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WO2024154023A1 - Closing device and method for making an aseptic packaging - Google Patents

Closing device and method for making an aseptic packaging Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2024154023A1
WO2024154023A1 PCT/IB2024/050292 IB2024050292W WO2024154023A1 WO 2024154023 A1 WO2024154023 A1 WO 2024154023A1 IB 2024050292 W IB2024050292 W IB 2024050292W WO 2024154023 A1 WO2024154023 A1 WO 2024154023A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cap
tamper
mouth
evident
tube
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2024/050292
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Riccardo ZAMMORI
Alberto Buzzi
Aida Haxhi
Veronica BONO
Original Assignee
Guala Pack S.P.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Guala Pack S.P.A. filed Critical Guala Pack S.P.A.
Publication of WO2024154023A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024154023A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/52—Details
    • B65D75/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
    • B65D75/5861—Spouts
    • B65D75/5872—Non-integral spouts
    • B65D75/5883—Non-integral spouts connected to the package at the sealed junction of two package walls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • B65B55/02—Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
    • B65B55/027—Packaging in aseptic chambers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/02—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
    • B65D1/0223—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents characterised by shape
    • B65D1/023—Neck construction
    • B65D1/0238—Integral frangible closures
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B65D47/12—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having removable closures
    • B65D47/14—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having removable closures and closure-retaining means
    • B65D47/142—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having removable closures and closure-retaining means for threaded caps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D55/00—Accessories for container closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D55/16—Devices preventing loss of removable closure members
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2401/00—Tamper-indicating means
    • B65D2401/15—Tearable part of the closure
    • B65D2401/30—Tamper-ring remaining connected to closure after initial removal

Definitions

  • the present invention is in the field of closures for flexible pouches provided with a spout, usually referred to as "spouted pouches".
  • the present invention is in the field of closures for sterile pouches suitable for storing perishable products, such as food products like fruit juices, yogurt, fruit puree and the like.
  • the pouch In order to properly store some perishable food products, such as fruit juices, yogurt, and fruit puree, when aseptically filled, the pouch must be sterile before being filled with the product.
  • the empty pouches undergo a sterilization treatment, such as by the emission of ionizing radiation, usually at a facility of a specialized entity.
  • a sterilization treatment such as by the emission of ionizing radiation, usually at a facility of a specialized entity.
  • Empty sterilized pouches are transported from the sterilization site to a filling site, making sure to maintain sterilization conditions.
  • the pouch At the filling site, inside the sterile chamber of a filling machine, the pouch is filled with the product and the spout is closed.
  • the obj ect of the present invention is to make a closure for a sterile flexible pouch that meets the needs of the industry and overcomes the drawbacks mentioned above , in particular with reference to the complexity of the process and the components .
  • This obj ect is achieved by a closing device according to claim 1 and a method for making an aseptic system according to claim 8 .
  • Fig . 1 shows a package comprising a spout assembly and a cap, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 shows the spout assembly and the cap according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig . 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cap in Fig . 2 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cap and spout assembly, in a final , screwed-on conf iguration;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a closing device comprising the spout assembly, cap, and a j oining zone , according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • - Fig . 6a through 6f represent a succession of steps in a method for making an aseptic system, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 7a depicts a closing device according to an embodiment variant of the present invention
  • Fig . 7b shows the spout assembly and the cap depicted in Fig . 7a in a usage configuration
  • FIG. 8a depicts a closing device according to a further embodiment variant of the present invention.
  • Fig . 8b shows the spout assembly and the cap depicted in Fig . 8a, in a usage configuration .
  • 1 has been used to indicate a package comprising a flexible pouch 2 and a spout assembly 4 attached to the pouch 2 .
  • the pouch 2 comprises at least a front wall 2a and a back wall 2b, each made from a flexible film, e . g . , multilayer, welded along the perimeter edges except for in one upper section, in which the spout assembly 4 is inserted and welded .
  • the spout assembly 4 extends along a spout axis X, from a lower end 6 , applied to the pouch 2 , to an opposite upper end 8 , provided with a mouth 10 .
  • the mouth 10 is annularly delimited by a mouth edge 10a in the form of a circular crown, lying on an imaginary plane orthogonal to the spout axis X .
  • the spout assembly 4 is in one piece and internally has a main conduit 13 extending from the mouth 10 to the lower end 6 to put the ins ide of the pouch in communication with the outside environment .
  • the spout assembly 4 comprises a connecting portion 14 , consisting of two facing walls 14a, 14b, j oined at the transverse ends , and a lower plate 14c, orthogonal to the spout axis X, which delimits said connecting portion 14 at the top .
  • the walls of the pouch 2 are welded to the facing wall s 14a , 14b .
