OPENING DEVICE FOR A PACKAGE AND PACKAGE THEREWITH

Abstract

 There is described an opening device (3, 3') comprising a collar (15) and a cutter (17) at least partially arranged within a flow channel (16) delimited by the collar (15). The opening device (3, 3') further comprises a retaining device configured to block movement of the cutter (17) out of the flow channel (16) and through a pouring outlet (19) of the collar (15). The opening device (3, 3') also comprises a flange (30) protruding from the cutter (17).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an opening device for a package, in particular for a composite package, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a package having a main body filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product, and an opening device arranged on the main body.

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 packages made of composite packaging material.

[0004] A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped package for pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding a laminated strip packaging material. The packaging material has a multilayer structure comprising a carton and/or paper base layer, covered on both sides with layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packages for long-storage products, the packaging material also comprises a layer of oxygen-barrier material, e.g. an aluminum foil, which is superimposed on a layer of heat-seal plastic material, and is in turn covered with another layer of heat-seal plastic material forming the inner face of the package eventually contacting the food product.

[0005] 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, which allows the outpouring of the pourable product from the package. Typically, the designated pour opening is covered by a separation membrane, which isolates an inner space of the main body from an 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. It is also known to arrange an opening device having a collar and a closure on the main body about the designated pour opening so as to be able to control the outpouring of the pourable product out of the main body and through the collar. Therefore, the collar has a pouring outlet so as to allow for a controlled outpouring of the pourable product from the package and the closure allows to selectively close and open the pouring outlet.

[0006] Some of the known opening devices comprise a cutter so as to break the separation membrane covering the designated pour opening in a controlled manner.

[0007] Even though such opening devices work satisfyingly well, a need is felt in the sector to further improve the opening devices and/or the packages having opening devices.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved opening device for a package, in particular a composite package, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product.

[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner a package having a main body filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product, and an opening device applied on the main body.

[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided an opening device according to the independent claim.

[0011] Further advantageous embodiments of the opening device are specified in the respective dependent claims.

[0012] According to the present invention, there is also provided a package according to claim 15.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] 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 package having a main body and an opening device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the opening device of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 3 is a top perspective view of portions of the opening device of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 4 is a sectioned view of a portion of the opening device of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 5 is a top perspective view of a portion of an opening device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity; and

Figure 6 is a sectioned view of portions of the opening device of Figure 5, with parts removed for clarity.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] Number 1 indicates as a whole a package, in particular a composite package, comprising:

• a main body 2, in a particular a composite main body, even more particular a sealed composite main body, being filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, and in particular having a designated pour opening (not shown and known as such) configured to allow for the outpouring of the pourable product from main body 2; and
• an opening device 3, in particular an opening device formed from a polymer, fitted to main body 2, in particular to main body 2 about the designated pour opening.

[0015] Main body 2 may be obtained from a multilayer packaging material, in particular being provided in the form of a web. The packaging material may comprise 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 may define an inner face of main body 2 contacting the pourable product.

[0016] Preferentially, the packaging material may also comprise a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular being arranged between one of the layers of the heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. More preferentially, the packaging material may also comprise a further layer of heat-seal plastic material being interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0017] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, each opening device 3 is applied to the respective main body 2 prior, during or after forming, filling and sealing of the respective main body 2 by means of a molding process and/or adhesive bonding and/or ultrasonic bonding and/or welding.

[0018] Alternatively, each opening device 3 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 the respective main body 2 from the packaging material.

[0019] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, main body 2 may contain a pourable food product such as water, milk, milk-based drinks, yoghurt drinks, coffee-based drinks, fruit juice, beverages with pulp, tomato sauce, salt, sugar and the like.

[0020] With particular reference to Figure 1, main body 2 may extend along a central (longitudinal) axis A.

