CLOSURE ASSEMBLY FOR A CONTAINER AND CONTAINER HAVING A CLOSURE ASSEMBLY

Abstract

 There is described a closure assembly (3, 3') for a container (1) filled or fillable with a pourable product. The closure assembly (3, 3') comprises a lid (10), a ring member (11) and a coupling element connecting the lid (10) and the ring member (11) to one another and having at least one endless coupling portion (12; 45, 46).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a closure assembly for a container, in particular a container filled or fillable with a pourable product, even more particular a container filled or fillable with a pourable food product.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a container having a closure assembly.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] 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 containers, such as packages made of sterilized packaging material, bottles, cans and the like.

[0004] It is furthermore known that often such containers are provided with a closure assembly being provided with a collar delimiting a pouring outlet allowing the outpouring of the pourable product from the container and a lid configured to selectively open and close the pouring outlet and being connected to the collar when closing the pouring outlet.

[0005] It is further known that the closure assembly typically also comprises a ring member surrounding the collar and prior to the first removal of the lid the ring member and the lid are connected to one another by means of coupling bridges, which rupture during the first removal of the lid from the collar.

[0006] An inconvenience is seen in that the lid is separated from the other portions of the closure assembly and the container when opening the pouring outlet. This means e.g. that a user needs to keep the lid in one hand and the other portions of the closure assembly and the container need to be kept in the other hand. Furthermore, such inconvenience may lead to an undesired littering of the lid.

[0007] In order to overcome such inconveniences, it has been proposed to hinge the lid to the ring member or to use tethering elements for connecting the ring member and the lid to one another.

[0008] While these solutions work well with lids that do not require rotation of the lid for loosening and fastening the lid to the collar, the application of such concepts have not led to the desired results with respect to closure assemblies that require the unscrewing and the screwing of the lid for opening and closing the pouring outlet.

[0009] It has also been found that in some solutions the connections between the ring member and the lid are not strong enough to withstand greater separation forces acting on the ring member and the lid.

[0010] It has also been found that some solutions are such that the lid may disturb a user during the outpouring of the pourable food product.

[0011] Therefore, there is the need felt in the sector to provide a closure assembly overcoming at least one of the aforementioned inconveniences.

[0012] In particular, there is the need felt to provide a closure assembly, which guarantees that the lid remains coupled to the container with the pouring outlet being open.

[0013] In addition or alternatively, there is also the need felt to provide a closure assembly, which guarantees integrity of the closure assembly also under the application of greater separation forces.

[0014] In addition or alternatively, there is the need felt to provide a closure assembly, which allows to fasten and loosen the lid to the collar by means of a rotation and to guarantee that the lid remains coupled to the container with the pouring outlet being open.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0015] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner an improved closure assembly for containers, in particular filled or fillable with a pourable product, even more particular filled or fillable with a pourable food product.

[0016] It is a particular object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner an improved closure assembly for containers, which guarantees the coupling of different portions of the containers to one another during the steps of their use.

[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner a container, in particular filled or fillable with a pourable product, even more particular filled or fillable with a pourable food product, having a closure assembly.

[0018] According to the present invention, there is provided a closure assembly according to independent claim 1.

[0019] Further advantageous embodiments of the closure assembly are specified in the dependent claims.

[0020] According to the present invention, there is also provided a container according to claim 15.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Two non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a container having a closure assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention and the closure assembly being arranged in a first configuration, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the container of Figure 1 with the closure assembly being arranged in a second configuration, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the container of Figure 1 with the closure assembly being arranged in a third configuration, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 4 is an exploded view of the closure assembly of Figures 1 to 3, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of details of the closure assembly of Figures 1 to 3 being arranged in the first configuration, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of details of the closure assembly of Figures 1 to 3 being arranged in the second configuration, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a container having a closure assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention and the closure assembly being arranged in a first configuration, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the closure assembly of Figure 7 being in the first configuration, with parts removed for clarity; and

Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the closure assembly of Figure 7 being in a second configuration, with parts removed for clarity.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0022] Number 1 indicates as a whole a container, such as a bottle, a package, a can or the like, comprising a main body 2 and a closure assembly 3 coupled or coupleable to main body 2.

