Patent ID: 12214942

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

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 may be 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. E.g. 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.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Reference numeral1indicates as a whole a package-spout assembly having a package2, in particular a carton package, and a reusable spout3removably and/or releasably coupled to or removably and/or releasably couplable to package2.

Preferably but not necessarily, package2is filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, even more particular a sterilized and/or a sterile-processed pourable food product, such as water, pasteurized milk, fruit juice or other beverages suitable for consumption on-the-go.

Package2may 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 package2contacting the pourable product in the filled package2.

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 toFIGS.1and2, package2extends along a longitudinal axis A. In particular, package comprises a first wall portion5, in particular being transversal, even more particular perpendicular, to axis A and, from which package2extends along axis A. Preferably but not necessarily, first wall portion5defines a support surface of package2, 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, package2also comprises a plurality of lateral walls6being (fixedly) connected to first wall portion5and extending, in particular substantially parallel to axis A, from first wall portion5.

Preferably but not necessarily, package2also comprises a second wall portion7opposite to first wall portion5and being (fixedly) connected to lateral walls6. In other words, lateral walls6are interposed between first wall portion5and second wall portion7.

According to the non-limiting example shown inFIGS.1and2, first wall portion5and second wall portion7may be parallel to one another.

According to a non-limiting alternative embodiment, first wall portion5and second wall portion7could be inclined with respect to one another.

Preferentially but not necessarily, package2is parallelepiped-shaped.

With particular reference toFIGS.1and2, package2comprises a designated pour opening surface area8. In particular, pour opening surface8is 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 package2.

Even more particular, pour opening surface area8comprises a separation membrane9configured to be ruptured and/or opened and/or cut, in particular separating in the area, in particular at, pour opening surface area8the inner of package2from the outside. Preferentially but not necessarily, separation membrane9comprises 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 membrane9is 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 area8is provided on second wall portion7.

Advantageously, package2comprises at least a first fastening device13being coupled to an outer surface14of package2and being adjacent to pour opening surface area8. First fastening device13is configured to removably and/or reversibly and/or releasably arrange and/or fasten spout3to package2through cooperation with at least a portion of spout3itself.

With particular reference toFIGS.3and4, spout3comprises a pouring outlet15configured to allow the outflow of the pourable product filled into package2, in particular with spout3being placed onto package2and pour opening surface area8being opened and/or ruptured and/or cut.

Preferentially but not necessarily, spout3also comprises a coupling base16configured such that at least a portion of coupling base16itself contacts, in use, at least a portion of outer surface14.

According to the non-limiting embodiment shown, coupling base16presents a circular cross-section. Alternatively, coupling base16could present a different cross-sectional shape, e.g. elliptical or rectangular or quadratic or any other.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, spout3also comprises an outlet stub17carrying pouring outlet15and having an inner flow channel, in particular being configured to, in use, fluidically connect the inner of package2with pouring outlet15, in particular with spout3being arranged on package2and with pour opening surface area8being opened and/or ruptured and/or cut.

Preferentially but not necessarily, outlet stub17is coupled to coupling base16. According to the example shown inFIGS.1,3and4, outlet stub17is fixedly coupled to coupling base16. In an alternative embodiment not shown, outlet stub17could be moveably coupled to coupling base16; e.g. outlet stub17could be hinged to coupling base16.

Preferentially but not necessarily, spout3is also configured to be controlled between an open configuration at which the pourable product can exit from pouring outlet15and a closed configured at which the pourable product is hindered from exiting from pouring outlet15.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment not shown, spout3could comprise a lid configured to cover pouring outlet15. In particular, the lid could be configured to control spout3between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

In alternative or additionally, outlet stub17could be hinged to coupling base16and being angularly moveable between at least a first position and at least a second position at which spout3is controlled respectively between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

Advantageously, spout3comprises a second fastening device18configured to releasably and/or removably and/or reversibly engage with first fastening device13and/or first fastening device13is configured to releasably and/or removably and/or reversibly engage with second fastening device18so as to releasably and/or removably and/or reversibly fasten spout3to package2.

In other words, first fastening device13and second fastening device18are configured to releasably and/or removably and/or reversibly arrange and/or fasten spout3to package2in collaboration with one another.

