NL2033171B1

NL2033171B1 - Product package and method for dispensing a product.

Info

Publication number: NL2033171B1
Application number: NL2033171A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Adrianus Petrus Groenendaal Nicolaas; Pieter Fiere Jeroen
Original assignee: Sig Services Ag
Priority date: 2022-09-28
Filing date: 2022-09-28
Publication date: 2024-04-05

Abstract

The present invention relates to a product package comprising a collapsible pouch for containing the product, a spout, a cap, and a strap. The pouch and/ or the cap and/ or the 5 strap is provided with a retention feature so that the cap in a dispensing position does not interfere with drinking from the pouch or when pouring out the contents of the pouch via the product passage, wherein the retention feature is configured to temporarily retain the cap and/or the strap to the pouch at a position remote from the neck of the spout.

Description

P35955NLO0/IWO

PRODUCT PACKAGE AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING A PRODUCT.

The present invention relates to the field of product packages comprising a collapsible spouted pouch.

For example, as discussed in W02020221801, it is known in the art to provide a pouch with a spout having a tubular neck. The pouch also has a unitary plastic cap unit that includes a cap body, a base portion, and an integrated strap. The base portion is integrally formed to the lower edge of the skirt of the cap body via one or more breakable bridges. The base portion is configured to remain connected to the spout upon removal of the cap body from the neck by the user. The cap is a snap-on type cap and the cap body comprises a pair of wing-shaped handles that extend diametrically opposite from a central cap body portion. Each handle has, seen in side view thereon, an outer periphery with a bottom side, a top side, and a tip remote from the skirt. The strap is integral at an end thereof to the annular base portion and at another end thereof to one of the wing-shaped handles and is adapted to remain connected to both the base portion, and thus to the spout, and to the respective wing-shaped handle upon removal of the cap body from the neck of the article by the user. The provision of the strap seeks to avoid that the cap body becomes separated from the pouch, e.g. reducing the chance that the cap body ends up in the environment instead of being properly disposed of, e.g. in view of recycling. The document discloses embodiments wherein the length of the strap is between 30 and 50 millimetres, e.g. sufficient to allow moving the cap body over the top end or mouth end of the neck for removal and replacement of the cap body. This length also allows to keep the cap body a fair distance away from the neck, which facilitates drinking directly from the pouch as the user puts the neck between his/her lips.

In WO2021/214596 a spouted pouch disclosed wherein the cap unit has a cap body, a base portion, and an integrated strap. In this disclosure, the cap is screw cap that is screwed onto the neck of the spout. The base portion is embodied as a ring that is freely rotatable about the neck allowing the ring to follow the cap body during screw motion thereof. The strap connects the base portion to the lower region of the skirt of the central cap body portion. The cap body further has a gripping paddle portion, that is embodied as a flat panel in the vertical plane through the main axis. It is disclosed that, after unscrewing the cap body from the neck for opening of the pouch, the user can press a side edge of the paddle portion into a coupling seat that is formed between two vertically spaced flange portions of the spout. This arrangement serves to retain the opened cap body in a predefined position relative to the spout, e.g. in view facilitating drinking directly from the pouch as the user puts the neck between his/her lips.

The present invention aims to provide a product package comprising a spouted pouch with further enhanced comfort for the user, in particular in view of dispensing and in view of drinking directly from the pouch as the user puts the neck between his/her lips.

According to the invention a product package according to claim 1 is provided.

Whereas the coupling solution disclosed in WO2021/214596 retains the cap in close proximity to the neck of the spout, the inventive design retains the cap at a location that is further remote from the neck of the spout. This allows to enhance user comfort as the cap may how be properly spaced away from the face of the person drinking from the neck of the spout, e.g. to the left or to the right of the mouth of the person. The cap is retained when at a dispensing position, so that the cap effectively remains in place relative to the pouch. This e.g. avoids undesirable motion of the cap during drinking from the pouch, e.g. with the effect that the cap is or may be in motion, e.g. (repeatedly) touches the face of the person drinking from the pouch.

When desiring to reclose the spouted pouch, the user can simply take hold of the cap and override the retention so as the place the cap over the neck. The retention feature herein disengages to remove the cap and/or the strap from the pouch without further action of the user being required.

The length of the strap between the end connected to the spout and the other end connected to the cap generally defines the maximum distance between the cap and the neck of the spout. In practical embodiments, the cap is configured such that in the dispensing position, for embodiments wherein the neck has an outer diameter between 6 and 15 mm, the cap is laterally spaced at least 25 mm, preferably at least 35 mm, from the outer surface of the neck.

In embodiments, the pouch is provided with a retention feature. E.g., the retention feature of the pouch is formed as an incision or cut-out through the opposed walls of the pouch, preferably through the seam thereof. It is also possible that the pouch comprises a compartment not containing the product in which the retention feature is provided.

Advantageously, the pouch is provided with symmetrical retention features at opposite sides of the spout. As after removal of the cap from the neck of the spout, the user may have the cap in either the left or the right hand and the spouted pouch in the other. It is thus practical if the cap and/ or the strap can be retained to the pouch at either side of the spout.

In embodiments, the retention feature of the pouch is an incision that is open at the outer contour of the pouch, allowing the user to hook the strap or a portion of the cap behind it.

Hooking is a practical operation for a user holding the open spouted pouch in one hand and the cap with strap in the other. Advantageously, the incision is shaped to prevent tearing of the pouch walls.

In alternative embodiments, the retention feature of the pouch is a cut-out allowing the user to insert a portion of the cap in the cut-out. The cut-out is for example a longitudinal slot allowing the user to insert a portion of the cap, e.g. a flat handle member of the cap or a tab projecting from the cap, e.g. a downward projecting tab at the underside thereof. Alternatively, the cut- out is a circular opening allowing the user to insert a portion of the cap, e.g. a conical top end of a cap. The retention feature of the pouch allows a fit of the cap to temporarily retain the cap, e.g. an interference fit (also known as a pressed fit or friction fit).

