IP Library Granted Patent US 7,997,436
Granted Patent B2
US 7,997,436 · App. 11/915,961 · Granted Aug 16, 2011

Reclosable pouring element for liquid foodstuffs contained in composite cardboard/plastic packaging

Assignee: SIG Technology AG
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,997,436
App. No.
11/915,961
Granted
Aug 16, 2011
Kind
B2
Abstract

A re-closable pouring element for liquid foods packaged in cardboard/plastic composite packages, comprising a base encircled by a flange and having both an inner thread and an outer thread, an opening element having at least one cutting edge as well as perforations and a screw cap formed as a threaded lid. The opening element has an outer thread and is arranged inside the base. The opening element is formed so that when the screw cap is operated for the first time it cuts an opening in the package material located under the pouring element. At least one window opening is provided as an aperture, each window opening is arranged so that it points to one side after opening for the first time and after re-closing and repeated opening for emptying residues of the composite package points to the opposite side.

Claims (20)

1. A re-closable pouring element for liquid food packaged in cardboard/plastic composite packages, comprising:

a base encircled by a flange and having both an inner thread and an outer thread;

an opening element having at least one cutting edge as well as perforations; and

a screw cap formed as a threaded lid,

wherein the opening element has an outer thread and is arranged inside the base and wherein the opening element is formed so that when the cap is operated for the first time the opening element cuts an opening in package material located under the pouring element, wherein the opening element has at least one window opening, the at least one window opening being arranged so that after opening for the first time the at least one window opening points to one side and after re-closing and repeated opening for emptying residues of the composite package points to the opposite side.

2. The pouring element according to claim 1 , wherein the window opening has a substantially rectangular shape.

3. The pouring element according to claim 1 , wherein the outer thread of the opening element has two intermeshing threads.

4. The pouring element according to claim 3 , wherein each intermeshing thread embraces the opening element by at least 540°.

5. The pouring element according to claim 1 , wherein the outer thread of the opening element is reduced or interrupted in a lower section of the outer thread at least in one region and wherein the inner thread of the base is reduced or interrupted at least in a corresponding region.

6. The pouring element according to claim 5 , wherein the outer thread of the opening element is reduced or interrupted at two diametrically opposed regions.

7. The pouring element according to claim 3 , wherein the outer thread of the opening element is reduced or interrupted in each case in a lower section of the outer thread.

8. The pouring element according to claim 1 , wherein each outer thread of the opening element at its upper end has at least one limit stop.

9. The pouring element according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one cutting edge is suitable both for piercing the package material and for cutting out an opening for pouring.

10. The pouring element according to claim 9 , wherein the cutting edge is formed so that when turning into the package material, a cut length for forming the opening for pouring is less than a complete circle.

11. The pouring element according to claim 1 , wherein the base has a plurality of diametrically opposed, threaded sections in an interior of the base.

12. The pouring element according to claim 1 , wherein at least one limit stop is provided in a lower region of the base for the opening element which is unscrewed downwards.

13. The pouring element according to claim 1 , wherein the opening element has a plurality of projections distributed over its interior.

14. The pouring element according to claim 13 , wherein the screw cap has in its interior at least one driving bar, which extends from the top side of the screw cap bends concentrically downwards and interacts with the projections in a manner of a ratchet.

15. The pouring element according to claim 1 , wherein the screw cap in a fitted position is connected to the base by material bridges serving as predetermined breaking points.

16. The pouring element according to claim 15 , wherein the material bridges run between the screw cap and a mounting plate, and wherein the mounting plate is connected to the flange of the base.

Assignments (4)
RELEASE OF PLEDGED PATENT RIGHTS Recorded Nov 19, 2009
From: CREDIT SUISSE LONDON BRANCH
To: SIG TECHNOLOGY AG
Reel/Frame 023547/0478 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jul 30, 2009
From: SIG TECHNOLOGY AG
To: CREDIT SUISSE LONDON BRANCH
Reel/Frame 023029/0580 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jul 13, 2009
From: SIG TECHNOLOGY AG
To: CREDIT SUISSE LONDON BRANK
Reel/Frame 022944/0386 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 26, 2008
From: BOLLI, FELIX
To: SIG TECHNOLOGY AG
Reel/Frame 020561/0830 →
Priority Claims (1)
DE 10 2006 015 524 · Mar 31, 2006 · national
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20080185384A1 · Aug 7, 2008