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

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 of the known packages, in particular a respective sealed main body of the packages formed from the packaging material, comprises a designated pour opening surface area, which allows the outpouring of the pourable product from the
package. Typically, the designated pour opening surface area is covered by a separation membrane, which isolates the inside of the package from the outer environment and which is to be opened or to be removed or to be ruptured or to be cut or to be pierced prior to the first outpouring of the pourable product so as to allow for the outpouring of the pourable product. It is also known to arrange a spout having a collar and a lid on the main body about the designated pour opening surface area so as to control the outpouring of the pourable product. The collar has a pouring outlet so as to allow for a controlled outpouring of the pourable product from the package and the lid allows to selectively close and open the pouring outlet.

Some of the known spouts, such as the one disclosed in patent document <CIT>, comprise an opening assembly so as to pierce and/or open the pour opening surface area in a controlled manner.

A drawback of these kind of spouts is seen in that the decoupling of the lid from the collar means a complete detachment of the lid from the collar, which may possibly lead to an unwanted losing of the lid or to a littering of the lid by an irresponsible user.

Thus, there is a need felt in the sector to further improve the spouts and/or the package-spout assemblies.

Different kinds of spouts are disclosed in patent document <CIT>, which relates to a spout for a plastic bottle, and patent document <CIT>, which relates to a spout for a carton container.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner an improved spout for a container, in particular a sealed package, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner an improved spout for a container, in particular a sealed package, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product, which improves the user experience by coming along with an easy and intuitive use.

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 filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product, and a spout.

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 filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product, and a spout, which improves the user experience by coming along with an easy and intuitive use.

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 respective dependent claims.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a package-spout assembly according to 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 container-spout assembly, in particular a package-spout assembly, comprising:.

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

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

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, spout(s) <NUM> is(are) applied to package(s) <NUM> prior, during or after the formation, filling and sealing of package(s) <NUM> by means of a molding process and/or adhesive bonding and/or ultrasonic bonding.

Alternatively, spout(s) <NUM> can be applied onto the packaging material prior to arranging the packaging material within or during advancement of the packaging material within a packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing packages <NUM> from the packaging material.

With particular reference to <FIG>, package <NUM> extends along a longitudinal axis A.

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

In particular, the designated pour opening surface area of package <NUM> is 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 package <NUM>, in particular through spout <NUM>. Even more particular, the pour opening surface area is configured to allow the out-pouring of the pourable product after its loss of integrity and to protect the pourable product from the outer environment prior to its cutting and/or opening and/or rupturing and/or piercing.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the pour opening surface area comprises a separation membrane (not shown and known as such) configured to be ruptured and/or 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 package <NUM> from the outside of package <NUM>. 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 packaging material, in particular a portion of the layers of the packaging material being different from the layer of fibrous material.

With particular reference to <FIG>, spout <NUM> comprises at least:.

In particular, collar <NUM> extends along a longitudinal axis B (and away from package <NUM>), preferentially but not necessarily parallel to longitudinal axis A.

In particular, longitudinal axis B defines (is equal to) a central axis of collar <NUM> and/or pouring outlet <NUM>.

Preferentially, collar <NUM> and pouring outlet <NUM> present a (substantially) circular cross-sectional profile, in particular with respect to a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to longitudinal axis B.

Advantageously, lid assembly <NUM> comprises:.

In particular, lid assembly <NUM> comprises a coupling element <NUM> configured to hinge lid <NUM> to coupling ring <NUM> and defining hinge axis C.

Advantageously, lid <NUM> is controllable between at least:.

In particular, in use, control of lid <NUM> from the closing configuration to the open configuration requires at first control from the closing configuration to the intermediate configuration and then from the intermediate configuration to the open configuration. In other words, in use, control of lid <NUM> from the closing angular position to the open angular position requires at first control of lid <NUM> from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position and then to the open angular position. Preferentially, lid <NUM> comprises:.

In particular, and with lid <NUM> being in the closing angular position, top portion <NUM> is transversal, in particular perpendicular, to longitudinal axis B and side wall <NUM> is (substantially) parallel to longitudinal axis B.

According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, lid <NUM> is, in particular top portion <NUM> and/or side wall <NUM> are, coupled to collar <NUM> when lid <NUM> is, in use, in the closing angular position (and in the intermediate angular position).

Preferentially, lid <NUM> comprises an inner surface <NUM>, in particular inner surface <NUM> faces collar <NUM> with lid <NUM> being in the closing angular position (and intermediate angular position). In particular, top portion <NUM> and side wall <NUM> carry inner surface <NUM>.

