阅读说明：本技术 包装组件 (Package assembly ) 是由 朱利奥·贝尔塔尼 彼得罗·马提尼 安吉洛·索巴拉 保罗·萨农 伦佐·贝莱 阿尔贝托·玛梅利 于 2020-02-03 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种包装组件(1、1’,1”),其包括填充有可倾倒食品的包装(2)和吸管(3、3”)。包装(2)包括被构造成允许将吸管(3、3”)通过主开口(6)插入和/或引入包装(2)中的至少一个主开口(6),并且吸管(3、3”)至少包括入口开口(11)和管状主体部分(16),该管状主体部分被构造成在使用中插入包装(2)中并具有入口开口(11)。包装组件(1、1’,1”)还包括保持组(22),该保持组至少包括与包装(2)相关联的第一保持构件(23)和与吸管(3,3’)相关联的第二保持构件(24)。第一保持构件(23)和第二保持构件(24)被构造成以这种方式彼此相互作用,使得阻碍和/或阻止在使用中在将主要部分(16)引入和/或插入包装(2)中之后吸管(3)从包装(2)中分离和/或移除。(The present invention relates to a packaging assembly (1, 1', 1 ") comprising a package (2) filled with a pourable food product and a straw (3, 3"). The package (2) comprises at least one main opening (6) configured to allow insertion and/or introduction of a straw (3, 3') through the main opening (6) and into the package (2), and the straw (3, 3') comprises at least an inlet opening (11) and a tubular body portion (16) configured to be inserted in use into the package (2) and having the inlet opening (11). The packaging assembly (1, 1', 1 ") further comprises a holding group (22) comprising at least a first holding member (23) associated with the package (2) and a second holding member (24) associated with the straw (3, 3'). The first retaining member (23) and the second retaining member (24) are configured to interact with each other in such a way as to hinder and/or prevent separation and/or removal of the straw (3) from the package (2) after introduction and/or insertion of the main portion (16) into the package (2) in use.)

1. A packaging assembly (1, 1', 1 ") comprising a package (2) filled with a pourable food product and a straw (3, 3');

the package (2) comprising at least one main opening (6), the main opening (6) being configured to allow insertion and/or introduction of the straw (3, 3') through the main opening (6) into the package (2);

wherein the drinking straw (3, 3') comprises at least:

-an inlet opening (11) for allowing the introduction of the pourable food product into the straw (3, 3'); and

-a tubular body portion (16) configured to be inserted in use into the package (2) and having an inlet opening (11);

wherein the packaging assembly (1, 1', 1 ") further comprises a retaining group (22), the retaining group (22) being configured to allow insertion and/or introduction of at least the tubular body portion (16) of the straw (3) into the package (2) and to hinder and/or prevent separation and/or removal of the straw (3) from the package (2) after introduction and/or insertion of the body portion (16) into the package (2) in use;

wherein the retaining group (22) comprises at least a first retaining means (23) associated with the pack (2) and a second retaining means (24) associated with the drinking straws (3, 3');

wherein the first retaining member (23) and the second retaining member (24) are configured to interact with each other to hinder and/or prevent separation and/or removal of the drinking straw (3) from the package (2) after introduction and/or insertion of the main portion (16) into the package (2) in use.

2. The package assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first retaining member (23) comprises a first engagement surface (25) and the second retaining member (24) comprises a second engagement surface (26);

wherein the second engagement surface (26) is configured to abut the first engagement surface (25) during removal of the tubular body portion (16) from the package (2) in use to hinder and/or prevent separation and/or removal of the straw (3) from the package (2) after introduction and/or insertion of the body portion (16) into the package (2).

3. The package assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first and second engagement surfaces (25, 26) face each other when the tubular body portion (16) is arranged within the package (2).

4. The package assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first retaining member (23) is arranged adjacent to the main opening (6) and the second retaining member (24) is coupled and/or connected to the tubular body portion (16).

5. The package assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first retaining member (23) is arranged on and/or coupled to an outer or inner surface of the package (2).

6. The package assembly according to claim 5, wherein the first retaining member (23) is coupled to the outer surface or the inner surface by adhesive bonding and/or ultrasonic bonding and/or molding.