[0023] Preferably but not necessarily, container 1 is filled or fillable 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 fruit juice, milk (e.g. ultra-high-temperature treated milk), wine, tomato sauce, sugar, salt and others.

[0024] The following description will refer to containers 1, in particular main bodies 2, obtained from a web of packaging material having a multilayer structure, although this is in no way intended to limit the scope of protection as defined by the accompanying claims.

[0025] In particular, the web of packaging material comprises at least a layer of fibrous material, such as e.g. a paper or cardboard layer, 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 main body 2 contacting the pourable product.

[0026] Preferably but not necessarily, the web of packaging material also comprises a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular being arranged between one of the layers of the heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferentially but not necessarily, the web of packaging material also comprises a further layer of heat-seal plastic material being interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0027] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, main body 2 defines a sealed package, in particular a sealed carton package, having a designated pour opening surface area (not shown and known as such), and closure assembly 3 is fitted to main body 2 about the designated pour opening surface area.

[0028] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, closure assembly(ies) 3 is (are) applied to main body(ies) 2 prior, during or after formation, filling and sealing of main body (ies) 2 by means of a molding process and/or adhesive bonding and/or ultrasonic bonding.

[0029] Alternatively, closure assembly(ies) 3 can be applied onto the web of packaging material prior to arranging the web of packaging material within or during advancement of the web of packaging material within a packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing main body(ies) 2 from the web of packaging material.

[0030] With particular reference to Figure 1, main body 2 extends along a longitudinal axis A, a first transversal axis B and a second transversal axis C. In particular, longitudinal axis A is perpendicular to first transversal axis B and second transversal axis C and first transversal axis B and second transversal axis C are perpendicular to one another.

[0031] Preferentially but not necessarily, the extension of main body 2 along longitudinal axis A is greater than the extension of main body 2 along first transversal axis B and second transversal axis C.

[0032] Preferentially but not necessarily, main body 2 is parallelepiped-shaped.

[0033] According to the non-limiting embodiment disclosed, main body 2 comprises a first wall portion 4, in particular being transversal, even more particular perpendicular, to longitudinal axis A, from which main body 2 extends along longitudinal axis A. Preferably but not necessarily, first wall portion 4 defines a support surface of container 1, in particular main body 2, which, in use, can be put in contact with a support, such as e.g. a shelf, when, in use, being e.g. exposed within a sales point or when being stored. In particular, when being arranged on a support and/or, in use, during consumption of the pourable food product by a consumer from container 1 first wall portion 4 defines a bottom wall portion.

[0034] Preferably but not necessarily, main body 2 also comprises a plurality of lateral walls 5 being (fixedly) connected to first wall portion 4 and extending, in particular substantially parallel to longitudinal axis A, from first wall portion 4.

[0035] Preferably but not necessarily, main body 2 also comprises a second wall portion 6 opposite to first wall portion 4 and being (fixedly) connected to lateral walls 5. In other words, lateral walls 5 are interposed between first wall portion 4 and second wall portion 6. In particular, when being arranged on a support and/or, in use, during consumption of the pourable food product by a consumer from container 1, second wall portion 6 defines a top wall portion.

[0036] According to some non-limiting embodiments, first wall portion 4 and second wall portion 6 may be parallel to one another.

[0037] According to a non-limiting alternative embodiment not shown, first wall portion 4 and second wall portion 6 could be inclined with respect to one another.

[0038] According to some non-limiting embodiments, second wall portion 6 comprises the designated pour opening surface area.

[0039] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the designated pour opening surface area of main body 2 comprises a pouring hole allowing for the outflow of the pourable product from main body 2.

