Patent Description:
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.

Some versions of these packages comprise a designated pour opening surface area, which is configured to be pierced by a drinking straw so as to allow the introduction of the drinking straw into the carton package so as to permit the extraction of the pourable food product.

The drinking straw is typically attached to the package within a closed plastic envelop and being attached to the package. Prior to its use a consumer detaches the drinking straw together with its envelop from the package or extracts the drinking straw from the envelop, while the latter remains attached to the package.

A drawback of these packages resides in that the drinking straws are of single use.

A further drawback resides in that for hygienic reasons the drinking straws need to be placed within the respective plastic envelops. In some cases the consumer is inattentive and the plastic envelop becomes dispersed in a non-controlled manner in the environment. In some cases, this also applies to the drinking straw itself.

Packages for pourable products are known from <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> which comprise a designated pour opening surface area and a first fastening device being coupled to an outer surface of the package to releasably and/or removably engage with a spout.

A need is felt in the sector to improve the known packages. In particular, so as to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner an improved package, in particular an improved carton package.

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

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

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

The present invention relates to a package for a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product. The package may be any type of container suitable for storing the pourable product. The package may be sealed prior to use for containing and avoiding spillage of the pourable product.

The package may be sealed by a longitudinal sealing band and two transversal sealing bands when the package is made from a web of packaging material or from a flat blank of packaging material.

The package may physically protect the pourable product from spoilage with pollutants and from contamination with microorganisms such as pathogens.

The package may provide barrier protection against oxygen, water vapor, dust, and other environmental contaminants.

The package has an inner volume in which the pourable product is stored. The package has one or more wall portions, which in combination surround the inner volume. Each wall portion has an inner surface facing the inner volume and an outer surface opposite the inner surface and facing towards the environment.

The package is suitable for packaging a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product. The term "pourable product" as used herein refers to any product that may be poured. The pourable product may be liquid or granular. The pourable product may be a liquid containing particulates in which the particulates will flow with the liquid.

The package comprises a designated pour opening surface area. The term "designated pour opening surface area" refers to any part of any wall portion of the package, which has been intended for at least partial opening so that the pourable product can be emptied from the package.

The designated pour opening surface area may be positioned on any wall portion such as a top wall portion, a front wall portion, a back wall portion, or a side wall portion.

The package may comprise more than one designated pour opening surface.

The packaging material within at least a portion of the designated pour opening surface area may be weaker than the packaging material in other parts of any wall portion. The weakening may be achieved by perforating and/or cutting and/or opening at least a portion of the circumference of the designated pour opening surface area. The weakening may be achieved by omitting at least one layer, such as a fibrous layer, from the packaging material.

The package comprises at least a first fastening device. The term "first fastening device" as used herein refers to any device that is capable of restraining its relative spatial or rotational movement in at least one degree of freedom when engaged with another device such as a second fastening device. Preferably, the fastening device is capable of restraining its relative spatial movement in at least one spatial degree of freedom and/or its relative rotational movement in at least one rotational degree of freedom when engaged with another device such as a second fastening device.

The first fastening device is coupled to an outer surface of at least one wall portion of the package and is positioned adjacent to the designated pour opening surface area, preferably on the same wall portion.

The first fastening device may be coupled to the wall portion through adhesive bonding, ultrasonic bonding, molding or the like.

The first fastening device is connected to an anchor portion positioned on the inner surface of the wall portion, thereby clamping the first fastening device to the wall portion. The connection may pierce the wall portion and may be manufactured through joint injection molding of the first fastening portion and the anchor portion.

The first fastening device is configured to releasably and/or removably engage with a second fastening device of a reusable spout. The term "releasable and/or removeable engagement" as used herein refers to any engagement between a first fastening device and a second fastening device in which there is a first position in which the fastening devices are engaged with each other and in which there is a second position in which the first fastening device and the second fastening device are not engaged with each other whereby the first fastening device and the second fastening device can be brought at least once from the second into the first position in a non-destructive manner. Preferably, the first fastening device and the second fastening device can be brought back into the second position again, even more preferably in a non-destructive manner. Even more preferably, the first fastening device and the second fastening device can be brought back and forth between the first and the second position multiple times in a non-destructive manner.

The first fastening device is coupled to an outer surface of at least one wall portion of the package adjacent to the designated pour opening surface area. The term adjacent in this context means that the position of the first fastening device is chosen such that, when the first fastening device is engaged with a second fastening device of a spout, the spout may receive the pourable product dispensed from an opening within the designated pour opening surface area. The first fastening device may be positioned relative to the designated pour opening surface area so that it is adjacent and adapted to hold the pour spout above the opening within the designated pour opening surface area.