7. The package assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first retaining member (23) comprises a collar (37), the collar (37) defining an aperture aligned with the main opening (6), in particular coaxial with the main opening (6), and configured to allow passage of at least the tubular body portion (16).

8. A package assembly according to claim 7 wherein the transverse extension (E) of said aperture is less than the transverse extension of said main opening (6).

9. The package assembly according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first retaining member (23) comprises a support ring (39) surrounding the main opening (6) and carrying the collar (37).

10. The package assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second retaining member (24) comprises a sleeve (33, 33'), the sleeve (33, 33') being superposed on and/or around at least a portion of the tubular body portion (16).

11. The packaging assembly according to claim 10, wherein the sleeve (33, 33') comprises an abutment portion (34), the abutment portion (34) being configured to abut on an engagement surface (25) of the first retaining member (23) during removal of the tubular body portion (16) from the package (2) to hinder and/or block and/or prevent separation and/or removal of the straw (3) from the package (2).

12. The packaging assembly according to claim 11, wherein said sleeve (33') comprises a plurality of abutment elements (37) defining said abutment portions;

wherein the abutment element (37) is movable between an initial position, in which the abutment element (37) projects away from the tubular body portion (16), and an insertion position, in which the abutment element (37) approaches and/or abuts the tubular body portion (16).

13. The package assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the tubular body portion (16) includes a recess (38) defining the second retaining member (24).

14. The package assembly according to claim 12, wherein the groove (38) divides the tubular body portion (16) into a first portion (39) and a second portion (40), the first portion (39) carrying the inlet opening (11);

wherein the groove (38) comprises a first edge surface connected to the first portion (39).

15. The package assembly according to claim 13, wherein the recess (38) further comprises a tapered portion (41) connected to the second portion (40).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a packaging assembly having a straw and a package filled with a pourable food product, in particular for on-the-go consumption.

Background

It is known that many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra high temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages made of aseptic packaging material.

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

There are known packaging assemblies, in particular for eating on the road, comprising a package filled with a pourable product and a straw. The package includes a primary opening configured to allow introduction and/or insertion of a straw into the package. The package further comprises a separating film covering the opening for separating the inner space of the package from the external environment and configured to be pierced and/or opened and/or ruptured by the straw so as to allow the introduction and/or insertion of the straw into the package through the main opening, and then the pourable food product is extracted through the straw.

The straw of each packaging assembly is typically attached to the respective package within a closed plastic envelope. Prior to its use, the consumer withdraws the straw from the envelope and introduces it into the package by at least partially piercing and/or opening and/or rupturing the separating membrane.

A disadvantage of these packaging assemblies is that the drinking straw is thrown off the package independently (voluntarily or involuntarily) after complete or partial consumption of the pourable food product.

There is therefore a need in the art for improvements to known packaging assemblies in order to overcome at least one of the above disadvantages.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging assembly which overcomes the above mentioned disadvantages in a simple and low cost manner.

According to the present invention, a package assembly according to the independent claim is provided.

Further advantageous embodiments of the packaging assembly are given in the respective dependent claims.

Drawings

Three non-limiting embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a perspective view of a package assembly having a package and a straw with portions removed for clarity, according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a detail of the packaging assembly of FIG. 1 prior to insertion of the straw portion into the package, with portions removed for clarity;

figure 2b is a perspective view of a detail of the packaging assembly of figure 1 after insertion of a straw into the package, with portions removed for clarity;

figure 2c is a perspective view of a detail of the packaging assembly of figure 1 after an attempt has been made to remove the straw from the package, with portions removed for clarity;

figure 2d is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a detail of the packaging assembly of figure 1 after an attempt has been made to remove the straw from the package, with portions removed for clarity;

figure 3 is a perspective view of a package assembly with a package and a straw according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with portions removed for clarity;

FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a detail of the packaging assembly of FIG. 3 prior to insertion of the straw portion of FIG. 3 into the package, with portions removed for clarity;

figure 4b is a perspective view of a detail of the packaging assembly of figure 3 after insertion of a straw into the package, with portions removed for clarity;

figure 4c is a perspective view of a detail of the package assembly of figure 3 after an attempt has been made to remove the straw from the package, with portions removed for clarity;

figure 4d is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a detail of the package assembly of figure 3 after an attempt is made to remove the straw from the package, with portions removed for clarity;

fig. 5 is a perspective view of a package assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention with portions removed for clarity;

FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a detail of the packaging assembly of FIG. 5 prior to insertion of the straw portion of FIG. 5 into the package, with portions removed for clarity;

figure 6b is a perspective view of a detail of the packaging assembly of figure 5 after insertion of a straw into the package, with portions removed for clarity;

figure 6c is a perspective view of a detail of the package assembly of figure 5 after an attempt has been made to remove the straw from the package, with portions removed for clarity; and

figure 6d is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a detail of the packaging assembly of figure 5 after an attempt has been made to remove the straw from the package, with portions removed for clarity.

