NO20221392A1

NO20221392A1 - Cellulose based fiber material closure device for a paper or paperboard-based package

Info

Publication number: NO20221392A1
Application number: NO20221392A
Authority: NO
Inventors: Gary Chinga Carrasco; Jost Ruwoldt
Original assignee: Elopak Asa
Priority date: 2022-12-22
Filing date: 2022-12-22
Publication date: 2024-06-24
Also published as: WO2024133628A1; NO348224B1

Description

Title

CELLULOSE BASED FIBER MATERIAL CLOSURE DEVICE FOR A PAPER OR PAPERBOARD-BASED PACKAGE

Technical field

The present invention relates to a closure device comprising a pour spout and a re -sealable cap which is made from pulp-fibers. In particular, the present invention relates to a liquid proof seal partly attached to the pour spout and kept in place by the cellulose based fiber material cap for sealing a dispensing opening in the pour spout.

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a package and a closure device comprising a re-sealable cellulose based fiber material cap. In particular the invention relates to an assembly wherein the package is paper or paperboard-based. A paper or paperboard-based package is sometimes referred to as a carton and is commonly used to distribute pourable products such as liquid consumables, e.g. dairy products or fruit juices.

Background for the invention

A package or carton is typically produced from a laminate packaging material, which typically comprises a multi-ply paper or paperboard sheet on which is laminated one or a plurality of barrier layers for holding the pourable product, e.g. a liquid, and/or prevent migration of air and flavour degrading substances through the paper or paperboard sheet. A barrier layer may typically comprise a polyethylene or an aluminum layer.

For protecting the contents of a package or carton it is important that the closure device is thoroughly sealable and yet functional from the point of view of a consumer, i.e. readily re-sealable and that the closure device has a durability sufficient to last as long as necessary for the consumer to empty the package or carton.

Typically pour spouts and caps made from plastic have been used for this purpose. However, in recent years a growing focus on the environment has seen producers shift away from loose plastic caps. One solution has been tethered plastic caps another has been to base the cap on environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials such as cellulose based fiber material, for example cellulose fiber pulp. However, pulp-fibers are hygroscopic and sensitive to water. Moisture may thus compromise the structural strength of devices made from cellulose based based fiber materials and this may present challenges in relation to durability of pulp-fiber caps for closure devices.

Within the art, cellulose based fiber material closure devises are known.

EP 3519628 A1 discloses plant fiber pulp closures for a container and a method for manufacturing a plant fiber container with a closure. It is proposed to cover the entire inner surface with a liquid impermeable coating in order to allow the container to store a liquid. Coating materials that are proposed are for example plastics or a glass coating.

A disadvantage with this kind of coating is that if plastics or glass are used the environmental aspects are not taken care of as a cap coated with such a material would not be entirely biodegradable.

A first object of the present invention is thus to provide a re-sealable liquid tight closure device for a package or carton comprising a biodegradable cap where the structural integrity of the closure device is preserved throughout the use of the closure device.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a closure device which is simple and economical to manufacture.

A third object of the present invention is to provide a liquid resistant closure device which is easy to open and re-seal.

A fourth object of the present invention is to provide an assembly comprising a package or carton and an environmentally friendly closure device.

Summary of the invention

The present invention provides a closure device for a paper or paperboard-based package comprising a pour spout and a cap made from cellulose based fiber material. A liquid resistant seal is attached to at least a part of an end of the pour spout. The pour spout and cap are provided with at least one thread for releasably interacting with each other, The threads are configured such that a user may twist the cap to engage the threads which will bring the cap towards the pour spout and press the seal towards the pour spout, thereby providing a liquid resistant seal between the seal and the pour spout for keeping for example a liquid inside the paper or paperboard-based package.

According to an example aspect the present invention provides a closure device for a paper or paperboard-based package,

the closure device comprising a pour spout and a cap,

wherein the pour spout comprises:

a longitudinal center axis defining an axial direction z, a circumferential direction c, and a radial direction r,

an annular longitudinal neck portion extending along the axial direction z from a first axial end to a second axial end, the second axial end defining a dispensing opening, wherein the second axial end comprises

a first sector S1 extending in the circumferential direction and a second sector S2 extending in the circumferential direction, the neck portion further comprising:

at least one external thread, occupying, in the axial direction z a region located between a first plane P1 and a second plane P2, wherein the second plane P2 is arranged between the first plane P1 and the second axial end, wherein at least a part of the external threads are slanted at a helical angle between the first plane (P1) and the second plane (P2),

an annular flange portion extending outwardly in the radial direction r from the first axial end for attaching the closure device to the package, wherein the cap comprises:

