SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC OPENING CONTAINERS PROVIDED WITH SEALING ELEMENTS

Abstract

The present invention refers to a system for automatic opening device for a container provided with a spout having a rim with a sealing element firmly attached thereto, said system comprising an automatic opening device for a container and a threaded spout that provide means that obviate the need to unscrew the cap of the container and next remove the sealing element from the rim of the spout in order to enable pouring of the product stored in the container.

Claims

1. A system for automatic opening a container (20) including an automatic opening device (1) and a spout (12) affixed to the container (20), wherein: the spout (12) comprises an elongated body (13) whose external region is provided with an external lower ring (17) and an external intermediate ring (18) located above said external lower ring (17), the diameter of the external lower ring (17) being larger than the diameter of the external intermediate ring (18); an external screw thread (14) of at least one start is provided in the elongated body (13) of the spout (12) above the external intermediate ring (18), said external screw thread (14) comprising a lower flank (14a) and an upper flank (14b), a root (15) being formed between these two flanks (14a-14b), the upper flank (14b) of the external screw thread (14) having an upper end (21); a sealing element (19) is affixed to the rim of the spout (12); said automatic opening device (1) comprises at least a base element (1b) a cutting device (3) and a locking device (6,6); the base element (1b) comprises an elongate body that forms a first sidewall (11) whose edges are joined to a top element (10) provided with a throughout orifice (2a); the internal portion of the first sidewall (11) is provided with an internal screw thread (5) of at least one start which matches said external screw thread (14) of the spout (12); the locking device (6,6) comprises an elongated body provided at its upper edge with a plurality of upper rupture elements (6a,6a) which are connected to a lower edge of the elongated body of the base element (1b), the lowermost region of the locking device (6,6) being provided with a locking means (6b) for locking the automatic opening device (1) to the spout (12) by inserting the locking means between the external lower ring (17) and the external intermediate ring (18); the cutting device (3) comprises a protruding hollow body whose upper portion is connected to the lower region of said top element (10), encircling said throughout orifice (2a), the lower portion of the cutting device (3) being provided with at least one cutting element (3a); the external region of the spout (12) is additionally provided with an external upper ring (16) located above the external intermediate ring (18), said screw thread (14) being located between the external intermediate ring (18) and the external upper ring (16), the diameter of the external upper ring (16) being smaller than the diameter of the intermediate external ring (18); said internal screw thread (5) of the elongate body of the base element (1b) and said external screw thread (14) of the spout (12) are selected from the group comprising right hand screw thread and left hand screw thread; the upper end (21) of the upper flank (14b) of said external screw thread (14) extends beyond the external upper ring (16) of the spout (12) and the lower flank (14a) has its upper end even with the lower portion of the external upper ring (16); and wherein rotation of the base element (1b) will cause the upper rupture elements (6a) of the locking device (6) to rupture and the base element (1b) to rotate such that the entry tips (5a) of the internal screw thread flanks (5) will run along the upper face of the upper ring (16) until they meet the upper end (21) of the upper flank (14b) of the screw thread (14).

2. A system for automatic opening a container (20) according to any claims 1-2, wherein the flanks of the internal screw thread (5) are partially threaded into the external screw thread (14) in factory.

3. A system for automatic opening a container (20) according to claim 1, wherein: the rotation of the automatic opening device (1) in a wrong sense to open the container is indicated by the use of an arrangement selected from the group formed by a limiter of rotation (23) and a noise device for alerting wrong sense of rotation, in that: the limiter of rotation (23) is formed by a cooperation between a guiding element (22), the upper end (21) of the upper flank (14b) of the external screw thread (14) and the flank of the internal screw thread (5); the guiding element (22) is formed at an external portion of the elongated body of the spout and extends parallel to the upper edge of the spout; the upper end (21) of the upper flank (14b) of the external screw thread (14) extends up to the guiding element (22), thereby forming said limiter of rotation (23) between upper end (21) of the upper flank (14b) of the external screw thread (14) and the guiding element (22), the flank of the internal screw thread (5) of the automatic opening device (1) is bipartite, comprising an upper section (5s) and a lower section (5i), thereby forming a gap between them; wherein, when the opening device (1) is rotated in a wrong sense, the guiding element (22) is able to pass through the gap between the upper section (5s) and the lower section (5i) of the flank of the internal screw thread (5) and the lower section (5i) of the internal screw thread (5) will move over the upper face of the upper ring (16) until they engage the limiter of rotation (23); the noise device for alerting wrong sense of rotation is formed by a cooperation between the upper end (21) of the upper flank (14b) of the external screw thread (14) and the upper ends of the locking elements means (6b) of the locking device (6), in that: the upper ends of the locking elements (6b) of the locking device (6) maintain a gap with respect to the lower face of the intermediate ring (18), whereby, when the automatic opening device (1) is rotated in a wrong sense, the entry tip (5a) of the internal screw thread flank (5) will move past the upper ends (21) of the upper flanks (14b) and will return to displace on the upper face of the upper ring (16), thereby emitting a noise.

4. A system for automatic opening a container (20) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein: the automatic opening device (1) is provided with a closure to close the base element (1b), said closure selected from the group comprising a closing element (1a), a suction spout (24), a pouring device (53) and a protruding element (58,84), in that: the closing element (1a) comprises an elongated cylindrical body forming a sidewall (9,) and an upper element (8), circular in shape whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the sidewall (9), the closing element (1) being connected to the base element (1b) by means of a connection selected from the group comprising a connecting pivoting element (7), a flexible connecting element, a screw thread connection and a pressure connection; the suction spout (24) comprises a long body extending above the base element and connected to said throughout orifice (2a,39,74a); the pouring device (53) comprises a body formed by a first curved portion (53a) connected to said throughout orifice (2a) and a second straight portion (53b) extending radially from the central region of the top element and having a rim (53c) defining a pouring orifice (53d), said first curved portion (53a) and said second straight portion (53b) being integral with the top element; and the protruding element comprises a protruding body surrounding the region close to the edge of the top element (8).

5. A system for automatic opening a container (51) including an automatic opening device (41) and a spout (26,47) affixed to the container (51), wherein: the spout (26,47) comprises an elongated body (48) whose external region is provided with a first upper ring (49) and a second lower ring (50) larger in diameter than the first upper ring (49), the second lower ring (50) located below the first upper ring (49), the external region of the elongated body (48) selected from the group comprising a smooth external region and a lower region provided with an external screw thread (30); a sealing element (19) is affixed to the rim of the spout (26,47); said automatic opening device (41) comprises at least a base element (41b) a cutting device (43) and a guiding and locking device (46); the base element (41b) comprises an elongate body that forms a first sidewall (54) whose upper edge is joined to a top member (55) provided with a throughout orifice (39a); the external portion of the first sidewall (54) of the base element (41b) is provided with an external screw thread (45,145) of at least one start and selected from the group comprising right hand screw thread and left hand screw thread; the guiding and locking device (46) comprises an elongated body provided at its upper edge with a plurality of upper rupture elements (46a) which are connected to a lower edge of the elongated body of the base element (41b), the lowermost region of the guiding and locking device (46) being provided with a locking means (46b) for locking the automatic opening device (41) to the spout (26,47) by inserting the locking means between the first upper ring (49) and the second lower ring (50); the cutting device (43) comprises a protruding hollow body whose upper portion is connected to the lower region of the base element (41b), encircling said throughout orifice (39a), the lower portion of the cutting device (3) being provided with at least one cutting element (3a); the upper inner portion of the guiding and locking device (46) is provided with an internal screw thread (44,144) of at least one start and selected from the group comprising right hand screw thread and left hand screw thread, said internal screw thread (44) being able to engage into said external screw thread (45,145) of the base element (41b); the internal screw thread (44) comprises lower flanks (44a) and upper flanks (44b), the latter having upper ends (44d) which extend above the upper ends of the lower flanks (44a) and above the upper edge of the guiding and locking device (46) to facilitate the screwing of the external screw thread (45) of the first sidewall (54) into the internal screw thread (44).