Detailed Description

The reference numeral 1 generally designates a packaging assembly having a package 2, in particular a carton package, and a straw 3. In particular, the packaging assembly 1 is suitable for eating on the road.

According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the packaging assembly 1 further comprises a jacket or pouch for containing the straw 3 prior to use.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the envelope or pouch is provided on the package 2 and/or fixed to the package 2.

According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, package 2 is filled with a pourable food product, in particular a sterilized and/or aseptically processed pourable food product, such as water, pasteurized milk, fruit juice, a pulp-bearing beverage or other pourable food product (other beverage) suitable for on-the-road consumption.

The package 2 may be obtained from a web of packaging material having a multilayer structure (not shown) and comprising at least one layer of fibrous material, for example paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of polymeric plastic material, for example polyethylene, interposed between each other. One of these two layers of polymer material defines the inner surface of package 2 in contact with the pourable food product in filled package 2.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the web of packaging material further comprises a layer of gas and light barrier material, such as aluminium foil or a film layer comprising ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), which is in particular arranged between one of the layers of polymer material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferably, but not necessarily, the web of packaging material further comprises a further layer of polymeric material, which is interposed between the layer of gas and light barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

With particular reference to fig. 1 to 2d, the package 2 extends along a longitudinal axis a. In particular, package 2 comprises a first wall portion, in particular transverse, even more particularly perpendicular, to axis a along which package 2 extends. Preferably, but not necessarily, the first wall portion defines a support surface of the package 2, which in use may be in contact with a support, such as a shelf, when in use exposed, for example, within a point of sale. In particular, the first wall portion defines a bottom wall portion during consumption of the pourable food product from the package 2 by a consumer when arranged on the support and/or in use.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the package 2 further comprises a plurality of side walls 4, which side walls 4 are (fixedly) connected to and extend from the first wall portion, in particular extend substantially parallel to the axis a.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the package 2 further comprises a second wall portion 5 opposite the first wall portion and (fixedly) connected to the side wall 4. In other words, the side wall 4 is interposed between the first wall portion and the second wall portion 5. In particular, the second wall portion 5 defines a top wall portion during consumption of the pourable food product from the package 2 by the consumer, when arranged on the support and/or in use.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the first wall portion and the second wall portion 5 may be parallel to each other.

According to a non-limiting alternative embodiment, the first wall portion and the second wall portion 5 may be inclined with respect to each other.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the package 2 is parallelepiped-shaped.

With particular reference to fig. 1 to 2d, package 2 comprises a (sealed) main opening 6 which allows insertion and/or introduction of drinking straw 3 into package 2 through main opening 6 itself.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the main opening 6 has a circular cross-sectional profile. Alternatively, the cross-sectional profile of the main opening 6 may have any other shape.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the main opening 6 is provided on the second wall portion 5.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the main openings 6 are defined by respective holes (holes) in the layer of fibrous material.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the lateral extension (transversal extension) of the main opening 6 is defined by the edges of the main opening 6 itself. In particular, the rim has a circular shape.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the transverse extension of the main opening 6 is determined with respect to the axis a. Even more particularly, the lateral extension of the main opening 6 is determined and/or measured in view of the rim delimiting the main opening 6. According to the non-limiting embodiment disclosed in fig. 1 to 2d, the lateral extension of the main opening 6 corresponds to the diameter of the main opening 6.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, package 2 further comprises a separating membrane covering main opening 6 and configured to be broken and/or opened and/or cut and/or pierced, in particular by straw 3, so as to allow insertion of straw 3 (through main opening 6) into package 2. In particular, the separating film separates the internal environment of package 2 containing the pourable food product from the external environment before losing its integrity. In this way, the pourable food product is protected from the external environment.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the separation membrane comprises a gas and light barrier material, such as aluminum foil, or a film comprising ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH).