[0021] In particular, package 2 may comprise a first wall 4, in particular being transversal, even more particular perpendicular, to central axis A, from which main body 2 extends along central axis A. Preferentially, first wall 4 may define a supporting surface of package 2, which, in use, can be put in contact with a support element, such as e.g. a shelf, when, in use, being e.g. exposed within a sales point, placed within a storage chamber, placed within a refrigerator or similar. In particular, when being arranged on a support element first wall 4 may define a bottom wall.

[0022] Moreover, main body 2 may also comprise a side wall 5 being (fixedly) connected to first wall 4 and extending from first wall 4.

[0023] Additionally, main body 2 may also comprise a second wall 6 opposite to first wall 4 and being (fixedly) connected to side wall 5. In other words, side wall 5 may be interposed between first wall 4 and second wall 6. In particular, when being arranged on a support element, second wall 6 may define a top wall.

[0024] According to a non-limiting embodiment, first wall 4 and second wall 6 may be parallel to one another.

[0025] Alternatively, first wall 4 and second wall 6 may be inclined with respect to one another. In other words, second wall 6 may define a slanted-top or a gable-top.

[0026] In particular, second wall 6 may comprise the designated pour opening.

[0027] Furthermore, main body 2 may comprise a separation membrane covering the designated pour opening so as to isolate an inner space 7 of main body 2 from an outer environment. Additionally, the separation membrane may be at least partially (and non-reversibly) breakable (i.e. openable and/or rupturable and/or cuttable and/or pierceable), in particular so as to allow a loss of the integrity of the separation membrane, which therefore allows the outpouring of the pourable product out of main body 2.

[0028] Preferentially, the separation membrane may comprise a gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film.

[0029] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the separation membrane may be 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. Preferentially, the separation membrane may comprise a portion of the layer of the gas- and light-barrier material.

[0030] With particular reference to Figures 1 to 4, opening device 3 comprises at least:

• a collar 15, in particular aligned with the designated pour opening, delimiting a flow channel 16 for the pourable product; and
• a (ring-shaped) cutter 17 configured to break (i.e. to rupture and/or cut and/or pierce and/or open) the separation membrane and being at least partially arranged within collar 15 and/or flow channel 16.

[0031] In more detail, collar 15 may comprise an inlet opening 18 configured to allow for an inflow of the pourable product, in particular from inner space 7, into flow channel 16 and a pouring outlet 19 configured to allow an outflow of the pourable product from flow channel 16 (and collar 15).

[0032] Preferentially, flow channel 16 may extend between inlet opening 18 and pouring outlet 19.

[0033] In even more detail, in use and once the integrity of the separation membrane is lost due to operation of cutter 17 (see for more details further below), the pourable product can flow from inner space 7 through the designated pour opening and/or inlet opening 18 into flow channel 16 and then through flow channel 16 and out of pouring outlet 19.

[0034] In more detail, collar 15 may comprise an inner surface 20 facing and/or delimiting flow channel 16, and in particular also an outer surface 21 opposite to inner surface 20 (i.e. facing away from flow channel 16).

[0035] In particular, inner surface 20 may also face cutter 17 with cutter 17 being at least partially arranged within flow channel 16.

[0036] Moreover, collar 15 and/or flow channel 16 may extend along a central axis B.

[0037] Preferentially, collar 15 may have an annular cross-section profile in a cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to central axis B.

[0038] Even more preferentially, collar 15 and/or inlet opening 18 and/or pouring outlet 19 may have a (substantially) circular cross-sectional profile, in particular in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to central axis B.

[0039] Cutter 17 may be arranged, in particular moveably arranged, within flow channel 16.

[0040] Preferentially, cutter 17 may extend along and/or have a central axis C.

[0041] In particular, central axis C may be coaxial to central axis B with cutter 17 being at least partially placed within flow channel 16. In other words, cutter 17 when being at least partially arranged within flow channel 16 may be coaxial to collar 15.

[0042] Preferentially, cutter 17 may comprise at least a cutting section 22 configured to break the separation membrane. In particular, cutting section 22 may comprise, in particular consist of, a (curved) saw blade.