  • the spout assembly 4 comprises a coupling portion 16 , comprising a lower coupling plate 16a and an upper coupling plate 16b, both orthogonal to the spout axis X, spaced axially .
  • the upper coupling plate 16b is chamfered on the perimeter with a lead-in chamfer 17 .
  • a coupling seat 16c is obtained between the coupling plates 16a, 16b for a tamper-evident seal discussed hereinafter .
  • the spout assembly 4 comprises a tube 18 coaxial with the spout axis X, terminating at the upper end 8 with said mouth 10 .
  • the tube 18 further comprises an external thread 20 for screwing in a cap 40 , provided with a tamper-evident seal 80 .
  • the package 1 filled with the product and ready for sale to an end consumer is presented made up of the flexible pouch 2 , to which the spout assembly 4 is attached; the cap 40 is screwed to the spout assembly 4 , so that the mouth 10 of the tube 18 is sealed and so that the tamper-evident seal 80 is engaged with the coupling portion 16 of the spout assembly 4 ( Fig . 1 ) .
  • the cap 40 has a cap axis Y and comprises an annular cap side wall 42 , coaxial with the cap axis Y .
  • the cap wall 42 extends axially from a first end 42a to a second end 42b .
  • the cap 40 comprises a cap base 44 substantially orthogonal to the cap axis Y, which closes the cap wall 42 .
  • annular sealing lip 46 preferably protrudes from the cap base 44 for making a seal with the mouth edge 10a surrounding the mouth 10 of the tube 18 .
  • annular sealing ridge 48 protrudes from the cap base 44 for forming a seal with the inner surface of the tube 18 surrounding the mouth 10 .
  • the sealing ridge 48 is arranged radially internally to the sealing lip 46 .
  • the cap base 44 comprises an axially proj ecting annular collar 52 coaxial with the cap axis Y, discussed hereinafter .
  • cap wall 42 has an internal thread 50 for screwing to the external thread 20 of the tube 18 .
  • the cap 40 is provided with the tamper-evident seal 80 .
  • the tamper-evident seal 80 comprises a tamper-evident flange 82 at the first end 42a of the cap wall 42 , a tamper-evident ring 84 below the tamper- evident flange 82 , and a plurality of breakable bridges 86 connecting the tamper-evident flange 82 and the tamper-evident ring 84 .
  • the tamper-evident ring 84 has a tamper- evident ridge 85 radially protruding inwards and is provided with an annular lead-in 88 to facilitate the engagement of the tamper-evident seal 80 with the coupling portion 16 of the tube 18 the first time the cap 40 is screwed onto the tube 18 .
  • the cap 40 In a final screwed-on configuration ( Fig . 4 ) , in which the cap 40 is screwed onto the tube 18 of the spout assembly 4 , the cap 40 seals the mouth 10 of the tube 18 .
  • the sealing lip 46 of the cap base 44 forms a seal with the mouth edge 10a delimiting the mouth 10
  • the sealing ridge 48 forms an internal lateral seal with the side surface of the main conduit 13 near the mouth 10 .
  • the sealing ridge forms an external side seal with a side surface of the tube , near the mouth .
  • the tamper-evident seal 80 is engaged with the spout assembly 4 .
  • the tamper-evident ridge 85 is arranged in the coupling seat 16c, between the lower coupling plate 16a and the upper coupling plate 16b .
  • a closing device 100 in an initial configuration in which it is intact, comprises said spout assembly 4, said cap 40, and a joining zone 120 that joins the spout assembly 4 and the cap 40 (Fig. 5) .
  • the cap 40 is placed above the spout assembly 4, in a flipped position with respect to where it is used for screwing onto the tube in the final usage configuration.
  • the cap 40 is coaxial with the spout assembly 4, i.e., the spout axis X coincides with the cap axis Y, the cap base 44 with the collar 52 and the joining zone 120 close the mouth 10 of the tube 18, and the tube 18 is external to the cap 40.
  • the joining zone 120 consists of a breakable annular membrane 122 that joins the collar 52 of the cap 40 and the mouth edge 10a of the mouth 10.
  • Said closing device 100 is made of plastic material in one piece, for example by injection molding.
  • an empty pouch 2 is initially provided with the closing device 100 in the initial configuration (Fig. 6a) ; this package is then closed, by means of the cap base 44 and the joining zone 120 that close the mouth 10 of the tube 18, and empty.
  • the closed and empty package undergoes a sterilization treatment, such as by ionizing radiation, usually at a sterilization site of a specialized entity. This results in a closed, empty, sterilized package.
  • the closed, empty, sterilized package is transported to a filling site, where there is a machine equipped with a controlled atmosphere chamber in which filling with a desired product takes place.
  • the closed, empty and sterilized package, or a part thereof, is introduced into machine' s controlled atmosphere chamber.