The first fastening device may be configured such to allow the spout to be controlled between a release configuration at which the spout is placeable onto and/or removable from the package and a locking configuration at which the spout is secured to the package. The first fastening device may be configured such to allow the spout to be controlled between the release configuration and the locking configuration by a linear, rotary, tilting, or other combined or more complex movement. The spout may be controllable between the release configuration and the locking configuration by means of a relative movement between at least a portion of the first fastening device and at least a portion of the second fastening device. During the relative movement, the first fastening device and the second fastening device are moving from an unengaged position to an engaged position. In the engaged position, a surface of the first fastening device may be in contact with a surface of the second fastening device. The engagement may create a friction force between the first fastening device and the second fastening device, which is oriented to act against the movement into the unengaged position.

The spout may be placeable onto or removable from the package in linear, rotary, tilting, or other combined or more complex movement suitable to distance the spout from the container and different from the movement of the spout between the release configuration and the locking configuration.

The spout may be controllable between the release configuration and the locking configuration by means of a relative rotation between the spout and the package. In particular, the first fastening device and the second fastening device cooperate such that a relative rotation between the first fastening device and the second fastening device and/or the spout and the package into a first sense of rotation allows to position the spout from the release configuration to the locking configuration and into a second sense of rotation distinct from the first sense of rotation for positioning the spout from the locking configuration to the release configuration and into the locking configuration.

The interaction between the first fastening device and the second fastening device may also be such that a clamping force is exerted on the spout so that a contact surface of the spout is forced against an outer contact surface of the package for forming a sealing assembly. In particular, the contact surface and the outer contact surface face one another and are pressed against one another so that a leakage of the pourable product between the contact surface and the outer contact surface is avoided. This shall guarantee that the pourable product solely exits from a pouring outlet of the spout. Even more particular, the contact surface of the spout is defined by a surface of a portion of the spout having elastic properties.

The first fastening device may comprise one or more fastening members, each one having a respective clamping portion for interposing, in use, at least a respective portion of the spout between the clamping portion and a respective portion of the outer surface of the package, in particular for exerting the clamping force. The fastening members may be arranged adjacent to the pour opening surface area, in particular so that the pour opening surface is interposed between the fastening members. Even more particular, the fastening members may be arranged at opposing sides of the pour opening surface. In particular, such an arrangement allows equilibrating the clamping forces acting on the spout. With the term "equilibrating" is meant that the clamping forces act on two opposing sides of the spout and with the substantially same force.

The clamping portion of the first fastening device may present an extended shape so as to distribute the clamping forces. The clamping portion may present different shapes. the clamping portion may be arc-shaped or semi-circularly shaped or may have a more or less complex shape.

Each fastening member may comprise a hook element carrying the clamping portion. The hook element may be configured to at least partially extend through a respective groove provided within the spout. Such a configuration may allow a relative rotation of the spout until the hook element abuts with an end section of the groove.

The package may be formed from a multi-layer packaging material having at least a layer of fibrous material. The first fastening device may be molded onto the multi-layer packaging material prior, during or after formation of the package.

The package may be formed from a suitable multi-layer packaging blank.

A sequence of packages may be formed from a suitable multi-layer packaging material, in particular within automatic packaging machines.

The reusable spout for the package filled with a pourable product comprises a second fastening device for interacting with the first fastening device of the package.

The term "second fastening device" as used herein refers to any device that is capable of restraining its relative spatial or rotational movement in at least one degree of freedom when engaged with another device such as the first fastening device. Preferably, the second fastening device is capable of restraining its relative spatial movement in at least one spatial degree of freedom and/or its relative rotational movement in at least one rotational degree of freedom when engaged with another device such as the first fastening device.

In particular, the interaction between the second fastening device and the first fastening device allows a releasable and/or removable engagement of the spout to the package; i,e. the first fastening device and the second fastening device may be brought into engagement with one another and may be disengaged from one another after having been brought into engagement, in particular in a non-destructive manner. The spout may allow a controlled out-pouring of the pourable product filled within the package.

The spout may be a drinking spout so that a consumer could approach the spout to the consumer's mouth. The spout may also be any other kind of spout, as long that it permits the controlled out-pouring of the pourable product.

The spout may be controllable between a release configuration at which the spout is placeable onto and/or removable from the package and a locking configuration at which the spout is secured to the package. The locking configuration guarantees that the spout remains attached to the package during the out-pouring of the pourable product and the release configuration allows to place the spout onto the package prior to its use and the removal of the spout after its use. The spout could be used on the same package repeated times, but could also be used with a new package.