In alternative embodiments, the cap or strap is provided with a retention feature configured to temporarily retain the cap and/or the strap to the pouch at a position remote from the neck of the spout. Advantageously, the retention feature in the cap or strap is an incision or cut-out and allows the user to insert an outer contour of the pouch, e.g. the seam of the pouch, into the incision or cut-out.

In alternative embodiments, the retention feature of the strap or the cap is embodied as an elastic clip portion, e.g. resembling a paperclip, allowing the user to clip onto an outer contour of the pouch, e.g. a seam of the pouch.

The collapsible pouch is filled or is to be filled with a product to be dispensed, e.g. with a liquid food product, e.g. a beverage, a fruit product, a diary (e.g. yogurt) product, or other product for human consumption. Other products can be filled into the container body as well, e.g. detergents, oil products, liquid cosmetics, powdery products, etc. Whilst this includes products that are not suited for drinking directly from the container, the inventive solution affords a reduced risk of spillage as the cap body does not infer with pouring the product from the container.

The pouch has opposed walls made from heat-sealable film material, preferably metal-free heat-sealable film material. Portions of the opposed walls are sealed to form a seam along at least a part of the outer contour of the pouch, e.g. a side seam and a top seam. In embodiments, the outer contour has an organic shape and is not rectangular.

The spout has a spout body made, e.g. moulded, e.g. injection molded, of plastic material, which spout body has a lower connector portion, e.g. a seal boat portion, that is secured between the opposed walls of the pouch in the seam, preferably a top seam of the pouch.

The spout forming a tubular neck extending upward along a main axis thereof from the lower connector portion. The tubular neck extends around and delimits a section of a product passage in said spout. The neck forms a mouth at a top end of said product passage.

In embodiments, the cap, strap, and spout are integrally made, e.g. moulded, e.g. injection moulded, as one piece of plastic material.

In alternative embodiments, the cap and strap are made, e.g. moulded, e.g. injection moulded, as one piece of plastic material that is distinct from the spout.

The strap has a first end connected to the cap and second end connected to the spout. The second end may be connected to the spout directly or indirectly, e.g. via an annular ring connected to the spout, such as a tamper-evident ring.

In embodiments, the cap comprises a top wall structure and a downward depending skirt having an interior side, exterior side, and a lower edge remote from the top wall structure. In embodiments, the top wall structure of the cap and the neck of the spout have cooperating sealing surfaces that close the product passage in the closed position of the cap.

In embodiments, the cap comprises a cap body and an integrated base portion, wherein the cap body comprises a central cap body portion with a top wall structure and a downward depending skirt having an interior side, an exterior side, and a lower edge remote from the top wall structure, wherein the base portion is integrally connected to the skirt via one or more breakable bridges.

In embodiments, the base portion is permanently fixed on the spout body both in axial direction and in circumferential direction relative to the neck. For example, the base portion and the spout body have cooperating permanent snap-fit joint portions which fix the base portion on the spout body both in axial direction and in circumferential direction relative to the neck and which keep the base portion fixed to the spout body upon removal of the central cap from the neck by a user for dispensing of product from the container via the product passage.

In embodiments, the cap includes an integrated tamper-evident ring. For example, the cap 5 comprises a top wall structure and a downward depending skirt having a lower edge remote from the top wall structure, the cap including an integrated tamper-evident ring wherein the tamper-evident ring is integrally formed to the lower edge of the skirt of the cap.

The tamper-evident ring is connected via one or more breakable bridges to the cap, e.g. to the skirt. The tamper-evident ring and the spout are configured to have established a permanent snap-joint, e.g. obtained by an axial securing motion of the cap relative to the neck of the spout, so that the tamper-evident ring remains connected to the spout upon removal of the cap from the neck of the spout by the user. In embodiments, the second end of the strap is integral at the second end thereof to the tamper-evident ring, and as such connected to the spout via the tamper-evident ring.

The invention also relates to the combination of: - a collapsible pouch for containing a product, the pouch having opposed walls made from heat-sealable film material, portions of the opposed walls being adapted to be sealed to form a seam along at least a part of the outer contour of the pouch; - a spout having a lower connector portion adapted to be secured between the opposed walls of the pouch in the seam, the spout forming a tubular neck around a product passage in said spout, said neck forming a mouth at a top end of said product passage; - a cap, which cap is adapted to be secured on said neck of the spout, the cap being adapted to be manually removed from the neck of the spout by a user to open the product passage, wherein the cap has a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the cap is positioned on the neck and thereby seals the product passage, wherein in the open position the cap is removed from the neck, thereby leaving the product passage open, - a strap having a first end connected to the cap and a second end connected to the spout, the strap being adapted to remain connected to both the spout and the cap upon removal of the cap from the neck of the spout by the user; wherein the pouch and/ or the cap and/ or the strap is provided with a retention feature so that the cap in a dispensing position does not interfere with drinking from the pouch or when pouring out the contents of the pouch via the product passage, wherein the retention feature is configured to temporarily retain the cap and/or the strap to the pouch at a position remote from the neck of the spout. The features of the combination, in particular the retention feature, can be shaped’ designed as described in the embodiments above.

The invention also relates to a collapsible spouted pouch for containing a product, the pouch having opposed walls made from heat-sealable film material, portions of the opposed walls being adapted to be sealed to form a seam along at least a part of the outer contour of the pouch; the spout having a lower connector partion secured between the opposed walls of the pouch in the seam, the spout forming a tubular neck around a product passage in said spout, said neck forming a mouth at a top end of said product passage; wherein the pouch is provided with a retention feature formed as an incision or cut-out through the opposed walls of the pouch, preferably through the seam, configured to temporarily retain a cap and/or a strap to the pouch at a position remote from the neck of the spout so that the cap in a dispensing position does not interfere with drinking from the pouch or when pouring out the contents of the pouch via the product passage. The pouch, in particular the retention feature, can be shaped’ designed as described in the embodiments above.