6. A system for automatic opening a container (51) according claim 5 wherein: the automatic opening device (41) is provided with a closure to close the base element (41b), said closure selected from the group comprising a closing element (41a), a suction spout (24), a pouring device (53) and a protruding element (58,84), in that: the closing element (41a) comprises an elongated cylindrical body forming a sidewall (56) and an upper element (57), circular in shape whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the sidewall (56), the closing element (41a) being connected to the base element (41b) by means of a connection selected from the group comprising a connecting pivoting element (7), a flexible connecting element, a screw thread connection and a pressure connection; the suction spout (24) comprises a long body extending above the base element and connected to said throughout orifice (39); the pouring device (53) comprises a body formed by a first curved portion (53a) connected to said throughout orifice (39) and a second straight portion (53b) extending radially from the central region of the top element and having a rim (53c) defining a pouring orifice (53d), said first curved portion (53a) and said second straight portion (53b) being integral with the top element; and the protruding element comprises a protruding body surrounding the region close to the edge of the top element (57).

7. A system for automatic opening a container (51) according to claim 5, wherein the external region of the spout (47) is smooth, and: said locking means for locking the base element (41b) of the automatic opening device (41) to the spout (47) comprise a plurality of lower locking elements (46b) in the form of spaced apart lugs distributed circularly, the lower portion of each lug being joined to the lower region of the lower portion of the guiding and locking device (46), the body of each lug being inclined towards the geometric axis of the locking device (46); guiding fins (46c) are provided at the lower inner portion of the guiding and locking device (46) to facilitate the insertion and correct positioning of the guiding and locking device (46) in the spout (47); reinforcement lugs (46d) are provided at the upper edge of the guiding and locking device (46) in the regions where the upper ends (44d) of the upper flanks (44b) are extended above the upper edge of the guiding and locking device (46).

8. A system for automatic opening a container (51) according claim 7 wherein: the automatic opening device (41) is provided with a closure to close the base element (41b), said closure selected from the group comprising a closing element (41a), a suction spout (24), a pouring device (53) and a protruding element (58,84), in that: the closing element (41a) comprises an elongated cylindrical body forming a sidewall (56) and an upper element (57), circular in shape whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the sidewall (56), the closing element (41a) being connected to the base element (41b) by means of a connection selected from the group comprising a connecting pivoting element (7), a flexible connecting element, a screw thread connection and a pressure connection; the suction spout (24) comprises a long body extending above the base element and connected to said throughout orifice (39); the pouring device (53) comprises a body formed by a first curved portion (53a) connected to said throughout orifice (39) and a second straight portion (53b) extending radially from the central region of the top element and having a rim (53c) defining a pouring orifice (53d), said first curved portion (53a) and said second straight portion (53b) being integral with the top element; and the protruding element comprises a protruding body surrounding the region close to the edge of the top element (57).

9. A system for automatic opening a container (51) according to claim 5, in that the external region of the spout is provided with an external screw thread (30), wherein: said locking means for locking the base element (41b) of the automatic opening device (41) to the spout (47) comprise a plurality of lower locking elements (46b) in the form of spaced apart lugs distributed circularly, the lower portion of each lug being joined to the lower region of the lower portion of the guiding and locking device (46), the body of each lug being inclined towards the geometric axis of the locking device (46); an internal screw thread (52) is provided at the lower region of the guiding and locking device (46), located above said plurality of lower locking elements (46b), said internal screw thread (52) being able to connect the external screw thread (30) of the spout (47); reinforcement lugs (46d) are provided at the upper edge of the guiding and locking device (46) in the regions where the upper ends (44d) of the upper flanks (44b) are extended above the upper edge of the guiding and locking device (46).

10. A system for automatic opening a container (51) according claim 9 wherein: the automatic opening device (41) is provided with a closure to close the base element (41b), said closure selected from the group comprising a closing element (41a), a suction spout (24), a pouring device (53) and a protruding element (58,84), in that: the closing element (41a) comprises an elongated cylindrical body forming a sidewall (56) and an upper element (57), circular in shape whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the sidewall (56), the closing element (41a) being connected to the base element (41b) by means of a connection selected from the group comprising a connecting pivoting element (7), a flexible connecting element, a screw thread connection and a pressure connection; the suction spout (24) comprises a long body extending above the base element and connected to said throughout orifice (39); the pouring device (53) comprises a body formed by a first curved portion (53a) connected to said throughout orifice (39) and a second straight portion (53b) extending radially from the central region of the top element and having a rim (53c) defining a pouring orifice (53d), said first curved portion (53a) and said second straight portion (53b) being integral with the top element; and the protruding element comprises a protruding body surrounding the region close to the edge of the top element (57).

11. A system for automatic opening a container (70) including an automatic opening device (61) and a spout (65) affixed to the container (70), wherein: the spout (65) comprises an elongated body (66) whose external region is provided with a first upper ring (68) and a second lower ring (69), larger in diameter than the first upper ring (68), and located below the first upper ring (68), the external region of the elongated body (66) being provided with an external screw thread (67) located above the first upper ring (68); a sealing element (77) is affixed to the rim of the spout (65); said automatic opening device (61) comprises at least a base element (61b), a cutting device (63) and locking device (62); the base element (61b) comprises an elongate body that forms a first sidewall (72) whose upper edge is joined to a top element (73) provided with a throughout orifice (74a); the internal portion of the first sidewall (72) of the base element (61b) is provided with an internal screw thread (64) of at least one start; the locking device (62) comprises an elongated cylindrical body provided at its upper edge with a plurality of upper rupture elements (62a) which are connected to the lower edge of the base element (61b), the lowermost region of the locking device (62) being provided with a locking means (62b) for locking the automatic opening device (61) to the spout (65) by inserting the locking means between the first upper ring (68) and the second lower ring (69); the cutting device (63) comprises a protruding hollow body whose upper portion is connected to the lower region of the top element (73), encircling said throughout orifice (74a), the lower portion of the cutting device (63) being provided with at least one cutting element (63a); the spout (65) has a linear extension (L.sub.1) between its rim and the edge of the first upper ring (68), and a linear extension (C.sub.1) between the edge of the first upper ring (68) and the upper portion of the second lower ring (69) where the lower edge of the locking device (62) will touch at the end of the assembly of the automatic opening device for containers (61) on the container (70); the base element (61b) of the automatic opening device for containers (61) has a linear extension (L.sub.2) between the lower part of the annular ring region (73a) and the lower edge of the base element (62), and the locking device (62) has a linear extension (C.sub.2) between said lower edge of the base element (61b) and an imaginary plane formed by the upper region of the lower locking means (62b); said linear extensions (L.sub.1) and (L.sub.2) are substantially identical, and the linear extensions (C.sub.1) and (C.sub.2) are also substantially identical; the internal screw thread (64) of at least one start is selected from the group comprising right hand screw thread and left hand screw thread.

12. A system for automatic opening a container (70) according to claim 11, wherein: the automatic opening device (61) is provided with a closure to close the base element (61b), said closure selected from the group comprising a closing element (61a), a suction spout (24), a pouring device (53) and a protruding element (58,84), in that: the closing element (61a) comprises an elongated cylindrical body forming a sidewall (71) and an upper element (75), circular in shape whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the sidewall (71), the closing element (61a) being connected to the base element (61b) by means of a connection selected from the group comprising a connecting pivoting element (7), a flexible connecting element, a screw thread connection and a pressure connection; the suction spout (24) comprises a long body extending above the base element and connected to said throughout orifice (74a); the pouring device (53) comprises a body formed by a first curved portion (53a) connected to said throughout orifice (74a) and a second straight portion (53b) extending radially from the central region of the top element and having a rim (53c) defining a pouring orifice (53d), said first curved portion (53a) and said second straight portion (53b) being integral with the top element; and the protruding element comprises a protruding body surrounding the region close to the edge of the top element (8,57,75).