a lid portion and

an annular longitudinal skirt having at least one internal thread, the internal thread configured to interact releasably with said external thread, wherein the cap is configured to be operable between

a cap first position PF in which the cap covers the dispensing opening and the second axial end, wherein the external thread and the internal thread are arranged to interact for pressing the lid portion towards the second axial end, and

a cap second position CPS in which the cap is removed from the pour spout, wherein the cap is made from cellulose-based fiber material

the closure device further comprises a seal permanently fixed to the first sector S1 of the second axial end at a fixed seal area, and wherein the seal is unattached to the second sector S2 of the second axial end at an unattached seal are, and wherein the seal is configured to be operable between

a seal first position SPF in which the seal covers the second axial end and is arranged between the second axial end and the cap, wherein the cap is arranged at the cap first position CPF where the lid contacts the seal for pressing the seal towards the second axial end and wherein the seal sealingly covers the dispensing opening, and

a seal second position SPS in which the cap is removed from the pour spout and the seal non-sealingly covers the dispensing opening at the second sector S2 of the second axial end for allowing contents to be poured from the package through the dispensing opening at the second sector (S2),

and wherein the seal is liquid resistant at least on the surface facing the dispensing opening when the seal is in the seal first position SPF.

The effect of that the external threads are slanted at an helical angle is that when the cap is turned or twisted relative to the pour spout the cap with its lid portion is moved towards or away from the second axial end through interaction between the external and internal threads. The cap will move towards or away from the second axial end depending on if the cap is turned clockwise or counterclockwise in the circumferential direction c.

When the cap is twisted such that the lid portion abuts against the second axial end the seal will be pressed between the lid portion and the second axial end to create a liquid resistant seal.

The second axial end comprises a first sector S1 and a second sector S2 where the first sector S1 occupies at least a portion of the circumferential extent of the second axial end and the where the second sector S2 generally occupies the circumferential extent of the second axial end that the first sector S1 doesn’t occupy.

The effect of that the seal is unattached to the second sector S2 is that the seal may bend away from the second axial end at the second sector S2 to reveal the dispensing opening for example due to gravity, pressure from liquid food content inside the package or another force acting upon the seal to push the unattached seal area away from the second axial end.

The seal may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the second axial end and the cap. If the second axial end is circular, the seal may also preferably be circular. Other shapes for the seal may also be envisioned.

The second axial end may be called a rim which extends in the radial direction r at least enough to be suitable for permanently fixing or attaching the seal thereto, for example 0,5-10mm, 1-5mm or 2-3mm.

In one alternative aspect of the closure device the seal comprises

a seal rectilinear impression for biasing the seal to bend away from the second axial end at the unattached seal area, when the cap is removed from the spout.

The rectilinear impression may be an impression that leaves one side of the seal weakened such that the seal is given a structural bias for bending away from the second axial end when the seal is attached thereto and no external force, such as the cap in the cap first position CPF, is acting upon the seal.

In one alternative aspect the seal may be made from materials such as plastic, rubber, coated paper or paper-board or laminated paper or paper board.

In one alternative aspect of the closure device the seal is made of paper or paperboard material which is treated to be liquid resistant.

The effect of such treatment is better resistance to liquid.

In one alternative aspect of the closure device the seal is made of paper or paperboard material, which is coated with any one of polyolefines, polyesters or siloxanes to be liquid resistant. The coating may be polyolefines such as polyethylene and/or polypropylene, polyesters such as polylactic acid (PLA) and/or polyhydroxy alkanoate (PHA). The skilled person knows that other polyolefines and polyesters may be employed for this purpose. In the case the package is meant for holding a food product the coating material should be graded for use with food product containers.

In one alternative aspect of the closure device the first sector S1 occupies at least 25 ̊, more preferably at least 20 ̊, more preferably at least 15 ̊, more preferably at least 10 ̊ or most preferably at least 5 ̊ of the second axial end in the circumferential direction of the second axial end. In general, first sector S1 occupies a circumferential extent of the second axial end such that the first sector S1 is an area suitable for attaching the seal securely thereto.

The seal may be attached by heat treatment, gluing or any other suitable process for permanently attaching the seal to the spout. The pour spout and the seal may also be 3D-printed in one piece where the pour spout and the seal is made of the same material and the seal is permanently attached to the pour spout.

The second sector S2 generally occupies the circumferential extent that the first sector S1 doesn’t occupy. The second sector S2 generally occupies at least a circumferential extent large enough for revealing the dispensing opening for pouring liquid through. The second sector S2 generally occupies for example at least 10 ̊ to at least 355 ̊ of the second axial end in the circumferential direction c.