According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the separating film is defined by a portion of the web of packaging material, in particular by a portion of the layers of the web of packaging material which is distinct from the layer of fibrous material.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the separation membrane has a circular shape.

With particular reference to fig. 1 to 2d, the suction tube 3 comprises at least one tubular body 10 defining and/or delimiting a passage for the pourable food product, an inlet opening 11 and an outlet opening 12 provided at opposite ends of the suction tube 3 itself. In particular, the tubular body 10 comprises an inlet opening 11 and an outlet opening 12.

According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the inlet opening 11 is configured to allow the introduction of the pourable food product into the straw 3, and in particular the outlet opening 12 is configured to allow the pourable food product to flow out of the straw 3 (i.e. in use, the consumer consumes the pourable food product through the outlet opening 12).

According to the non-limiting embodiment shown, the tubular body 10 has a circular cross-section.

In alternative embodiments not shown, the tubular body 10 may have a rectangular or square cross-section or a more complex cross-section.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the straw 3, in particular the tubular body 10, comprises:

a mouthpiece 15 having and/or carrying the outlet opening 12; and

a tubular body portion 16 having and/or carrying the inlet opening 11 and configured to be inserted and/or introduced, in use, into the package 2.

According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the tubular body portion 16 includes an outer side surface.

According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, at least a portion of the tubular body portion 16 and/or the tubular body 10 extends along a longitudinal axis B.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the straw 3 comprises a tip section 17, which tip section 17 is configured to break and/or open and/or cut and/or pierce the separating membrane in use, in particular by the consumer placing the tip section 17 on the separating membrane (see fig. 2a) and exerting a force on the straw 3, in particular on the tubular body portion 16, even more in particular on the tip section 17, to cause at least the tubular body portion 16 to pass through the separating membrane and into the package 2 (see fig. 2b), in particular towards the first wall portion.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the tip section 17 is wedge-shaped.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the straw 3, in particular the tubular body 10, comprises a corrugated portion 18 interposed between the mouthpiece 15 and the tubular body portion 16.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the bellows portion 18 is configured to allow relative movement between the mouthpiece 15 and the tubular body portion 16. In particular, the corrugated portion 18 allows the consumer to arrange the mouthpiece 15 according to his needs and/or preferences. In other words, the corrugated portion 18 allows the mouthpiece 15 to be tilted with respect to the tubular body portion 16 and/or the longitudinal axis B.

Advantageously, packaging assembly 1 further comprises a retaining group 22 configured to allow insertion and/or introduction of at least tubular body 16 of straw 3 into package 2, and to hinder and/or prevent separation and/or removal of straw 3 from package 2 after introduction and/or insertion of body portion 16 into package 2. That is, once tubular body portion 16 is introduced and/or inserted into pack 2 in use, retaining group 22 ensures that straws 3 cannot be separated and/or removed from pack 2.

With particular reference to fig. 1 to 2d, the retaining group 22 comprises at least a first retaining member 23 associated with the package 2 and a second retaining member 24 associated with the tubular body portion 16. Preferably, but not necessarily, in use, when tubular body portion 16 is arranged within pack 2, second retaining member 24 is also arranged at least partially within pack 2.

According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the main opening 6 is interposed between the first retaining member 23 and the second retaining member 24 when the tubular body portion 16 and the second retaining member 24 are arranged inside the package 2 (see fig. 2 b).

According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the package 2 comprises a first retaining member 23.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the straw 3 comprises a second retaining member 24.

According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the first retaining member 23 comprises a first engagement surface 25 and the second retaining member 24 comprises a second engagement surface 26, which second engagement surface 26 is configured to abut the first engagement surface 25 during removal of the tubular body portion 16 from the package 2 in use, to hinder and/or prevent separation and/or removal of the straw 3 from the package 2 after introduction and/or insertion of the tubular body portion 16 into the package 2 in use (see fig. 2c and 2 d).

Preferably, but not necessarily, the first engagement surface 25 and the second engagement surface 26 face each other when the tubular body portion 16 is arranged inside the package 2 (see fig. 2 b). In particular, when tubular body portion 16 and second retaining member 24 are arranged inside package 2, primary opening 6 is interposed between first engagement surface 25 and second engagement surface 26.