[0040] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the designated pour opening surface area also comprises a separation membrane sealing the pouring hole. In particular, the separation membrane is configured to retain the pourable product within main body 2 when being intact and to be at least partially (and non-reversibly) openable and/or rupturable and/or cuttable and/or pierceable so as to allow the outflow of the pourable product from main body 2 through at least a portion of the pouring hole. In particular, the separation membrane is configured to allow the outflow 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.

[0041] Preferentially but not necessarily, the separation membrane comprises a gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film.

[0042] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the separation membrane is defined by a portion of the web of packaging material, in particular a portion of the layers of the web of packaging material being different from the layer of fibrous material.

[0043] With particular reference to Figures 1 to 6, closure assembly 3 comprises at least:

• a lid 10;
• a ring member 11; and
• a coupling element connected to lid 10 and to ring member 11, in particular respectively at at least one first fixing join 13 (of closure assembly 3) and at at least one second fixing join 14 (of closure assembly 3), and having at least one endless coupling portion 12.

[0044] In particular, with reference to the specific embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, endless coupling portion 12 is connected to lid 10 and ring member 11 at respectively first fixing join 13 and second fixing join 14.

[0045] It should be noted that the term endless indicates that endless coupling portion 12 taken separate from lid 10 and ring member 11 does not comprise neither a beginning nor an end. Taken separate shall mean that endless coupling portion 12 is detached from lid 10 at first fixing join 13 at least in an imaginary manner and from ring member 11 at second fixing join 14 at least in an imaginary manner.

[0046] In particular, the coupling element, even more particular endless coupling portion 12, is configured to couple lid 10 and ring member 11 to one another and, even more particular defines a possible maximum separation distance between lid 10 and ring member 11.

[0047] It should be noted that closure assembly 3 comprises first fixing join 13 and second fixing join 14, in particular first fixing join 13 fixing the connecting element, in particular endless coupling portion 12, to lid 10 and second fixing join 14 fixing the connecting element, in particular endless coupling portion 12, to ring member 11.

[0048] In particular, first fixing join 13 and second fixing join 14 are designed in a non-rupturable and/or separation resistant manner, meaning that upon a normal use of closure assembly 3 (i.e. the relative separation of and/or distancing of lid 10 and ring member 11 from one another) first fixing join 13 and second fixing join 14 remain intact so that lid 10 and ring member 11 remain connected to one another by means of the coupling element, in particular endless coupling portion 12. Even more particular, first fixing join 13 and second fixing join 14 are also designed to resist an acting force, which exceeds these forces, which typically act during a normal use of closure assembly 3. An example of the occurrence of such an exceeding acting force is the case when a user intends to willingly detach the coupling element, in particular endless coupling portion 12, from lid 10 and/or ring member 11 by pulling lid 10 and ring member 11 along different directions from one another.

[0049] According to some non-limiting embodiments, closure assembly 3 comprises one single first fixing join 13 and one single second fixing join 14. In this case, the coupling element, in particular endless coupling portion 12, is connected (in a non-rupturable manner) to lid 10 and ring member 11 only through first fixing join 13 and second fixing join 14.

[0050] According to some alternative embodiments not shown, closure assembly 3 may comprise rupturable first bridges connecting the coupling element, in particular endless coupling portion 12, to lid 10 and/or rupturable second bridges connecting the coupling element, in particular endless coupling portion 12, to ring member 11. In particular, the difference between the first bridges and first fixing join 13 and between the second bridges and second fixing join 14 is that respectively the first bridges and the second bridges are designed to rupture during the first separation action between lid 10 and ring member 11, while first fixing join 13 and second fixing join 14 are designed to guarantee the connection between lid 10 and ring member 11 (by means of the coupling element, in particular endless coupling portion 12).

[0051] According to some non-limiting embodiments, closure assembly 3 also comprises a collar 15 delimiting and/or defining a pouring outlet 16 (of container 1).