The invention also relates to a cap, which cap is adapted to be secured on a neck of a spout, the cap being adapted to be manually removed from the neck of the spout by a user to open the product passage, wherein the cap has a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the cap is positioned on the neck and thereby seals the product passage, wherein in the open position the cap is removed from the neck, thereby leaving the product passage open; wherein the cap is provided with a retention feature so that the cap in a dispensing position does not interfere with drinking from the pouch or when pouring out the contents of the pouch via the product passage wherein the retention feature is configured to temporarily retain the cap to the pouch at a position remote from the neck of the spout. The cap, in particular the retention feature, can be shaped/ designed as described in the embodiments above.

The present invention also relates to a method for dispensing a product from a product package as described above, wherein the retention feature of the pouch and/ or the cap and/ or the strap retains the cap and/ or the strap to the pouch at a position remote from the neck of the spout in the dispensing position of the cap.

The present invention also relates to a closure assembly for a product package according to claim 11. Herein, preferably use is made of a product package as described herein.

The present invention also relates to a method for dispensing a product from a product package according to claim 16. Herein, preferably use is made of a product package as described herein.

The invention will now be discussed with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

Fig. 1a is a front view of a first embodiment of an inventive product package in a closed position with the cap onto the spout;

Fig. 1b is a front view of the first embodiment of fig. 1a in a dispensing position with the cap removed from the spout and with the cap retained to the pouch;

Fig. 1c is a perspective view of the configuration of fig. 1a;

Fig. 1d is a rear view of the configuration of fig. 1b;

Fig. 1e is a perspective view of the configuration of figs. 1b and 1d;

Fig. 2a is a front view of a second embodiment of an inventive product package in a closed position with the cap onto the spout;

Fig. 2b is a front view of the second embodiment of fig. 2a in a dispensing position with the cap removed from the spout and with the cap retained to the pouch;

Fig. 2c is a perspective view of the configuration of fig. 2a;

Fig. 2d is a rear view of the configuration of fig. 2b;

Fig. 2e is a perspective view of the configuration of figs. 2b and 2d;

Fig. 3a is a front view of a third embodiment of an inventive product package in a closed position with the cap onto the spout;

Fig. 3b is a front view of the third embodiment of fig. 3a in a dispensing position with the cap removed from the spout and with the cap retained to the pouch;

Fig. 3c is a perspective view of the configuration of fig. 3a;

Fig. 3d is a rear view of the configuration of fig. 3b;

Fig. 3e is a perspective view of the configuration of figs. 3b and 3d;

Fig. 4a is a front view of a fourth embodiment of an inventive product package in a closed position with the cap onto the spout;

Fig. 4b is a front view of the fourth embodiment of fig. 4a in a dispensing position with the cap removed from the spout and with the cap retained to the pouch;

Fig. 4c is a rear view of the configuration of fig. 4b;

Fig. 4d is a perspective view of the configuration of fig. 4a;

Fig. 4e is a perspective view of the configuration of figs. 4b and 4c;

Fig. 5a is a front view of a fifth embodiment of an inventive product package in a closed position with the cap onto the spout;

Fig. 5b is a front view of the fifth embodiment of fig. 5a in a dispensing position with the cap removed from the spout and with the cap retained to the pouch;

Fig. 5c is a perspective view of the configuration of fig. 5a;

Fig. 5d is a perspective view of the configuration of fig. 5b.

In figs. 1-5 by way of example and to illustrate the inventive concept five different embodiments of a product package according to the invention are shown. Below first the package is described in general, which applies to all five embodiments.

The product package 1 is a beverage package that is filled or to be filled with a beverage, e.g. the user/consumer drinking the beverage directly from the pouch, e.g. as the user puts the neck of the spout between his/her lips. It will be appreciated that the product in the pouch can also be a different product, e.g. a detergent, oil, etc.

The package 1 can be a disposable package, but can also be a refill package, such as for detergents.

The package may contain, for example, between 0.05 and 1.5 litres of product, e.g. between 0.08 and 0.3 litres.

The product package 1 comprises a collapsible pouch 2 containing the product.

The pouch 2 has opposed walls 2v, 2w made from heat-sealable film material.

Preferably, the pouch 2 is of a monopolymer film material to facilitate recyclability. In alternative embodiments, the pouch comprises an aluminium foil layer to protect the contents inside from contaminants and helps products stay fresher for longer.

In figs. 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1e front wall 2w is visible, and in fig. 1d rear wall 2v. Portions of the opposed walls are sealed to form a seam along at least a part of the outer contour of the pouch. The pouch may be provided with a so-called bottom gusset, a bottom seal, or a square bottom. The pouch may have one or more side seal seals or side gussets. In the shown embodiment, the pouch 2 comprises a bottom gusset seal 2a, two side seals 2b, 2c and a top seal 2d. Here, a seam along the entire outer contour of the pouch is formed by the seals 2a-2d. In alternative embodiments, the seam has a more organic shape without a specific ‘top’, ‘side’ or ‘bottom’ seal. It is also conceivable that the sealed seam is not provided along the entire outer contour of the pouch: e.g. by folding the walls at least one side seal can be dispensed with.

The sealed portions of the walls from a seam generally have a dimension in the order of millimetres: thick enough to ensure the package to be sealed on the one hand, and on the other hand keeping the amount of wall material low to reduce dimensions, costs, and weight of the package. In view of the present invention, portions of the seam having an increased dimension are envisaged, e.g. in order to provide the pouch with a retention feature according to the invention, which will be discussed in detail below.

The product package further comprises a spout 3 to allow the drinking of products from the pouch, or pouring out the contents of the pouch. In embodiments, the spout is a moulded polymer spout, preferably of the same material as the pouch to improve recyclability. The spout has a lower connector portion 3a, e.g. a seal boat portion, secured between the opposed walls 2w, 2v of the pouch in seam, here in the top seal 2d of the seam. In fig. 1b the location of the lower connector portion 3a is indicated, being secured between the walls.

Hence, the lower connector portion itself is not visible.