With particular reference to fig. 1 to 2d, the first retaining member 23 is arranged adjacent to the main opening 6, in particular at the main opening 6.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the first retaining member 23 is arranged on and/or coupled to an outer surface of the package 2, in particular the second wall portion 5.

Alternatively, the first retaining member 23 may be arranged on and/or coupled to the inner surface of the package 2.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the first retaining member 23 is coupled to and/or arranged on the outer surface or the inner surface by adhesive bonding and/or ultrasonic bonding and/or molding or the like.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the first engagement surface 25 is spaced from the main opening 6, in particular faces the main opening 6 and/or the second wall portion 5.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the first retaining member 23 comprises a collar 27, the collar 27 defining and/or having an aperture (aperture) of the retaining member 23 aligned with the main opening 6, in particular coaxial with the main opening 6, and configured to allow passage of at least the tubular body portion 16, in particular together with the retaining member 23. More specifically, the aperture is defined between the rims of the collar 27.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the aperture has a circular shape.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the aperture has a transverse extension E, in particular measured transversely with respect to the axis a. In particular, the lateral extension E is determined by the rim of the collar 27. Preferably, but not necessarily, the lateral extension E corresponds to the diameter of the opening.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the transverse extension E is less than the transverse extension of the main opening 6.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the collar 27 carries and/or comprises the first engagement surface 25.

According to the non-limiting embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 2d, the first engagement surface 25 is substantially inclined with respect to the axis a. In particular, the first engagement surface 25 extends along a plane that makes an acute angle with the axis a, the acute angle ranging between 10 ° and 90 °, in particular between 30 ° and 90 °.

According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the collar 27 has a substantially hook-like configuration.

According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, collar 27 is designed to flex (slightly) to (slightly) enlarge the aperture during insertion and/or introduction of tubular body portion 16 (together with second retaining member 24) into package 2.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the first retaining member 23 comprises a supporting ring 29 surrounding the main opening 6 and the carrying collar 27. In particular, the support ring 29 is connected to the outer surface of the package 2, in particular adjacent to the main opening 6.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the support ring 29 extends away from the outer surface of the package 2, and the collar 27 protrudes from the support ring 29 towards the centre of the support ring 29.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the support ring 29 is arranged coaxially with respect to the main opening 6.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the support ring 29 is connected to the outer surface of the package 2 by adhesive bonding, ultrasonic bonding, molding or the like.

According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the second retaining member 24 comprises a sleeve 33, which sleeve 33 is superimposed on and/or surrounds at least a section of the tubular body portion 16. In particular, the sleeve 33 is configured to interact with the first retaining member 23 in such a way as to allow the introduction and/or insertion of the tubular body portion 16 (and the sleeve 33) into the package 2 (see fig. 2a and 2b) and to hinder and/or block and/or prevent the removal and/or separation of the straw 3 from the package 2 after the insertion and/or introduction of the tubular body portion 16 into the package 2 (see fig. 2c and 2 d).

According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the sleeve 33 is designed to allow insertion and/or introduction of the tubular body portion 16 together with the sleeve 33 into the package 2 through the aperture and the main opening 6 and to hinder and/or block and/or prevent removal and/or separation of the straw 3 from the package 2 after insertion and/or introduction of the tubular body portion 16 into the package 2 by interacting and/or abutting with the first retaining member 23 during removal of the tubular body portion 16 from the package 2 (see fig. 2c and 2 d).

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the sleeve 33 is coupled and/or connected to the tubular body portion 16, in particular in an immovable manner, so that the insertion and/or introduction of the tubular body portion 16 also results in at least a partial insertion and/or introduction of the sleeve 33 into the package 2.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the suction tube 3 comprises a sleeve 33.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the sleeve 33 is immovably coupled and/or connected to the tubular body portion 16 by mechanical friction, gluing, (solvent) bonding, welding (e.g. ultrasound, hot plate or laser welding), mechanical deformation (e.g. cold forming or thermoforming (infrared heating, induction heating, heated gas flow)) or similar methods.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the sleeve 33 (in particular the coupling portion 35) and/or the tubular body portion 16 define the tip section 17 and/or delimit the inlet opening 11.