13. A system for automatic opening a container (70) according to claim 11, wherein said locking means for locking the base element (61b) of the automatic opening device (61) to the spout (65) comprises a plurality of lower locking elements (62b) in the form of spaced apart lugs distributed circularly and being able to pivot towards the geometric axis of the locking device (46), the lower portion of each lug being joined to the lower region of the lower portion of the locking device (62), and the body of each lug being inclined towards the geometric axis of the locking device (62) when the automatic opening device (61) is assembled on the spout (65) and the lugs are locked between the second lower ring (69) and the first upper ring (68).

14. A system for automatic opening a container (70) according to claim 13, wherein: the automatic opening device (61) is provided with a closure to close the base element (61b), said closure selected from the group comprising a closing element (61a), a suction spout (24), a pouring device (53) and a protruding element (58,84), in that: the closing element (61a) comprises an elongated cylindrical body forming a sidewall (71) and an upper element (75), circular in shape whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the sidewall (71), the closing element (61a) being connected to the base element (61b) by means of a connection selected from the group comprising a connecting pivoting element (7), a flexible connecting element, a screw thread connection and a pressure connection; the suction spout (24) comprises a long body extending above the base element and connected to said throughout orifice (74a); the pouring device (53) comprises a body formed by a first curved portion (53a) connected to said throughout orifice (74a) and a second straight portion (53b) extending radially from the central region of the top element and having a rim (53c) defining a pouring orifice (53d), said first curved portion (53a) and said second straight portion (53b) being integral with the top element; and the protruding element comprises a protruding body surrounding the region close to the edge of the top element (8,57,75).

15. A system for automatic opening a container (101) including an automatic opening device (90) and a spout (103) affixed to the container (101), wherein: the spout (103) comprises an elongated body whose external region is provided with an external lower ring (105) and an external upper ring (104) located above said external lower ring (105), the diameter of the external lower ring (105) being larger than the diameter of the external upper ring (104); an external screw thread (94) of at least one start is provided to the external region of the spout (103), located between said external lower ring (105) and said external upper ring (104), one of the flanks of the external screw thread (94) extending above said external upper ring (104); a sealing element (109) is affixed to the rim of the spout (103); said automatic opening device (90) comprises at least a base element (90b), a puncture device (93) and a locking device (96); the base element (90b) comprises a sidewall (97) whose edges are joined to a top element (100) provided with a throughout orifice (92a); the internal portion of the sidewall (95) is provided with an internal screw thread (95) of at least one start which matches said external screw thread (94) of the spout (103); the locking device (96) comprises an elongated body provided at its upper edge with a plurality of upper rupture elements (96a) which are connected to a lower edge of the elongated body of the base element (90b), the lowermost region of the locking device (6,6) being provided with a locking means for locking the automatic opening device (90) to the spout (103) by moving the locking means past the external lower ring (105); the puncture device (93) comprises a hollow protruding body in the shape of an inverted cone whose upper portion is connected to the lower portion of the top element (100), in the region where the throughout orifice (92a) is located, the latter being a continuation of the hollow portion of the puncture device (93), the latter being also provided with lateral passages (93b); said internal screw thread (95) of the base element (90b) and said external screw thread (94) of the spout (103) are selected from the group comprising right-hand oriented screw thread and left-hand oriented screw thread; wherein rotation of the automatic opening device (90) will cause the puncture element (92a) of the puncture device (93) to puncture the sealing element (109) and next to cause the puncture device (93) to enlarge the area that has been punctured in the sealing element (109) by the puncture element (92a), thereby enabling the product contained into the container (101) to pass through the lateral passages (93b) of the puncture device (93) and next pass through the throughout orifice (92a) of the base element (90b).

16. A system for automatic opening a container (101) according to claim 15, wherein: said locking means for locking the automatic opening device (90) to the spout (103) comprise a plurality of lower locking elements (96b) provided at the lower internal portion of the locking device (96). the automatic opening device (90) is provided with a closure to close the base element (90b), said closure selected from the group comprising a closing element (90a), a suction spout (24), a pouring device (53) and a protruding element (58,84), in that: the closing element (90a) comprises an elongated cylindrical body forming a sidewall (97) and a top element (100), circular in shape whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the sidewall (97); the suction spout (24) comprises a long body extending above the base element and connected to said throughout orifice (92a); the pouring device (53) comprises a body formed by a first curved portion (53a) connected to said throughout orifice (74a) and a second straight portion (53b) extending radially from the central region of the top element and having a rim (53c) defining a pouring orifice (53d), said first curved portion (53a) and said second straight portion (53b) being integral with the top element; and the protruding element comprises a protruding body surrounding the region close to the edge of the top element (100).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The invention will be better understood from the detailed description made hereafter with respect to the attached drawings, in which:

[0027] FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C respectively depict an upper perspective view, an upper perspective view in partial cut and a lower perspective view, in partial cut, of a first embodiment of the automatic opening device for containers according to the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 2 depicts an upper perspective view of the automatic opening device for containers shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, in a situation where the closing element of the device is in the open position;

[0029] FIG. 3 depicts an upper perspective view of a threaded spout according to the present invention provided in a container, with a sealing element being provided at the rim of the spout;

[0030] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D depict frontal views of the automatic opening device for containers depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 2, in partial cut, showing a sequence for the application of the device to the spout depicted in FIG. 3;

[0031] FIG. 5 depicts a front cutting view of a Detail X shown in FIG. 4D;

[0032] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D depict upper perspective views of the automatic opening device for containers depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 2, in partial cut, showing a sequence of operations for opening the container using the device for cutting the sealing element provided at the rim of the spout shown in FIG. 3;

[0033] FIG. 7 depicts a front cutting view of the Detail Y depicted in FIG. 6D;

[0034] FIGS. 8A and 8B depict front views of a variation of the automatic opening device for containers shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 2;

[0035] FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D depict front views of another variation of the automatic opening device for containers shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 2;

[0036] FIGS. 10 and 11 depict, respectively, a front view of a further variation of the automatic opening device for containers shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 2, and an upper perspective view for a spout to which this variation of the automatic opening device for containers must be applied;

[0037] FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C depict front views in partial cut of another variation of the automatic opening device for containers shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 2;

[0038] FIGS. 13A and 13B depicts respectively, an upper perspective view, and an upper cutting view of other variation of the automatic opening device for containers;

[0039] FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C depict, respectively, a perspective view, a partial cutting perspective view and a lower perspective view, in partial cut, of a further embodiment of the invention according to the teachings of the present invention, showing an automatic opening device for containers to be applied to a container's spout having an upper external region that is smooth;

[0040] FIG. 15 shows an upper perspective view of the automatic opening device for containers of FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C, in which the closing element is open;

[0041] FIGS. 16A and 16B depict a front view and a partial cutting front view showing the automatic opening device for containers of FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C in a position immediately prior to the beginning of its application to a spout;

[0042] FIG. 17A depicts a front view of the automatic opening device for containers of FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C applied to the spout of a container, and FIG. 17B depicts a front view of the automatic opening device for containers after a user has started the operation for opening the container;

[0043] FIG. 18 depicts an exploded perspective view of a variation of the automatic opening device for containers of FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C in which the lower portion of a guiding and locking device of the automatic opening device for containers is provided with an internal screw thread;

[0044] FIGS. 19A and 19B depict upper perspective views showing alternative embodiments for the guiding and locking device for the automatic opening device for containers of FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C;

[0045] FIGS. 20A, 20B, 21A and 21B depict partial cutting front views showing variations in the application of different types of screw threads to the guiding and locking device and to the automatic opening device for containers of FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C, 18, 19A and 19B;

[0046] FIGS. 22A and 22B depict, respectively, a front partial cutting view and a front perspective cutting view, in which an additional embodiment of an automatic opening device for containers according to the teachings of the present invention is shown, in which said device is shown disconnected from a spout;

[0047] FIGS. 22C and 22D depict frontal partial views of the automatic opening device for containers shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, showing different stages of application of the device in a spout;

[0048] FIG. 22E depicts a front partial view of the automatic opening device for containers shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B after being activated to open a container;

[0049] FIGS. 23A and 23B depict respectively an upper perspective view and an upper partial cutting perspective view of an automatic opening device for containers whose base element is provided with a pouring device;

[0050] FIG. 24 depicts an automatic opening device for containers whose base element is provided with a protruding plugging element whose upper portion is sealed;

[0051] FIGS. 25A and 25B depict perspective views showing a rotational locking system of the external screw thread flanks of the automatic opening device for containers of the invention;

[0052] FIG. 26 shows an upper perspective view of a further embodiment of the automatic opening device for containers in a situation where the closing element of the device is in the open position;

[0053] FIG. 27 depicts an upper perspective cutting view of the automatic opening device for containers depicted in FIG. 26, in a situation where the device is applied to a spout of a container and the closing element of the device is in the open position;

[0054] FIG. 28 depicts a lower perspective cutting view of the automatic opening device for containers depicted in FIG. 26, in a situation where the device is applied to a spout of a container and the closing element of the device is in the open position;

[0055] FIG. 29 depicts an upper perspective view of a variation of the throughout orifice of the fourth embodiment of the automatic opening device for containers depicted in FIG. 26, in a situation where the closing element of the device is in the open position.