Advantageously, spout <NUM> comprises an interaction device <NUM> partially associated to (and/or connect to and/or carried by) collar <NUM> and partially associated to (and/or connect to and/or carried by) lid <NUM> and being configured such that control of lid <NUM> from the closing configuration to the intermediate configuration (in other words from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position) is possible only by rotation of lid <NUM> and coupling ring <NUM> around a (common) rotation axis E, in particular parallel, even more particular coaxial, to longitudinal axis B, and such that control of lid <NUM> from the intermediate configuration to the closing angular configuration (in other words, from the intermediate angular position to the closing angular position) is at least possible by a sole angular movement of lid <NUM> around hinge axis C from the intermediate angular position to the closing angular position.

Preferentially, control of lid <NUM> from the intermediate angular position to the closing angular position is selectively possible by a sole angular movement of lid <NUM> around hinge axis C from the intermediate angular position to the closing angular position and by rotation of lid <NUM> and coupling ring <NUM> around rotation axis E.

It should be noted that according to such a non-limiting embodiment a user can freely choose whether to control lid <NUM> by the sole angular movement around hinge axis C or whether to induce the control of lid <NUM> from the intermediate angular position to the closing angular position by rotation of lid <NUM> around rotation axis E. It should be further noted that also a combination of both means of controlling lid <NUM> from the intermediate angular position to the closing angular position is possible.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, spout <NUM> also comprises:.

In particular, control device <NUM> is configured to control cutter <NUM> from the rest position to the operative position upon rotation of lid <NUM> and coupling ring <NUM> around rotation axis E. Even more particular, control device <NUM> is configured to control cutter <NUM> from the rest position to the operative position the first time lid <NUM> and coupling ring <NUM> are, in use, rotated around rotation axis E for moving lid <NUM> for the first time from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position.

With particular reference to <FIG>, collar <NUM> delimits an inner space <NUM> within which cutter <NUM> is at least partially placed.

Preferentially, collar <NUM> has a circular cross-sectional shape with respect to a sectional plane being orthogonal to longitudinal axis B.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, collar <NUM> comprises an inner surface <NUM> facing inner space <NUM> and an outer surface <NUM> being opposite to inner surface <NUM> (and inner space <NUM>).

In particular, with lid <NUM> being in the closing angular position (or in the intermediate angular position) inner surface <NUM> faces outer surface <NUM>.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, cutter <NUM> is configured to at least translate, in particular to rotate and translate, during its movement from the rest position to the operative position.

Preferentially, cutter <NUM> comprises a cutting section <NUM> (arranged at and/or defining an axial end portion of cutter <NUM>) configured to open and/or cut and/or rupture and/or pierce the designated pour opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane. Preferentially, cutting section <NUM> has (comprises) a serrated profile.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, control device <NUM> comprises a cam group configured to guide movement of cutter <NUM> from the rest position to the operative position.

Preferentially, the cam group comprises a cam profile and at least one, preferentially a plurality of, guiding element(s) configured to interact with the cam profile. In particular, the cam profile and the guiding element(s) cooperate in such a manner that cutter <NUM> executes, in use, a rototranslatory movement when moving from the rest position to the operative position.

Preferentially, the cam profile is associated and/or connected and/or integral to cutter <NUM> and the guiding element(s) is/are connected and/or associated and/or integral to base frame <NUM>, in particular to collar <NUM>, even more particular to inner surface <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, base frame <NUM> further comprises a coupling base <NUM> configured to couple and/or to connect and/or coupling and/or connecting spout <NUM> to package <NUM>. In particular, coupling base <NUM> carries collar <NUM>.

Preferentially, coupling base <NUM> is configured to be fixed and/or is fixed to an outer surface of package <NUM>, in particular in the area of, even more particular at, the designated pour opening surface area. In particular, at least a portion of coupling base <NUM> has substantially a plate-like configuration.

Preferentially but not necessarily, collar <NUM> extends from coupling base <NUM> along, in particular parallel to, longitudinal axis B.

With particular reference to <FIG>, control device <NUM> comprises:.

In particular, each interaction member <NUM> is coupled and/or connected to lid <NUM> such that a rotation of lid <NUM> around rotation axis E leads also to a rotation of interaction members <NUM> around rotation axis E.