[0052] In particular, ring member 11 is coupled to and surrounds collar 15 and lid 10 is connected and/or connectable to collar 15 and is configured to selectively close and open pouring outlet 16 for respectively impeding and allowing the outflow of the pourable product from container 1 through pouring outlet 16.

[0053] According to some non-limiting embodiments, ring member 11 is coaxial to collar 15.

[0054] According to some non-limiting embodiments, lid 10 and collar 15 are designed such that lid 10 can be fastened to and loosened from collar 15 by means of rotation (by means of respectively screwing and unscrewing) of lid 10 with respect to collar 15 around a rotation axis E. In particular, rotation axis E being transversal to first transversal axis B and second transversal axis C.

[0055] In particular, lid 10 comprises an inner threaded portion 17 and collar 15 comprises an outer threaded portion 18. Inner threaded portion 17 and outer threaded portion 18 are configured to allow for selectively fastening and loosening lid 10 to and from collar 15 by means of a relative rotation between lid 10 and collar 15.

[0056] According to some non-limiting embodiments, closure assembly 3 further comprises a coupling base 19 carrying collar 15 and being configured to couple and/or connect (see Figures 4 to 6) and/or being coupled and/or connected to (see Figures 1 to 3) main body 2.

[0057] Preferentially but not necessarily, coupling base 19 is configured to be fixed and/or is fixed to an outer surface of main body 2, in particular of second wall portion 6. In particular, coupling base 19 is arranged in the area of, even more particular at, the designated pour opening surface area.

[0058] In particular, coupling base 19 comprises an opening, in particular a circular opening, and collar 15 surrounds the opening so that, in use, with the separation membrane being opened and/or cut and/or ruptured and/or pierced a fluid connection between the inside of main body 2 and pouring outlet 16 is established (i.e. the pourable product can flow out of container 1).

[0059] Preferentially but not necessarily, at least a portion of coupling base 19 (substantially) has a plate-like configuration.

[0060] Preferentially but not necessarily, collar 15 extends, in particular from coupling base 19, along, in particular parallel to, a longitudinal axis F, in particular longitudinal axis F being a central axis of collar 15. In particular, the opening of coupling base 19, collar 15 and the pouring hole are coaxial to one another.

[0061] Preferentially but not necessarily, rotation axis E and longitudinal axis F are parallel, in particular coaxial, to one another.

[0062] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, collar 15 has a circular shape, in particular a circular cross-sectional shape with respect to a sectional plane being orthogonal to longitudinal axis F.

[0063] According to some non-limiting embodiments, closure assembly 3 also comprises a cutting device 20 configured to rupture and/or pierce and/or cut and/or open the separation membrane and a control device configured to control cutting device 20 from a rest position to an operative position in which cutting device 20 is adapted to rupture and/or pierce and/or cut and/or open the separation membrane.

[0064] Preferentially but not necessarily, cutting device 20 has an annular shape and is arranged within an inner space 25 of collar 15 when being arranged in the rest position and protrudes at least partially out of inner space 25 when being controlled in the operative position.

[0065] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the control device comprises control flaps 26 connected to lid 10, interaction elements 27 connected to cutting device 20 and a cam mechanism 28 (see Figure 4; known as such and not described in detail) partially associated to cutting device 20 and partially associated to collar 15.

[0066] Preferentially but not necessarily, the control device is actuatable through rotation of control flaps 26 around a respective rotation axis, in particular by means of rotation of lid 10 around rotation axis E. In particular, rotation of control flaps 26 leads, in use, to a rototraslatory movement of cutting device 20, which is guided by means of cam mechanism 28.