[0043] Moreover, cutting section 22 may be arranged at a first end portion 23 of cutter 17.

[0044] Preferentially, cutter 17 may be controlled in a rest position in which cutter 17 is detached from the separation membrane (so as to guarantee integrity of the separation membrane) and an active position in which cutter 17, in particular cutting section 22, may be configured to break the separation membrane.

[0045] Even more particular, when package 1 is provided to an end customer, cutter 17 may be arranged in the rest position and the separation membrane is intact. Moreover, control of cutter 17 from the rest position to the active position may be actuated once. After the separation membrane has been broken, it is not necessary to repeatedly control cutter 17 between the active position and the rest position.

[0046] Cutter 17 may be arranged in a first axial position and a second axial position with respect to central axis B when being in respectively the rest position and the active position.

[0047] Preferentially, cutter 17, when being in the rest position and/or the first axial position, may be (substantially) fully arranged within flow channel 16.

[0048] Cutter 17, when being in the active position and/or the second axial position, may at least partially extend out of flow channel 16 and through inlet opening 18. In particular, at least cutting section 22 may extend out of flow channel 16 and through inlet opening 18.

[0049] In further detail, cutter 17, when being in the rest position, may be closer to pouring outlet 19 than when being in the active position.

[0050] As will be explained in more detail further below, cutter 17 may be configured to at least translate along central axis B when, in use, moving between the rest position and the active position. Preferentially, cutter 17 may be configured to translate along and rotate about central axis B when, in use, moving between the rest position and the active position.

[0051] In particular, in use, during movement between the rest position and the active position cutter 17 moves along a first direction D1.

[0052] More specifically, cutter 17 may be ring-shaped (i.e. have a cross-section with an annular shape in a plane perpendicular to central axis B).

[0053] Cutter 17 may comprise an outer surface 24 facing inner surface 20, in particular at least with cutter 17 being in the rest position.

[0054] Preferentially, opening device 3 may comprise an actuation device configured to actuate and guide movement of the cutter 17 from the rest position to the active position.

[0055] Opening device 3 further comprises a retaining device configured to block movement of cutter 17 out of flow channel 16 and through pouring outlet 19. In other words, the retaining device guarantees that cutter 17 cannot (accidently) exit from flow channel 16 through pouring outlet 19.

[0056] In more detail, the retaining device may comprise:

• a retaining group 31 connected to, in particular protruding from, inner surface 20 (and into flow channel 16); and
• an interaction group 32 connected to, and in particular protruding from, cutter 17, in particular outer surface 24.

[0057] Furthermore, retaining group 31 and interaction group 32 may be configured to interact with one another so as to block movement of cutter 17 out of flow channel 16 and through pouring outlet 19.

[0058] Preferentially, retaining group 31 may be integral to collar 15 and/or interaction group 32 may be integral to cutter 17. Even more preferentially, retaining group 31 and collar 15 may be molded in a single piece and/or cutter 17 and interaction group 32 may be molded in a single piece.

[0059] Preferentially, retaining group 31 and/or interaction group 32 may be interposed between outer surface 24 and inner surface 20.

[0060] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, interaction group 32 may be interposed between retaining group 31 and inlet opening 18 and/or retaining group 31 may be interposed between interaction group 32 and pouring outlet 19.

[0061] In more detail, interaction group 32 and retaining group 31 may be configured to interact with one another such that cutter 17 can move only to a certain degree, if at all, along a second direction D2 opposite to first direction D1 and to guarantee that cutter 17 cannot exit through pouring outlet 19.

[0062] More specifically, interaction group 32 and retaining group 31 may be configured to interact with one another with cutter 17 being positioned in and/or moved to an end axial position with respect to central axis B. In particular, with cutter 17 being in the end axial position, cutter 17 may be in the rest position or in a position in which cutter 17 is closer to pouring outlet 19 than when being in the rest position.

