUM> may be equal or less than <NUM>,<NUM>, in particular equal or less than <NUM>,<NUM>, even more particular equal or less than <NUM>,<NUM>. In particular, the distance between rectilinear peripheral portion <NUM> and reference crease line <NUM> is determined with respect to a direction normal to crease line <NUM> and rectilinear peripheral portion <NUM>.

According to some possible embodiments, rectilinear peripheral portion <NUM> may be in contact with reference crease line <NUM>. In particular, rectilinear peripheral portion <NUM> may abut against reference crease line <NUM> or may extend into reference crease line <NUM> (i.e. rectilinear peripheral portion <NUM> may superimpose a portion of reference crease line <NUM>).

Once package <NUM> has been formed form packaging material sheet <NUM>, first flange <NUM> may be connected, in particular fused, to inner surface <NUM> (i.e. first flange <NUM> is arranged within inner space <NUM>). Additionally, rectilinear peripheral portion <NUM> may be adjacent and parallel to reference crease line <NUM>. In particular, reference crease line <NUM> corresponds and/or defines one respective second transversal edge <NUM>.

Moreover, rectilinear peripheral portion <NUM> may be adjacent to one respective lateral wall <NUM>. In particular a distance between rectilinear peripheral portion <NUM> and the respective lateral wall <NUM> may be equal or less than <NUM>,<NUM>, in particular equal or less than <NUM>,<NUM>, even more particular equal or less than <NUM>,<NUM>.

According to some possible embodiments, rectilinear peripheral portion <NUM> may abut against the respective lateral wall <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, retaining element <NUM> is (integrally) connected to and extends from first flange <NUM>, in particular peripheral portion <NUM>.

According to the specific embodiment of <FIG>, peripheral portion <NUM> may be arranged within inner space <NUM>.

Furthermore, the forming of one respective packaging material sheet <NUM> comprises at least the steps of:.

In particular, the mold has a cavity corresponding to the shape of opening device <NUM>.

According to some possible embodiments, in particular for improving the preciseness of the positioning of opening device <NUM>, the formation of packaging material sheet <NUM> also comprises the step of:.

In particular, the mark may be a magnetic mark or a different kind of mark. Preferentially, the mark may be a magnetic mark as allowing for a precise positioning of the mold and therewith of opening device <NUM>.

In further detail, packaging material sheet bases <NUM> may be provided in the form of a web. In particular, the web comprises a plurality of basic units, each basic unit corresponding to one respective packaging material sheet base <NUM>. Thus, during the step of providing, the web of packaging material sheet bases <NUM> is advanced, in particular intermittently advanced, to a molding station, at which opening devices <NUM> are molded onto the respective packaging material sheet bases <NUM>. In this way, one obtains a web of packaging material sheets <NUM>.

Moreover, the formation of packages <NUM> comprises the following steps:.

In more detail, packaging material sheet <NUM> may be provided in the form of a web of packaging material sheets <NUM> and the web of packaging material sheets <NUM> may be (continuously) advanced to a tube forming station, at which the web of packaging material sheets <NUM> may be formed into a tube.

Moreover, during the step of sealing, the tube may be longitudinally sealed and transversally sealed.

Additionally, during the step of filling, the tube may be filled with the pourable product.

The formation of packages <NUM> may also comprise the step of forming, during which the tube is formed and the step of transversally cutting the tube so as to obtain the single packages <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, number <NUM>' indicates an alternative embodiment of a package according to the present invention; as package <NUM>' is similar to package <NUM>, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.

In particular, package <NUM>' differs from package <NUM> in comprising opening device <NUM>'.

As well, package <NUM>' differs from package <NUM> in being formed from a packaging material sheet <NUM>' (see <FIG>).

As packaging material sheet <NUM>' is similar to packaging material sheet <NUM>, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.

In particular, also packaging material sheet <NUM>' differs from packaging material sheet <NUM> in comprising opening device <NUM>'.

In more detail and with particular reference to <FIG>, opening device <NUM>' differs from opening device <NUM> in that base frame <NUM> further comprises a second flange <NUM> spaced apart from, and in particular being parallel to, first flange <NUM>.