[0067] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, closure assembly 3 is controllable in at least a first configuration (see Figures 1 and 5) in which lid 10 and ring member 11 are coaxial to one another and a second configuration (see Figures 2 and 6) in which lid 10 is transversally arranged with respect to ring member 11. In particular, it should be noted that with respect to the present description, the definition of the first configuration and the second configuration regards the situation that a user does not exert any external force to lid 10 and/or ring member 11. In other words, the shape of endless coupling portion 12 is (substantially) determined by the relative positions of, the relative orientations and the relative distances between, lid 10 and ring member 11.

[0068] Thus, within the scope of the present description, it is not possible to define the first configuration and/or the second configuration if a user exerts a force on lid 10 and/or ring member 11 (by for example exerting a pulling force as schematically shown in Figure 3).

[0069] In particular, lid 10 is configured to close and open pouring outlet 16 with closure assembly 3 being controlled in respectively the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0070] Preferentially but not necessarily, closure assembly 3 is controlled in the first configuration and the second configuration with lid 10 being respectively connected to and detached from collar 15. In particular, lid 10 is coaxial to collar 15 with closure assembly 3 being controlled in the first configuration.

[0071] In particular, a ring portion 29 of lid 10 is parallel to and transversal to ring member 11 with closure assembly 3 being controlled in respectively the first configuration and the second configuration. This latter reflects the fact that lid 10 needs to be distanced and/or separated from ring member 11 for allowing the outflow of the pourable product through pouring outlet 16 (see e.g. Figures 2 and 3).

[0072] In particular, it should be noted that prior to any manipulation of closure assembly 3 by means of a user, closure assembly 3 is controlled in an initial state in which closure assembly 3 is in the first configuration.

[0073] With particular reference to Figure 5, first fixing join 13 and second fixing join 14 face one another with closure assembly 3 being controlled in the initial state. In particular, first fixing join 13 and second fixing join 14 are axially, but not angularly displaced from one another

[0074] With particular reference to Figure 5, the coupling element, in particular endless coupling portion 12, is arranged between lid 10 and ring member 11 with closure assembly 3 being controlled in the first configuration (and the initial state).

[0075] Preferentially but not necessarily, ring member 11 comprises a recess 32 for hosting at least a portion of the coupling element, in particular endless coupling portion 12, moreover, ring member 11 and lid 10 are axially spaced from one another such to host another portion of the coupling element, in particular endless coupling portion 12, with closure assembly 3 being in the first configuration.

[0076] With particular reference to Figures 5 and 6, endless coupling portion 12 comprises a first portion 33 extending from first fixing join 13 to second fixing join 14 and a second portion 34 distinct from first portion 33 and extending from second fixing join 14 to first fixing join 13.

[0077] In particular, first portion 33 extends along a first direction D1 and second portion 34 extends along a second direction D2 opposite to first direction D1.

[0078] Preferentially but not necessarily, first portion 33 and second portion 34 present similar and/or (substantially) equal circumferential lengths.

[0079] Preferentially but not necessarily, first portion 33 and second portion 34 are mirror symmetric, in particular with closure assembly 3 being controlled in the first configuration. In particular, first portion 33 and second portion 34 are mirror symmetric with respect to a mirror plane extending through first fixing join 13 and second fixing join 14 and/or comprising longitudinal axis F and/or rotation axis E.

[0080] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, end coupling portion 12 is, in particular first portion 33 and second portion 34 are, configured to change shape in dependence of the relative position and distance between lid 10 and ring member 11 (see e.g. Figures 1 to 4) . In other words, endless coupling portion 12 is flexible.

[0081] According to a preferred non-liming embodiment, endless coupling portion 12 encloses a first surface area S1 and a second surface area S2 with closure assembly 3 being controlled in respectively the first configuration and the second configuration. In particular, second surface area S2 has a shape different from the shape of first surface area S1. This is due to the flexibility of endless coupling portion 12, which changes its specific shape in dependence of the relative position between lid 10 and ring member 11.

[0082] With particular reference to Figures 5 and 6, endless coupling portion 12 has a (substantially) first elliptical shape and a (substantially) second elliptical shape with closure assembly 3 being controlled in respectively the first configuration and the second configuration. In particular, the second elliptical shape and the first elliptical shape are different from one another.