In one alternative aspect of the closure device pour spout comprises any one of 2-8, or 2-6 or 2-4 or 3 evenly distributed circumferentially extending external threads.

The cap may be provided with a number of internal threads corresponding to the number of external threads.

In one alternative aspect of the closure device each external thread (108a) comprises a circumferential extent of any one of 50° to 140° or 70° to 120° or 80° to 100° or 90°.

The external threads are running helically along the outer surface of the pour spout. Further the external threads may be discretely and evenly distributed within the region located between the first plane P1 and the second plane P2.

In the circumferential direction of the pour spout, adjacent external threads may partially overlap.

The at least one internal thread may have a circumferential extent about or around an inner surface of the annular longitudinal skirt of the lid portion, where the circumferential extent of the at least one internal thread may be any one of: within the range of 20° to 100°; within the range of 30° to °90; within the range of 60° to 80°; and 70°. The at least one internal thread may advantageously have a shorter circumferential extent than the external threads.

In one alternative aspect of the closure device the pour spout comprises

an opening spring fixed internally to the neck portion and configured to abut against the seal at the unattached seal area for pushing the unattached seal area away from the second axial end when the cap is removed from the spout.

In this manner the opening spring helps reveal the dispensing opening and make the dispensing opening large enough to be convenient for pouring liquids therethrough in situations where such an extra force applied to the seal would be desired.

In one embodiment of the closure device the external thread comprises

a first region arranged proximal to the first plane P1 and extending in the circumferential direction c of the neck portion at a first helix angle, and a second region arranged proximal to the second plane P2 and extending in the circumferential direction c of the neck portion at a second helix angle, wherein the second helix angle is greater or equal to the first helix angle when measured from a line perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis AL,

and wherein the internal threads is a protrusion extending perpendicularly to the annular longitudinal skirt and extending less than or equal to the first region in the circumferential direction c.

In one alternative aspect of this embodiment of the closure device

the first helix angle comprises any one of 0° to 10.0° or 3.0° to 9.0° or 4.0° to 8.0° or 5.0°, and

the second helix angle comprises any one of 3.0° to 15.0° or 6.0° to 13.0° or 7.0° to 10.0° or 8.0°.

The effect of a smaller first helix angle is that the internal thread is releasably retained at the first region of the external thread.

In one alternative aspect of this embodiment of the closure device at least one external thread comprises

a stop tab protruding into the external threads, located between the first region and the second region

for interacting with and releasably retaining the internal threads within the first region.

In one aspect each external thread comprises

In one alternative embodiment of the closure device the pour spout comprises an external groove extending in the axial direction z from the second axial end towards the first axial end, and

wherein the seal comprises a flexible protrusion extending in the radial direction of the seal for fixing to the external groove.

If the groove is arranged at a place intersecting with any of the external threads, the external threads are interrupted at the area of the external groove.

The external groove may extend at least 10%, at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 80% or 100% of the length of the pour spout in the axial direction.

The external groove helps the attachment of the seal to be more secure. The seal is typically attached both to the groove and the second axial end.

In one embodiment of the closure device the pour spout comprises

a hole extending in the axial direction z from the second axial end towards the first axial end, and

wherein the seal comprises a flexible protrusion extending in the radial direction of the seal for inserting and fixing to the hole.

The hole may extend at least 10%, at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 80% or 100% of the length of the pour spout in the axial direction.

The hole helps the attachment of the seal to be more secure. The seal is typically attached both to the hole and the second axial end.

In one embodiment the invention comprises an assembly comprising a paper or paperboard-based package and a closure device as described above.

Above-discussed preferred and/or optional features of each aspect and embodiment may be used, alone or in appropriate combination, in the other aspects and embodiments of the invention.

Brief description of the figures

Fig. 1A shows a side view cut of the closure device including the pour spout with the cap covering the dispensing opening in the cap first position and the seal sealingly covering the dispensing opening in the seal first position.

Fig. 1B shows a side view cut of the pour spout with the cap in the cap second position, i.e. the cap is removed from the pour spout and the seal in the seal second position.

Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of the cap.

Fig. 2B shows a side cut of the cap

Fig. 2C shows a side view of an embodiment of the pour spout.

Fig. 2D shows a perspective view of the pour spout.

Fig 3A shows a perspective view of the pour spout comprising a hole for fixing the seal.

Fig 3B shows a top view of the pour spout comprising a hole for fixing the seal.

Fig. 4A shows a perspective view of the pour spout comprising an external groove for fixing the seal.