[0063] Furthermore, the end axial position may define the axial position of cutter 17 in which cutter 17 is closer to pouring outlet 19 than in any other axial position. In particular, it should be considered that retaining group 31 may be configured such to define and/or delimit the end axial position, even more particular as the interaction between interaction group 32 and retaining group 31 guarantees that cutter 17 cannot move further along second direction D2 once cutter 17 has reached the end axial position.

[0064] Additionally, cutter 17 when being in the end axial position may have the maximum possible distance from inlet opening 18.

[0065] Moreover, interaction group 32 and retaining group 31 may interact with one another only with cutter 17 being in the end axial position. In other words, once cutter 17 has reached the end axial position, a possible movement of cutter 17 along second direction D2 is blocked by the interaction between interaction group 32 and retaining group 31.

[0066] With particular reference to Figures 2 to 4, retaining group 31 may comprise one or more retaining elements 33, in the specific case shown two retaining elements 33, being displaced from one another.

[0067] Cutter 17 can be easily placed within flow channel 16 owing to the fact that retaining elements 33 are mutually spaced apart, i.e. spaced apart from each other.

[0068] Preferentially, retaining elements 33 may be angularly displaced from one another about central axis B.

[0069] Preferentially, retaining elements 33 may face one another.

[0070] According to the specific example shown, retaining elements 33 may be displaced by substantially 180° from one another (in particular, when considering the angular displacement of respective center points of retaining elements 33 from one another).

[0071] According to some alternative embodiments not shown, retaining group 31 may comprise one annular retaining element 33. Preferentially, according to such an embodiment, annular retaining element 33 may have a circular cross-section and may be continuous.

[0072] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each retaining element 33 may be formed as a hollow protuberance. In other words, each retaining element 33 may comprise a respective cavity 39.

[0073] In particular, since each retaining element 33 is hollow it is possible to reduce the amount of plastic used.

[0074] In more detail, each retaining element 33 may comprise, in particular may consists of, a respective curved solid wall 47. In particular, each solid wall 47 may delimit and/or define the respective hollow protuberance and/or the respective cavity 39.

[0075] Preferentially, each solid wall 47 may protrude towards the center of collar 15 and/or towards central axis B.

[0076] More specifically, each retaining element 33, in particular the respective solid wall 47, may be convexly shaped towards the center of collar 15 and/or towards central axis B.

[0077] Advantageously, each solid wall 47 may be integral to inner surface 20.

[0078] In more detail, each retaining element 33, in particular the respective solid wall 47, may define a respective indentation and/or groove in outer surface 22.

[0079] Moreover, each solid wall 47 may have a thickness, preferentially a (substantially) constant thickness. Preferentially, the thickness of solid wall 47 corresponds to the thickness of the portions of collar 15 adjacent to and connected to solid wall 47 and/or of one or more other portions of collar 15.

[0080] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each interaction group 32 may comprise one or more interaction elements, preferentially integrally connected to and protruding from cutter 17.

[0081] According to some preferred non -limiting embodiments, opening device 3, preferentially the respective cutter 17, may also comprise a flange 30.

[0082] Flange 30 may be designed to stabilize movement of cutter 17 within flow channel 16.

[0083] In more detail, flange 30 may interact with collar 15, in particular inner surface 20 for stabilizing movement of cutter 17, in particular when moving from the respective rest position to the respective active position.

[0084] Preferentially, flange 30 may comprise at least two flange elements 34 angularly displaced from one another about central axis C.

[0085] In particular, as central axis C and central axis B are coaxial (with cutter 17 being at least partially arranged within flow channel 16), flange elements 34 may also be angularly displaced from one another about central axis B.

[0086] By having spaced apart flange elements 34 it is possible to easily arrange cutter 17 within flow channel 16 and to guarantee a correct operation of the retaining device.

[0087] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the number of retaining elements 33 and the number of flange elements 34 may equal one another.