  • a separating device of the filling machine tears the joining zone 120 of the closing device 100, for example by twisting the cap 40 with respect to the spout assembly 4, which tears the membrane 122 (Fig. 6b) .
  • a filling device on the machine fills the pouch with the desired product through the mouth 10 of the tube 18, which is open because the cap 40 has been separated from the spout assembly 4.
  • a flipping device on the machine flips the cap 40 so that it is positioned in a suitable arrangement for screwing the cap 40 to the tube 18 with respect to the spout assembly 4 (Fig. 6d) .
  • An application or screwing device of the machine screws the cap 40 onto the tube 18 of the spout assembly 4.
  • the tamper- evident seal 80 is engaged with the coupling portion of the spout assembly 4 , and the mouth 10 of the tube 18 is sealed by the sealing lip 46 and/or the sealing ridge 48 of the cap 40 ( Fig . 6e ) .
  • the user unscrews the cap 40 from the tube 18 , causing the breakable bridges 86 to break; the tamper-evident ring 84 thus remains engaged with the spout assembly 4 , housed in the tamper-evident seat 16c, while the cap body is separated from the tube 18 ( Fig . 6f ) .
  • the cap 40 is provided with a tether 110 that j oins the cap body 41 , and in particular the tamper-evident flange 82 , and the tamper-evident ring 84 of the tamper-evident seal 80 , extending radially outside the tamper-evident flange 82 and the tamper-evident ring 84 .
  • the cap body 41 when the cap is unscrewed for use , the cap body 41 remains attached to the tamper-evident ring 84 by means of the tether 110 and thus engaged with the spout assembly 4 , since the tamper- evident ring 84 is housed in the tamper-evident seat 16c of the spout assembly 4 .
  • the tamper-evident seal 80 comprises a tamper- evident band 88 arranged between the tamper-evident flange 82 and the tamper-evident ring 84 , connected at a first end by means of a first unbreakable element 90a to the tamper-evident flange 82 and at a second end by means of a second unbreakable element 90b to the tamper-evident ring 84 ; the tamper-evident band 88 is further connected to the tamper-evident flange 82 and/or the tamper-evident ring 84 by means of a plurality of breakable bridges 90c .
  • the bridges 90c break, while the unbreakable elements remain intact ; the tamper-evident band stretches out and makes a tether that binds the tamper-evident flange and tamper-evident ring .
  • the cap is applicable to the spout assembly by snap connection .
  • the cap lacks the internal thread and the tube lacks the external thread, while the cap and/or the spout assembly are provided with releasable snap connection elements .
  • the cap is applied to the spout assembly without first being flipped or after undergoing only a partial flipping .
  • the sealing device according to the present invention meets the needs of the industry, as it allows for an aseptic package to be filled with the desired product in an aseptic environment , and overcomes the drawbacks of the known art , as the construction and use are very simple .
  • a person skilled in the art in order to meet contingent needs , could make modi fications to the closing device described above , all of which are contained within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Bag Frames (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

A closing device (100) for a flexible pouch (2) comprises a spout assembly (4), a cap (40) with a tamper- evident seal (80), and a joining zone (120) that joins a mouth edge (10a) of the spout assembly (4) and a cap base (44) of the cap (40). The closing device (100) is made of plastic material in one piece, the spout axis (X) coincides with the cap axis (Y), and the cap base (44) and joining zone (120) close the mouth (10).

Description

"CLOSING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MAKING AN ASEPTIC
PACKAGING" DESCRIPTION
Field of the invention
[0001] The present invention is in the field of closures for flexible pouches provided with a spout, usually referred to as "spouted pouches". In particular, the present invention is in the field of closures for sterile pouches suitable for storing perishable products, such as food products like fruit juices, yogurt, fruit puree and the like. Prior art
[0002] In order to properly store some perishable food products, such as fruit juices, yogurt, and fruit puree, when aseptically filled, the pouch must be sterile before being filled with the product. For this purpose, the empty pouches undergo a sterilization treatment, such as by the emission of ionizing radiation, usually at a facility of a specialized entity. Empty sterilized pouches are transported from the sterilization site to a filling site, making sure to maintain sterilization conditions. At the filling site, inside the sterile chamber of a filling machine, the pouch is filled with the product and the spout is closed.
[0003] Some embodiments are described, for example, in WO- Al-2017 / 052364 and WO-A1-2017 / 157494 . The Applicant is also the holder of several patents on the subj ect , including the International Application W0-A1- 2017 / 168322 .
[0004] Given the complexity of the entire process , the machines involved and the components , research and development ef forts of manufacturing companies are focused on finding simpler and more economical solutions . Obj ect of the inventi on
[0005] The obj ect of the present invention is to make a closure for a sterile flexible pouch that meets the needs of the industry and overcomes the drawbacks mentioned above , in particular with reference to the complexity of the process and the components .