Fig. 4B shows a top view of the pour spout comprising an external groove for fixing the seal.

Fig. 4C shows a side view of the pour spout comprising an external groove for fixing the seal.

Fig. 5A shows a perspective view of the pour spout with the liquid seal fixed to the second axial end.

Fig. 5B shows a perspective view of the pour spout with the liquid seal fixed to the second axial end.

Fig. 5C shows a perspective view of the pour spout with the liquid seal fixed to the second axial end and an opening spring protruding out from the dispensing opening and abutting the liquid seal.

Fig. 5D shows a perspective view of the pour spout with the liquid seal fixed to the second axial end where the liquid seal comprises a rectilinear impression for biasing the liquid seal to bend away from the second axial end.

Fig. 6A shows a side view cut of the closure device including the pour spout with the cap covering the dispensing opening in the cap first position and the seal sealingly covering the dispensing opening in the seal first position where the pour spout comprises an opening spring.

Fig. 6B shows a side view cut of the pour spout with the cap in the cap second position, i.e. the cap is removed from the pour spout and the seal in the seal second position where the pour spout comprises an opening spring.

Fig. 7A shows a perspective view of the cap comprising conventional threads.

Fig. 7B shows a side cut of the cap.

Fig. 7C shows a side view of an embodiment of the pour spout comprising conventional threads.

Fig. 7D shows a perspective view of the pour spout comprising conventional threads.

Fig 8A shows a perspective view of the pour spout with conventional threads comprising a hole for fixing the seal.

Fig 8B shows a top view of the pour spout with conventional threads comprising a hole for fixing the seal.

Fig. 9A shows a perspective view of the pour spout with conventional threads comprising an external groove for fixing the seal.

Fig. 9B shows a top view of the pour spout with conventional threads comprising an external groove for fixing the seal.

Fig. 9C shows a side view of the pour spout with conventional threads comprising an external groove for fixing the seal.

Fig. 10A shows a perspective view of the pour spout comprising conventional threads with the liquid seal fixed to the second axial end.

Fig. 10B shows a perspective view of the pour spout comprising conventional threads with the liquid seal fixed to the second axial end.

Fig. 10C shows a perspective view of the pour spout comprising conventional threads with the liquid seal fixed to the second axial end and an opening spring protruding out from the dispensing opening and abutting the liquid seal.

Fig. 10D shows a perspective view of the pour spout comprising conventional threads with the liquid seal fixed to the second axial end where the liquid seal comprises a rectilinear impression for biasing the liquid seal to bend away from the second axial end.

Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the pour spout with the seal fixed to the external groove.

Fig. 12 Shows a package comprising the closure device.

In the figures, like reference numerals have been used to indicate like parts, elements or features unless otherwise explicitly stated or implicitly understood from the context

Detailed description of the invention

In the following, embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. However, it is specifically intended that the invention is not limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein but includes modified forms of the embodiments including portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments as come within the scope of the following claims.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which, for clarity, have been described above in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which, for brevity, have been described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. In particular, it will be appreciated that features described in relation to one particular embodiment may be interchangeable with features described in relation to other embodiments.

The caps of the present invention are manufactured from cellulose based fiber material that can be obtained from for example bark, wood and leaves from plants or plant-based material. In addition to cellulose the fibers may contain hemicellulose and lignin. Different percentages of these components may alter the mechanical properties of the fibers. Suitable sources for cellulose based fiber material may for example be Radiata pine and/or Norway spruce. Other sources may also be suitable for example algae and aquatic plants.

Plant material may be processed into a pulp containing cellulose fibers. This pulp may be convenient for producing product of various shapes for example caps. Thermoforming is one process that may be utilized for production of caps from cellulose based fiber material.

Thermoforming may be done by using wet pulp fibers. A 20 g/l pulp suspension may be loaded into a mould and vacuum-dewatered. After dewatering, the pulp fibers can be hot-pressed into the desired shape of the cap. The temperature during the dewatering and the hot-pressing may for example vary between 90 ̊ and 170 ̊ and the pressure may be about 50 bar.

Fig. 1A shows a first embodiment of the closure device 1 of the invention. The closure device 1 generally comprises a pour spout 100 and a cap 200.

The pour spout 100 comprises a longitudinal center axis AL defining an axial direction z, a circumferential direction c, and a radial direction r .

The pour spout 100 comprises an annular neck portion 102 with a first axial end 104 and a second axial end 106. The first axial end 104 comprises an annular flange portion 110 extending in the radial direction outwards from the pour spout 100. The annular flange portion 110 is for attaching the pour spout 100 to a paper or paper board container 50.