According to the non-limiting embodiment shown, the sleeve 33 and the tubular body portion 16 cooperate to define the tip section 17 (i.e., both the sleeve 33 and the tubular body portion 16 extend from the inlet opening 11). In particular, in this way, the opening and/or cutting and/or perforation of the main opening 6, in particular of the separating membrane, is facilitated.

According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the tubular body portion 16 carries and/or comprises the tip section 17 and/or the inlet opening 11; that is, the sleeve 33 does not extend from the inlet opening 11 toward the mouthpiece 15.

According to a further alternative embodiment, not shown, the sleeve 33 carries and/or comprises the tip section 17 and/or the inlet opening 11; i.e. the sleeve 33 extends away from the tubular body portion 16.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the tubular body portion 16, together with the sleeve 33, is configured to be inserted into the package 2 through the main opening 6 of the package 2, so as to break and/or cut and/or pierce and/or open the separating membrane. In particular, the tubular body portion 16 and the sleeve 33 are configured so as to form, in use, a hole in the separating film during the insertion and/or introduction of the tubular body portion 16 into the package 2, the size of which hole substantially corresponds to the maximum external dimension, in particular the maximum external diameter, of at least a portion of the tubular body portion 16 and/or of the sleeve 33.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the maximum size and/or extension of the aperture is limited by the lateral extension of the main opening 6 covered by the separating membrane. In particular, the size and/or extension of the holes may be smaller (but not larger) than the lateral extension of the main opening 6.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the sleeve 33 carries the second engagement surface 26.

According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the sleeve 33 comprises an abutment portion 34, which abutment portion 34 has the second engagement surface 26 and is configured to abut on the first engagement surface 25 during removal of the tubular body portion 16 and the sleeve 33 from the package 2 to hinder and/or block and/or prevent separation and/or removal of the straw 3 from the package 2. In particular, sleeve 33 and abutment portion 34 are designed to pass through main opening 6 and the aperture and abutment portion 34 is configured to hinder and/or block and/or prevent withdrawal of sleeve 33 from package 2 and thus, by abutting first retaining member 23, in particular collar 27, tubular body 16 and straw 3 from being removed and/or separated from package 2.

Preferably, but not necessarily, during the insertion and/or introduction of the tubular body portion 16 into the package 2 together with the second retaining member 23 and/or the sleeve 33, in use, the straw 3 is moved along a first direction D1 transverse to the separating membrane and/or the main opening 6 and/or the first wall portion and/or the second wall portion 5 (see fig. 2a and 2 b). Ideally, after complete or partial consumption of the pourable food product present in packages 2, the consumer disposes of packages 2 together with straw 3, without having to attempt to remove straw 3 from packages 2. In the undesirable event that a consumer attempts to remove and/or separate straw 3 from package 2 by moving straw 3 in a second direction D2 opposite to first direction D1 and removing it from package 2, second retaining member 24, and in particular sleeve 33, and even more particularly abutment portion 34, will limit the possible extraction by abutting first retaining member 23 when tubular body portion 16 and/or second retaining member 24 and/or sleeve 33 are extracted from package 2 to a certain extent (see fig. 2c and 2D).

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the sleeve 33 comprises a coupling portion 35 having an inner coupling surface in contact with an outer coupling surface of the tubular body portion 16 and/or with an outer lateral surface of the tubular body portion 16. In particular, the coupling portion 35 and the abutment portion 34 are connected to each other.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the coupling portion 35 is closer to the inlet opening 11 than the abutment portion 34. In other words, the abutment portion 34 is closer to the mouthpiece 15 than the coupling portion 35.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the sleeve 33 further comprises a transition portion 36, which transition portion 36 is interposed between the coupling portion 35 and the abutment portion 34 and connects the coupling portion 35 and the abutment portion 34 to each other. In particular, the transition portion 36 allows and/or is configured to allow a continuous transition between the abutment portion 34 and the coupling portion 35.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the abutment portion 34 has a maximum transverse extension F, in particular determined and/or measured with respect to the longitudinal axis B. In particular, the maximum transverse extension F is determined and/or measured taking into account the cross-sectional extension of the abutment portion 34 with respect to the longitudinal axis B.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment disclosed in fig. 1 to 2d, the abutment portion 34 has a substantially circular cross-sectional profile and the maximum lateral extension F is equal to the maximum outer diameter.