Preferentially, in use, the rotation of lid <NUM> and interaction members <NUM> around rotation axis E causes at least a translatory, preferentially a rototranslatory, movement of cutter <NUM> by means of the interaction between interaction members <NUM> and interaction elements <NUM> and the cooperation between the cam profile and the guiding element(s).

With particular reference to <FIG>, spout <NUM> also comprises a plurality of rupturable main coupling bridges <NUM> connecting coupling ring <NUM> and lid <NUM> to one another, in particular prior to the first time lid <NUM> is, in use, controlled from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position. In particular, in use, during the first time of controlling lid <NUM> from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position, main coupling bridges <NUM> irreversibly rupture. Even more particular, in use, main coupling bridges <NUM> rupture after control of cutter <NUM> from the rest position to the operative position.

With particular reference to <FIG>, spout <NUM> also comprises a tamper evidence ring <NUM> arranged around collar <NUM>, and in particular between coupling base <NUM> and coupling ring <NUM>. In particular, tamper evidence ring <NUM> is parallel to coupling ring <NUM> and is axially displaced from coupling ring <NUM>.

In particular, spout <NUM> also comprises rupturable auxiliary coupling bridges <NUM> coupling tamper evidence ring <NUM> and coupling ring <NUM> to one another. Auxiliary coupling bridges <NUM> are configured to irreversibly rupture the first time a rotation of lid <NUM> and coupling ring <NUM> around rotation axis E is actuated. Preferentially, in use, auxiliary coupling bridges <NUM> rupture prior to movement of cutter <NUM> from the rest position to the operative position.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, collar <NUM> comprises an interaction ring <NUM>, in particular protruding from outer surface <NUM> and configured to interact with coupling ring <NUM>. Preferentially, interaction ring <NUM> is configured to inseparably couple coupling ring <NUM> to collar <NUM> and to allow for rotation of coupling ring <NUM> around rotation axis E.

Advantageously and with particular reference to <FIG>, interaction device <NUM> comprises at least:.

In particular, interaction of main interaction unit <NUM> with main interaction structure <NUM> is such that, in use, movement of lid <NUM> from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position requires rotation of lid <NUM> (and of coupling ring <NUM>) around rotation axis E (i.e. the interaction between main interaction unit <NUM> and main interaction structure <NUM> does not allow a sole angular movement of lid <NUM> around hinge axis C for controlling lid <NUM> from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position).

It should be noted that within the scope of the present description a sole angular movement of lid <NUM> around hinge axis C is an angular movement of lid <NUM> around hinge axis C that occurs while lid <NUM> remains angularly fixed with respect to rotation axis E. In other words, any angular movement of lid <NUM> around hinge axis C is a sole angular movement if lid <NUM> does not rotate around rotation axis E.

Preferentially, the interaction of main interaction structure <NUM> and main interaction unit <NUM> is such that the first time rotation of lid <NUM> around rotation axis E is actuated, angular movement of lid <NUM> around hinge axis C, in particular from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position, is executed only after movement of cutter <NUM> from the rest position to the operative position.

Preferentially, main interaction unit <NUM> comprises:.

In particular, the interaction of first engagement surface <NUM> and abutment surface <NUM> defines a locking mechanism of lid <NUM> in the closing angular position.

In particular, second engagement surface <NUM> and guiding surface <NUM> define a respective cam mechanism.

Preferentially (see <FIG> and <FIG>), first engagement surface <NUM> and second engagement surface <NUM> are configured to interact with respectively abutment surface <NUM> and guiding surface <NUM> in dependence of an angular position of lid <NUM> with respect to rotation axis E.

Preferentially, main interaction structure <NUM> and main interaction unit <NUM> are designed such that first engagement surface <NUM> and abutment surface <NUM> interact with one another (see <FIG>), with lid <NUM> being positioned with respect to rotation axis E between a first angular lid position and a second angular lid position and such that second engagement surface <NUM> and guiding surface <NUM> interact with one another (see <FIG>) with lid <NUM> being arranged with respect to rotation axis E between a third angular lid position and a fourth angular lid position. In particular, the third angular lid position and the fourth angular lid position are interposed between the second angular lid position and the first angular lid position.

In particular, with lid <NUM> being positioned with respect to rotation axis E between the first angular lid position and the second angular lid position, second engagement surface <NUM> and guiding surface <NUM> do not interact with one another (see <FIG>) and with lid <NUM> being arranged with respect to rotation axis E between the third angular lid position and the fourth angular lid position first engagement surface <NUM> and abutment surface <NUM> do not interact with one another (see <FIG>).