The neck portion 102 comprises external threads 108a.

The second axial 106 end is arranged opposite to the first axial end 104. The internal perimeter of the second axial end 106 defines a dispensing opening 118 through which contents may be poured or accessed.

The closure device 1 comprises a seal 120 permanently attached to a first sector S1 of the second axial end 106. The seal 120 is configured to be liquid resistant at least at the area facing the dispensing opening 118. The seal 120 may be made from materials such as plastic, rubber, coated paper or paper-board or laminated paper or paper board.

Coatings to provide liquid resistance may for example be polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE) polypropylene, polyesters such as polylactic acid (PLA) polyhydroxy alkanoate or other suitable coating materials for providing liquid resistance.

The paper or paper board may also be laminated, comprising layers of PE or aluminum to provide liquid resistance to the seal 120 material.

The cap 200 comprises a lid portion 210 and an annular longitudinal skirt 220 extending substantially perpendicularly from the lid portion 210. The annular longitudinal skirt 220 comprises internal threads 222 which are configured to interact releasably with the external threads 108a of the neck portion 102.

The closure device 1 is shown in fig. 1A in a closed position with the cap in a cap first position CPF where the cap 200 covers the second axial end 106. The external threads 108a of the neck portion 102 is interacting with the internal threads 222 for securing the cap 200 in place on the neck portion 102 and for pressing the lid portion 210 towards the second axial end 106.

The seal 120 is shown in a seal first position SPF where the seal 120 is arranged between the lid portion 210 and the second axial 106. The seal 120 covers the dispensing opening 118 and the second axial end 106. The lid portion 210 contacts the seal 120 and presses the seal 120 towards the second axial end 106 and thereby creating a liquid resistant seal between the seal 120 and the second axial end 106 for keeping liquid from passing through the dispensing opening 118.

Fig. 1B shows an aspect of the first embodiment of the closure device 1 where the cap 200 is removed from the spout 100, i.e. the cap 200 is in the cap second position CPS.

The seal 120 is shown in the seal second position SPS where the seal 120 nonsealingly covers the dispensing opening 118 thereby allowing for liquid to pass through the dispensing opening 118.

The seal 120 is permanently attached at fixed seal area 121 to a first sector S1 of the second axial end 106. The seal is not attached at an unattached seal area 122 to a second sector S2 of the second axial end 106. This allows the seal 120 to pivot away from the second axial end 106 at the second sector S2 to the seal second position SPS when the cap 200 is in the cap second position CPS, i.e. when the cap 200 is removed from the spout 100. The second sector S2 may be configured to occupy at least 180 ̊ of the circumferential direction c of the second axial end 106.

Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of a cap 200 of the first embodiment of the closure device 1. The cap 200 may display 3 internal threads 222 (the 3 <rd >thread not shown) which may be oval protrusions extending perpendicular on the internal side of the annular longitudinal skirt 220.

As shown in Fig. 2B the internal threads 222 may display a ledge 223 at the side of the treads 222 facing the lid portion 210 for interacting with the edge of the external threads 108a which is proximal to the second axial end 106.

Fig. 2C and 2D the pour spout 100. The pour spout 100 displays the external thread 108a occupying in the axial direction z a region 109 that is located between a first plane P1 and a second plane P2, where the second plane P2 is arranged between the first plane P1 and the second axial end 106. The second plane P2 can also be located at the same axial level as the second axial end 106, whereas the first plane P 1 is located proximal to the first axial end 104.

The external thread 108a may comprise a first region 108b arranged proximal to the first plane P1 and a second region 108c arranged proximal to the second plane P2.

The external threads 108a extends in the circumferential direction c of the pour spout 100 at a helix angle such that the first region 108b is arranged proximal to the first plane P1 and the second region 108c arranged proximal to the second plane P2. When the internal threads 222 of the cap engages with the external threads 108a of the pour spout 100, the cap may be turned or twisted in the circumferential direction c. The internal threads 222 will track the external threads 108a from the second plane P2 to the first plane P1, thereby facilitate movement of lid portion 210 towards the second axial end 106.

The distance D from the edge of the external threads first region 108b that is proximal to the second axial end 106 in the axial direction z may preferably correspond to the distance d (fig. 2B) from the ledge 223 to the lid portion 210 such that when the internal threads 222 of the cap 200 are at a position of the first region 108b, the ledge 223 engages with the external thread first region 108b and thereby presses the lid portion 210 towards the second axial end 106.