Preferentially, first flange <NUM> and second flange <NUM> may be connected to one another.

In particular, second flange <NUM> is molded onto the first face or after formation of package <NUM> onto outer surface <NUM>.

Furthermore, first flange <NUM> and second flange <NUM> define a respective interspace interposing between one another a portion of packaging material sheet base <NUM> or after formation of package <NUM> of second wall <NUM>.

In further detail and with particular reference to <FIG>, second flange <NUM> may comprise a peripheral portion <NUM>, in particular having the same shape as peripheral portion <NUM>. Alternatively, peripheral portion <NUM> may have a shape at least partially differentiating from the shape of peripheral portion <NUM>.

As the formation of packaging material sheets <NUM>' is similar to the formation of packaging material sheets <NUM>, we refer to the description as provided with respect to the formation of packaging material sheets <NUM>.

Additionally, as the formation of package <NUM>' is similar to the formation of package <NUM>, we refer to the description as provided with respect to the formation of package <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, number <NUM>'' indicates an alternative embodiment of a package that is not part of the present invention; as package <NUM>'' is similar to package <NUM>, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.

In particular, package <NUM>'' differs from package <NUM> in comprising opening device <NUM>'' and in that the designated opening extends over two respective walls, in particular second wall <NUM> and one lateral wall <NUM>.

As well, package <NUM>'' differs from package <NUM>' in being formed from a packaging material sheet <NUM>'' (see <FIG>).

As packaging material sheet <NUM>'' is similar to packaging material sheet <NUM>', the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.

In particular, packaging material sheet <NUM>'' differs from packaging material sheet <NUM>' in comprising opening device <NUM>'' and packaging material sheet base <NUM>".

In more detail, packaging material sheet base <NUM>" differs from packaging material sheet base <NUM> in that the designated opening comprises a first opening portion and a second opening portion.

Furthermore, one panel <NUM>, in particular the one at least partially defining second wall <NUM>, comprises the first opening portion and another panel <NUM>, in particular the one defining one lateral wall <NUM>, comprises the second opening portion.

In more detail, one crease line <NUM>, in particular being transversal, even more particular perpendicular, to reference crease line <NUM>, is interposed between the panel <NUM> having the first opening portion and the panel <NUM> having the second opening portion.

In even more detail, the crease line <NUM> being interposed between the panel <NUM> having the first opening portion and the panel <NUM> having the second opening portion defines an auxiliary reference crease line <NUM> being transversal, in particular perpendicular, to reference crease line <NUM>. In addition, and with particular reference to <FIG>, opening device <NUM>'' differs from opening device <NUM>'in that first flange <NUM> may comprise a first flange portion <NUM>, a second flange portion <NUM> and a fold line <NUM> interposed between first flange portion <NUM> and second flange portion <NUM>. In particular, fold line <NUM> is configured such that during formation of package <NUM>, i.e. during the folding of the respective packaging material sheet <NUM>'', first flange <NUM> is folded along fold line <NUM> such that first flange portion <NUM> and second flange portion <NUM> are arranged transversal, in particular (substantially) perpendicularly to one another.

Preferentially, fold line <NUM> may be parallel to auxiliary reference crease line <NUM>. In particular, fold line <NUM> may be aligned with auxiliary reference crease line <NUM>.

According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, a distance between auxiliary reference crease line <NUM> and fold line <NUM> may be equal or less than <NUM>,<NUM>, in particular equal or less than <NUM>,<NUM>, even more particular equal or less than <NUM>,<NUM>.

Moreover, first flange portion <NUM> may be associated to the first opening portion and second flange portion <NUM> may cover and seal the second opening portion.

Additionally, auxiliary reference crease line <NUM> may comprise a first section <NUM> and a second section <NUM> detached from one another.

Advantageously, fold line <NUM> may be parallel to and interposed between first section <NUM> and second section <NUM>. In particular, fold line <NUM> may extend between first section <NUM> and second section <NUM>.

Furthermore, first flange portion <NUM> may comprise peripheral portion <NUM>, in particular rectilinear peripheral portion <NUM>.