In other words, first engagement surface <NUM> is configured to abut against abutment surface <NUM> during a rotation of lid <NUM> around rotation axis E and with lid <NUM> being arranged between the first angular lid position and the second angular lid position with respect to rotation axis E and second engagement surface <NUM> is configured to slide on guiding surface <NUM> during a rotation of lid <NUM> around rotation axis E and with lid <NUM> being arranged between the third angular lid position and the fourth angular lid position.

In particular, it should be noted that with rotation of lid <NUM> around rotation axis E in a sense such that lid <NUM> rotates from the third angular lid position to the fourth angular lid position, the angular movement of lid <NUM> around hinge axis C is such to move lid <NUM> from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position.

Furthermore, in use, during rotation of lid <NUM> from the fourth angular lid position to the third angular lid position it is possible to angularly move lid <NUM> around hinge axis C and from the intermediate angular position to the closing angular position.

In particular, main interaction unit <NUM> and main interaction structure <NUM> are also configured such that a sole angular movement around hinge axis C is possible for controlling lid <NUM> from the intermediate angular position to the closing angular position (during a re-closing operation). In such a case (i.e. during a re-closing operation), main interaction unit <NUM> can overcome main interaction structure <NUM> and once lid <NUM> is again in the closing angular position the reverse movement from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position is prevented by the interaction between abutment surface <NUM> and first engagement surface <NUM>.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, main interaction structure <NUM> and main interaction unit <NUM> are also configured to retain lid <NUM> in the intermediate angular position after movement from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position has been terminated.

Preferentially, guiding surface <NUM> is opposed to abutment surface <NUM>.

In particular, while abutment surface <NUM> faces coupling base <NUM>, guiding surface <NUM> faces away from coupling base <NUM>.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, main interaction structure <NUM> comprises:.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, cam portion <NUM> comprises at least a main cam portion <NUM>, and in particular also an auxiliary cam portion <NUM> spaced apart from main cam portion <NUM>. Preferentially, auxiliary cam portion <NUM> is angularly and axially spaced apart from main cam portion <NUM> with respect to rotation axis E.

Preferentially, main cam portion <NUM> carries (comprises) a main guiding portion <NUM> of guiding surface <NUM>, and in particular auxiliary guiding portion <NUM> carries (comprises) an auxiliary guiding portion <NUM> of guiding surface <NUM>.

In particular, locking portion <NUM> is (substantially) arc-shaped.

Preferentially, locking portion <NUM> and/or abutment surface <NUM> lie(s) within a first plane transversal, in particular perpendicular, to longitudinal axis B. Preferentially, cam portion <NUM> and/or guiding surface <NUM> is inclined with respect to locking portion <NUM> and/or abutment surface <NUM>. Even more preferentially, main cam portion <NUM> and main guiding portion <NUM>, in particular also auxiliary cam portion <NUM> and auxiliary guiding portion <NUM>, are inclined with respect to locking portion <NUM> and/or abutment surface <NUM>.

In particular, main cam portion <NUM> and/or main guiding portion <NUM> lies within a second plane (distinct from the first plane) transversal to longitudinal axis B. Even more particular, auxiliary cam portion <NUM> and/or auxiliary guiding portion <NUM> lies within a third plane (distinct from the first plane and the second plane) spaced apart from the second plane.

Preferentially, the second plane, and in particular the third plane, is/are inclined with respect to the first plane.

In particular, in use, sliding of second engagement surface <NUM> on guiding surface <NUM> results in a force in a direction so as to distance lid <NUM> from coupling ring <NUM>.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, main interaction structure <NUM>, in particular locking portion <NUM>, comprises an auxiliary surface <NUM> (opposed to abutment surface <NUM> and) designed such to allow for lid <NUM> angularly moving from the intermediate angular position to the closing angular position by means of a sole angular movement of lid around hinge axis C. In particular, auxiliary surface <NUM> is designed such that main interaction unit <NUM> overcomes main interaction structure <NUM>, in particular locking portion <NUM>, during a sole angular movement of lid <NUM> around hinge axis C.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, auxiliary surface <NUM> is also configured to interact with main interaction unit <NUM> with lid <NUM> being controlled in the intermediate angular position so as to retain lid <NUM> in the intermediate angular position.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, main interaction structure <NUM>, in particular locking portion <NUM> and cam portion <NUM>, is/are connected to, in particular protrude from, outer surface <NUM>.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, main interaction unit <NUM> comprises at least a first interaction element <NUM> carrying (comprising) first engagement surface <NUM> and a second interaction element <NUM> carrying (comprising) at least a first portion <NUM> of second engagement surface <NUM>. In particular, first portion <NUM> is configured to slide, in use, along main guiding portion <NUM> for controlling lid <NUM> from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, first interaction element <NUM> carries (comprises) an interaction surface <NUM> opposite to first engagement surface <NUM> and being at least configured to engage auxiliary surface <NUM> with lid <NUM> being arranged in the intermediate angular position. In particular, engagement of interaction surface <NUM> with auxiliary surface <NUM> allows retaining lid <NUM> in the intermediate angular position after termination of movement of lid <NUM> from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position (see <FIG>).