The first region 108b may extend in the circumferential direction c of the pour spout 100 at a first helix angle and the second region 108c may extend in the circumferential direction at a second helix angle. The second helix angle may be greater than the first helix angle. The second helix angle may be 8.0° and the first helix angle may be 5.0°. The effect being that the shallower helix angle of the first region 108b facilitates retention of the cap 200 in the cap first position CPF. The steeper angle of the second region 108c facilitates that the external threads 108a may be of a shorter circumferential extent since the cap 200 is guided towards the first axial end 104 with less angular movement in the circumferential direction than if the helix angle of the external thread 108a is shallower. The helix angle is measured from a line perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis AL, i.e. the radial direction r.

The external threads 108a may comprise a stop tab 107 protruding partially into the external thread 108a between the first region 108b and the second region 108c. The stop tab 107 preferably protrudes from the edge of the external thread 108a proximal to the second axial end. Referring to fig. 2A, 2B, the internal threads 222 preferably has a circumferential extent that is equal to or less than the circumferential extent of the first region 108b. The stop tab 107 will then facilitate releasable retention of the internal thread 222 within the first region 108b thereby releasably keeping the cap 200 in the cap first position CPF.

For all embodiments and aspects of the invention the cap 200 may be rotated or twisted in the circumferential direction c when the external threads 108a and the internal threads 222 interact to bring the cap 200 from the cap first position CPF to the cap second position CPS.

Fig 3A, 3B shows the pour spout 100 where the second axial end 106 displays a hole 150 extending from the second axial end 106 within the neck portion 102 and towards the first axial end 104. The hole 150 may extend partially or all the way from the second axial end 106 to the first axial end 104. Referring to Fig 6A and 6B the seal 120 may comprise a flexible protrusion 126 for inserting into the hole 150 and fixing thereto which will strengthen the fixation of the seal 120 to the pour spout 100.

Fig 4A, 4B, 4C shows the pour spout 100 where the second axial end 106 displays an external groove 140 extending from the second axial end 106 on the external side of the neck portion 102 and towards the first axial end 104. The external groove 140 may extend partially or all the way from the second axial end 106 to the first axial end 104. Referring to Fig. 11 the seal 120 may comprise a flexible protrusion 126 for inserting into the external groove 140 and fixing it thereto.

Fig 5A, 5B shows the pour spout 100 with the seal 120 attached to the second axial end 106.

Fig. 5C, 6A, 6B shows the pour spout 100 with the seal 120 attached the second axial end 106 wherein the pour spout 100 also comprises an opening spring 130 fixed internally to the neck portion 102. The opening spring 130 is configured to abut against the seal 120 at the seal unattached area 122 for exerting a force on the seal 120 in order to push it away from the second axial end 106. The opening spring is contained within the neck portion 102 and abutting against the seal 120 when the seal 120 is in the seal first position SPF. When the cap 200 is removed from the pour spout 100 the opening spring pushes the seal unattached area 122 away from the second axial end 106 at the second sector S2 and bringing the seal to the seal second position SPS to reveal the dispensing opening 118 such that liquid may be accessed or poured therethrough.

Fig. 5D shows the pour spout 100 with the seal 120 attached to the second axial end 106 wherein the seal 120 comprises a rectilinear impression 124 for biasing the seal to bend away from the second axial end 106 at the second sector S2 and thereby reveal the dispensing opening 118 such that liquid may be accessed or poured therethrough. The rectilinear impression 124 may cause the seal 120 to bend away from the second axial end 106 even if no external force is applied.

The rectilinear impression 124 defines a hinge line axis at which the seal can bend away from the second axial end 106. In the case where the seal 120 is made from laminated paper or paperboard the rectilinear impression 124 may be a crease line.

A crease line, or crease, may be defined as an embossed or impressed depression on one side of the laminated paper or paperboard material with a corresponding raised ridge or welt, also referred to as the bead, on the other side forming a line along which the laminated paper or paperboard material may bend about, for example away from the second axial end 106.

Fig 7A, 7B shows an embodiment where the cap 200 comprises a continuous internal thread 222 extending in the circumferential direction c and at a helical angle from longitudinal annular skirt 220 to the lid portion 210.

Fig. 7C and 7D the pour spout 100. The pour spout 100 displays the external thread 108a occupying in the axial direction z a region 109 that is located between a first plane P1 and a second plane P2, where the second plane P2 is arranged between the first plane P1 and the second axial end 106. The second plane P2 can also be located at the same axial level as the second axial end 106, whereas the first plane P 1 is located proximal to the first axial end 104.