[0056] FIGS. 30A and 30B respectively depict upper perspective views of a further embodiment of the automatic opening device for containers according to the present invention, FIG. 30B being an upper perspective view in partial cut of the automatic opening device for containers according to the present invention;

[0057] FIG. 31 is an upper perspective view of the automatic opening device for containers depicted in FIGS. 30A and 30B;

[0058] FIG. 32 is a lower perspective view in partial cut of the automatic opening device for containers depicted in FIGS. 30A and 30B;

[0059] FIG. 33 is a front view depicting the automatic opening device depicted in FIGS. 30A and 30B in cut applied to a container, prior to be rotated by a user for opening the container;

[0060] FIG. 34 is an upper perspective view depicting the automatic opening device depicted in FIGS. 30A and 30B in cut applied to a container, after being rotated by a user for opening the container; and

[0061] FIG. 35 depicts a lower perspective view in cut showing the path of the product to be pored from the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0062] In the following specification regarding embodiments of the invention, similar components will always be mentioned and indicated in the Figures by the same indicative numerals. Terms like upper, lower, vertical and horizontal used in this description refer specifically to the position in which elements, parts, portions, regions, etc. are depicted in the Figures. The terms container and packaging may be used in this specification in an interchangeable manner.

[0063] Reference will now be made in detail regarding embodiments of the invention which, together with the accompanied drawings and the following examples, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The following embodiments describe the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0064] For the purpose of interpreting this specification, the following definitions will apply and whenever appropriate, terms used in the singular will also include the plural and vice versa. In the event that any definition set forth below conflicts with the usage of that word in any other document, including any document incorporated herein by reference, the definition set forth below shall always control for purposes of interpreting this specification and its associated claims unless a contrary meaning is clearly intended (for example in the document where the term is originally used). The use of the word a or an when used in conjunction with the term comprising in the claims and/or the specification may mean one, but it is also consistent with the meaning of one or more, at least one and one or more than one. The use of the term or in the claims is used to mean and/or unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and and and/or. As used in this specification and claim(s), the words comprising (and any form of comprising, such as comprise and comprises), having (and any form of having, such as have and has), including (and any form of including, such as includes and include) or containing (and any form of containing, such as contains and contain) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. Furthermore, where the description of one or more embodiments uses the term comprising, those skilled in the art would understand that, in some specific instances, the embodiment or embodiments can be alternatively described using the language consisting essentially of and/or consisting of as used herein, the term about means at most plus or minus 10% of the numerical value of the number with which it is being used.

[0065] The following description of the invention relates to a system for automatic opening containers provided with spouts having sealing elements adhered to its rims, the system comprising a cooperation between an inventive automatic for opening containers and an inventive spout for containers comprising an arrangement of screw threads and external rings that eliminates the need to remove the cap of the container and perform multiple operations to remove the sealing element from the rim of the spout to pour the product contained in the container.

[0066] FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 2 depict a first embodiment of the automatic opening device for containers 1 according to the present invention. As can be seen in the Figures, the automatic opening device for containers 1 comprises a closing element 1a, a base element 1b and a locking device 6. In the embodiment depicted in these Figures, the closing element 1a is in the closed position, engaged into the base element 1b, as depicted in FIG. 1A, and both are connected each other by means of a pivoting connection element 7, as shown in more detail in FIG. 2.

[0067] There are variations of this type of pivoting connection, which can be used interchangeably in conjunction with the present invention. In addition, any other type of connection means can be used to connect the closing element 1a to the base element 1b, and there may not even be any connection means between them, and the connection between these two parts could be made by pressure or screwing, for example.

[0068] The base element 1b comprises a first sidewall 11, in the form of an elongated cylindrical body, and a top element 10, circular in shape and whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the first sidewall 11. A central protruding ring 2 is provided in the upper central portion of the top element 10, which encircles a throughout orifice 2a. The closing element 1a comprises a second sidewall 9 in the form of an elongated cylindrical body and an upper element 8, circular in shape and whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the second sidewall 9.

[0069] A protruding sealing element 4 is provided in the inner central portion of the upper element 8 of the closing element 1a. The sealing protruding element 4 is designed to house into the protruding ring 2 and to close the throughout orifice 2a of the base element 1b when the closing element 1a and the base element 1b are closed.

[0070] Preferably the automatic opening device for containers 1 is designed so that the second sidewall 9 of the closing element 1a and the first sidewall 11 of the base element 1b have substantially equal outside diameters when closed, as shown in FIG. 1A. In order for this to occur, the top element 10 of the base element 1b must be provided with a recess in the region of its edge at which it connects to the first sidewall 11, to form an engaging annular ring region 10a. Thus, when the closing element 1a is in the closed position, the lower region of the second sidewall 12 will fit into that engaging annular ring region 10a, as can be seen in FIG. 1B.

[0071] This feature is only intended to facilitate the manipulation of the automatic opening device for containers 1 by users, but it is not essential for the functionality of the device. The embodiments of the closing element 1a and the base element 1b can be different from those depicted in the Figures, without, however, changing the functionality of these components for the adequate operation of the automatic opening device for containers 1. The automatic opening device for containers 1 can even be provided without a closing element 1a as shown in the Figures, as the automatic opening device for containers 1 will operate normally even being not provided with this component, as will be seen hereafter.

[0072] An internal screw thread 5 is provided in the inner portion of the first sidewall 11 of the base element 1b. In the embodiment depicted in the Figures, the internal screw thread 5 comprises an internal orientation screw thread to the right of three starts, depicted in the Figure by means of three internal screw thread flanks 5. The internal screw thread 5 may comprise a screw thread with any number of starts and consequently, and so the invention is not limited to the use of an internal screw thread 5 with three starts.

[0073] In the present description, a three starts screw thread was chosen only as an exemplary embodiment of the invention, although the use of a multiple start screw thread is more suitable for the purposes of the invention, as will be seen hereafter. The internal screw thread 5 can be indistinctly oriented to the right, as shown in the Figures, or oriented to the left. Hereinafter the expressions internal screw thread 5 and internal screw thread flanks 5 will be used as a common reference for this internal screw thread.

[0074] A cutting device 3 is provided in the inner portion of the top element 10, which comprises a hollow protruding body whose upper portion is connected to the lower portion of the top element 10, in the region where the throughout orifice 2a is located, the latter being a continuation of the hollow portion of the cutting device 3. The lower portion of the cutting device 3 is provided with a plurality of cutting elements 3a. In FIG. 1B, this cutting device 3 does not appear in cut so as to enable it to be totally seen.

[0075] The locking device 6 comprises an elongated substantially cylindrical body provided at its upper edge with a plurality of upper rupture elements 6a, which are connected to the lower edge of the base element 1b, as can be seen in more detail in FIG. 1C. A plurality of lower locking elements 6b is provided in the lower internal portion of the locking device 6. The lower locking elements 6b comprise tabs distributed circularly and spaced apart, the lower portion of each lug being joined to the lower region of the locking device 6 and the body of each lug being tilted towards the geometric axis of the locking device 6. The lower locking elements 6b are designed so that they can undergo small radial bends towards the inner wall of the locking device 6.