According to the preferred non-limiting embodiment shown, the maximum lateral extension F is greater than the lateral extension E.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the coupling portion 35 also comprises a respective maximum lateral extension less than the maximum lateral extension F. In other words, the sleeve 33 comprises an abutment portion 34 defined by a thickening.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 2d, the sleeve 33 comprises an enlarged end defining an abutment portion 34.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the transition portion 36 is configured to ensure a gradual transition between the coupling portion 35 and the abutment portion 34.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 2d, the sleeve 33 comprises a collar defining an abutment portion 34. In particular, the collar is rigid; that is, the collar does not substantially change shape during insertion of tubular body portion 16 and sleeve 33 into package 2 (sleeve 33 is likely to pass through the aperture of collar 27 due to flexing of collar 27 during passage of sleeve 33). Alternatively, the collar can be configured to be compressible so as to accommodate the aperture upon insertion and/or introduction of the tubular body portion 16 and the sleeve 33 into the package 2, and to return to its original configuration and/or shape after insertion and/or introduction of the tubular body portion 16 and the sleeve 33 into the package 2.

In use, upon insertion and/or introduction of tubular body portion 16 and sleeve 33 into package 2 and through main opening 6 and the aperture (i.e. movement of tubular body portion 16 and sleeve 33 in direction D1), the consumer applies a force sufficient to overcome the resistance due to second retaining element 24, in particular due to sleeve 33, and even more particularly due to the need for abutment portion 34 to pass through the aperture. In particular, the sleeve 33 is made easy to pass through as a whole by the presence of the transition portion 36, in particular a (slight) deflection of the collar 27, to enlarge the aperture. Even more particularly, in use, during insertion and/or introduction of tubular body portion 16 and sleeve 33 into package 2, coupling portion 35 is first followed by abutment portion 34 passing through the aperture and/or into package 2.

Then, when the tubular body portion 16 is removed from the package 2 at a certain point (i.e. in direction D2), the second holding member 24, in particular the sleeve 33, even more in particular the abutment portion 34 abuts the first holding member 23, in particular the collar 27 (see fig. 2c and 2D). In this way, further movement of the tubular body portion 16 and therewith of the straw 3 in the direction D2 is prevented.

With reference to fig. 3 and 4a to 4d, numeral 1' indicates an alternative embodiment of a packaging assembly according to the present invention; since the packaging assembly 1' is similar to the packaging assembly 1, the following description is limited to the differences between them and, where possible, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding components.

In particular, the packaging assembly 1 'differs from the packaging assembly 1 in that the second retaining member 24 comprises a sleeve 33'.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the suction tube 3 comprises a sleeve 33'.

Since the second sleeve 33' is similar to the sleeve 33, the following description is limited to the differences between them and, where possible, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the sleeve 33' comprises a plurality (in the example shown four) of abutment elements 37, in particular elastically deformable abutment elements 37. In particular, the abutment elements 37 define respective abutment portions 34 of the sleeve 33'.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the abutment elements 37 define the second engagement surface 26 in cooperation with each other.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the abutment elements 37 are connected to the respective coupling portions 35 of the sleeve 33'. In particular, the abutment element 37 projects laterally from the coupling portion 35. In other words, the abutment element 37 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis B.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the abutment element 37 is movable between at least the following positions:

an initial position in which the abutment element 37 projects laterally away from the tubular body portion 16 and/or the coupling portion 35; and

an insertion position in which the abutment element 37 is close to and/or abuts against the tubular body portion 16, in particular the outer lateral surface of the tubular body portion 16.

In particular, each abutment element 37 forms and/or defines an acute angle with the longitudinal axis B that is greater when the abutment element 27 is disposed in the initial position than when the abutment element 27 is disposed in the insertion position.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the abutment element 37 is designed such that the abutment element 37 is biased into the initial position (in the absence of an external force acting on the abutment element 37).

In particular, abutment element 37 is arranged in an initial position (see fig. 4a) before tubular body portion 16 and sleeve 33' are inserted and/or introduced into package 2. During the movement of tubular body portion 16 into package 2 (i.e. in direction D1) and of abutment portion 34, in particular abutment member 37, through main opening 6 and the aperture, abutment member 37 is moved to the insertion position and is moved back to the initial position at least after the arrangement of tubular body portion 16 and sleeve 33', in particular abutment portion 34, within package 2 (see fig. 4 b).