According to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, interaction surface <NUM> also defines a second portion of second engagement surface <NUM>. In particular, interaction surface <NUM> is configured to slide, in use, along auxiliary guiding portion <NUM>, in use, promoting movement of lid <NUM> from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position.

Preferentially, first interaction element <NUM> comprises a main wall <NUM> carrying (comprising) first engagement surface <NUM> and at least one tooth <NUM> protruding from main wall <NUM>.

In particular, tooth <NUM> carries (comprises) interaction surface <NUM>.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, main interaction unit <NUM>, in particular first interaction element <NUM> and second interaction element <NUM>, is/are connected to, in particular protrude(s) from, inner surface <NUM>, and in particular from side wall <NUM>.

Preferentially, first interaction element <NUM> and second interaction element <NUM> are axially, and in particular also angularly, displaced from one another with respect to rotation axis E.

In use, outpouring of the pourable product from package-spout assembly <NUM>, in particular package <NUM>, requires liberating pouring outlet <NUM>. This is done by controlling lid <NUM> from the closing configuration to the open configuration. Even more particular, at first lid <NUM> is controlled from the closing configuration to the intermediate configuration and then from the intermediate configuration to the open configuration.

In particular, movement of lid <NUM> from the closing configuration to the intermediate configuration requires rotation of lid <NUM> around rotation axis E. Even more particular, control from the intermediate configuration to the open configuration is to be done by the user by angularly moving lid <NUM> around hinge axis C.

Preferentially, the first time lid <NUM> is to be controlled from the closing configuration to the intermediate configuration cutter <NUM> is controlled from the rest position to the operative position for opening and/or rupturing and/or piercing the pour opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane. In particular, control of cutter <NUM> from the rest position to the operative position occurs prior to control of lid <NUM> from the closing configuration to the open configuration.

In more detail, during control of lid <NUM> from the closing configuration to the intermediate configuration the angular position of lid <NUM> with respect to hinge axis C is to be changed from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position. As first engagement surface <NUM> abuts against abutment surface <NUM>, lid <NUM> needs to be rotated around rotation axis E and from the first angular lid position to the fourth angular lid position and through the second angular lid position and the third angular lid position. Second engagement surface <NUM>, slides on guiding surface <NUM> while lid <NUM> rotates around rotation axis E and angularly moves from the third angular lid position to the fourth angular lid position so as to actuate the angular movement around hinge axis C and from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position.

In even more detail, while second engagement surface <NUM> slides on guiding surface <NUM> at least first portion <NUM> slides along main guiding portion <NUM>, in particular also interaction surface <NUM> slides along auxiliary guiding portion <NUM>.

Preferentially, after lid <NUM> has been controlled in the intermediate angular position, engagement of interaction surface <NUM> with auxiliary surface <NUM> guarantees that the angular position of lid <NUM> with respect to hinge axis C remains fixed.

When a user intends to newly impede the outflow of the pourable product, the user can control lid <NUM> again (during a re-closing operation) in the closing angular position. At first lid <NUM> needs to be controlled from the open angular position to the intermediate angular position, followed by controlling lid <NUM> from the intermediate angular position to the closing angular position. The latter can be obtained by a sole angular movement of lid <NUM> around hinge axis C, and in particularly alternatively by a rotation of lid <NUM> around rotation axis E.

With reference to <FIG>, number <NUM>' indicates an alternative embodiment of a spout according to the present invention; 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.

In particular, spout <NUM>' differs from spout <NUM> in that cam portion <NUM> comprises main cam portion <NUM> and does not comprise auxiliary cam portion <NUM>. Even more particular, interaction surface <NUM> is configured to engage auxiliary surface <NUM> but does not promote movement of lid <NUM> from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position. In other words, only second interaction element <NUM> contributes to the angular movement of lid <NUM> from the closing angular position to the intermediate angular position.