[0076] Other embodiments of lower locking elements 6b can be used and, therefore, the invention is not limited to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1B and 1C. The function of the upper rupture elements 6a and the lower locking elements 6b will also be understood hereafter in the description that will be made of the operation for applying the automatic opening device for containers 1 to a spout.

[0077] FIG. 3 depicts a container 20 provided with a spout 12, depicted in the Figure only by its upper part. The spout 12 comprises an elongated cylindrical body 13 provided with an external screw thread 14, in the present case, a right hand screw thread with three starts, which comprises a lower flank 14a and an upper flank 14b, with a root 15 formed between these two flanks. It can be seen in FIG. 3 that the upper flank 14b of the external screw thread 14 has an upper end 21 which extends over the upper ring 16, while the lower flank 14a has its upper end even with the lower portion of the upper ring 16, to facilitate the screwing of the internal screw thread flanks 5 on the root 15, as will be seen hereafter.

[0078] The choice of an external right hand oriented screw thread, with three starts, is exclusively due to the fact that this is the embodiment used in the internal screw thread flanks 5 of the base element 1b. The same above comments are valid here, in which the use of a right hand screw thread with three starts is only a possibility to carry out the invention, which evidently is not limited to the use of a screw thread of three starts, as well as the screw thread may be right or left hand oriented. Thus, the external screw thread 14 can be a screw thread with any number of starts, and its orientation can be indistinctly to the right, as shown in FIG. 3, or to the left, as long as it is compatible with the screw thread used in the internal screw thread 5.

[0079] A sealing element 19 is affixed to the rim of the spout 12. The elongated cylindrical body 13 of the spout 12 is also provided in its outer portion with an upper ring 16, an intermediate ring 18 and a lower ring 17, located in the upper, intermediate and lower regions, respectively. The diameter of the upper ring 16 is smaller than the diameter of the intermediate ring 18, and the diameter of the intermediate ring 18 is smaller than the diameter of the lower ring 17, as can be seen in FIG. 3.

[0080] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D show a sequence of a process for applying the automatic opening device for containers 1 to the spout 12 of the container 20 provided with a sealing element 19. In order to facilitate the description of the steps of the process for applying the automatic opening device for containers 1 in the spout 12 the internal screw thread flanks 5 of the base element 1b located in the front portion of the device for the automatic opening device for containers 1 were not cut.

[0081] For the sake of simplification of the Figures, in the description of the process for the application of the automatic opening device for containers 1 to the spout 12 the tools used for this operation will not be represented, whichever are the tools used in this operation. The arrows W depicted in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D indicate the direction of the operation to apply the automatic opening device for containers in the spout 12 of the container 20.

[0082] The application of the automatic opening device for containers 1 to the spout 12 is made by means of making the lower part of the automatic opening device for containers 1 to exert a downward longitudinal movement against the upper part of the spout 12, as shown in the Figures. In this process a slight interference may occur between some component parts of the automatic opening device for containers 1 and component parts of the spout 12 at the time of assembly.

[0083] Consequently, the automatic opening device for containers 1 must be made of a relatively resilient material, a thermoplastic, for example, and so, elements of the automatic opening device for containers 1 located in regions where occur interference with elements of the spout 12 undergo temporary elastic deformations, thereby allowing the continuity of the process to apply the automatic opening device for containers 1 in the spout 12.

[0084] An automatic opening device for containers 1 can be seen in FIG. 4A, whose geometric axis is aligned with the geometric axis of the spout 12, in a position to start the operation to apply the automatic opening device for containers 1 to the spout 12. In FIG. 4B the automatic opening device for containers 1 is depicted in a position immediately before the beginning of its engagement to the spout 12. In FIG. 4C the automatic opening device for containers 1 is almost completely engaged in the spout 12. It is important to observe in this Figure that the lower regions of the lower locking elements 6b of the locking device 6 initiate contact with the upper face of the intermediate ring 18.

[0085] With the continuity of the longitudinal downward movement of the automatic opening device for containers 1 in relation to the spout 12, the lower locking elements 6b of the locking device 6 will be outwardly pressed by the edge of the intermediate ring 18, and consequently will tend to incline outwardly towards the internal wall of the locking device 6, which will allow the continuity of the downward longitudinal movement of the automatic opening device for containers 1.

[0086] After the lower locking elements 6b of the locking device 6 move past the intermediate ring 18 they will return to the regular position, in that they are projected towards the geometric axis of the locking device 6, as depicted in FIG. 4D, and shown in more detail in FIG. 5, which depicts a detail X indicated in FIG. 4D. As a result, the lower locking elements 6b will prevent longitudinal upward movements of the automatic opening device for containers 1, which will then be kept in that position.

[0087] The downward longitudinal movement of the automatic opening device for containers 1 ceases when the lower edge of the locking device 6 touches the upper surface of the lower ring 17, as shown in FIG. 4D, whereby the process of applying the automatic opening device for containers 1 to the spout 12 is completed. Observe in FIG. 4D that at the end of this downward longitudinal movement of the automatic opening device for containers 1, the internal screw thread flanks 5 are in a position in which they can be screwed to the screw thread 14 of the spout 12, as will be seen hereafter. The container 20 will then be ready for sale.

[0088] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D depict upper perspective views, in partial cut, showing a sequence of the process for opening the container 20 by means of the automatic opening device for containers 1. In order to facilitate the description of the process, and likewise what occurred in the description of the process for applying the device to the spout 12 shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D, the internal screw thread flanks 5 of the base element 1b had not been cut in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D. The cutting device 3 also does not appear in cut, thereby making possible to see it in its entirety.

[0089] In FIG. 6A the automatic opening device for containers 1 is depicted in the final position after being applied to container 20, an operation carried out in a factory. In order to start the process to open the container 20 a user must apply a clockwise rotary movement to the upper portion of the automatic opening device for containers 1, formed by the closing element 1a and the base element 1b, as indicated by the circle T in the Figures.

[0090] This clockwise rotary movement will cause the upper rupture elements 6a of the locking device 6 to rupture, as indicated by the circles R in FIG. 6B, and consequently, the assembly formed by the closing element 1a and the base element 1b will begin to rotate clockwise. In the continuity of this clockwise rotary movement, the start tips 5a of the internal screw thread flanks 5 will run along the upper face of the upper ring 16, until they meet the upper end 21 of the upper flank 14b of the screw thread 14, as can be seen in FIG. 6B.

[0091] Next, with the continuity of the rotational movement, the start tip 5a of each internal screw thread 5 will begin to enter the root 15 of the external screw thread 14, as can be seen in FIG. 6B. Following this rotary movement, the internal screw thread flanks 5 will displace along the roots 15 of the external screw thread 14. This rotary movement will cause a downward axial displacement of the automatic opening device for containers 1, as indicated by the arrows Z in FIGS. 6B, 6C and 6D. The combination of the two movements, rotation and downward axial displacement, will cause the cutting elements 3a of the cutting device 3 to cut the sealing element 19 affixed to the upper edge of the spout 12, as can be seen in FIG. 6C.

[0092] The rotational movement of the automatic opening device for containers 1 in a clockwise direction will cease when the edge of the spout 12, to which the sealing element 19 is attached, touches the lower region of the top element 10 of the base element 1b. This will cause a compression between the top element 10 of the base element 1b and the edge of the spout 12, thereby contributing to cause a sealing in this area of compression, as can be seen in FIG. 6D.

[0093] FIG. 7 depicts an upper rupture element 6a which was torn at the beginning of the rotary movement of the automatic opening device for containers 1, part of the rupture element 6a being attached to the inner portion of the upper edge of the locking element 6, as shown in the upper part of the drawing, and the remaining part keeping attached to the inner portion of the lower edge of the base element 1b, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 7, indicated by the ellipses S.