The spout 3 forms a tubular neck 3b around a product passage 3c in said spout 3, visible in fig. 1e. The neck 3b forms a mouth opening 3d at a top end 3e of said product passage 3c. In the shown embodiment, the pouch further comprises a flange portion 3h and a circumferential wall 3f, described in detail in WO2017/135824 and WO2020/221801.

The product package 1 further comprises a cap 4, which cap in figs. 1a and 1c is in a closed position, secured on said neck 3b of the spout 3 and thereby sealing the product passage 3c.

The cap 4 comprises a top wall structure 4a and a downward depending skirt 4b and a lower edge 4c remote from the top wall structure 4a, as clearly visible in fig. 1d.

The shown cap has a pair of wing-shaped handles 4f, 4h, enabling the cap to be manually removed from the neck of the spout by a user to an open position of the cap wherein the cap is removed from the neck, thereby leaving the product passage open.

The cap 4 of the shown embodiment includes a tamper-evident ring 4d wherein the tamper- evident ring has been integrally formed to the lower edge 4c of the skirt of the cap. Prior to the first time opening of the product package 1, said tamper-evident ring 4d is connected via one or more breakable bridges to the skirt 4b. This is e.g. the case in fig. 1a, in which the breakable bridges are not shown but which is described in detail in WO2017/135824 and

WO2020/221801. The tamper-evident ring 4d and the spout 3, in particular the circumferential wall 3f thereof, are configured to have established a permanent snap-joint, as visible in figs. 1b, 1d and 1e.

The product package 1 further comprises a strap 5 having a first end 5a connected to the cap 4, here to a wing-shaped handle member 4h thereof. The strap has a second end 5b connected to the spout 3, here indirectly via the tamper-evident ring 4d of the cap which is permanently snapped to the circumferential wall 3f of the spout.

The strap 5 is adapted to remain connected to both the spout 3 and the cap 4 upon removal of the cap from the neck of the spout by the user.

According to the present invention, the pouch and/ or the cap and/ or the strap is provided with a retention feature so that the cap in a dispensing position does not interfere with drinking from the pouch or when pouring out the contents of the pouch via the product passage, wherein the retention feature is configured to temporarily retain the cap and/or the strap to the pouch at a position remote from the neck of the spout. The embodiments shown in figs. 1-5 disclose alternative retention features.

In the first embodiment of figs. 1a-1e the pouch 2 is provided with two retention features, in particular the top seal 2d of the pouch 2 is provided with two horizontal slits 2f, 2h extending in the direction of the top side of the pouch 2, perpendicular to the product passage 3c.

Inthe second embodiment of figs. 2a-2e the pouch 12 is provided with two retention features, in particular the side seals 12b, 12c of the pouch 12 are provided with two vertical slits 12f, 12h extending in the direction of the pouch 12, parallel to the product passage.

The slits 2f, 2h, 12f, 12h are cut-outs through the opposed walls of the pouch, here in the seam of the pouch. It is also conceivable that the opposed walls of the pouch are sealed to form a large compartment comprising the product, and a smaller compartment comprising the cut-out through the opposed walls to create the retention feature.

The cut-outs 2f, 2h, 12f, 12h allow the user to insert a portion of the cap in the cut-out. As visible in figs. 1b, 1d, 1e, 2b, 2d and 2e, the slits allow the insertion of a tip end of handle member 4h of the cap 4.

The cut-outs are in the first and second embodiments embodied as straight slits. Other configurations of the cut-outs are also conceivable, as is the direction in which the slits extend. In a pouch having a more oval-shape, there is not defined top-seal or side seal.

However, the provision of cut-outs as inventive retention feature is envisaged.

In the third embodiment of figs. 3a-3e the pouch 22 has a seam 22m along the outer contour of the pouch, wherein two retention features are provided, in particular two incisions 22h, 22f.

The incisions open at the side seals 22b, 22c and have a dead-end at the top seal 22d of the pouch 22. Hence, the incisions are angled with respect to the product passage. The incisions 22h, 22f allow the user to hook the strap or a portion of the cap behind it. In figs. 3b, 3d and 3e it is shown that the strap 5 hooks behind the incision 22f.

In the fourth embodiment of figs. 4a-4e, the pouch 32 has a seam 32m along the outer contour of the pouch, wherein two retention features are provided, in particular two protrusions 32h, 32f. The protrusions have openings at the side seals 32b, 32¢ and the top seal 32d of the pouch 32.

The retention features in the first, second, third and fourth embodiments are provided symmetrically at opposite sides of the spout 3. This is advantageous for consumers having the pouch in one hand and the cap in the other, which may arbitrarily be the left or the right hand. The consumer has to retain the cap to the pouch and the symmetrical arrangement of the cut-outs 2f and 2h, cut-outs 12f and 12h, incisions 22h, 22f and protrusions 32h, 32f allows the consumer to retain the cap to the pouch at either side of the spout, at a position remote from the neck of the spout.

In the fourth embodiment of figs. 4a-4e, not only the pouch is provided with retention features (protrusions) 32h, 32f. The cap comprises a complementary retention feature 34m, embodied as a cut-out in handle member 34h. Cooperating retention feature 34m in the cap 34 and retention features 32h, 32f in the pouch allow the user to insert one of the retention features 32h, 32f of the pouch, or an outer contour of the pouch, into the incision or cut-out 34m of the cap. The insertion temporarily retains the cap to the pouch at a position remote from the neck of the spout in a dispensing position, wherein the cap does not interfere with drinking from the pouch or when pouring out the contents of the pouch via the product passage.

Inthe fourth embodiment of figs. 4a-4e, not only the pouch is provided with retention features (protrusions) 32h, 32f. The cap comprises a complementary retention feature 34m, embodied as a cut-out in handle member 34h. Cooperating retention feature 34m in the cap and retention features 32h, 32f in the spout allow the user to insert one of the retention features 32h, 32f of the pouch, or an outer contour of the pouch, into the incision or cut-out 40 m of the cap. The insertion temporarily retains the cap to the pouch at a position remote from the neck of the spout in a dispensing position, wherein the cap does not interfere with drinking from the pouch or when pouring out the contents of the pouch via the product passage.