[0083] Preferentially but not necessarily, the first elliptical shape has and/or defines a first minor-axis extending between first fixing join 13 and second fixing join 14 and a first major-axis orthogonal to the first minor-axis and the second elliptical shape has and/or defines a second minor-axis extending between first fixing join 13 and second fixing join 14 and a second major-axis orthogonal to the second minor-axis. In particular, a length of the first major-axis is greater than a length of the second major-axis and a length of the first minor axis is smaller than a length of the second minor-axis.

[0084] According to an alternative embodiment, endless coupling portion 12 could be shaped as a first rhombus and a second rhombus different from the first rhombus with the closure assembly 3 being controlled in respectively the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0085] It should, however, be noted that the first rhombus and the second rhombus can be approximated as respective elliptical shapes and thus respectively define a substantially first elliptical shape and a substantially second elliptical shape.

[0086] With particular reference to Figure 5, closure assembly 3 further comprises a plurality of rupturable coupling bridges 35 connecting lid 10, in particular ring portion 29, and ring member 11 with one another prior to a first separation and/or distancing of lid 10 and ring member 11 to one another (i.e. with closure assembly 3 being in the first state). In particular, coupling bridges 35 rupture, in use, during the execution of the steps required for separating and/or distancing lid 10 and ring member 11 from one another. In other words, coupling bridges 35 are configured to rupture the first time closure assembly 3 is to be controlled from the first configuration to the second configuration. Preferentially but not necessarily, coupling bridges 35 are configured to rupture during initial steps of the control from the first configuration to the second configuration (i.e. the control from the first configuration to the second configuration needs not to be completed).

[0087] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, coupling bridges 35 provide for a tamper evidence function, meaning that their rupture indicates a user that container 1 presumably is not intact anymore.

[0088] According to the specific embodiment disclosed, coupling bridges 35 rupture during the first activation of a rotation of lid 10 around rotation axis E.

[0089] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, cutting device 20 is configured to rupture and/or pierce and/or cut and/or open, in use, the separation membrane only after a rupturing of coupling bridges 35 has occurred.

[0090] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, closure assembly 3 comprises a control unit configured to control an angular movement of ring member 11 with respect to collar 15 when, in use, lid 10 rotates around rotation axis E.

[0091] In particular, the control unit is configured to control the angular movement of ring member 11 around a rotation axis parallel, in particular coaxial, to rotation axis E.

[0092] Even more particular, the control unit is configured to control the angular movement of ring member 11 such that coupling bridges 35 rupture during the first control of control assembly 3 from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0093] Preferentially but not necessarily, the control unit is partially associated to ring member 11 and to collar 15.

[0094] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, closure assembly 3 is formed from a polymeric material.

[0095] Preferentially but not necessarily, closure assembly 3 is obtained during a molding process and the coupling element, in particular endless coupling portion 12, is obtained directly during the molding process or at least partially by incision, such as e.g. laser incision or cutting with a blade.

[0096] In use, a user separates and/or distances lid 10 from ring member 11 or approaches lid 10 and ring member 11, in particular for selectively allowing or impeding the outflow of the pourable product from container 1.

[0097] In particular, a user controls closure assembly 3 between the first configuration and the second configuration (see Figures 1 and 2) during which the control element, in particular endless coupling portion 12, adapts to the specific relative positions and distances, thereby retaining the connection between ring member 11 and lid 10.

[0098] In particular, the connection between ring member 11 and lid 10 is retained even if lid 10 and ring member 11 are further distanced from one another (see Figure 3). The coupling element, in particular endless coupling portion 12, deforms accordingly.