In particular, first fastening device13is arranged on outer surface14such that spout3becomes, in use, fastened to package2in the area, in particular at, pour opening surface area8so that a fluidic connection between the inner of package2and pouring outlet15establishes or can establish with pour opening surface area8being opened and/or ruptured and/or cut. I.e., in use, positioning of spout3onto package2allows a controlled exit of the pourable product from package2through spout3, in particular pouring outlet15.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, first fastening device13and/or second fastening device18is/are configured to allow spout3to be controlled between a release configuration at which spout3is placeable onto and/or removable from package2and a locking configuration at which spout3is secured to package2. I.e., in use, spout3being controlled into the locking configuration ensures that spout3remains attached to package2during the pouring of the pourable product out of package2through spout3. Furthermore, the control of spout3into the release configuration allows, in use, the detachment and/or placement of spout3from and/or on package2so as to be used with the same package2again or with a new package2.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, at least a portion of first fastening device13and at least a portion of second fastening device18engage with one another and disengage from one another with spout3being controlled respectively into the locking configuration and the release configuration.

In more detail, first fastening device13and/or second fastening device18is/are configured such that spout3is 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 device13and (at least a portion of) second fastening device18and/or between (at least a portion of) package2and (at least a portion of) spout3.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, spout3is controllable between the release configuration and the locking configuration in a non-destructive manner; i.e. neither first fastening device13nor second fastening device14are not subject to any partial destruction.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, first fastening device13and/or second fastening device18is/are configured such that spout3is configured to be controlled from the release configuration into the locking configuration by means of a relative rotation between (at least a portion of) package2and (at least a portion of) spout3around 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 device13and/or second fastening device18is/are configured such to interact with one another so as to exert a clamping force on spout3in a manner that a contact surface of spout3is, in use, forced against an outer contact surface of outer surface14, 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 spout3and package2.

More specifically, the clamping force is such that spout3, in particular the contact surface, is pressed onto package2, in particular the outer contact surface.

In more detail, the outer contact surface is positioned adjacent to, in particular surrounds, pour opening surface area8.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, spout3, in particular coupling base16, comprises a sealing layer carrying the contact surface. Preferentially but not necessarily, sealing layer19is at least partially, preferably is fully, realized from an elastic material.

Preferably but not necessarily, spout3, in particular coupling base16, comprises a support layer20carrying outlet stub17. In particular, support layer20and sealing layer19contact one another. In use, with spout3being arranged on package2, sealing layer19is interposed between support layer20and outer surface14, in particular the outer contact surface.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, first fastening device13comprises at least one fastening member21, two in the example shown inFIGS.1and2, each one having a respective clamping portion22being configured to interpose at least a portion of spout3, in particular coupling base16, between the respective clamping portion22and a portion of outer surface14, in particular a portion of the outer contact surface, at least with spout3being, in use, controlled into the locking configuration.

Preferably but not necessarily, each clamping portion22extends substantially parallel to pour opening surface area8.

According to the non-limiting embodiment shown inFIGS.1and2, first fastening device13comprises at least two fastening members21interposing at least a portion of pour opening surface area8in between one another.

According to the non-limiting embodiment shown inFIGS.1and2, each fastening member21comprises a hook element23carrying the respective clamping portion22.

In more detail, each hook element23comprises:a first section27being coupled to and/or contacting outer surface14and extending transversally, in particular perpendicularly from outer surface14; anda second section28being connected to and protruding transversally away from first section27, in particular second section28being substantially parallel to pour opening surface area8.

Preferably but not necessarily, second section28carries clamping portion22and/or defines clamping portion22.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, first fastening device13, in particular each fastening member21, even more particular each hook element23, is applied onto outer surface14by means of a molding process.

Preferably but not necessarily, first fastening device13, in particular each fastening member21, even more particular each hook element23, is applied onto an external layer of the web of packaging material and/or an at least partially formed package2.

With particular reference toFIGS.3and4, second fastening device18comprises at least one fastening element, in particular one groove29, in the example shown two, configured to interact and/or cooperate with one respective fastening member21. In particular, groove29is provided within spout3, even more particular within coupling base16. More specifically, each groove29is configured to cooperate and/or interact with one respective hook element23.

Preferably but not necessarily, each hook element23and/or each groove29is formed such that, in use, each hook element23is adapted to extend at least partially through one respective groove29.

According to the non-limiting embodiment shown, each groove29comprises a receiving portion30and a guiding portion31, in particular being connected to one another.

More specifically, receiving portion30is configured to receive the respective hook element23with spout3being controlled into the release configuration and guiding portion31is configured to guide the relative movement between package2and spout3during control of spout3from 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 groove29is a through-groove extending through coupling base16, in particular both sealing layer19and support layer20.

In an alternative embodiment not shown, each groove29could extend solely through a portion of coupling base15. In particular, a respective zone of each guiding section31would be delimited by at least three inner walls.

With particular reference toFIGS.3and4, each guiding section31presents an arc-shaped and/or semi-circular form.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, first fastening device13and/or second fastening device14comprises at least one abutment element32configured to limit the possible relative movement, in particular the relative rotation, between first fastening device13and second fastening device14and/or package2and spout3. In particular, abutment element32is configured to define and/or determine the locking configuration of spout3.