In the embodiments of fig. 4a-4e and 5a-5d the strap is not shown. A strap may be provided similar to the embodiments of figs. 1a -3e. However, the inventive concept also envisages embodiments wherein the strap is absent.

In the fifth embodiment of figs. 5a-5d, the pouch 42 has a seam 42m along the outer contour.

The cap is provided with a retention feature 44m, here at a tip end of handle or wing member 44h of the cap.

It is illustrated here, that the retention feature 44m of the cap is embodied as an elastic clip portion, e.g. resembling a paperclip. The retention feature 44m allows the user to clip the retention feature 44m onto an outer portion of the pouch, here onto the outer contour 42m of the pouch.

The clip retention feature temporarily retains the cap 44 to the pouch at a position remote from the neck of the spout in a retained dispensing position, wherein the cap does not interfere with drinking from the pouch or with pouring out the contents of the pouch via the product passage.

It is illustrated that the clip retention feature 44m is configured to clip onto a seam on the outer contour of the pouch 42

It will be appreciated that an elastic clip portion configured to clip onto an outer portion of the pouch, e.g. onto the seam, can also be embodied different than shown and/or at another location of the cap. For example, the skirt of the cap is provided with a clip retention feature, e.g. similar to a clip of a pencil.

Claims

CONCLUSIESCONCLUSIONS

1. Productverpakking (1) omvattende: - een samenklapbare zak (2) die is geconfigureerd om een product te bevatten of die een product bevat, waarbij de zak tegenover elkaar liggende wanden (2v, 2w) heeft van door warmte te verzegelen foliemateriaal, waarbij gedeelten van de tegenover elkaar liggende wanden zijn verzegeld om een naad (2a-2d) te vormen langs ten minste een deel van de buitenomtrek van de zak, - een tuit (3) met een onderste verbindingsdeel (33), bijvoorbeeld een sealbootdeel, dat in de naad tussen de tegenover elkaar liggende wanden van de zak is bevestigd, waarbij de tuit een buisvormige hals (3b) vormt rond een productdoorgang (3c) in de tuit, waarbij de hals aan een bovenste uiteinde (3e} ervan een mondopening (3d) vormt, - een dop (4), die in gesloten toestand op de hals van de tuit is bevestigd en daardoor de productdoorgang afsluit, waarbij de dop door een gebruiker met de hand van de hals van de tuit kan worden verwijderd om de productdoorgang te openen voor afgifte van het product uit de zak, - een band (5) met een eerste uiteinde (5a) dat met de dop is verbonden en een tweede uiteinde (5b) dat met de tuit is verbonden, bijvoorbeeld via een manipulatiebestendige ring, waarbij de band geschikt is om met zowel de tuit als de dop verbonden te blijven wanneer de gebruiker de dop van de hals van de tuit verwijdert, waarbij de verpakking is voorzien van een retentievoorziening die de gebruiker in staat stelt de handmatig verwijderde dop in een afgiftepositie te brengen waarbij de dop vrij van de mondopening wordt gehouden, gekenmerkt doordat de retentievoorziening (2f, 2h; 12f, 12h; 22f, 22h; 32f, 32h, 34m; 44m) is aangebracht op de zak en/of de dop en/of de band en is geconfigureerd om de dop en/of de band tijdelijk aan de zak vast te houden op een plaats die ver verwijderd is van de hals van de tuit.1. Product packaging (1) comprising: - a collapsible bag (2) configured to contain or containing a product, the bag having opposing walls (2v, 2w) of heat-sealable foil material, wherein portions of the opposing walls are sealed to form a seam (2a-2d) along at least part of the outer periphery of the bag, - a spout (3) with a lower connecting part (33), for example a seal boat part, which in the seam between opposite walls of the bag, the spout forming a tubular neck (3b) around a product passage (3c) in the spout, the neck forming a mouth opening (3d) at an upper end (3e} thereof ) forms, - a cap (4), which when closed is attached to the neck of the spout and thereby closes the product passage, whereby the cap can be removed by hand from the neck of the spout by a user in order to close the product passage opening for dispensing the product from the bag, - a band (5) with a first end (5a) connected to the cap and a second end (5b) connected to the spout, for example via a tamper-proof ring, where the strap is capable of remaining connected to both the spout and the cap when the user removes the cap from the neck of the spout, the package being provided with a retention feature to enable the user to retain the manually removed cap in a dispensing position position where the cap is kept clear of the mouth opening, characterized in that the retention device (2f, 2h; 12f, 12h; 22f, 22h; 32f, 32h, 34m; 44m) is applied to the bag and/or cap and/or band and is configured to temporarily retain the cap and/or band to the bag at a location remote from the neck of the spout.

2. Productverpakking volgens conclusie 1, waarin de retentievoorziening op de zak is aangebracht en de vorm heeft van een opening, bijvoorbeeld een insnijding (22f, 22h) of uitsnijding (2f, 2h; 12f, 12h), door de tegenover elkaar liggende wanden van de zak, bijvoorbeeld in een gebied waar de tegenover elkaar liggende wanden aan elkaar zijn verzegeld, bij voorkeur in de naad langs een deel van de buitenomtrek van de zak.Product packaging according to claim 1, wherein the retention feature is provided on the bag and is in the form of an opening, for example a slit (22f, 22h) or cutout (2f, 2h; 12f, 12h), through the opposing walls of the bag, for example in an area where the opposing walls are sealed together, preferably in the seam along part of the outer perimeter of the bag.

3. Productverpakking volgens conclusie 1 of 2, waarbij de zak is voorzien van retentievoorzieningen aan weerszijden van de tuit, bijvoorbeeld symmetrisch ten opzichte van de tuit, bijvoorbeeld in een bovennaad van de zak of in beide zijnaden van de zak, bijvoorbeeld in een hoekgebied waar een zijnaad grenst aan de bovennaad.3. Product packaging according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bag is provided with retention facilities on either side of the spout, for example symmetrically with respect to the spout, for example in a top seam of the bag or in both side seams of the bag, for example in a corner area where a side seam borders the top seam.