The spout could be controlled the release configuration and the locking configuration by means of a relative movement, in particular a rotation, between at least a portion of the first fastening device and a portion of the second fastening device.

The spout may comprise a pouring outlet and a contact surface opposed to the pouring outlet. With the term "pouring outlet" we intend any outlet, which allows a controlled out-pouring of the pourable product from the package with the spout being attached to the package. The contact surface is a surface of the spout, which is to be brought, in use, into engagement with an outer contact surface of the package so that a sealing assembly is formed in cooperation between the contact surface and the outer contact surface. This shall allow to avoid any leakage of the pourable product. In particular, the formation of the sealing assembly shall guarantee that the pourable product could only exit from the pouring outlet.

The spout may comprise at least an opening member for opening and/or rupturing and/or cutting the designated pour opening surface area. This shall provide the consumer with the possibility to at least partially open the pour opening surface area so that the pourable product can be emptied from the package.

The second fastening device may comprise at least one groove for receiving at least a portion of a fastening member of the first fastening device. In particular, the groove is realized such that the fastening member can at least partially extend through the groove and upon a relative moment between the first fastening device and the second fastening device, the fastening member advances within the groove, in particular until abutting with an end of the groove.

The second fastening device may comprises at least one flap, in particular having an arc-shaped and/or semi-circular shape. The flap may be realized such to be clampable between a portion of the outer surface of the package and a clamping portion of a fastening member of the first fastening device. In particular, the interaction is such to create a clamping force on the spout and to provide for a friction between the flap and the fastening member so as to avoid an unwanted loosening of the spout from the package.

The package and the spout may form a package-spout assembly having the respective package and the respective spout. The package-spout assembly may be defined by the spout being mounted onto the package, but the spout may also be detached from the package.

Reference numeral <NUM> indicates as a whole a package-spout assembly having a package <NUM>, in particular a carton package, and a reusable spout <NUM> removably and/or releasably coupled to or removably and/or releasably couplable to package <NUM>.

Preferably but not necessarily, package <NUM> is 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 water, pasteurized milk, fruit juice or other beverages suitable for consumption on-the-go.

Package <NUM> may be obtained from a web of packaging material having a multilayer structure (not shown), and comprises at least a layer of fibrous material, such as e.g. a paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of polymeric plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, interposing the layer of fibrous material in between one another. One of these two layers of polymeric material defining the inner face of package <NUM> contacting the pourable product in the filled package <NUM>.

Preferably but not necessarily, the web of packaging material also comprises a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or a film layer comprising ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), in particular being arranged between one of the layers of the polymeric material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferentially but not necessarily, the web of packaging material also comprises a further layer of polymeric material being interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, package <NUM> extends along a longitudinal axis A. In particular, package <NUM> comprises a first wall portion <NUM>, in particular being transversal, even more particular perpendicular, to axis A and, from which package <NUM> extends along axis A. Preferably but not necessarily, first wall portion <NUM> defines a support surface of package <NUM>, which is in contact with a support, such as e.g. a shelf, when, in use, being e.g. exposed within a sales point.

Preferably but not necessarily, package <NUM> also comprises a plurality of lateral walls <NUM> being (fixedly) connected to first wall portion <NUM> and extending, in particular substantially parallel to axis A, from first wall portion <NUM>.

Preferably but not necessarily, package <NUM> also comprises a second wall portion <NUM> opposite to first wall portion <NUM> and being (fixedly) connected to lateral walls <NUM>. In other words, lateral walls <NUM> are interposed between first wall portion <NUM> and second wall portion <NUM>.

According to the non-limiting example shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, first wall portion <NUM> and second wall portion <NUM> may be parallel to one another.

According to a non-limiting alternative embodiment, first wall portion <NUM> and second wall portion <NUM> could be inclined with respect to one another.

Preferentially but not necessarily, package <NUM> is parallelepiped-shaped.

With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, package <NUM> comprises a designated pour opening surface area <NUM>. In particular, pour opening surface <NUM> is configured to be (reversibly or non-reversibly) opened and/or ruptured and/or cut so as to allow the out-pouring of the pourable product from package <NUM>.

Even more particular, pour opening surface area <NUM> comprises a separation membrane <NUM> configured to be ruptured and/or opened and/or cut, in particular separating in the area, in particular at, pour opening surface area <NUM> the inner of package <NUM> from the outside. Preferentially but not necessarily, separation membrane <NUM> comprises a gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or a film comprising ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH).

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, separation membrane <NUM> 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.

Preferentially but not necessarily, pour opening surface area <NUM> is provided on second wall portion <NUM>.