Preferably but not necessarily, abutment element32is configured to contact respectively a portion of the second fastening device18and/or a portion of the first fastening device13at least with spout3being controlled into the locking configuration.

With particular reference to the embodiment disclosed inFIGS.1to4, second fastening device18comprises abutment element32, in particular a plurality of abutment elements32, two in the example shown.

In particular, each groove29comprises one respective abutment element32.

Preferably but not necessarily, each abutment element32is defined by an end portion of the respective guiding section31, in particular the end portion of guiding section31being opposed to receiving section30.

More specifically, each hook element23is configured to contact one respective abutment element32with spout3being controlled into the locking configuration.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each abutment element32is configured to limit the course of the respective hook element23within groove during a relative rotation of first fastening device13and second fastening device14and/or of package2and spout3with respect to one another into the first sense of rotation.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, spout3also comprises an opening member, in particular a cutter, configured to open and/or rupture and/or cut at least partially pour opening surface area8, in particular separation membrane9.

According to a non-limiting embodiment not shown, the opening member could be fixedly connected to and protruding from coupling base16. In particular, the opening member could be configured such to at least partially penetrate into package2with spout3being arranged onto package2, in particular with spout3being controlled into the locking configuration.

It should be mentioned that package2is 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 package2having first fastening device13.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, each multi-layer packaging blank comprises first fastening device13; i.e. first fastening device13is 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 device13is applied onto the respective multi-layer packaging blank and/or the at least partially formed package2within 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 packages2and one respective spout3configured to be used consecutively with each package2of the respective multi-pack.

Alternatively and/or in addition, each spout3can be provided separately from packages2and/or multi-packs of package2.

In use, a consumer attaches spout3to package2in the area of, in particular at, pour opening surface area8. In particular, the consumer executes a relative movement, in particular a relative rotation, between the respective package2and spout3, so as to control spout3into 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 element23through the respective groove29, in particular the respective receiving section30and by executing the relative movement (into the first sense of rotation) and the interaction between each hook element23and the respective groove29, in particular the respective guiding section31, spout3is controlled into the locking configuration. In particular, spout3is in its locking configuration with each hook element23contacting the respective abutment element32.

The opening member of spout3opens and/or ruptures and/or cuts pour opening surface area8, in particular separating membrane9.

After use, the consumer controls spout3into the release configuration, in particular by a relative rotation into the second sense of rotation, and removes spout3from package2. Spout3can then be newly used with another package2, in particular after a cleaning of spout3.

With reference toFIG.5, number3′ indicates an alternative embodiment of a spout according to the present invention; as spout3′ is similar to spout3, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.

Spout3′ differs from spout3in that the opening member is moveable at least between a rest position and an opening position and in comprising a control member33configured 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 area8, in particular separating member9, with spout3′ being placed on package2and 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 spout3′ onto package2. In particular, it is possible to execute the opening and/or rupturing and/or cutting of the portion of pour opening surface area8, in particular separating member9, also after application of spout3′ so that the application of spout3′ onto package2and the loosening of the integrity of pour opening surface area8can be temporarily detached.

With reference toFIG.6, number3″ indicates an alternative embodiment of a spout according to the present invention attached to package2; as spout3″ is similar to spout3, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.

Spout3″ differs from spout3in that the respective second fastening device18comprises at least one flap34, preferentially a plurality of flaps34, in the example shown two. In particular, each flap34defines a respective fastening element of second fastening device18.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each flap34is coupled and/or connected to coupling base16. In particular, each flap34protrudes radially away from coupling base16.

Alternatively, each flap34could extend within a space provided within sealing layer19, in particular being connected to support layer20.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each flap34is configured to enter a clamping space defined between the respective clamping portion22of one respective fastening member21and a portion of outer surface14. In particular, each flap34comprises a respective engagement surface configured to contact, in use, the respective clamping portion22, in particular a respective interaction surface of the clamping portion22. Even more particular, in use, during control of spout3″ between the release configuration and the locking configuration, movement of spout3″ 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 spout3″ between the release configuration and the locking configuration.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, each flap34presents an arc-shaped and/or semi-circular form.

Preferentially but not necessarily, second fastening device18comprises at least one, preferentially a plurality of abutment elements32, even more preferentially a number of abutment elements32identical to the number of flaps34.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, each fastening member21, in particular the respective hook element23, gets into contact with one respective abutment element32with spout3″ being controlled into the locking configuration.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each flap34also carries and/or is connected with one respective abutment element32. Preferably, each abutment element32is connected to, in particular extends transversally from, a respective end portion of the respective flap34.