Preferentially, spout <NUM>' also differs from spout <NUM> in that first interaction element <NUM> comprises two teeth <NUM> protruding from main wall <NUM>. In particular, teeth <NUM> being parallel to one another and each one carrying a respective portion of interaction surface <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, number <NUM>" indicates a further alternative embodiment of a spout according to the present invention; 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.

In particular, spout <NUM>'' differs from spout <NUM>' in that main interaction unit <NUM> comprises at least a third interaction element <NUM> distinct (and detached) from second interaction element <NUM>, carrying (comprising) at least a third portion <NUM> of second engagement surface <NUM>. In particular, third interaction element <NUM> is angularly displaced from second interaction element <NUM> with respect to rotation axis E. Even more particular, third interaction element <NUM> is arranged such that, in use and during a control of lid <NUM> from the closing configuration to the intermediate configuration, at first third portion <NUM> engages with main guiding portion <NUM> and subsequently first portion <NUM> engages with main guiding portion <NUM>.

Preferentially, third portion <NUM> and first portion <NUM> lie within a common plane, in particular being parallel to the second plane.

Preferentially, spout <NUM>'' also differs from spout <NUM>' in that main interaction structure <NUM>, in particular cam portion <NUM>, comprises a plurality of spaced-apart support ridges <NUM>, in particular integral with main cam portion <NUM>, configured to support main cam portion <NUM>, in particular for enhancing the mechanical stability of main cam portion <NUM>.

The advantages of spouts <NUM>, <NUM>' and <NUM>'' and/or the package-spout assembly <NUM> according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

In particular, lid <NUM> by being connected to coupling ring <NUM> cannot be separated from the other portions of package-spout assembly <NUM>. This hinders the possibility of littering lid <NUM>.

A further advantage resides in that the operation of lid <NUM> is intuitive as the opening of package-spout assembly <NUM> (opening of pouring outlet <NUM>) is to be done by rotation of lid <NUM> according to a user's experience with known types of spouts.

An even further advantage is to be seen in that the interaction of second engagement surface <NUM> with guiding surface <NUM> (and in support also by auxiliary guiding portion <NUM> and auxiliary cam portion <NUM>) moves lid <NUM> in the intermediate angular position indicating to the user that it is possible to further move lid <NUM> to the open angular position.

Another advantage is related to providing also for third interaction element <NUM> allowing to increase the surface area of the portion of second engagement surface <NUM> interacting, in use, with main guiding portion <NUM>.

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

According to an alternative non-limiting embodiment not shown, main interaction unit <NUM> comprises only first interaction element <NUM> and first interaction element <NUM> carries (comprises) both first engagement surface <NUM> and second engagement surface <NUM>. Furthermore, cam portion <NUM> only comprises auxiliary cam portion <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A spout (<NUM>, <NUM>') for a container (<NUM>), in particular a sealed package (<NUM>), filled with a pourable product;
wherein the spout (<NUM>) comprises:
- a base frame (<NUM>) configured to be fitted about a designated pour opening surface area of package (<NUM>) and having a collar (<NUM>) being provided with a pouring outlet (<NUM>), configured to allow for an outflow of the pourable product from the package (<NUM>);
- a lid assembly (<NUM>) coupled to the collar (<NUM>), and being configured to at least selectively close or open the pouring outlet (<NUM>); wherein the collar (<NUM>) extends along a longitudinal axis (B);
- - a ring-shaped cutter (<NUM>) moveably coupled to the collar (<NUM>), and being configured to at least partially cut the designated pour opening surface area;
- - a control device (<NUM>) configured to interact with and to control the cutter (<NUM>) between a rest position, in which cutter (<NUM>) is configured to be retracted from the designated pour opening surface area, and an operative position in which the cutter (<NUM>) is configured to at least partially cut the designated pour opening surface area;
wherein the lid assembly (<NUM>) comprises:
- a coupling ring (<NUM>) rotatably arranged around the collar (<NUM>);
- a lid (<NUM>) hinged to the coupling ring (<NUM>) and angularly movable around a respective hinge axis (C), being orthogonal to longitudinal axis (B);
- a coupling element (<NUM>) configured to hinge the lid (<NUM>) to the coupling ring (<NUM>) and defining said hinge axis (C);
characterized in that the spout (<NUM>, <NUM>') also comprises a tamper-evidence ring (<NUM>) arranged around the collar (<NUM>).