[0088] In particular, respective first interspaces are present between retaining elements 33 and/or respective second interspaces may be present between flange elements 34.

[0089] In more detail and with particular reference to Figure 2, each flange element 34 may radially protrude from cutter 17, in particular from a second end portion 35 of cutter 17 opposed to first end portion 23.

[0090] Preferentially, each flange element 34 may radially protrude away from the respective central axis C.

[0091] More specifically, each flange element 34 may radially protrude from a rim 36 of second end portion 35.

[0092] Preferentially, each flange element 34 may protrude towards inner surface 20 and/or away from a center of cutter 17.

[0093] According to the example embodiment shown, each flange element 34 may comprise and/or or may be defined by a plate, in particular a plate perpendicular to central axis C.

[0094] Preferentially, each flange element 34 may be arc-shaped.

[0095] In further detail, each flange element 34 may extend between a respective first angular position and a respective second angular position, in particular with regard to central axis C.

[0096] Additionally, each first angular position and the respective second angular position may define a respective first angular extension of each flange element 34. Preferentially, each first angular extension may be measured in arc degrees (°).

[0097] Preferentially, each flange element 34 may have the same size as the other flange element(s) 34. In other words, the respective first angular extension of each flange element 34 corresponds to the respective first angular extensions of the other flange elements 34.

[0098] With particular reference to Figures 2 to 4, each retaining element 33 may radially protrude from inner surface 20, in particular towards a center of collar 15 and/or towards central axis B.

[0099] Preferentially, each retaining element 33 may be arc-shaped.

[0100] In more detail, each retaining element 33 may extend between a respective third angular position and a respective fourth angular position.

[0101] Additionally, each third angular position and the respective fourth angular position may define a respective second angular extension of each retaining element 33. Preferentially, each second angular extension may be measured in arc degrees (°).

[0102] Preferentially, each retaining element 33 may have the same size as the other retaining element (s) 33. In other words, the respective second angular extension of each retaining element 33 may correspond to the respective second angular extensions of the other retaining element(s) 33.

[0103] Advantageously, each first angular extension may be larger than each second angular extension.

[0104] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, an angular distance between two flange elements 34 may be larger than the second angular extension. In particular, the angular distance is determined between the respective second angular position of a first flange element 34 and the respective first angular position of a second flange element 34, in particular with regard to central axis C. Moreover, no other flange element 34 is interposed between the first flange element 34 and the second flange element 34.

[0105] In further detail, retaining group 31 may comprise an abutment surface 37, in particular facing inlet opening 18.

[0106] In particular, each retaining element 33 may comprise a respective portion of abutment surface 37 (in other words, abutment surface 37 is discrete, i.e. having non-connected portions).

[0107] Moreover, interaction group 32 may have an engagement surface 38, in particular facing pouring outlet 19.

[0108] Engagement surface 38 may be configured to abut against abutment surface 37 so as to block the movement of cutter 17 out of flow channel 16 and through pouring outlet 19, in particular with cutter 17 being in the end axial position. In particular, in use, engagement surface 38 may abut against abutment surface 37 with cutter 17 being in the end axial position.

[0109] Preferentially, each interaction element may carry a portion of engagement surface 38.

[0110] In further detail and with particular reference to Figures 1 to 4, opening device 3 may also comprise

• a base frame 40 configured to be fitted and/or being fitted on main body 2, in particular second wall 6, and about the designated pour opening and carries collar 15; and
• a closure 41 configured to selectively open and close pouring outlet 19.

[0111] Moreover, opening device 3 may also comprise a coupling ring 42 rotatably arranged around collar 15, in particular such that coupling ring 42 is inseparable from collar 15.

[0112] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments not shown, each opening device 3 may also comprise a connection element, preferentially a tethering element, connected to, preferentially non-rupturably connected to, coupling ring 42 and closure 41.