[0006] This obj ect is achieved by a closing device according to claim 1 and a method for making an aseptic system according to claim 8 .
Bri ef descripti on of the figures
[0007] The features and advantages of the closure and method according to the present invention wi ll become apparent from the following description, given as a nonlimiting example in accordance with the figures in the accompanying drawings , wherein :
- Fig . 1 shows a package comprising a spout assembly and a cap, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
- Fig . 2 shows the spout assembly and the cap according to an embodiment of the present invention;
- Fig . 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cap in Fig . 2 ;
- Fig . 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cap and spout assembly, in a final , screwed-on conf iguration;
- Fig . 5 is a cross-sectional view of a closing device comprising the spout assembly, cap, and a j oining zone , according to an embodiment of the present invention;
- Fig . 6a through 6f represent a succession of steps in a method for making an aseptic system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
- Fig . 7a depicts a closing device according to an embodiment variant of the present invention;
- Fig . 7b shows the spout assembly and the cap depicted in Fig . 7a in a usage configuration;
- Fig . 8a depicts a closing device according to a further embodiment variant of the present invention;
- Fig . 8b shows the spout assembly and the cap depicted in Fig . 8a, in a usage configuration .
Descripti on of a preferred embodiment
[0008] With reference to the figures in the attached drawings , 1 has been used to indicate a package comprising a flexible pouch 2 and a spout assembly 4 attached to the pouch 2 .
[0009] The pouch 2 comprises at least a front wall 2a and a back wall 2b, each made from a flexible film, e . g . , multilayer, welded along the perimeter edges except for in one upper section, in which the spout assembly 4 is inserted and welded .
[0010] The spout assembly 4 extends along a spout axis X, from a lower end 6 , applied to the pouch 2 , to an opposite upper end 8 , provided with a mouth 10 . The mouth 10 is annularly delimited by a mouth edge 10a in the form of a circular crown, lying on an imaginary plane orthogonal to the spout axis X .
[0011] The spout assembly 4 is in one piece and internally has a main conduit 13 extending from the mouth 10 to the lower end 6 to put the ins ide of the pouch in communication with the outside environment .
[0012] At the lower end 6 , the spout assembly 4 comprises a connecting portion 14 , consisting of two facing walls 14a, 14b, j oined at the transverse ends , and a lower plate 14c, orthogonal to the spout axis X, which delimits said connecting portion 14 at the top . The walls of the pouch 2 are welded to the facing wall s 14a , 14b .
[0013] Above the connecting portion 14 , the spout assembly 4 comprises a coupling portion 16 , comprising a lower coupling plate 16a and an upper coupling plate 16b, both orthogonal to the spout axis X, spaced axially . Preferably, the upper coupling plate 16b is chamfered on the perimeter with a lead-in chamfer 17 . Thus , a coupling seat 16c is obtained between the coupling plates 16a, 16b for a tamper-evident seal discussed hereinafter .
[0014] At the top of the coupling portion 16 , the spout assembly 4 comprises a tube 18 coaxial with the spout axis X, terminating at the upper end 8 with said mouth 10 .
[0015] The tube 18 further comprises an external thread 20 for screwing in a cap 40 , provided with a tamper-evident seal 80 .
[0016] In a final configuration of use , such as on the shel f of a retail establishment , the package 1 filled with the product and ready for sale to an end consumer is presented made up of the flexible pouch 2 , to which the spout assembly 4 is attached; the cap 40 is screwed to the spout assembly 4 , so that the mouth 10 of the tube 18 is sealed and so that the tamper-evident seal 80 is engaged with the coupling portion 16 of the spout assembly 4 ( Fig . 1 ) .
[0017] According to one embodiment , the cap 40 has a cap axis Y and comprises an annular cap side wall 42 , coaxial with the cap axis Y . The cap wall 42 extends axially from a first end 42a to a second end 42b . [0018] At the second end 42b of the cap wall 42 , the cap 40 comprises a cap base 44 substantially orthogonal to the cap axis Y, which closes the cap wall 42 .
[0019] Internally, an annular sealing lip 46 preferably protrudes from the cap base 44 for making a seal with the mouth edge 10a surrounding the mouth 10 of the tube 18 .
[0020] Preferably, moreover, internally, an annular sealing ridge 48 protrudes from the cap base 44 for forming a seal with the inner surface of the tube 18 surrounding the mouth 10 . The sealing ridge 48 is arranged radially internally to the sealing lip 46 .
[0021] Preferably, externally, the cap base 44 comprises an axially proj ecting annular collar 52 coaxial with the cap axis Y, discussed hereinafter .