[0099] Preferentially but not necessarily, a rotation of lid 10 around rotation axis E allows to control closure assembly 3 between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0100] Preferentially but not necessarily, prior to the first use of closure assembly 3, closure assembly 3 is in the initial state, which corresponds at this stage of the use of closure assembly 3 to the first configuration of closure assembly 3. When a user controls closure assembly 3 from the first configuration to the second configuration, coupling bridges 35 rupture so that ring member 11 and lid 10 remain attached only by means of the coupling element, in particular endless coupling portion 12. Afterwards, it is still possible to control closure assembly 3 in the first configuration, however, coupling bridges 35 remain broken.

[0101] Preferentially but not necessarily, rotation of lid 10 also actuates movement of cutting device 20 from the rest position to the operative position so as to rupture and/or open and/or pierce and/or cut the separation membrane. In particular, cutting device 20 ruptures and/or pierces and/or cuts and/or opens the separation membrane only after rupture of coupling bridges 35.

[0102] With particular reference to Figures 7 to 9, number 3' indicates a second embodiment of a closure assembly according to the present invention. Closure assembly 3' is similar to closure assembly 3 and for this reason is described below only in terms of the differences with respect to closure assembly 3, by indicating with the same reference numbers parts equal or equivalent to parts already described.

[0103] In particular, closure assembly 3' differs from closure assembly 3 in that the coupling element comprises a first endless coupling portion 45 and a second endless coupling portion 46 connected to one another, in particular at an auxiliary (non-rupturable) fixing join 47 (of the coupling element).

[0104] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, first endless coupling portion 45 is connected to lid 10, in particular at first fixing join 13, and second endless coupling portion 46 is connected to ring member 11, in particular at second fixing join 14.

[0105] It should be noted that the term endless indicates that each one first endless coupling portion 45 and second endless coupling portion 46 taken separate from lid 10 and ring member 11 and from one another does not comprise neither a beginning nor an end. Taken separate shall mean that first endless coupling portion 45 is detached at least in an imaginary manner from lid 10 at first fixing join 13 and from second endless coupling portion 46 at auxiliary fixing join 47 and second endless coupling portion 46 is detached at least in an imaginary manner from ring member 11 at second fixing join 14 and from first endless coupling portion 45 at auxiliary fixing join 47.

[0106] With particular reference to Figure 8, each one of first endless coupling portion 45 and second endless coupling portion 46 presents a rectangular shape with closure assembly 3' being in the first configuration and/or the initial state.

[0107] According to a possible non-limiting embodiment, the coupling element, in particular first endless coupling portion 45 and second endless coupling portion 46, is obtained or obtainable by means of an incision or molding process.

[0108] It should be noted that according to the specific example shown in Figure 7, container 1 having closure assembly 3' comprises main body 2', which is similar to main body 2 of container 1 having closure assembly 3.

[0109] In particular, main body 2 and main body 2' (substantially) only differ in their respective shapes, while both main body 2 and main body 2' are obtained from a web of packaging material as disclosed further above in the description.

[0110] It should be noted that closure assembly 3 could be used for a container having main body 2' and closure assembly 3' could be used for a container having main body 2.

[0111] As the use of closure assembly 3' is similar to the use of closure assembly 3, we refer to the description of the use of closure assembly 3.

[0112] The advantages of closure assembly 3 and closure assembly 3' according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

[0113] In particular, by connecting lid 10 and ring member 11 to one another by means of the respective coupling element, a permanent and resistant connection between lid 10 and ring member 11 is obtained, which also permits to vary without significant constraints the relative positions and distances between lid 10 and ring member 11.

[0114] A further advantage resides in that each coupling element allows to change shape increasing the flexibility of the respective closure assembly 3 and closure assembly 3'. In particular, the relative position and the relative distance between lid 10 and ring member 11 can be modified in a flexible manner.

[0115] Clearly, changes may be made to container 1 and/or closure assembly 3 and/or closure assembly 3' as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A closure assembly (3, 3') for a container (1, 1') filled or fillable with a pourable product;
the closure assembly (3, 3') comprises:

- a lid (10);

- a ring member (11); and

- a coupling element connecting the lid (10) and the ring member (11) to one another and comprising at least one endless coupling portion (12; 45, 46).