[0094] At the end of the rotary movement of the automatic opening device for containers 1 in a clockwise direction, causing it to make a downward axial movement, the cutting elements 3a of the cutting device 3 had already made the tearing of the sealing element 19. Consequently, the product into the container 20 can be poured through the protruding hollow body of the cutting device 3 and the throughout orifice 2a, pivoting first the closing element 1a to enable the product stored in the container 20 to pass through the throughout orifice 2a.

[0095] Preferably both the outer face of the second sidewall 9 of the closing element 1a and the outer face of the first sidewall 11 of the base element 1b of the automatic opening device for containers 1 are provided with means that increase the friction coefficient thereof, consequently facilitating the handling of the automatic opening device for containers 1 by users.

[0096] The process of opening the container 20 described hereinbefore requires the users to turn clockwise the automatic opening device to open the container. This may cause some confusion to users, as clockwise is usually the direction of rotation for closing caps of containers, which mostly use threaded spouts with screw threads right hand oriented.

[0097] In order to prevent users from rotating the automatic opening device for containers 1 in the wrong direction, it is necessary to place instructions on the top face of the closing element 1a so that the initial rotation is made in a clockwise direction, in order to ensure the perfect functioning of the automatic opening device for containers 1. For example, a circular arrow with the tip indicating the correct direction of rotation can be used to open the container. In addition, it can be included some written instructions that explain the correct direction of rotation.

[0098] However, it may still occur situations in that careless users do not observe the instructions on the upper face of the closing element 1a and, being used to turning caps counterclockwise to open containers, then perform a rotation on the automatic opening device for containers 1 in the counterclockwise direction. In order to avoid this problem, variations of the first embodiment of the automatic opening device for containers 1 will be described hereafter in order to prevent this improper handling from occurring.

[0099] FIG. 8A depicts a first variation of the automatic opening device for containers 1, in which the internal screw thread flanks 5 are bipartite, and comprise an upper section 5s and a lower section 5i. The intermediate portion of each internal screw thread 5 was removed, as can be seen in FIG. 8A.

[0100] It can be seen in FIG. 8A that a guiding element 22 is provided in the external portion of the elongated cylindrical body 13 of the spout 12 and extends parallel to the upper edge of the spout 12. In this variation, the upper end 21 of the upper flank 14b of the external screw thread 14 extends to the same level of the guiding element 22, as can be seen in FIG. 8A. As a result, a limiter of rotation 23 is formed between the upper end 21 of the upper flank 14b and the guiding element 22.

[0101] If a user inadvertently applies a counterclockwise rotation to the upper portion of the automatic opening device for containers 1, formed by the closing element 1a and the base element 1b, then the lower sections 5i of the internal screw thread flanks 5 will move over the upper face of the upper ring 16 until they engage the limiter of rotation 23, as shown in FIG. 8B. Consequently, the user will no longer be able to turn the automatic opening device for containers 1 counterclockwise.

[0102] This will then cause the user to direct his attention to the automatic opening device for containers 1, and consequently the user will notice the instructions for the correct direction of rotation, making him/her rotate the automatic opening device for containers 1 in the correct direction (clockwise), to open the container.

[0103] FIG. 9A depicts a front partial cutting view of a second variation of the automatic opening device for containers 1, in which the upper end 21 of the internal screw thread flanks 14b extend beyond the upper ring 16 to a shorter extent than the length observed in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D, and the lower flank 14a has its upper end facing with the lower portion of the upper ring 16, as can be seen in FIG. 9A. In this variation, the locking elements 6b of the locking device 6 are designed in such a way that their upper ends maintain a gap in relation to the lower face of the intermediate ring 18, as indicated by the circles P in FIG. 9A.

[0104] If a user inadvertently applies a counterclockwise rotation to the upper portion of the automatic opening device for containers 1, formed by the closing element 1a and the base element 1b, then the start tips 5a of the internal screw thread flanks 5 will approach the upper ends 21 of the upper flanks 14b of the external screw thread 14.

[0105] When the start tips 5a contacts the upper ends 21 of the upper flanks 14b, as shown in FIG. 9A, the user will feel a resistance to the continuity of the rotation. If the user still persists in turning counterclockwise, the gap between the upper ends of the locking elements 6b of the locking device 6 in relation to the lower face of the intermediate ring 18 will then enable the start tips 5a of the internal screw thread flanks 5 to move past the upper end 21 of the upper flanks 14b, as shown in FIG. 9B.

[0106] With the continuation of the undue rotary movement in a counterclockwise direction, the start tips 5a of the internal screw thread flanks 5 will then move past the upper ends 21 of the upper flanks 14b, and consequently the start tips 5a will return to displace on the upper face of the upper ring 16, as shown in FIG. 9C.

[0107] The passage of the start tips 5a over the upper ends 21 of the upper flanks 14b will produce a noise, which should alert the user that something has not been done correctly. This should compel the user to direct his attention to the automatic opening device for containers 1. Consequently, the user will then notice the instructions regarding the correct direction of rotation, and will then be able to rotate the automatic opening device for containers 1 in the correct clockwise direction to open the container.

[0108] Note that the clearance between the upper ends of the locking elements 6b of the locking device 6 in relation to the lower face of the intermediate ring 18 must be designed so that it is sufficient to allow the internal screw thread flanks 5 to move past the upper end 21 of the upper flanks 14b.

[0109] For this aim, it is necessary that the gap has an extension greater than the vertical extension H that the upper ends 21 of the upper flanks 14b raise beyond the upper ring 16, as shown in FIG. 9B. Therefore, in the event that the user applies an anti-clockwise rotation to the upper portion of the automatic opening device for containers 1, the gap between the upper ends 21 of the upper flanks 14b in relation to the lower face of the intermediate ring 18 will always allow that the upper ends 21 of the upper flanks 14b may extend beyond the upper ring 16, as can be seen by the circles T shown in FIG. 9B.

[0110] If the noise from the passage of the start tips 5a over the upper ends 21 of the upper flanks 14b was not sufficient to show the user that something was not done correctly, the continuation of the counterclockwise rotation will cause the automatic opening device for containers 1 to keep rotating without any linear or vertical displacement, as it will not occur engagement of the internal screw thread flanks 5 in the roots 15 of the external screw thread 14, which will certainly indicate to the user that something is not being made correctly, and will lead him/her to finally observe the instructions on the upper face of the closing element 1a in that the rotation must be made in a clockwise direction in order to cause the opening of the container.

[0111] FIG. 9D depicts another variation of the automatic opening device for containers 1, similar to the variation depicted in FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C, in which the only difference is that the locking device 6 is provided with a circular wing 6e at its lower portion, the latter extending from the end of the locking device 6, completely encircling the lower ring 17, as can be seen in FIG. 9D.

[0112] In this variation of the invention there is a gap between the upper ends of the locking elements 6b of the locking device and the lower face of the intermediate ring 18, thereby allowing some clearance for longitudinal movements of between the automatic opening device for containers 1 and the spout 12. The circular wing 6e is intended to prevent anyone from inserting any object between the locking device 6 and the upper face of the lower ring 17 in order to unduly disconnect the automatic opening device for containers 1 from the spout 12.

[0113] FIG. 10 depicts a third variation of the first embodiment of the automatic opening device for containers 1. In this variation, the internal screw thread flanks 5 comprise a left hand oriented screw thread, this being the only difference between the first embodiment and this variation.

[0114] Consequently, it will be necessary in this variation of the first embodiment of the invention that the spout 12 be provided with an external screw thread 14 with left hand orientation, as shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 11 depicts in more detail this spout with left angle orientation.

[0115] The process for applying the automatic opening device for containers 1 having internal screw thread flanks 5 with left angle orientation to the spout 12 will be exactly the same as previously described in relation to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D, and the only difference in the process of opening the container 20 in relation to what was previously described in relation to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D is that in this variation users must rotate counterclockwise the automatic opening device for containers 1 to open the container 20.