Advantageously, package <NUM> comprises at least a first fastening device <NUM> being coupled to an outer surface <NUM> of package <NUM> and being adjacent to pour opening surface area <NUM>. First fastening device <NUM> is configured to removably and/or reversibly and/or releasably arrange and/or fasten spout <NUM> to package <NUM> through cooperation with at least a portion of spout <NUM> itself.

With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, spout <NUM> comprises a pouring outlet <NUM> configured to allow the outflow of the pourable product filled into package <NUM>, in particular with spout <NUM> being placed onto package <NUM> and pour opening surface area <NUM> being opened and/or ruptured and/or cut.

Preferentially but not necessarily, spout <NUM> also comprises a coupling base <NUM> configured such that at least a portion of coupling base <NUM> itself contacts, in use, at least a portion of outer surface <NUM>.

According to the non-limiting embodiment shown, coupling base <NUM> presents a circular cross-section. Alternatively, coupling base <NUM> could present a different cross-sectional shape, e.g. elliptical or rectangular or quadratic or any other.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, spout <NUM> also comprises an outlet stub <NUM> carrying pouring outlet <NUM> and having an inner flow channel, in particular being configured to, in use, fluidically connect the inner of package <NUM> with pouring outlet <NUM>, in particular with spout <NUM> being arranged on package <NUM> and with pour opening surface area <NUM> being opened and/or ruptured and/or cut.

Preferentially but not necessarily, outlet stub <NUM> is coupled to coupling base <NUM>. According to the example shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, outlet stub <NUM> is fixedly coupled to coupling base <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment not shown, outlet stub <NUM> could be moveably coupled to coupling base <NUM>; e.g. outlet stub <NUM> could be hinged to coupling base <NUM>.

Preferentially but not necessarily, spout <NUM> is also configured to be controlled between an open configuration at which the pourable product can exit from pouring outlet <NUM> and a closed configured at which the pourable product is hindered from exiting from pouring outlet <NUM>.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment not shown, spout <NUM> could comprise a lid configured to cover pouring outlet <NUM>. In particular, the lid could be configured to control spout <NUM> between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

In alternative or additionally, outlet stub <NUM> could be hinged to coupling base <NUM> and being angularly moveable between at least a first position and at least a second position at which spout <NUM> is controlled respectively between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

Advantageously, spout <NUM> comprises a second fastening device <NUM> configured to releasably and/or removably and/or reversibly engage with first fastening device <NUM> and/or first fastening device <NUM> is configured to releasably and/or removably and/or reversibly engage with second fastening device <NUM> so as to releasably and/or removably and/or reversibly fasten spout <NUM> to package <NUM>.

In other words, first fastening device <NUM> and second fastening device <NUM> are configured to releasably and/or removably and/or reversibly arrange and/or fasten spout <NUM> to package <NUM> in collaboration with one another.

In particular, first fastening device <NUM> is arranged on outer surface <NUM> such that spout <NUM> becomes, in use, fastened to package <NUM> in the area, in particular at, pour opening surface area <NUM> so that a fluidic connection between the inner of package <NUM> and pouring outlet <NUM> establishes or can establish with pour opening surface area <NUM> being opened and/or ruptured and/or cut. , in use, positioning of spout <NUM> onto package <NUM> allows a controlled exit of the pourable product from package <NUM> through spout <NUM>, in particular pouring outlet <NUM>.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, first fastening device <NUM> and/or second fastening device <NUM> is/are configured to allow spout <NUM> to be controlled between a release configuration at which spout <NUM> is placeable onto and/or removable from package <NUM> and a locking configuration at which spout <NUM> is secured to package <NUM>. , in use, spout <NUM> being controlled into the locking configuration ensures that spout <NUM> remains attached to package <NUM> during the pouring of the pourable product out of package <NUM> through spout <NUM>. Furthermore, the control of spout <NUM> into the release configuration allows, in use, the detachment and/or placement of spout <NUM> from and/or on package <NUM> so as to be used with the same package <NUM> again or with a new package <NUM>.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, at least a portion of first fastening device <NUM> and at least a portion of second fastening device <NUM> engage with one another and disengage from one another with spout <NUM> being controlled respectively into the locking configuration and the release configuration.