[0022] Moreover, the cap wall 42 has an internal thread 50 for screwing to the external thread 20 of the tube 18 .
[0023] The cap 40 is provided with the tamper-evident seal 80 .
[0024] For example , the tamper-evident seal 80 comprises a tamper-evident flange 82 at the first end 42a of the cap wall 42 , a tamper-evident ring 84 below the tamper- evident flange 82 , and a plurality of breakable bridges 86 connecting the tamper-evident flange 82 and the tamper-evident ring 84 .
[0025] Internally, the tamper-evident ring 84 has a tamper- evident ridge 85 radially protruding inwards and is provided with an annular lead-in 88 to facilitate the engagement of the tamper-evident seal 80 with the coupling portion 16 of the tube 18 the first time the cap 40 is screwed onto the tube 18 .
[0026] In a final screwed-on configuration ( Fig . 4 ) , in which the cap 40 is screwed onto the tube 18 of the spout assembly 4 , the cap 40 seals the mouth 10 of the tube 18 . In particular, the sealing lip 46 of the cap base 44 forms a seal with the mouth edge 10a delimiting the mouth 10 , and the sealing ridge 48 forms an internal lateral seal with the side surface of the main conduit 13 near the mouth 10 .
[0027] According to an embodiment variant (not shown) , the sealing ridge forms an external side seal with a side surface of the tube , near the mouth .
[0028] In said configuration, moreover, the tamper-evident seal 80 is engaged with the spout assembly 4 . In particular, the tamper-evident ridge 85 is arranged in the coupling seat 16c, between the lower coupling plate 16a and the upper coupling plate 16b .
[0029] For making an aseptic system, i . e . , an aseptic sealed package filled with a desired product in a controlled atmosphere chamber, i . e . , sterile or aseptic, a closing device 100 , in an initial configuration in which it is intact, comprises said spout assembly 4, said cap 40, and a joining zone 120 that joins the spout assembly 4 and the cap 40 (Fig. 5) .
[0030] In the closing device 100, the cap 40 is placed above the spout assembly 4, in a flipped position with respect to where it is used for screwing onto the tube in the final usage configuration. In other words, the cap 40 is coaxial with the spout assembly 4, i.e., the spout axis X coincides with the cap axis Y, the cap base 44 with the collar 52 and the joining zone 120 close the mouth 10 of the tube 18, and the tube 18 is external to the cap 40.
[0031] In particular, the joining zone 120 consists of a breakable annular membrane 122 that joins the collar 52 of the cap 40 and the mouth edge 10a of the mouth 10.
[0032] Said closing device 100 is made of plastic material in one piece, for example by injection molding.
[0033] For obtaining the aseptic system, an empty pouch 2 is initially provided with the closing device 100 in the initial configuration (Fig. 6a) ; this package is then closed, by means of the cap base 44 and the joining zone 120 that close the mouth 10 of the tube 18, and empty. The closed and empty package undergoes a sterilization treatment, such as by ionizing radiation, usually at a sterilization site of a specialized entity. This results in a closed, empty, sterilized package.
[0034] The closed, empty, sterilized package is transported to a filling site, where there is a machine equipped with a controlled atmosphere chamber in which filling with a desired product takes place.
[0035] The closed, empty and sterilized package, or a part thereof, is introduced into machine' s controlled atmosphere chamber. In the controlled atmosphere chamber, a separating device of the filling machine tears the joining zone 120 of the closing device 100, for example by twisting the cap 40 with respect to the spout assembly 4, which tears the membrane 122 (Fig. 6b) .
[0036] The cap 40, separated from the spout assembly 4, is pulled away from the tube 18 (Fig. 6c) .
[0037] A filling device on the machine fills the pouch with the desired product through the mouth 10 of the tube 18, which is open because the cap 40 has been separated from the spout assembly 4.
[0038] Preferably, a flipping device on the machine flips the cap 40 so that it is positioned in a suitable arrangement for screwing the cap 40 to the tube 18 with respect to the spout assembly 4 (Fig. 6d) .
[0039] An application or screwing device of the machine screws the cap 40 onto the tube 18 of the spout assembly 4. At the end of application or screwing, the tamper- evident seal 80 is engaged with the coupling portion of the spout assembly 4 , and the mouth 10 of the tube 18 is sealed by the sealing lip 46 and/or the sealing ridge 48 of the cap 40 ( Fig . 6e ) .
[0040] This results in a closed, aseptic package , filled with the desired product in a controlled atmosphere chamber, which is brought out of the machine ' s controlled atmosphere chamber in the final use configuration .
[0041] When the package is first used in its final use configuration, the user unscrews the cap 40 from the tube 18 , causing the breakable bridges 86 to break; the tamper-evident ring 84 thus remains engaged with the spout assembly 4 , housed in the tamper-evident seat 16c, while the cap body is separated from the tube 18 ( Fig . 6f ) .