The external thread 108a extends in the circumferential direction c of the pour spout 100 at a helix angle such that the first region 108b is arranged proximal to the first plane P1 and the second region 108c arranged proximal to the second plane P2. When the internal thread 222 of the cap engages with the external thread 108a of the pour spout 100, the cap may be turned in the circumferential direction c. The internal thread 222 will track the external thread 108a from the second plane P 2 to the first plane P1, thereby facilitate movement of lid portion 210 towards the second axial end 106 until the lid portion 210 presses against the second axial end 106.

Fig. 8 A, 8B shows the pour spout 100 where the second axial end 106 displays a hole 150 extending from the second axial end 106 within the neck portion 102 and towards the first axial end 104. The hole 150 may extend partially or al l the way from the second axial end 106 to the first axial end 104. Referring to Fig 6A and 6B the seal 120 may comprise a flexible protrusion 126 for inserting into the hole 150 and fixing thereto.

Fig. 9A, 9B, 9C shows the pour spout 100 where the second axial end 106 displays an external groove 140 extending from the second axial end 106 on the external side of the neck portion 102 and towards the first axial end 104. The external groove 140 may extend partially or all the way from the second axial end 106 to the first axial end 104. Referring to Fig. 11 the seal 120 may comprise a flexible protrusion 126 for inserting into the external groove 140 and fixing it thereto. Note that the external thread 108a is broken at the area of the external groove 140 but resumes at the same helical angle on either side of the external groove 140.

Fig 10A, 10B shows the pour spout 100 with the seal 120 attached to the second axial end 106.

Fig. 10C, and referring to fig 6A, 6B shows the pour spout 100 with the seal 120 attached the second axial end 106 wherein the pour spout 100 also comprises an opening spring 130 fixed internally to the neck portion 102. The opening spring 130 is configured to abut against the seal 120 at the seal unattached area 122 for exerting a force on the seal 120 in order to push it away from the second axial end 106. The opening spring is contained within the neck portion 102 and abutting against the seal 120 when the seal 120 is in the seal first position SPF. When the cap 200 is removed from the pour spout 100 the opening spring pushes the seal unattached area 122 away from the second axial end 106 at the second sector S 2 and bringing the seal to the seal second position SPS to reveal the dispensing opening 118 such that liquid may be accessed or poured therethrough.

Fig. 10D shows the pour spout 100 with the seal 120 attached the second axial end 106 wherein the seal 120 comprises a rectilinear impression 124 for biasing the seal to bend away from the second axial end 106 at the second sector S2 and thereby reveal the dispensing opening 118 such that liquid may be accessed or poured therethrough.

Fig. 11 shows the pour spout 100 comprising an external groove 140 where the seal 120 may comprise a flexible protrusion 126 for inserting into the external groove 140 and fixing it thereto.

Fig. 12 shows an assembly comprising the closure device 1 and a paper or paperboard-based package 50.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which, for clarity, have been described above in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which, for brevity, have been described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

In the preceding description, various aspects of the closure device according to the invention have been described with reference to the illustrative embodiment. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, systems and configurations were set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the apparatus and its workings. However, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and variations of the illustrative embodiment, as well as other embodiments of the apparatus, which are apparent to person skilled in the art to which the disclosed subjectmatter pertains, may lie within the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1.

A closure device (1) for a paper or paperboard-based package (50),

the closure device (1) comprising a pour spout (100) and a cap (200),

wherein the pour spout (100) comprises:

- a longitudinal center axis (AL) defining an axial direction (z), a circumferential direction (c), and a radial direction (r),

- an annular longitudinal neck portion (102) extending along the axial direction (z) from a first axial end (104) to a second axial end (106), the second axial end (106) defining a dispensing opening (118), wherein the second axial end (106) comprises

- a first sector (S1) extending in the circumferential direction (c) and - a second sector (S2) extending in the circumferential direction (c), the neck portion (102) further comprising:

- at least one external thread (108a), occupying, in the axial direction (z) a region (109) located between a first plane (P1) and a second plane (P2), wherein the second plane (P2) is arranged between the first plane (P1) and the second axial end (106), wherein at least a part of the external threads (108a) are slanted at a helical angle between the first plane (P1) and the second plane (P2),

- an annular flange portion (110) extending outwardly in the radial direction (r) from the first axial end (104) for attaching the closure device (1) to the package (50),

wherein the cap (200) comprises:

- a lid portion (210) and

- an annular longitudinal skirt (220) having at least one internal thread (222), the internal thread (222) configured to interact releasably with said external thread (108a),

wherein the cap (200) is configured to be operable between

- a cap first position (CPF) in which the cap (200) covers the dispensing opening (118) and the second axial end (106), wherein the external thread (108a) and the internal thread (222) are arranged to interact for pressing the lid portion (210) towards the second axial end (106), and