In more detail, first fastening device <NUM> and/or second fastening device <NUM> is/are configured such that spout <NUM> is controllable between the release configuration and the locking configuration by means of a relative movement, in particular a relative rotation with respect to a rotation axis (parallel to axis A), between (at least a portion of) first fastening device <NUM> and (at least a portion of) second fastening device <NUM> and/or between (at least a portion of) package <NUM> and (at least a portion of) spout <NUM>.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, spout <NUM> is controllable between the release configuration and the locking configuration in a non-destructive manner; i.e. neither first fastening device <NUM> nor second fastening device <NUM> are not subject to any partial destruction.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, first fastening device <NUM> and/or second fastening device <NUM> is/are configured such that spout <NUM> is configured to be controlled from the release configuration into the locking configuration by means of a relative rotation between (at least a portion of) package <NUM> and (at least a portion of) spout <NUM> around the rotation axis into a first sense of rotation and from the locking configuration into the release configuration by means of a relative rotation into a second sense of rotation distinct from the first sense of rotation.

Preferably but not necessarily, first fastening device <NUM> and/or second fastening device <NUM> is/are configured such to interact with one another so as to exert a clamping force on spout <NUM> in a manner that a contact surface of spout <NUM> is, in use, forced against an outer contact surface of outer surface <NUM>, in particular for forming a sealing assembly. In particular, the formation of the sealing assembly allows limiting the risk of a leakage of the pourable product between spout <NUM> and package <NUM>.

More specifically, the clamping force is such that spout <NUM>, in particular the contact surface, is pressed onto package <NUM>, in particular the outer contact surface.

In more detail, the outer contact surface is positioned adjacent to, in particular surrounds, pour opening surface area <NUM>.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, spout <NUM>, in particular coupling base <NUM>, comprises a sealing layer <NUM> carrying the contact surface. Preferentially but not necessarily, sealing layer <NUM> is at least partially, preferably is fully, realized from an elastic material.

Preferably but not necessarily, spout <NUM>, in particular coupling base <NUM>, comprises a support layer <NUM> carrying outlet stub <NUM>. In particular, support layer <NUM> and sealing layer <NUM> contact one another. In use, with spout <NUM> being arranged on package <NUM>, sealing layer <NUM> is interposed between support layer <NUM> and outer surface <NUM>, in particular the outer contact surface.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, first fastening device <NUM> comprises at least one fastening member <NUM>, two in the example shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, each one having a respective clamping portion <NUM> being configured to interpose at least a portion of spout <NUM>, in particular coupling base <NUM>, between the respective clamping portion <NUM> and a portion of outer surface <NUM>, in particular a portion of the outer contact surface, at least with spout <NUM> being, in use, controlled into the locking configuration.

Preferably but not necessarily, each clamping portion <NUM> extends substantially parallel to pour opening surface area <NUM>.

According to the non-limiting embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, first fastening device <NUM> comprises at least two fastening members <NUM> interposing at least a portion of pour opening surface area <NUM> in between one another.

According to the non-limiting embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, each fastening member <NUM> comprises a hook element <NUM> carrying the respective clamping portion <NUM>.

In more detail, each hook element <NUM> comprises:.

Preferably but not necessarily, second section <NUM> carries clamping portion <NUM> and/or defines clamping portion <NUM>.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, first fastening device <NUM>, in particular each fastening member <NUM>, even more particular each hook element <NUM>, is applied onto outer surface <NUM> by means of a molding process.

Preferably but not necessarily, first fastening device <NUM>, in particular each fastening member <NUM>, even more particular each hook element <NUM>, is applied onto an external layer of the web of packaging material and/or an at least partially formed package <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, second fastening device <NUM> comprises at least one fastening element, in particular one groove <NUM>, in the example shown two, configured to interact and/or cooperate with one respective fastening member <NUM>. In particular, groove <NUM> is provided within spout <NUM>, even more particular within coupling base <NUM>. More specifically, each groove <NUM> is configured to cooperate and/or interact with one respective hook element <NUM>.

Preferably but not necessarily, each hook element <NUM> and/or each groove <NUM> is formed such that, in use, each hook element <NUM> is adapted to extend at least partially through one respective groove <NUM>.

According to the non-limiting embodiment shown, each groove <NUM> comprises a receiving portion <NUM> and a guiding portion <NUM>, in particular being connected to one another.

More specifically, receiving portion <NUM> is configured to receive the respective hook element <NUM> with spout <NUM> being controlled into the release configuration and guiding portion <NUM> is configured to guide the relative movement between package <NUM> and spout <NUM> during control of spout <NUM> from the release configuration to the locking configuration and/or from the locking configuration to the release configuration.

According to the non-limiting embodiment shown, each groove <NUM> is a through-groove extending through coupling base <NUM>, in particular both sealing layer <NUM> and support layer <NUM>.

In an alternative embodiment not shown, each groove <NUM> could extend solely through a portion of coupling base <NUM>. In particular, a respective zone of each guiding section <NUM> would be delimited by at least three inner walls.