[0116] This is the great advantage in using this variation of the first embodiment of the invention, because in this case, users will have to rotate the device in a counterclockwise direction of rotation, which is what they are used to do for opening containers with screw-threaded caps, because most of the containers are provided with right hand orientated screw threads.

[0117] This means that, although a left hand orientated screw thread is used in this variation of the invention, users will hardly notice any difference from the regular right hand oriented threaded caps and threaded spouts. In other words, as usually the action for opening a cap is associated with a counterclockwise rotation, users will not be surprised with the need to apply a counterclockwise rotation to the automatic opening device for containers 1 to open container 20.

[0118] Notice that in the present specification the expression open the container means to tear the sealing element that is applied to the rim of the spout of a container to protect its contents, thereby allowing the product into the container to be removed. Notice that, according to the teachings of the invention, once the user has opened the container, there is no need to execute any further action, and the product stored in the container can be served immediately.

[0119] In other words, it is a one-step procedure, differently from what is observed nowadays, in that users need to execute some more steps, usually three, in order to start using the product stored in the container, namely, the steps to unscrew and remove the cap from the spout, then manually remove the sealing element, and next screw back the cap on the spout.

[0120] It is also important to mention that this third variation can be combined with any of the previous variations of the first embodiment of the invention described hereinbefore, being only necessary to make some modifications due to the use of a left hand oriented screw thread.

[0121] FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12 C depict front views, in partial cut, of a fourth variation of the automatic opening device for containers depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 2. The difference observed in this variation is the provision of a locking device 6 of lesser longitudinal extension, as can be seen in the Figures, due to a partial screwing of the internal screw thread flanks 5 in the roots 15 of the external screw thread 14, as will be noted from the following description made in the next paragraphs.

[0122] The locking device 6 comprises an elongated and substantially cylindrical body provided at its upper edge with a plurality of upper rupture elements 6a, as can be seen in more detail in FIG. 12A, the upper rupture elements 6a being connected to the lower edge of the base element 1b. A plurality of lower locking elements 6b is provided in the lower inner portion of the locking device 6.

[0123] An automatic opening device for containers 1 with the same characteristics described above in relation to the device shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 2 is depicted in the FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12 C, as well as it is depicted the same spout 12 previously described in relation to said FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 2. Consequently, there is no need to repeat here the description of the constituent parts of both the automatic opening device for containers 1 and the spout 12.

[0124] The same comments regarding the characteristics of the internal screw thread 5 and the external screw thread 14 apply to the fourth variation of the automatic opening device for containers depicted in FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12 C. In these Figures the internal screw thread 5 and the external screw thread 14 comprise screw threads of multiple starts of right hand orientation. However, single or multiple screw threads having right or left hand orientation can be used.

[0125] The application of this fourth variation of the automatic opening device for containers 1 to the spout 12 is made at a factory, by means of an equipment not shown in the Figures, which executes a sequential pressing and rotating process. Initially, a downward longitudinal movement is applied to the automatic opening device for containers 1, as indicated by the arrow M in FIG. 12A, whereby the lower part of the automatic opening device for containers 1 is pressed against the upper part of the spout 12 until the lower regions of the lower locking elements 6b touch the upper region of the intermediate ring 18.

[0126] Next, a rotational movement is applied to the automatic opening device for containers 1, as indicated by the circle N in FIG. 12B, whereby the inner screw thread flanks 5 of the base element 1b engage the roots 15 of the external screw thread 14 of the spout 12. With the continuation of this rotational movement, the lower locking elements 6b will be forced against the edge of the intermediate ring 18, and consequently the lower locking elements 6b will retract outwardly towards the inner wall of the locking device 6, until they move past totally the lower edge of the intermediate ring 18. From this moment on, the lower locking elements 6b will hamper the application of rotational movements to the automatic opening device for containers 1, thereby preventing it from being unscrewed from the spout 12.

[0127] The rotary movement for screwing the automatic opening device for containers 1 in the spout 12 will cease when the lower region of the locking device 6 touches the upper region of the lower ring 17, as can be seen in FIG. 12C. With that, the container will be ready for sale. Note in FIG. 12C the partial engagement of the internal screw thread flanks 5 in the roots 15 of the external screw thread 14.

[0128] When a user starts to open the container 20, he/she must apply a rotational movement to the automatic opening device for containers 1, applying a torque enough to break the upper rupture elements 6a, thereby allowing the internal screw thread flanks 5 to displace along the roots 15 of the external screw thread 14. This screwing movement will cause the cutting elements 3a of the cutting device 3 to tear the sealing element 19 of the spout 12, thereby opening the container and allowing the product stored inside the container to be served.

[0129] The reduction of the longitudinal extension of the locking device 6, if compared with the longitudinal extension of the locking device 6, occurs due to the characteristic of the partial engagement of the internal screw thread flanks 5 in the roots 15 of the external screw thread 14 in the fourth variation of the automatic opening device for containers.

[0130] The lower locking elements 6b must be designed to make them strong enough to preclude any attempt to unscrew the automatic opening device for containers 1 in the spout 12, especially if right hand oriented screw threads are used in the internal screw thread flanks 5 and in the external screw thread 14. In this case, as the normal habit of users is to apply a counterclockwise movement in a cap to open a container, the difficulty users would face to apply a counterclockwise rotary movement to the automatic opening device for containers 1 would serve to draw their attention to the remarks in the upper region of the closing element 1a, which indicate that the correct rotational movement must be in a clockwise direction to open the container.

[0131] In case a spout 12 as shown in FIG. 11 was used, having an external left hand orientated screw thread, in this case it will suffice for a user to, to open the container the user to apply a counterclockwise rotational movement to the automatic opening device for containers 1 to open the container 20. As counterclockwise rotational movement is what users are used to applying to a cap for unscrewing it from a threaded spout that are provided with right hand oriented screw threads, consequently users would easily apply the rotary movement correctly, and probably would not even realise that the threaded spout of the container is provided with a left hand oriented screw thread.

[0132] FIGS. 13A and 13B depict, respectively, an upper perspective view and an upper cutting perspective view of a fifth variation of the automatic opening device for containers 1, in which the base element 1b is provided with a suction spout 24, which comprises a hollow body which extends above the base element 1b and encircles the throughout orifice 2a. In this variation, the suction spout 24 is provided at its upper end with a mouth ring 24a, and the protruding sealing element 4 of the upper element 8 of the sealing element 1a is designed to house in the mouth ring 24a and to close the throughout orifice 2a of the base element 1b when the closing element 1a and the base element 1b are closed.

[0133] Containers provided with suction spouts are normally used to store liquids that are usually consumed by users when they are on the move, cases of cyclists, long-distance runners or even people who prefer to consume the product stored in the container while on the move

[0134] In this fifth variation of the first embodiment of the invention, the assembling of the automatic opening device for containers 1 and the opening of the container 20 are carried out exactly in the same manner as described hereinbefore, since all the other components of this variation are the same as previously described.

[0135] Note that this fifth variation can be combined with any of the variations of the first embodiment of the invention described hereinbefore. If it is made a combination of the third variation with the fifth variation, it will only be necessary to make the necessary to make some modifications due to the use of a left hand oriented screw thread.

[0136] FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C and 15 depict views of a further embodiment of the invention, showing an automatic opening device for containers 41 to be applied to a spout 47 of a container 51. The spout 47 comprises an elongated cylindrical body 48, a first upper ring 49 and a second lower ring 50, larger in diameter than the first upper ring 49. A sealing element 19 adheres to the upper rim of the spout 47. The upper external region of the cylindrical body 48 from the upper rim of the spout 47 to the first upper ring 49 is smooth, meaning that there is no screw thread there.

[0137] The automatic opening device for containers 41 comprises a closing element 41a, a base element 41b and a guiding and locking device 46. In FIG. 15 the closing element 41a is in the open position, and the connection between the base element 41b and the closing element 41a is made by a pivoting connecting element, not shown in the Figure, a connection similar to that used between the closing element 1a and the base element 1b previously described in relation to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C and 2.