4. Productverpakking volgens een of meer van de conclusies 1 - 3, waarin de retentievoorziening is aangebracht op de zak en is gevormd als een opening, bijvoorbeeld een insnijding (22f, 22h), die open is aan de buitenomtrek van de zak, waardoor de gebruiker de band of een deel van de dop in de opening kan brengen om de handmatig verwijderde dop in een afgiftepositie daarvan te brengen, waarbij de dop vrij van de mondopening wordt gehouden.Product packaging according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, wherein the retention feature is arranged on the bag and is shaped as an opening, for example a cut (22f, 22h), which is open on the outer periphery of the bag, through which the user can insert the band or part of the cap into the opening to move the manually removed cap into a dispensing position thereof, keeping the cap clear of the mouth opening.

5. Productverpakking volgens een of meer van de conclusies 1 - 4, waarbij de retentievoorziening op de zak is aangebracht en de vorm heeft van een opening, bijvoorbeeld een uitsparing (2f, 2h; 12f, 12h), die de gebruiker in staat stelt een deel van de manueel verwijderde dop in de opening te steken, bijvoorbeeld wanneer de dop een vleugel- of handvatelement (4h) omvat dat door de gebruiker in de opening kan worden gestoken om de dop aan de zak te bevestigen.Product packaging according to one or more of claims 1 - 4, wherein the retention feature is arranged on the bag and has the form of an opening, for example a recess (2f, 2h; 12f, 12h), which allows the user to insert part of the manually removed cap into the opening, for example where the cap includes a wing or handle element (4h) that can be inserted into the opening by the user to secure the cap to the bag.

6. Productverpakking volgens een of meer van de conclusies 1 - 5, waarbij de retentievoorziening op de dop of op de band is aangebracht, bijvoorbeeld in de vorm van een opening daarin, bijvoorbeeld als een insnijding of uitsnijding (34m; 44m), welke retentievoorziening zodanig is geconfigureerd dat de gebruiker de retentievoorziening met de zak kan verbinden, bijvoorbeeld met een buitenste gedeelte van de zak. bijvoorbeeld met een buitenste deel van de zak (42m), bijvoorbeeld met de naad van de zak, bijvoorbeeld wanneer de zak voorzien is van een complementaire retentievoorziening (32h, 32f) van de zak.Product packaging according to one or more of claims 1 - 5, wherein the retention feature is provided on the cap or on the band, for example in the form of an opening therein, for example as a slit or cut-out (34m; 44m), which retention feature is configured to allow the user to connect the retention device to the bag, for example to an outer portion of the bag. for example with an outer part of the bag (42m), for example with the seam of the bag, for example when the bag is provided with a complementary retention feature (32h, 32f) of the bag.

7. Productverpakking volgens een of meer van de conclusies 1 - 8, waarbij de retentievoorziening (44m) op de band of op de dop is aangebracht, en waarbij de retentievoorziening (44m) op de band of op de dop de vorm heeft van een elastisch klemgedeelte, bijvoorbeeld waarbij de dop een vleugel- of handvatelement (4h) omvat dat is voorzien van een elastisch klemgedeelte, bijvoorbeeld aan een uiteinde van het vleugel- of handvatelement.Product packaging according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, wherein the retention feature (44m) is provided on the band or on the cap, and wherein the retention feature (44m) on the band or on the cap is in the form of an elastic clamping part, for example wherein the cap comprises a wing or handle element (4h) which is provided with an elastic clamping part, for example at an end of the wing or handle element.

8. Productverpakking volgens een of meer van de conclusies 1 - 7, waarbij de dop en de band zijn vervaardigd, bijvoorbeeld gegoten, als één stuk kunststof en onderscheidend van de tuit, bijvoorbeeld waarbij een manipulatiebestendige ring aanwezig is aan een onderrand van de dop, welke manipulatiebestendige ring eveneens als éen stuk is gegoten, bijvoorbeeld waarbij de band aan het ene uiteinde verbonden is met de dop en aan het andere uiteinde met de manipulatiebestendige ring.Product packaging according to one or more of claims 1 - 7, wherein the cap and the band are manufactured, for example moulded, as one piece of plastic and distinct from the spout, for example wherein a tamper-resistant ring is present on a lower edge of the cap, which tamper-proof ring is also cast as one piece, for example where the band is connected to the cap at one end and to the tamper-resistant ring at the other end.

9. Productverpakking volgens een of meer van de conclusies 1 - 8, waarbij de dop (4) een bovenwandstructuur (4a) omvat en een naar beneden gerichte rok (4b) met een onderrand (4c) op afstand van de bovenwandstructuur, waarbij de dop een manipulatiebestendige ring (4d) omvat, waarbij de manipulatiebestendige ring integraal aan de onderrand (4c) van de rok van de dop is bevestigd, waarbij deze manipulatiebestendige ring via één of meer breekbare bruggen met de rok is verbonden of verbonden was, waarbij de manipulatiebestendige ring en de tuit een permanente klikverbinding vormen en waarbij bij voorkeur het tweede uiteinde van de band met de manipulatiebestendige ring is verbonden.Product packaging according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cap (4) comprises a top wall structure (4a) and a downward-facing skirt (4b) with a bottom edge (4c) spaced from the top wall structure, wherein the cap comprising a tamper-evident ring (4d), the tamper-evident ring being integrally attached to the lower edge (4c) of the skirt of the cap, said tamper-evident ring being connected or connected to the skirt via one or more frangible bridges, wherein the tamper-evident ring ring and the spout form a permanent click connection and preferably the second end of the band is connected to the tamper-proof ring.