With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, each guiding section <NUM> presents an arc-shaped and/or semi-circular form.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, first fastening device <NUM> and/or second fastening device <NUM> comprises at least one abutment element <NUM> configured to limit the possible relative movement, in particular the relative rotation, between first fastening device <NUM> and second fastening device <NUM> and/or package <NUM> and spout <NUM>. In particular, abutment element <NUM> is configured to define and/or determine the locking configuration of spout <NUM>.

Preferably but not necessarily, abutment element <NUM> is configured to contact respectively a portion of the second fastening device <NUM> and/or a portion of the first fastening device <NUM> at least with spout <NUM> being controlled into the locking configuration.

With particular reference to the embodiment disclosed in <FIG>, second fastening device <NUM> comprises abutment element <NUM>, in particular a plurality of abutment elements <NUM>, two in the example shown.

In particular, each groove <NUM> comprises one respective abutment element <NUM>.

Preferably but not necessarily, each abutment element <NUM> is defined by an end portion of the respective guiding section <NUM>, in particular the end portion of guiding section <NUM> being opposed to receiving section <NUM>.

More specifically, each hook element <NUM> is configured to contact one respective abutment element <NUM> with spout <NUM> being controlled into the locking configuration.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each abutment element <NUM> is configured to limit the course of the respective hook element <NUM> within groove during a relative rotation of first fastening device <NUM> and second fastening device <NUM> and/or of package <NUM> and spout <NUM> with respect to one another into the first sense of rotation.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, spout <NUM> also comprises an opening member, in particular a cutter, configured to open and/or rupture and/or cut at least partially pour opening surface area <NUM>, in particular separation membrane <NUM>.

According to a non-limiting embodiment not shown, the opening member could be fixedly connected to and protruding from coupling base <NUM>. In particular, the opening member could be configured such to at least partially penetrate into package <NUM> with spout <NUM> being arranged onto package <NUM>, in particular with spout <NUM> being controlled into the locking configuration.

It should be mentioned that package <NUM> is produced on automatic packaging machines (known as such and not further described) from the web of packaging material. In particular, the web of packaging material comprises a sequence of a repetitive pattern defining a plurality of multi-layer packaging blanks.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, each multi-layer packaging blank is configured to allow the formation of a respective package <NUM> having first fastening device <NUM>.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, each multi-layer packaging blank comprises first fastening device <NUM>; i.e. first fastening device <NUM> is attached prior to the introduction of the web of packaging material into the packaging machine.

According to a preferred alternative non-limiting embodiment, first fastening device <NUM> is applied onto the respective multi-layer packaging blank and/or the at least partially formed package <NUM> within the packaging machine.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the packaging machine itself and/or a separate packaging unit is configured to create multi-packs comprising a plurality of packages <NUM> and one respective spout <NUM> configured to be used consecutively with each package <NUM> of the respective multipack.

Alternatively and/or in addition, each spout <NUM> can be provided separately from packages <NUM> and/or multi-packs of package <NUM>.

In use, a consumer attaches spout <NUM> to package <NUM> in the area of, in particular at, pour opening surface area <NUM>. In particular, the consumer executes a relative movement, in particular a relative rotation, between the respective package <NUM> and spout <NUM>, so as to control spout <NUM> into the locking configuration, in particular by a relative rotation into the first sense of rotation.

More specifically, the consumer guides at least partially each respective hook element <NUM> through the respective groove <NUM>, in particular the respective receiving section <NUM> and by executing the relative movement (into the first sense of rotation) and the interaction between each hook element <NUM> and the respective groove <NUM>, in particular the respective guiding section <NUM>, spout <NUM> is controlled into the locking configuration. In particular, spout <NUM> is in its locking configuration with each hook element <NUM> contacting the respective abutment element <NUM>.

The opening member of spout <NUM> opens and/or ruptures and/or cuts pour opening surface area <NUM>, in particular separating membrane <NUM>.

After use, the consumer controls spout <NUM> into the release configuration, in particular by a relative rotation into the second sense of rotation, and removes spout <NUM> from package <NUM>. Spout <NUM> can then be newly used with another package <NUM>, in particular after a cleaning of spout <NUM>.

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

Spout <NUM>' differs from spout <NUM> in that the opening member is moveable at least between a rest position and an opening position and in comprising a control member <NUM> configured to control and/or move the opening member between the rest position and the opening position.

In particular, the opening member is configured to open and/or rupture and/or cut at least a portion of pour opening surface area <NUM>, in particular separating member <NUM>, with spout <NUM>' being placed on package <NUM> and with the opening member being controlled into the open position.