In particular, each abutment element32is configured to delimit the relative movement of first fastening device13and second fastening device14and/or spout3″ and package2with respect to one another.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each abutment element32is arranged such that spout3″ is controllable from the release configuration to the locking configuration and vice-versa by means of the relative rotation of first fastening device13and second fastening device14and/or of spout3″ and package2into respectively the first sense of rotation and the second sense of rotation.

It must be understood that in a similar manner to spout3′, spout3″ 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 toFIG.7, number3′″ indicates an alternative embodiment of a spout according to the present invention and number2′″ indicates an alternative embodiment of a package according to the present invention; as spout3′″ is similar to spout3″ and as package2′″ is similar to package2, the following description is limited to the differences between respectively spout3′″ and spout3″ and package2′″ and package2, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.

In particular, spout3′″ differs from spout3″ in that second fastening device18does not comprise an abutment element. I.e. there is no abutment element connected to flaps34.

In particular, package2′″ differs from package2in that first fastening device13comprises at least one fastening member21′″, in particular a plurality of fastening members21′″, in the specific example shown two.

Each fastening member21′″ comprises a collar35having or defining the respective clamping portion22. In particular, each collar35defines and/or at least partially delimits in cooperation with a portion of outer surface14a clamping space. In particular, in use, one respective flap34enters into and/or advances within one respective clamping space, in particular so as to control spout3′″ between the release configuration and the locking configuration.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each collar35comprises an interaction surface, in particular facing outer surface14, configured to interact with an engagement surface of one respective flap34. In use, each engagement surface slides along one respective interaction surface during control of spout3′″ 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, collars35face one another.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each collar35presents an arc-shaped and/or semi-circular form.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, each fastening member21′″ also comprises a support base36contacting outer surface14and carrying collar35, in particular collar35protruding transversally from support base36.

According to the preferred non-limiting embodiment shown inFIG.7, the respective end portions of each fastening member21′″ are open; i.e. each flap21′″ can, in use, enter and exit the respective clamping space from both end portions. In use, spout3′″ 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 device13and second fastening device14and/or spout3′″ and package2′″.

According to a preferred non-limiting alternative not shown, first fastening device13also 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 members21′″.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each abutment element is associated to one respective fastening member21′″. In particular, each abutment element is arranged (on outer surface14and) adjacent to a first end portion of the respective fastening member21′″, in particular the respective collar35. 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 member21′″ at the first end portion.

In particular, a second end portion of each fastening member21′″ opposed to the respective first end portion allows the entrance of the respective flap34into the clamping space.

Preferentially but not necessarily, with spout3′″ being controlled in the locking configuration each flap34contacts one respective abutment element. In use, spout3′″ 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 spout3′″ from the respective release configuration to the respective locking configuration each flap34advances within the respective clamping space until each flap34gets into contact with the respective abutment element. Even more particular, at some relative angular position of spout3′″ the possible rotation of spout3′″ into the first sense of rotation is blocked by the interaction of each flap34with the respective abutment element. Control of spout3′″ from the respective locking configuration to the respective release configuration requires to rotate spout3′″ into the second sense of rotation so as to remove each flap34from its respective clamping space.

It should be noted that spout3″ could also be arranged on package2′″; i.e. second fastening device18of spout3″ could interact with first fastening device13of package2′″.

It should also be noted that spout3′″, in a manner similar to spout3″, 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 packages2and2′″ and/or of spout3,3′,3″ and3′″ according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

In particular, it is possible to use a spout3,3′,3″ and3′″, which can be removably and/or releasably arranged on a package2or2′″ and thus, spout3,3′,3″ and3′″ can be used repeatedly with different packages2or2′″. Accordingly, it is possible to renounce to use one-way drinking straws packaged within an envelope.

It is a further advantage that spouts3,3′,3″ and3′″ can be provided together with a multi-package of packages2and2′″ or spouts3,3′,3″ and3′″ can be distributed separately from packages2and2′″.

It is another advantage that spout3,3′,3″ and3′″ can be cleaned after its use.

An even further advantage is that spout3,3′,3″ and3′″ can be secured onto packages2and2′″ so as to avoid any unwanted loosening of spout3,3′,3″ ad3′″ from packages2and2′″.

Clearly, changes may be made to package2and2′″ and/or spout3,3′,3″,3′″ as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

It should be noted that the specific embodiment disclosed regards a pourable food product. However, any other kind of pourable product could be used, such as e.g. detergent or similar. Accordingly, the respective spout to be placed on packages2and2′″ is not a drinking spout, but a pouring spout, in particular adapted to allow dosing of the pourable product.