[0113] Advantageously, closure 41 may be controllable in at least:

• a closing position (see Figures 1 and 2) in which closure 41 may be configured to cover and/or may cover pouring outlet 19, in particular for impeding an outflow of the pourable product from collar 15; and
• an opening position (not specifically shown) in which closure 41 may be configured to be and/or may be detached from pouring outlet 19 so as to allow for an outflow of the pourable product.

[0114] In particular, closure 41 may be rotatably coupled (about central axis B) to collar 15 when being in the closing position.

[0115] Advantageously, opening device 3 may comprise an actuation device partially associated to (and/or connected to and/or carried by) collar 15, partially associated to (and/or connected to and/or carried by) closure 41 and partially associated to cutter 17 and being configured such that a rotation of closure 41 about central axis B may move closure 41 from the closing position to and/or towards the opening position.

[0116] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the actuation device may comprise first interaction members (not shown), in particular flaps, connected to closure 41, and second interaction members 43 connected to, in particular integrally connected to, cutter 17, in particular main portion 23.

[0117] Preferentially, the actuation device may also comprise a cam mechanism connected to collar 15 and/or cutter 17 and configured to guide movement of cutter 17 from the rest position to the active position.

[0118] Preferentially, cam mechanism may comprise a cam structure 45 connected to, preferentially integrally connected to, and protruding from cutter 17 and a plurality of cam elements (not shown) connected to, in particular integrally connected to, collar 15.

[0119] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, at least one or more portions of cam structure 45 may define one or more interaction elements of interaction group 32. In other words, at least one or more portions of cam structure 45 may define engagement surface 38.

[0120] In particular, the first interaction members and second interaction members 43 may be configured to interact with one another for actuating movement of cutter 17 from the rest position to the active position.

[0121] Even more particular, a rotation of the first interaction members about central axis B may be actuated for moving cutter 17, in particular by means of a rototranslatory movement, from the rest position to the active position.

[0122] Preferentially, when assembling opening device 3, cutter 17 may be approached towards collar 15 and flange elements 34 may be aligned with respect to the first interspaces. Afterwards, cutter 17 is pressed into flow channel 16, thereby flange elements 34 pass through the respective first interspaces. Moreover, interaction group 32 and/or cam structure 45 is pressed over retaining elements 33 and afterwards cutter 17 cannot move out of flow channel 16 and through pouring outlet 19.

[0123] In particular, due to the retaining device it is guaranteed that cutter 17 cannot move out of flow channel 16 and through pouring outlet 19.

[0124] In use, outpouring of the pourable product from package 1, in particular main body 2, requires to open pouring outlet 19 and to break the separation membrane.

[0125] The separation membrane is broken by moving the cutter 17 from the rest position to the active position. This is achieved by the first interaction members rotating about central axis B.

[0126] With reference to Figures 5 and 6, number 3' indicates an alternative embodiment of an opening device according to the present invention; as opening device 3' is similar to opening device 3, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.

[0127] In particular, opening device 3' differs from opening device 3 in that the retaining device, in particular retaining group 31 comprises at least one retaining element 33', preferentially at least two retaining elements 33'.

[0128] Retaining elements 33' are similar to retaining elements 33 and therefore we limit the description of retaining elements 33' to the differences with regard to retaining elements 33'.

[0129] In particular, each retaining element 33' differs from each retaining element 33 in being formed as a solid protuberance.

[0130] In other words, outer surface 21 is void of any groove, or cavity delimiting an outer portion of retaining elements 33' .

[0131] The advantages of opening device 3 and/or opening device 3' and/or package 1 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

[0132] In particular, by providing for the retaining device one guarantees that cutter 17 cannot exit from flow channel 16 and through pouring outlet 19.