In use, the opening member can be controlled into the opening position prior, during or after application of spout <NUM>' onto package <NUM>. In particular, it is possible to execute the opening and/or rupturing and/or cutting of the portion of pour opening surface area <NUM>, in particular separating member <NUM>, also after application of spout <NUM>' so that the application of spout <NUM>' onto package <NUM> and the loosening of the integrity of pour opening surface area <NUM> can be temporarily detached.

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

Spout <NUM>'' differs from spout <NUM> in that the respective second fastening device <NUM> comprises at least one flap <NUM>, preferentially a plurality of flaps <NUM>, in the example shown two. In particular, each flap <NUM> defines a respective fastening element of second fastening device <NUM>.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each flap <NUM> is coupled and/or connected to coupling base <NUM>. In particular, each flap <NUM> protrudes radially away from coupling base <NUM>.

Alternatively, each flap <NUM> could extend within a space provided within sealing layer <NUM>, in particular being connected to support layer <NUM>.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each flap <NUM> is configured to enter a clamping space defined between the respective clamping portion <NUM> of one respective fastening member <NUM> and a portion of outer surface <NUM>. In particular, each flap <NUM> comprises a respective engagement surface configured to contact, in use, the respective clamping portion <NUM>, in particular a respective interaction surface of the clamping portion <NUM>. Even more particular, in use, during control of spout <NUM>'' between the release configuration and the locking configuration, movement of spout <NUM>'' is defined and/or delimited by the respective engagement surface and the respective interaction surface.

More specifically, in use, each engagement surface slides along the respective interaction surface during control of spout <NUM>'' between the release configuration and the locking configuration.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, each flap <NUM> presents an arc-shaped and/or semi-circular form.

Preferentially but not necessarily, second fastening device <NUM> comprises at least one, preferentially a plurality of abutment elements <NUM>, even more preferentially a number of abutment elements <NUM> identical to the number of flaps <NUM>.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, each fastening member <NUM>, in particular the respective hook element <NUM>, gets into contact with one respective abutment element <NUM> with spout <NUM>'' being controlled into the locking configuration.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each flap <NUM> also carries and/or is connected with one respective abutment element <NUM>. Preferably, each abutment element <NUM> is connected to, in particular extends transversally from, a respective end portion of the respective flap <NUM>.

In particular, each abutment element <NUM> is configured to delimit the relative movement of first fastening device <NUM> and second fastening device <NUM> and/or spout <NUM>'' and package <NUM> with respect to one another.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each abutment element <NUM> is arranged such that spout <NUM>'' is controllable from the release configuration to the locking configuration and vice-versa by means of the relative rotation of first fastening device <NUM> and second fastening device <NUM> and/or of spout <NUM>'' and package <NUM> into respectively the first sense of rotation and the second sense of rotation.

It must be understood that in a similar manner to spout <NUM>', spout <NUM>'' could comprise an opening member moveable between a rest position and an opening position and comprising a control member for controlling the opening member between the rest position and the opening position.

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

In particular, spout <NUM>‴ differs from spout <NUM>'' in that second fastening device <NUM> does not comprise an abutment element. there is no abutment element connected to flaps <NUM>.

In particular, package <NUM>‴ differs from package <NUM> in that first fastening device <NUM> comprises at least one fastening member <NUM>''', in particular a plurality of fastening members <NUM>''', in the specific example shown two.

Each fastening member <NUM>‴ comprises a collar <NUM> having or defining the respective clamping portion <NUM>. In particular, each collar <NUM> defines and/or at least partially delimits in cooperation with a portion of outer surface <NUM> a clamping space. In particular, in use, one respective flap <NUM> enters into and/or advances within one respective clamping space, in particular so as to control spout <NUM>‴ between the release configuration and the locking configuration.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each collar <NUM> comprises an interaction surface, in particular facing outer surface <NUM>, configured to interact with an engagement surface of one respective flap <NUM>. In use, each engagement surface slides along one respective interaction surface during control of spout <NUM>''' between the release configuration and the locking configuration.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, each interaction surface and the respective engagement surface are inclined with respect to one another.

Preferentially but not necessarily, collars <NUM> face one another.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each collar <NUM> presents an arc-shaped and/or semi-circular form.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, each fastening member <NUM>‴ also comprises a support base <NUM> contacting outer surface <NUM> and carrying collar <NUM>, in particular collar <NUM> protruding transversally from support base <NUM>.

According to the preferred non-limiting embodiment shown in <FIG>, the respective end portions of each fastening member <NUM>‴ are open; i.e. each flap <NUM>‴ can, in use, enter and exit the respective clamping space from both end portions. In use, spout <NUM>‴ can be controlled from the release configuration to the locking configuration and vice-versa independently of the sense of the relative rotation between first fastening device <NUM> and second fastening device <NUM> and/or spout <NUM>‴ and package <NUM>'''.