[0042] According to an embodiment variant ( Fig . 7a and 7b ) , the cap 40 is provided with a tether 110 that j oins the cap body 41 , and in particular the tamper-evident flange 82 , and the tamper-evident ring 84 of the tamper-evident seal 80 , extending radially outside the tamper-evident flange 82 and the tamper-evident ring 84 .
[0043] In this embodiment variant , when the cap is unscrewed for use , the cap body 41 remains attached to the tamper-evident ring 84 by means of the tether 110 and thus engaged with the spout assembly 4 , since the tamper- evident ring 84 is housed in the tamper-evident seat 16c of the spout assembly 4 .
[0044] According to a further embodiment variant ( Fig . 8a and 8b ) , the tamper-evident seal 80 comprises a tamper- evident band 88 arranged between the tamper-evident flange 82 and the tamper-evident ring 84 , connected at a first end by means of a first unbreakable element 90a to the tamper-evident flange 82 and at a second end by means of a second unbreakable element 90b to the tamper-evident ring 84 ; the tamper-evident band 88 is further connected to the tamper-evident flange 82 and/or the tamper-evident ring 84 by means of a plurality of breakable bridges 90c . [0045] In such an embodiment variant , when the cap is unscrewed for use , the bridges 90c break, while the unbreakable elements remain intact ; the tamper-evident band stretches out and makes a tether that binds the tamper-evident flange and tamper-evident ring .
[0046] According to a still further embodiment variant (not shown) , the cap is applicable to the spout assembly by snap connection . With respect to that which is described above , in this variant , the cap lacks the internal thread and the tube lacks the external thread, while the cap and/or the spout assembly are provided with releasable snap connection elements .
[0047] According to a further embodiment variant (not shown) , the cap is applied to the spout assembly without first being flipped or after undergoing only a partial flipping .
[0048] Innovatively, the sealing device according to the present invention meets the needs of the industry, as it allows for an aseptic package to be filled with the desired product in an aseptic environment , and overcomes the drawbacks of the known art , as the construction and use are very simple . [0049] It is understood that a person skilled in the art , in order to meet contingent needs , could make modi fications to the closing device described above , all of which are contained within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims .

Claims

1. A closing device (100) for a flexible pouch (2) , comprising :
- a spout assembly (4) extending along a spout axis (X) between a lower end (6) and an upper end (8) , internally provided with a main conduit (13) , coaxial with the spout axis (X) and ending at the upper end (8) with a mouth (10) annularly delimited by a mouth edge (10a) , and comprising a connecting portion (14) to be welded to the pouch, a coupling portion (16) with a coupling seat (16c) , and a tube (18) coaxial with the spout axis (X) and ending with said mouth (10) ;
- a cap (40) applicable to the tube (18) of the spout assembly (4) , having a cap axis (Y) and comprising an annular cap side wall (42) , coaxial with the cap axis (Y) , which extends axially from a first end (42a) to a second end (42b) , a cap base (44) at the second end (42b) , which closes the cap wall (42) , and a tamper- evident seal (80) at the first end (42a) adapted to be engaged with the coupling seat (16c) ;
- a joining zone (120) , which joins the mouth edge (10a) of the spout assembly (4) and the cap base (44) of the cap (40) , consisting of a breakable membrane (122) ; wherein the closing device (100) is made of a plastic material in one piece, the spout axis (X) coincides with the cap axis (Y) , and the cap base (44) and the joining zone (120) close the mouth (10) ; wherein the cap base (44) comprises an axially protruding annular collar (52) coaxial with the cap axis (Y) , arranged outside, and wherein the cap base (44) with the collar (52) and the joining zone (120) close the mouth (10) .
2. Closing device according to claim 1, wherein the tamper-evident seal (80) comprises a tamper-evident flange (82) at the first end (42a) of the cap wall (42) , a tamper-evident ring (84) , and a plurality of breakable bridges (86;90c) , wherein the tamper-evident ring (84) internally has a tamper-evident ridge (85) radially protruding inwards and is provided with an annular lead- in (88) to facilitate the engagement of the tamper- evident seal (80) with the spout assembly (4) .
3. Closing device according to claim 2, wherein the breakable bridges (86) connect the tamper-evident flange (82) and tamper-evident ring (84) .
4. Closing device according to claim 3, wherein the cap (40) is provided with a tether (110) joining the tamper- evident flange (82) and the tamper-evident ring (84) , extending radially outside the tamper-evident flange (82) and the tamper-evident ring (84) .