2. A closure assembly according to claim 1, wherein the coupling element is connected to the lid (10) at a first fixing join (13) and is connected to the ring member (11) at a second fixing join (14).

3. Closure assembly according to claim 2, wherein the at least one endless coupling portion (12; 45, 46) is configured to change its shape in dependence of a relative position of and distance between the lid (10) and the ring member (11).

4. Closure assembly according claim 2 or 3, wherein the closure assembly (3, 3') is controllable in at least a first configuration in which the lid (10) and the ring member (11) are coaxial to one another and a second configuration in which the lid (10) is transversally arranged with respect to the ring member (11).

5. Closure assembly according to claim 4, wherein the endless coupling portion (12; 45, 46) encloses a first surface area (S1) and a second surface area (S2) with the closure assembly (3, 3') being controlled in respectively the first configuration and the second configuration;
wherein the shape of the first surface area (S1) is different from the shape of the second surface area (S2).

6. Closure assembly according to claim 5, wherein the at least one endless coupling portion (12; 45, 46) is mirror symmetric with respect to a mirror plane extending through the first fixing join (13) and the second fixing join (14) with the closure assembly (3, 3') being controlled in the first configuration.

7. Closure assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the coupling element comprises one endless coupling portion (12) connected to the lid (10) at the first fixing join (13) and connected to the ring member (11) at the second fixing join (14).

8. Closure assembly according to claim 7, wherein the endless coupling portion (12) comprises a first portion (33) extending from the first fixing join (13) to the second fixing join (14) and a second portion (33) distinct from the first portion (33) and extending from the second fixing join (14) to the first fixing join (13);
wherein the first portion (33) extends along a first direction (D1) and the second portion (34) extends along a second direction (D2) opposite to the first direction (D1).

9. Closure assembly according to claim 7 or 8, as appended to claim 4, wherein the endless coupling portion (12) has a substantially first elliptical shape and a substantially second elliptical shape with the closure assembly (3, 3') being controlled in respectively the first configuration and the second configuration;
wherein the second elliptical shape is different from the first elliptical shape.

10. Closure assembly according to claim 9, wherein the first elliptical shape has a first minor-axis extending between the first fixing join (13) and the second fixing join (14) and a first major-axis orthogonal to the first minor-axis and the second elliptical shape has a second minor-axis extending between the first fixing join (13) and the second fixing join (14) and a second major-axis orthogonal to the second minor-axis;
wherein a length of the first major-axis is greater than a length of the second major-axis and a length of the first minor axis is smaller than a length of the second minor-axis.

11. Closure assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the coupling element comprises a first endless coupling portion (45) and a second endless coupling portion (46) connected to the first endless coupling portion (45).

12. Closure assembly according to claim 11, wherein the first endless coupling portion (45) is connected to the lid (10) at the first fixing join (13) and the second endless coupling portion (46) is connected to the ring member (11) at the second fixing join (14), the first endless coupling portion (45) and the second endless coupling portion (46) being connected to one another at an auxiliary fixing join (47) .

13. Closure assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising a collar (15) delimiting a pouring outlet (16);
wherein the ring member (11) is coupled to and surrounds the collar (15);
wherein the lid (10) is configured to selectively close and open the pouring outlet (16).

14. Closure assembly according to claim 13, wherein the lid (10) comprises an inner threaded portion (17) and the collar (15) comprises an outer threaded portion (18);
wherein the inner threaded portion (17) and the outer threaded portion (18) are configured to allow for selectively fastening and loosening the lid (10) on the collar (15).

15. Container (1, 1') for a pourable product comprising at least one main body (2, 2') being filled or being fillable with the pourable product and one closure assembly (3, 3') according to one of the preceding claims coupled to the main body (2, 2').

Drawing