[0133] Additionally, during mounting of opening device 3 or opening device 3' cutter 17 can be easily placed within flow channel

[0134] Clearly, changes may be made to opening device 3 or 3' and/or package 1 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. Opening device (3, 3') for a package (1) having a designated pour opening covered with a separation membrane and filled with a pourable product;
the opening device (3, 3') comprises at least:

- a collar (15) delimiting a flow channel (16) extending between an inlet opening (18) of the collar (15) configured to allow for an inflow of the pourable product into the flow channel (16) and a pouring outlet (19) of the collar (15) configured to allow for an outflow of the pourable product from the flow channel (16); and

- a cutter (17) configured to break the separation membrane and being at least partially arranged within the flow channel (16);

wherein the collar (15) comprises an inner surface (20) facing the flow channel (16);

wherein the opening device (3, 3') further comprises a retaining device configured to block movement of the cutter (17) out of the flow channel (16) and through the pouring outlet (19);

wherein the retaining device comprises a retaining group (31) protruding from the inner surface (20) of the collar (15) and an interaction group (32) connected to the cutter (17);

wherein the retaining group (31) and the interaction group (32) are configured to interact with one another so as to block movement of the cutter (17) out of the flow channel (16) and through the pouring outlet (19);

wherein the opening device (3, 3') also comprises a flange (30) protruding from the cutter (17).

2. Opening device according to claim 1, wherein the flange (30) comprises at least two flange elements (34) angularly displaced from one another about a first central axis (C) of the cutter (17) and protruding towards the collar (15) .

3. Opening device according to claim 2, wherein the retaining group (31) comprises at least two retaining elements (33, 33') being angularly displaced from one another about a second central axis (B) of the collar (15).

4. Opening device according to claim 3, wherein each flange element (34) extends between a respective first angular position and a respective second angular position;

wherein each retaining element (33, 33') extends between a respective third angular position and a respective fourth angular position;

wherein a respective first angular extension of each flange element (34) between the respective first angular position and the respective second angular position is larger than a respective second angular extension of each retaining element (33, 33') between the respective third angular position and the respective fourth angular position.

5. Opening device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein each flange element (34) extends between a respective first angular position and a respective second angular position;

wherein each retaining element (33, 33') extends between a respective third angular position and a respective fourth angular position;

wherein an angular distance between two flange elements (34) is larger than an angular extension of the retaining elements (33, 33').

6. Opening device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the number of the retaining elements (33, 33') and the number of the flange elements (34) equal one another.

7. Opening device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein each flange element (34) radially protrudes from the cutter (17).

8. Opening device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein each flange element (34) is arc-shaped and/or the retaining group (31) comprises at least two arc-shaped retaining elements (33, 33') being angularly displaced from one another about the second central axis (B) of the collar (15) .

9. Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutter (17) comprises a cutting section (22) configured to break the separation membrane and being arranged at a first end portion (23) of the cutter (17);
wherein the flange (30) protrudes from a second end portion (35) of the cutter (17) opposed to the first end portion (23) of the cutter (17).

10. Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining group (31) comprises an abutment surface (37) and the interaction group (32) comprises an engagement surface (38);
wherein the engagement surface (38) is configured to abut against the abutment surface (37) so as to block the movement of the cutter (17) out of the flow channel (16) and through the pouring outlet (19).

11. Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining group (31) is integrally connected to the collar (15) and/or the flange (30) is integrally connected to the cutter (17).

12. Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining group (31) may be formed by at least one hollow protuberance or as at least one solid protuberance.

13. Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutter (17) is arrangeable in a rest position in which the cutter (17) is detached from the separation membrane and an active position in which the cutter (17) is configured to break the separation membrane;
wherein the opening device also comprises an actuation device configured to actuate movement of the cutter (17) from the rest position to the active position.

14. Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising:

- a base frame (40) configured to be fitted and/or being fitted on the main body (2) and about the designated pour opening and carrying collar (15); and

- a closure (41) configured to selectively open and close the pouring outlet (19).

15. Package (1) comprising:

- a main body (2) filled with a pourable product and having a designated pour opening covered with a separation membrane; and

- an opening device (3, 3') according to any one of the preceding claims fitted about the designated pour opening.

Drawing