Moreover, first flange portion <NUM> may comprise the passage and collar <NUM> may be connected to and extend from first flange portion <NUM>. As well, retaining element <NUM> may extend from first flange portion <NUM>.

It is to be noted that once package <NUM>'' has been formed from packaging material sheet <NUM>'', one respective wall of main body <NUM> comprises the first opening portion and another wall the second opening portion, in particular the two walls being transversal to one another. In more detail, second wall <NUM> comprises the first opening portion and one transversal wall <NUM> the second opening portion.

As the formation of packaging material sheets <NUM>'' is similar to the formation of packaging material sheets <NUM>, we refer to the description as provided with respect to the formation of packaging material sheets <NUM>.

Additionally, as the formation of package <NUM>" is similar to the formation of package <NUM>, we refer to the description as provided with respect to the formation of package <NUM>.

The advantages of packaging material sheet <NUM>, <NUM>' and/or of package <NUM>, <NUM>' and/or the method for forming a packaging material sheet <NUM>, <NUM>' and/or the method for forming a package <NUM>, <NUM>' according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

In particular, by relying on packaging material sheets <NUM>, <NUM>' for the formation of packages <NUM>, <NUM>', it is possible to improve the transportation and reclosing properties of packages <NUM>, <NUM>'. In particular, by having rectilinear peripheral portion <NUM> being adjacent and parallel to reference crease line <NUM> (the respective second transversal edge <NUM>) it is possible to transfer a load acting on the respective opening device <NUM>, <NUM>' onto one or more lateral walls <NUM>. This again allows to avoid any risk of possible deformations of the respective main body <NUM>.

A further advantage resides in providing for a first flange <NUM> having a first flange portion <NUM> and a second flange portion <NUM> further enhancing the effects of rectilinear peripheral portion <NUM> being adjacent and parallel to reference crease line <NUM> (the respective second transversal edge <NUM>).

An additional advantage resides in that having rectilinear peripheral portion <NUM> being adjacent and parallel to reference crease line <NUM> improves the folding of packaging material sheets <NUM>, <NUM>', into the respective packages <NUM>, <NUM>'.

Clearly, changes may be made to packaging material sheet <NUM>, <NUM>' and/or package <NUM>, <NUM>' and/or the method for forming a packaging material sheet <NUM>, <NUM>' and/or the method for forming a package <NUM>, <NUM>' as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claim 1:
Composite packaging material sheet (<NUM>, <NUM>') for the formation of a composite package (<NUM>, <NUM>') filled with a pourable product comprising at least:
- a packaging material sheet base (<NUM>) comprising a multilayer packaging material having a designated opening; and
- an opening device (<NUM>, <NUM>') applied on the packaging material sheet base (<NUM>) and about the designated opening and designed to seal the designated opening and being controllable in an open position so as to free at least a portion of the designated opening;
wherein the packaging material sheet base (<NUM>) comprises at least a first face and a second face (<NUM>) opposite to the first face;
wherein the second face (<NUM>) is designed to define an inner surface (<NUM>) of the composite package (<NUM>, <NUM>') to be formed from the composite packaging material sheet (<NUM>, <NUM>');
wherein the packaging material sheet base (<NUM>) comprises a plurality of crease lines (<NUM>) delimiting a plurality of panels (<NUM>);
wherein the opening device (<NUM>, <NUM>') comprises a base frame (<NUM>) for coupling the opening device (<NUM>, <NUM>') to the packaging material sheet base (<NUM>) and about the designated opening;
wherein the base frame (<NUM>) comprises at least a first flange (<NUM>) connected to the second face (<NUM>) and having a rectilinear peripheral portion (<NUM>);
wherein the rectilinear peripheral portion (<NUM>) is parallel to one respective crease line (<NUM>) defining a reference crease line (<NUM>);
wherein the first flange (<NUM>) is molded onto the second face (<NUM>);
characterized in that
exactly one panel (<NUM>) comprises the designated opening; and in that
the rectilinear peripheral portion (<NUM>) is adjacent to said one respective crease line (<NUM>) defining said reference crease line (<NUM>) and a distance between the rectilinear peripheral portion (<NUM>) and the reference crease line (<NUM>) is equal or less than <NUM>,<NUM>.