10. Methode voor de afgifte van een product uit een productverpakking volgens een of meer van de conclusies 1-9, waarbij de retentievoorziening van de zak en/of de dop en/of de band de dop en/of de band aan de zak vasthoudt op een plaats die ver verwijderd is van de hals van de tuit in de afgiftestand van de dop.A method for dispensing a product from a product package according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the retention feature of the bag and/or the cap and/or the band retains the cap and/or the band to the bag in a location far from the neck of the spout in the cap dispensing position.

11. Sluitsamenstel voor een productverpakking (1) omvattende een samenklapbare zak (2) die geconfigureerd is om een product te bevatten of die een product bevat, waarbij de zak tegenover elkaar liggende wanden (2v, 2w) heeft van door warmte te verzegelen foliemateriaal, waarbij gedeelten van de tegenover elkaar liggende wanden zijn verzegeld om een naad (2a-2d) te vormen langs ten minste een deel van de buitenomtrek van de zak, waarbij het sluitsamenstel omvat: - een tuit (3) met een onderste verbindingsdeel (3a), bijvoorbeeld een sealbootdeel, dat in de naad tussen de tegenover elkaar liggende wanden van de zak is bevestigd, waarbij de tuit een buisvormige hals (3b) vormt rond een productdoorgang (3c) in de tuit, waarbij de hals aan een bovenste uiteinde (3e) ervan een mondopening (3d) vormt, - een dop (4), die in gesloten toestand op de hals van de tuit is bevestigd en daardoor de productdoorgang afsluit, waarbij de dop door een gebruiker met de hand van de hals van de tuit kan worden verwijderd om de productdoorgang te openen voor afgifte van het product uit de zak, - een band (5) met een eerste uiteinde (5a) dat met de dop is verbonden en een tweede uiteinde (5b) dat met de tuit is verbonden, bijvoorbeeld via een manipulatiebestendige ring, waarbij de band geschikt is om met zowel de tuit als de dop verbonden te blijven wanneer de gebruiker de dop van de hals van de tuit verwijdert,A product package closure assembly (1) comprising a collapsible bag (2) configured to contain or containing a product, the bag having opposing walls (2v, 2w) of heat-sealable foil material, wherein portions of the opposing walls are sealed to form a seam (2a-2d) along at least part of the outer periphery of the bag, the closure assembly comprising: - a spout (3) with a lower connecting portion (3a) , for example a seal boat part, secured in the seam between opposite walls of the bag, the spout forming a tubular neck (3b) around a product passage (3c) in the spout, the neck being attached to an upper end (3e ) forms a mouth opening (3d), - a cap (4), which is attached to the neck of the spout when closed and thereby closes the product passage, whereby the cap can be removed from the neck of the spout by a user with the hand are removed to open the product passage for dispensing the product from the bag, - a band (5) with a first end (5a) connected to the cap and a second end (5b) connected to the spout, for example via a tamper-resistant ring, the band being designed to remain connected to both the spout and the cap when the user removes the cap from the neck of the spout,

waarbij het sluitsamenstel is voorzien van een retentievoorziening die de gebruiker in staat stelt de handmatig verwijderde dop in een afgiftepositie te brengen waarbij de dop vrij van de mondopening wordt gehouden, gekenmerkt doordat de retentievoorziening (2f, 2h; 12f, 12h; 22f, 22h; 32f, 32h, 34m; 44m) is aangebracht op de dop en/of de band en is geconfigureerd om de dop en/of de band tijdelijk aan de zak vast te houden op een plaats die ver verwijderd is van de hals van de tuit.wherein the closure assembly includes a retention feature that enables the user to move the manually removed cap into a dispensing position where the cap is held clear of the mouth opening, characterized in that the retention feature (2f, 2h; 12f, 12h; 22f, 22h; 32f, 32h, 34m; 44m) is mounted on the cap and/or band and is configured to temporarily retain the cap and/or band to the bag at a location remote from the neck of the spout.

12. Sluitsamenstel volgens conclusie 11, waarin de retentievoorziening op de dop of op de band, bijvoorbeeld als een opening daarin, bijvoorbeeld als een insnijding of uitsnijding (34m; 44m), zodanig is geconfigureerd dat de gebruiker de retentievoorziening met de zak kan verbinden, bijvoorbeeld met een buitenste gedeelte van de zak (42m), bijvoorbeeld met de naad van de zak, waarbij bijvoorbeeld de zak voorzien is van een complementaire retentievoorziening (32h, 32f) van de zak.The closure assembly of claim 11, wherein the retention feature on the cap or on the band, for example as an opening therein, for example as a slit or cutout (34m; 44m), is configured to allow the user to connect the retention feature to the bag, for example with an outer part of the bag (42m), for example with the seam of the bag, wherein for example the bag is provided with a complementary retention facility (32h, 32f) of the bag.

13. Sluitsamenstel volgens conclusie 11 of 12, waarbij de retentievoorziening op de band of op de dop de vorm heeft van een elastisch klemgedeelte, bijvoorbeeld waarbij de dop een vleugel- of handvatelement (4h) omvat dat is voorzien van een elastisch klemgedeelte, bijvoorbeeld aan een uiteinde van het vleugel- of handvatelement, geconfigureerd om de dop of de band aan de zak te klemmen, bijvoorbeeld op een buitenste gedeelte daarvan.13. Closure assembly according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the retention provision on the band or on the cap is in the form of an elastic clamping part, for example wherein the cap comprises a wing or handle element (4h) that is provided with an elastic clamping part, for example on an end of the wing or handle member configured to clamp the cap or band to the bag, for example at an outer portion thereof.

14. Sluitsamenstel volgens een of meer van de conclusies 11 - 13, waarbij de dop en de band zijn vervaardigd, bijvoorbeeld gegoten, als één stuk kunststof en onderscheidend van de tuit, bijvoorbeeld waarbij een manipulatiebestendige ring aanwezig is aan een onderrand van de dop, welke manipulatiebestendige ring eveneens als één stuk is gegoten, bijvoorbeeld waarbij de band aan het ene uiteinde verbonden is met de dop en aan het andere uiteinde met de manipulatiebestendige ring.14. Closure assembly according to one or more of claims 11 - 13, wherein the cap and the band are manufactured, for example moulded, as one piece of plastic and distinct from the spout, for example wherein a tamper-proof ring is present on a lower edge of the cap, which tamper-resistant ring is also cast as one piece, for example where the band is connected to the cap at one end and to the tamper-evident ring at the other end.