5. Closing device according to claim 2, wherein the tamper-evident seal (80) further comprises a tamper- evident band (88) arranged between the tamper-evident flange (82) and the tamper-evident ring (84) , connected at a first end by means of a first unbreakable element (90a) to the tamper-evident flange (82) and at a second end by means of a second unbreakable element (90b) to the tamper-evident ring (84) , wherein the tamper-evident band (88) is further connected to the tamper-evident flange (82) and/or the tamper-evident ring (84) by means of said plurality of breakable bridges (90c) .
6. Closing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an annular sealing lip (46) adapted to form a seal with the mouth edge (10a) of the mouth (10) protrudes internally from the cap base (44) .
7. Closing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an annular sealing ridge (48) internally protrudes from the cap base (44) , adapted to form either an inner side seal with a side surface of the main conduit (13) close to the mouth (10) or an outer side seal with a side surface of the tube close to the mouth.
8. A method for making an aseptic system consisting of a closed, aseptic package filled with a desired product in a controlled atmosphere chamber, comprising the following steps : providing a closed and empty package (1) provided with a closing device, said closing device according to any one of the preceding claims; subjecting the closed and empty package to a sterilization treatment obtaining a closed, empty and sterilized package;
- providing a filling machine comprising a controlled atmosphere chamber;
- introducing the closed, empty and sterilized package, or any part thereof, into the controlled atmosphere chamber; in the controlled atmosphere chamber, tearing the joining zone (120) of the closing device (100) and moving the cap (40) away from the tube (18) ;
- in the controlled atmosphere chamber, filling the pouch (2) with the desired product through the mouth (10) of the spout assembly (4) ;
- in the controlled atmosphere chamber, applying the cap (40) to the tube (18) to form a seal with said tube (18) , thus obtaining a closed, aseptic package filled with the desired product; taking the closed, aseptic package filled with the desired product, or said part thereof, out of the controlled atmosphere chamber.
9. Method according to claim 8, wherein, to apply the cap (40) to the tube (18) , said cap (40) is flipped and then applied to the tube (18) .
10. A closing device (100) for a flexible pouch (2) , comprising :
- a spout assembly (4) extending along a spout axis (X) between a lower end (6) and an upper end (8) , internally provided with a main conduit (13) , coaxial with the spout axis (X) and ending at the upper end (8) with a mouth (10) annularly delimited by a mouth edge (10a) , and comprising a connecting portion (14) to be welded to the pouch, a coupling portion (16) with a coupling seat (16c) , and a tube (18) coaxial with the spout axis (X) and ending with said mouth (10) ;
- a cap (40) applicable to the tube (18) of the spout assembly (4) , having a cap axis (Y) and comprising an annular cap side wall (42) , coaxial with the cap axis (Y) , which extends axially from a first end (42a) to a second end (42b) , a cap base (44) at the second end (42b) , which closes the cap wall (42) ;
- a joining zone (120) , which joins the mouth edge (10a) of the spout assembly (4) and the cap base (44) of the cap (40) , consisting of a breakable membrane (122) ; wherein an annular sealing lip (46) internally protrudes from the cap base (44) , adapted to form a seal with the mouth edge (10a) of the mouth (10) or an annular sealing ridge (48) adapted to form an inner side seal with a side surface of the main conduit (13) close to the mouth (10) or an outer side seal with a side surface of the tube close to the mouth; and
- wherein the closing device (100) is made of a plastic material in one piece, the spout axis (X) coincides with the cap axis (Y) , and the cap base (44) and the joining zone (120) close the mouth (10) .
11. A method for making an aseptic system consisting of a closed, aseptic package filled with a desired product in a controlled atmosphere chamber, comprising the following steps :
- providing a closed, empty package (1) provided with a closing device, wherein said closing device (100) comprises a) a spout assembly (4) extending along a spout axis (X) between a lower end (6) and an upper end (8) , internally provided with a main conduit (13) , coaxial with the spout axis (X) and ending at the upper end (8) with a mouth (10) annularly delimited by a mouth edge (10a) , and comprising a connecting portion (14) to be welded to the pouch and a tube (18) coaxial with the spout axis (X) and ending with said mouth (10) ; b) a cap (40) applicable to the tube (18) of the spout assembly (4) , having a cap axis (Y) and comprising an annular cap side wall (42) , coaxial with the cap axis (Y) , which extends axially from a first end (42a) to a second end (42b) , a cap base (44) at the second end (42b) , which closes the cap wall (42) ; c) a joining zone (120) which joins the mouth edge (10a) of the spout assembly (4) and the cap base (44) of the cap (40) , consisting of a breakable membrane (122) ; d) wherein the closing device (100) is made of a plastic material in one piece, the spout axis (X) coincides with the cap axis (Y) , and the cap base (44) and the joining zone (120) close the mouth (10) . subjecting the closed and empty package to a sterilization treatment obtaining a closed, empty and sterilized package;
- providing a filling machine comprising a controlled atmosphere chamber;
- introducing the closed, empty and sterilized package, or any part thereof, into the controlled atmosphere chamber; in the controlled atmosphere chamber, tearing the joining zone (120) of the closing device (100) and moving the cap (40) away from the tube (18) ;
- in the controlled atmosphere chamber, filling the pouch (2) with the desired product through the mouth (10) of the spout assembly (4) ; in the controlled atmosphere chamber, applying the cap (40) to the tube (18) to form a seal with said tube (18) , thus obtaining a closed, aseptic package filled with the desired product; taking the closed, aseptic package filled with the desired product, or said part thereof, out of the controlled atmosphere chamber.