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, each abutment element 37 comprises a respective engagement surface. The respective engagement surfaces cooperatively define a second engagement surface 26.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the abutment element 37 is also movable into an abutment position in which the engagement surface is pressed onto the first engagement surface 25. In particular, in use, upon removal of tubular body portion 16 and sleeve 33' (i.e. in direction D2) from package 2, abutment element 37 comes into contact with first engagement surface 25 upon a certain degree of extraction. Upon further removal from package 2, abutment element 37 moves into the abutment position due to the interaction with first engagement surface 25. Thereby, the effective interaction area between the first engagement surface 25 and the second engagement surface 26 is increased (see fig. 4 d).

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, each abutment element 37 forms and/or defines a respective acute angle with the longitudinal axis B. Preferably, but not necessarily, the respective acute angle when the abutment element 37 is arranged in the respective initial position is smaller than the respective acute angle when the abutment element 37 is arranged in the abutment position.

With reference to fig. 5 and 6a to 6d, numeral 1 "designates an alternative embodiment of a packaging assembly according to the present invention; since the packaging assembly 1 "is similar to the packaging assembly 1, the following description is limited to the differences between them and, where possible, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding components.

In particular, the packaging assembly 1 "differs from the packaging assembly 1 by the inclusion of the straw 3".

Since the suction tube 3 "is similar to the suction tube 3, the following description is limited to the differences between them and, where possible, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts.

In particular, the straw 3 "differs from the straw 3 in that the tubular body portion 16 comprises a recess 38 defining the second retaining member 24 of the packaging assembly 1".

According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the groove 38 divides the tubular body portion 16 into a first portion 39 and a second portion 40, the first portion 39 carrying the inlet opening 11 and, in particular, the second portion 40 being interposed between the first portion 39 and the outlet opening 12. In other words, the groove 38 is interposed between the first portion 39 and the second portion 40.

According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the groove 38 comprises a first edge surface defining the second engagement surface 26, which is connected to the first portion 39.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the groove 38 comprises a tapered portion 41 connected to the second portion 40 and tapering towards the first portion 39. In particular, by providing the tapered portion 41, it is possible to support the insertion and/or introduction of the tubular body portion 16 through the aperture (defined by the collar 27) into the package 2. In particular, the tapered portion 41 is configured to interact with the collar 27. Even more particularly, by providing a tapered portion 41, the presence of a second edge surface opposite the first edge surface can be avoided. In this way, in use, during insertion and/or introduction of the tubular body portion 16 into the packet 2, the tapered portion 41 ensures uninterrupted introduction of the second portion 40 into the packet 2. In other words, in use, during insertion and/or introduction of tubular body portion 16 into package 2, the rim of collar 27 first contacts at least a portion of tapered portion 41 before contacting second portion 40.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the groove 38 causes a limitation of the internal dimensions of the passage of the suction tube 3 ".

In use, during insertion and/or introduction of the tubular body portion 16 into the package 2 through the main opening 6 and the aperture (i.e. movement of the tubular body portion 16 in the direction D1), the consumer applies a force sufficient to penetrate the aperture and break and/or cut and/or pierce the separating membrane. In particular, once the groove 38 is adjacent the rim of the collar 37 at some point, the rim of the collar 37 contacts the tapered portion 41 until the second portion 40 is adjacent the rim of the collar 37.

Then, when the tubular body portion 16 is removed from the package 2 at a certain point (i.e. in direction D2), the first edge surface (second engagement surface 26) abuts the first retaining member 23, in particular the collar 27. In this way, further movement of the tubular body portion 16 and therewith of the straw 3 in the direction D2 is prevented.

The advantages of the packaging assembly 1, 1' and 1 "according to the present invention will be apparent from the above description.

In particular, by providing retaining group 22, a simple and effective mechanism is provided, allowing to hinder separation and/or release of straws 3 and 3 ″ from respective packages 2 after insertion and/or introduction of respective tubular bodies 16 into respective packages 2. In this way, the throwing away of the straws 3 and 3 "is avoided.

Clearly, changes may be made to the package assemblies 1, 1' and 1 "without, however, departing from the protective scope as defined in the accompanying claims.