- a cap second position (CPS) in which the cap (200) is removed from the pour spout (100),

wherein the cap (200) is made from cellulose-based fiber material

characterized by that the closure device (1) further comprises a seal (120) permanently fixed to the first sector (S1) of the second axial end (106) at a fixed seal area (121), and wherein the seal (120) is unattached to the second sector (S2) of the second axial end (106) at an unattached seal area 122), and wherein the seal (120) is configured to be operable between

- a seal first position (SPF) in which the seal (120) covers the second axial end (106) and is arranged between the second axial end (106) and the cap (200), wherein the cap (200) is arranged at the cap first position (CPF) where the lid (210) contacts the seal (120) for pressing the seal (120) towards the second axial end (106) and wherein the seal (120) sealingly covers the dispensing opening (118), and

- a seal second position (SPS) in which the cap (200) is removed from the pour spout (100) and the seal (120) non-sealingly covers the dispensing opening (118) at the second sector (S2) of the second axial end (106) for allowing contents to be poured from the package (50) through the dispensing opening (118) at the second sector (S2),

and wherein the seal (120) is liquid resistant at least on the surface facing the dispensing opening (118) when the seal (120) is in the seal first position (SPF).

2.

The closure device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the seal 120 comprises:

- a seal rectilinear impression (124) for biasing the seal (120) to bend away from the second axial end (106) at the unattached seal area (122), when the cap (200) is removed from the spout (100).

3.

The closure device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the seal (120) is made of paper or paperboard material which is treated to be liquid resistant.

4.

The closure device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the seal 120 is made of paper or paperboard material which is coated with any one of polyolefines, polyesters or siloxanes to be liquid resistant.

5.

The closure device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first sector (S1) occupies at least 25 ̊, more preferably at least 20 ̊, more preferably at least 15 ̊, more preferably at least 10 ̊ or most preferably at least 5 ̊ of the second axial end (106) in the circumferential direction of the second axial end (106).

6.

The closure device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pour spout (100) comprises any one of 2-8, or 2-6 or 2-4 or 3 evenly distributed circumferentially extending external threads (108a).

7.

The closure device (1) according to claim 6, wherein each external thread (108a) comprises a circumferential extent of any one of 50° to 140° or 70° to 120° or 80° to 100° or 90°.

8.

The closure device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pour spout (100) comprises

- an opening spring (130) fixed internally to the neck portion (102) and configured to abut against the seal (120) at the unattached seal area (122) for pushing the unattached seal area (122) away from the second axial end (106) when the cap (200) is removed from the spout (100).

9.

The closure device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each external thread (108a) comprises

- a first region (108b) arranged proximal to the first plane (P1) and extending in the circumferential direction (c) of the neck portion (102) at a first helix angle, and

- a second region (108c) arranged proximal to the second plane (P2) and extending in the circumferential direction (c) of the neck portion (102) at a second helix angle,

wherein the second helix angle is greater or equal to the first helix angle when measured from a line perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis AL,

and wherein the internal threads (222) is a protrusion extending perpendicularly to the annular longitudinal skirt (220) and extending less than or equal to the first region (108b) in the circumferential direction (c).

10.

The closure device according to claim 9, wherein

- the first helix angle comprises any one of 0° to 10.0° or 3.0° to 9.0° or 4.0° to 8.0° or 5.0°, and

- the second helix angle comprises any one of 3.0° to 15.0° or 6.0° to 13.0° or 7.0° to 10.0° or 8.0°.

11.

The closure device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein at least one external thread (108a) comprises

- a stop tab (107) protruding into the external threads (108a), located between the first region (108b) and the second region (108c)

for interacting with and releasably retaining the internal threads (222) within the first region (108b).

12.

The closure device according any of the preceding claims, wherein the pour spout (100) comprises

- an external groove (140) extending in the axial direction (z) from the second axial end (106) towards the first axial end (104), and

- wherein the seal (120) comprises a flexible protrusion (126) extending in the radial direction of the seal (120) for fixing to the external groove (140).

13.

The closure device according to any of claim 1-11, wherein the pour spout (100) comprises

- a hole (150) extending in the axial direction (z) from the second axial end (106) towards the first axial end (104), and

- wherein the seal (120) comprises a flexible protrusion (126) extending in the radial direction of the seal (120) for inserting and fixing to the hole (150).

14.

An assembly comprising a paper or paperboard-based package (50) and a closure device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.