12. A filling machine for making an aseptic system consisting of a closed, aseptic package filled with a desired product in a controlled atmosphere chamber, comprising :
- a controlled atmosphere chamber; a separating device operating in the controlled atmosphere chamber to tear a joining zone (120) of a closing device (100) and to separate a spout assembly (4) from a cap (40) of said closing device (100) ;
- a filling device operating in the controlled atmosphere chamber to fill a pouch with the desired product through a mouth (10) of a tube (18) of the spout assembly (4) ; an application device operating in the controlled atmosphere chamber to apply the cap (40) to the tube (18) so as to form a seal.
13. A filling machine according to claim 11, further comprising
- a flipping device to flip the cap (40) so that it is placed with respect to the spout assembly (4) in a 21 suitable arrangement for applying the cap (40) to the tube (18) .
5
PCT/IB2024/050292 2023-01-16 2024-01-11 Closing device and method for making an aseptic packaging WO2024154023A1 (en)

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IT102023000000486 2023-01-16

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Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE8910018U1 (en) * 1988-09-07 1989-11-16 Elsaesser Verpackungen Ag, Kirchberg Spout on a container
JPH05229566A (en) * 1992-02-24 1993-09-07 Arutetsuku Kk Capping device for container
US5290105A (en) * 1990-12-28 1994-03-01 Safta S.P.A. Container made of flexible laminated sheet with insert for opening and reclosing
WO1998045190A1 (en) * 1997-04-04 1998-10-15 Cellpack Ag Pouring spout for a plastic bag
WO1999065791A1 (en) * 1998-06-16 1999-12-23 Georg Menshen Gmbh & Co. Kg Dimensionally stable plastic welding part
JP2006335416A (en) * 2005-06-01 2006-12-14 Mikasa Sangyo Kk Spout
US20080073348A1 (en) * 2006-09-27 2008-03-27 Daniel PRITIKIN Container closure assembly
US20170225852A1 (en) * 2014-10-24 2017-08-10 Melodian Co., Ltd. Container with spout and manufacturing method therefor
US10166686B1 (en) * 2017-11-30 2019-01-01 Jasbir Dhanjal Portable, self-contained, ready-to-use, sterile enclosure for filling sterile products
US20190168936A1 (en) * 2017-12-04 2019-06-06 Nova Chemicals (International) S.A. Bottle closure assembly including a polyethylene composition
WO2022208099A1 (en) * 2021-04-01 2022-10-06 3P Innovation Limited Method of filling pharmaceutical containers

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE8910018U1 (en) * 1988-09-07 1989-11-16 Elsaesser Verpackungen Ag, Kirchberg Spout on a container
US5290105A (en) * 1990-12-28 1994-03-01 Safta S.P.A. Container made of flexible laminated sheet with insert for opening and reclosing
JPH05229566A (en) * 1992-02-24 1993-09-07 Arutetsuku Kk Capping device for container
WO1998045190A1 (en) * 1997-04-04 1998-10-15 Cellpack Ag Pouring spout for a plastic bag
WO1999065791A1 (en) * 1998-06-16 1999-12-23 Georg Menshen Gmbh & Co. Kg Dimensionally stable plastic welding part
JP2006335416A (en) * 2005-06-01 2006-12-14 Mikasa Sangyo Kk Spout
US20080073348A1 (en) * 2006-09-27 2008-03-27 Daniel PRITIKIN Container closure assembly
US20170225852A1 (en) * 2014-10-24 2017-08-10 Melodian Co., Ltd. Container with spout and manufacturing method therefor
US10166686B1 (en) * 2017-11-30 2019-01-01 Jasbir Dhanjal Portable, self-contained, ready-to-use, sterile enclosure for filling sterile products
US20190168936A1 (en) * 2017-12-04 2019-06-06 Nova Chemicals (International) S.A. Bottle closure assembly including a polyethylene composition
WO2022208099A1 (en) * 2021-04-01 2022-10-06 3P Innovation Limited Method of filling pharmaceutical containers

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