15. Sluitsamenstel volgens een of meer van de conclusies 11 - 14, waarbij de dop (4) een bovenwandstructuur (4a) omvat en een naar beneden gerichte rok (4b) met een onderrand {4c) op afstand van de bovenwandstructuur, waarbij de dop een manipulatiebestendige ring (4d) omvat, waarbij de manipulatiebestendige ring integraal aan de onderrand (4c) van de rok van de dop is bevestigd, waarbij deze manipulatiebestendige ring via één of meer breekbare bruggen met de rok is verbonden of verbonden was, waarbij de manipulatiebestendige ring en de tuit een permanente klikverbinding vormen en waarbij bij voorkeur het tweede uiteinde van de band met de manipulatiebestendige ring is verbonden.Closure assembly according to one or more of claims 11 - 14, wherein the cap (4) comprises a top wall structure (4a) and a downwardly directed skirt (4b) with a lower edge {4c) spaced from the top wall structure, wherein the cap comprising a tamper-evident ring (4d), the tamper-evident ring being integrally attached to the lower edge (4c) of the skirt of the cap, said tamper-evident ring being connected or connected to the skirt via one or more frangible bridges, wherein the tamper-evident ring ring and the spout form a permanent click connection and preferably the second end of the band is connected to the tamper-proof ring.

16. Werkwijze voor de afgifte van een product uit een productverpakking (1) omvattende:16. Method for dispensing a product from a product package (1) comprising:

- een samenklapbare zak (2) die is geconfigureerd om een product te bevatten of die een product bevat, waarbij de zak tegenover elkaar liggende wanden (2v, 2w) heeft van door warmte te verzegelen foliemateriaal, waarbij gedeelten van de tegenover elkaar liggende wanden zijn verzegeld om een naad (2a-2d) te vormen langs ten minste een deel van de buitenomtrek van de zak,- a collapsible bag (2) configured to contain or containing a product, the bag having opposing walls (2v, 2w) of heat-sealable foil material, portions of the opposing walls being sealed to form a seam (2a-2d) along at least part of the outer perimeter of the bag,

- een tuit (3) met een onderste verbindingsdeel (3a), bijvoorbeeld een sealbootdeel, dat in de naad tussen de tegenover elkaar liggende wanden van de zak is bevestigd,- a spout (3) with a lower connecting part (3a), for example a seal boat part, which is fixed in the seam between the opposite walls of the bag,

waarbij de tuit een buisvormige hals (3b) vormt rond een productdoorgang (3c) in de tuit, waarbij de hals aan een bovenste uiteinde (3e) ervan een mondopening (3d) vormt,wherein the spout forms a tubular neck (3b) around a product passage (3c) in the spout, the neck forming a mouth opening (3d) at an upper end (3e) thereof,

- een dop (4), die in gesloten toestand op de hals van de tuit is bevestigd en daardoor de productdoorgang afsluit, waarbij de dop door een gebruiker met de hand van de hals van de tuit kan worden verwijderd om de productdoorgang te openen voor afgifte van het product uit de zak,- a cap (4), which is attached to the neck of the spout when closed and thereby closes the product passage, whereby the cap can be removed by hand from the neck of the spout by a user to open the product passage for dispensing of the product from the bag,

- een band (5) met een eerste uiteinde (5a) dat met de dop is verbonden en een tweede uiteinde (5b) dat met de tuit is verbonden, bijvoorbeeld via een manipulatiebestendige ring, waarbij de band geschikt is om met zowel de tuit als de dop verbonden te blijven wanneer de gebruiker de dop van de hals van de tuit verwijdert,- a band (5) with a first end (5a) connected to the cap and a second end (5b) connected to the spout, for example via a tamper-proof ring, the band being suitable for connection with both the spout and the cap to remain connected when the user removes the cap from the neck of the spout,

waarbij de verpakking is voorzien van een retentievoorziening (2f, 2h; 12f, 12h; 22f, 22h; 32f, 32h, 34m; 44m) die op de zak en/of de dop en/of de band is aangebracht en is ingesteld om de dop en/of de band tijdelijk aan de zak vast te houden op een plaats die ver verwijderd is van de hals van de tuit,wherein the packaging is provided with a retention device (2f, 2h; 12f, 12h; 22f, 22h; 32f, 32h, 34m; 44m) fitted to the bag and/or cap and/or band and adjusted to retain the temporarily attach the cap and/or the band to the bag in a place far away from the neck of the spout,

waarbij de gebruiker de zak met één hand vasthoudt, bijvoorbeeld door de zak bij de tuit vast te pakken, en met de andere hand de dop van de hals verwijdert, en waarbij de gebruiker vervolgens de dop en/of de band ten opzichte van de zak zodanig beweegt dat aangrijping van de retentievoorziening wordt veroorzaakt, zodat de dop en/of de band tijdelijk aan de zak wordt vastgehouden op een plaats die ver verwijderd is van de hals van de tuit, waarbij de gebruiker vervolgens product uit de zak afgeeft, bijvoorbeeld door rechtstreeks uit de hals van de tuit te drinken,wherein the user holds the bag with one hand, for example by grasping the bag by the spout, and with the other hand removes the cap from the neck, and the user then holds the cap and/or band relative to the bag moves in such a way as to cause engagement of the retention device so that the cap and/or band is temporarily retained on the bag at a location remote from the neck of the spout, the user then dispensing product from the bag, for example by to drink directly from the neck of the spout,

waarbij, optioneel, de gebruiker de retentie van de dop en/of band van de zak losmaakt en de dop weer in de gesloten stand plaatst.wherein, optionally, the user releases the retention of the cap and/or band from the bag and returns the cap to the closed position.