According to a preferred non-limiting alternative not shown, first fastening device <NUM> also comprises at least one abutment element, preferentially a plurality of abutment elements, even more preferentially a number of abutment elements identical to the number of fastening members <NUM>‴.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each abutment element is associated to one respective fastening member <NUM>‴. In particular, each abutment element is arranged (on outer surface <NUM> and) adjacent to a first end portion of the respective fastening member <NUM>‴, in particular the respective collar <NUM>. Even more particular, each abutment element further delimits the respective clamping space.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each abutment element is connected to one respective fastening member <NUM>‴ at the first end portion.

In particular, a second end portion of each fastening member <NUM>''' opposed to the respective first end portion allows the entrance of the respective flap <NUM> into the clamping space.

Preferentially but not necessarily, with spout <NUM>''' being controlled in the locking configuration each flap <NUM> contacts one respective abutment element. In use, spout <NUM>‴ can be controlled from the respective release configuration to the respective locking configuration by means of rotation into the first sense of rotation and from the respective locking configuration to the respective release configuration by means of rotation into the second sense of rotation distinct from the first sense of rotation. In particular, during control of spout <NUM>‴ from the respective release configuration to the respective locking configuration each flap <NUM> advances within the respective clamping space until each flap <NUM> gets into contact with the respective abutment element. Even more particular, at some relative angular position of spout <NUM>‴ the possible rotation of spout <NUM>‴ into the first sense of rotation is blocked by the interaction of each flap <NUM> with the respective abutment element. Control of spout <NUM>‴ from the respective locking configuration to the respective release configuration requires to rotate spout <NUM>‴ into the second sense of rotation so as to remove each flap <NUM> from its respective clamping space.

It should be noted that spout <NUM>'' could also be arranged on package <NUM>‴; i.e. second fastening device <NUM> of spout <NUM>'' could interact with first fastening device <NUM> of package <NUM>‴.

It should also be noted that spout <NUM>‴, in a manner similar to spout <NUM>'', could comprise an opening member being controllable between a rest position and an opening position and comprising a control member for controlling the opening member between the rest position and the opening position.

The advantages of packages <NUM> and <NUM>‴ and/or of spout <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" and <NUM>‴ will be clear from the foregoing description.

In particular, it is possible to use a spout <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>'' and <NUM>''', which can be removably and/or releasably arranged on a package <NUM> or <NUM>''' and thus, spout <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>'' and <NUM>''' can be used repeatedly with different packages <NUM> or <NUM>‴. Accordingly, it is possible to renounce to use one-way drinking straws packaged within an envelope.

It is a further advantage that spouts <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>'' and <NUM>‴ can be provided together with a multi-package of packages <NUM> and <NUM>‴ or spouts <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>'' and <NUM>‴ can be distributed separately from packages <NUM> and <NUM>‴.

It is another advantage that spout <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>'' and <NUM>''' can be cleaned after its use.

An even further advantage is that spout <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>'' and <NUM>‴ can be secured onto packages <NUM> and <NUM>‴ so as to avoid any unwanted loosening of spout <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>'' ad <NUM>‴ from packages <NUM> and <NUM>‴.

Clearly, changes may be made to package <NUM> and <NUM>‴ and/or spout <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>'', <NUM>‴ as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claim 1:
Package (<NUM>, <NUM>‴) for a pourable product comprising:
- a designated pour opening surface area (<NUM>), in particular comprising a rupturable and/or openable and/or cuttable separation membrane (<NUM>); whereby the designated pour opening surface area is positioned on a wall portion such as a top wall portion, a front wall portion, a back wall portion, or a side wall portion
- at least a first fastening device (<NUM>) being coupled to an outer surface (<NUM>) of the package (<NUM>, <NUM>'') and adjacent to the designated pour opening surface area (<NUM>); whereby the first fastening device is connected to an anchor portion positioned on the inner surface of the wall portion;
wherein the first fastening device (<NUM>) is configured to releasably and/or removably engage with a second fastening device (<NUM>) of a spout (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" , <NUM>‴) such to releasably and/or removably fasten the spout (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>'', <NUM>‴) to the package (<NUM>, <NUM>‴);
wherein the first fastening device (<NUM>) comprises at least one fastening member (<NUM>, <NUM>‴) having a clamping portion (<NUM>) being configured to interpose at least a portion of the spout (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>'', <NUM>‴) between the clamping portion (<NUM>) and a portion of the outer surface (<NUM>) of the package (<NUM>, <NUM>‴).