[0138] The base element 41b comprises a first sidewall 54 and an upper member 55 whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the first sidewall 54. A central protruding ring 39 is provided in the upper central portion of the upper member 55, which encircles a throughout orifice 39a. An external screw thread 45 is provided in the lower external portion of the first sidewall 54 of the base element 41b. In the Figures, an external screw thread with three starts is shown, for a exemplification only, as other types of screw threads may be used. It can be seen in the Figures the external screw thread flanks 45. Henceforth the expressions external screw thread 45 and external screw thread flanks 45 will be used to refer to the same screw thread.

[0139] The closing element 41a comprises a second sidewall element 56, in the form of an elongated cylindrical body, and an upper member 57, circularly shaped, whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the second sidewall element 56. A protruding sealing element 40 is provided in the inner central portion of the upper member 55 of the sealing element 41a. The sealing protruding element 40 is designed to house the protruding ring 39 and to close the throughout orifice 39a of the base element 41b when the closing element 41a and the base element 41b are closed.

[0140] The guiding and locking device 46, shown in partial cut in FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C and 15, comprises an elongated cylindrical body whose upper inner portion is provided with an internal screw thread 44, in the Figure a three starts screw thread comprising a lower flank 44a and an upper flank 44b, with a root 44c formed between these two flanks. In order to facilitate the description of the automatic opening device for containers 41 and its use for the opening of container 51, the flanks of the internal screw thread 44 of the guiding and locking device 46 are shown in the Figures, which would not appear in a cutting view.

[0141] The upper ends 44d of the upper flanks 44b extend above the upper ends of the lower flanks 44a to facilitate the screwing of the external screw thread flanks 45 in the roots 44c. Reinforcement lugs 46d are provided on the upper edge of the guiding and locking device 46, located in the regions where the upper ends 44d of the upper flanks 44b are extended, thereby providing support for the upper ends 44d at the moment when the starts 45a of the external screw thread flanks 45 touch the upper ends 44d, as will be seen hereafter.

[0142] As can be seen in FIG. 14C, a plurality of lower locking elements 46b are provided in the lower region of the inner portion of the guiding and locking device 46, which comprise spaced apart lugs distributed circularly, the lower portion of each lug being joined to the lower region of the inner portion of the guiding and locking device 46, and the body of each lug being pivoted towards the geometric axis of the guiding and locking device 46.

[0143] A plurality of upper rupture elements 46a connects the upper region of the guiding and locking device 46 to the lower edge of the base element 41b, as outlined by circle F in FIG. 14C. A plurality of guiding fins 46c can also be seen in the Figure, provided in the lower inner portion of the guiding and locking device 46. These guide fins 46c are optional and serve to facilitate the insertion of the guiding and locking device 46 in the spout 47, thereby positioning it correctly.

[0144] In the Figures the screw thread 45 provided on the lower external portion of the first sidewall 54 of the base element 41b, and the internal screw thread 44 provided on the upper internal portion of the guiding and locking device 46 comprise a screw thread with three starts. However, this is for exemplification only, and evidently the invention is not limited to the use of a screw thread with three starts.

[0145] A cutting device 43 is provided in the lower central portion of the upper member 55 of the base member 41b, the cutting device 43 comprising a hollow protruding body whose upper portion is connected to the lower central portion of the upper member 55 in the region where it is located the throughout orifice 39a, the latter being a continuation of the hollow portion of the cutting device 43. The lower portion of the cutting device 43 is provided with a plurality of cutting elements 43a.

[0146] In FIGS. 16A and 16B, the automatic opening device for containers 41 is in a position immediately prior to the beginning of its application to the spout 47, which is made by pressing the lower portion of the automatic opening device for containers 41 against the upper portion of the spout 47, an operation performed in a factory by means of an applicator not shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B.

[0147] FIG. 17A is a partial front view showing the automatic opening device for containers 41 duly applied to the spout 47. Notice that the lower locking elements 46b of the guiding and locking device 46 had passed the first upper ring 49 at the end of the process of applying the automatic opening device for containers 41 to the spout 47. Consequently, the container 51 will be ready for sale and to be subsequently opened by a user.

[0148] To open the container 51 a user must apply a clockwise rotation to the assembly formed by the closing element 41a and the base element 41b. This will cause the upper rupture elements 46a to rupture, and consequently, the starts 45a of the outer screw thread flanks 45 will be guided by the upper ends 44d of the upper flanks of the inner screw thread 44 to start screwing in the roots 44c. in FIG. 17B the external screw thread flanks 45 are already screwed on the roots 44c of the internal screw thread 44.

[0149] With the continuation of the clockwise rotary movement, the assembly formed by the closing element 41a and the base element 41b, besides rotating, will also execute a concomitant linear downward movement, and consequently the cutting elements 43a of the cutting device 43 will tear the sealing element 19, to open the container 51.

[0150] The rotational movement of the assembly formed by the closing element 41a and the base element 41b in a clockwise direction will end when the inner portion of the upper member 55 of the base element 41b touches the rim of the spout 47, where it the sealing element 19 is adhered to. This will cause a compression between the upper member 55 of the base element 41b and the edge of the spout 47, thereby contributing to create a sealing in this area of compression.

[0151] FIG. 18 is a partial perspective cutting view depicting a variation of the automatic opening device for containers 41, in which the only difference regarding the automatic opening device for containers 41 depicted in FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C and 15 is that the lower region of the guiding and locking device 46 is provided with an internal screw thread 52. This variation of the device for the automatic opening device for containers 41 can be used in containers provided with threaded spouts.

[0152] For exemplification only, the spout 26 of the container 20 shown in FIG. 18 is provided with a single start screw thread with right angle orientation. However, screw threads having more than one start can be provided to the spout 26, as well as left hand oriented screw threads can be used. The internal screw thread 52 of the automatic opening device for containers 41 must be screwed onto the screw thread 30 of the screwed spout 26 by means of a rotating applicator, an operation executed in factory.

[0153] The operation to open the container 20 is to be executed by users in the same manner as described hereinbefore. Users are unlikely to even notice the differences between the modalities of the automatic opening device for containers 41 used in a container, whether the one depicted in FIG. 18 or the one depicted in FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C and 15.

[0154] FIGS. 19A and 19B are perspective views depicting alternative embodiments for the guiding and locking device 46 of the automatic opening device for containers 41. In FIG. 19A the guiding and locking device 46 is not provided with reinforcement lugs 46d (shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 16A and 16B). In this case, the upper ends 44d of the upper flanks 44b must be designed to withstand the stress to which they will be subjected at the moment of starting the operation to open the container, when they will come in contact with the starts 45a of the external screw thread flanks 45.

[0155] In FIG. 19B the elongated cylindrical body of the guiding and locking device 46 is extended to provide support for the upper ends 44d of the upper flanks 44b. Although this alternative shape of the guiding and locking device 46 is more complex to manufacture, it has the advantage of also providing protection for the external screw thread flanks 45, which become less exposed. This precludes the external screw thread flanks 45 from being damaged in case of possible impacts caused by falls, notably in market shelves, where products are displayed for sale.

[0156] It is possible to make different combinations of internal screw threads 44 and external screw thread flanks 45 regarding those depicted in the previous Figures of the automatic opening device for containers 41. For example, it is possible to invert the location of the internal screw threads 44 and the external screw threads flanks 45 without changing the operating manner of the embodiments of the invention regarding the automatic opening device for containers 41.

[0157] FIG. 20A depicts a front partial cutting view of the automatic opening device for containers 41 in which the lower flank 44a and the upper flank 44b of the internal screw thread 44 are applied to the upper region of the inner portion of the guiding and locking device 46, as described previously, however it is possible to invert this configuration.

[0158] FIG. 20B shows a front partial cutting view of the automatic opening device for containers 41 in which the outer portion of the lower region of the base element 41b is provided with an external screw thread 144, which comprises a lower flank 144a and an upper flank 144b. A root 144c is formed between these two flanks, wherein the lower ends 144d of the lower flanks 144a extend below the lower ends of the upper flanks 144b. An internal screw thread 145 is provided in the upper region of the internal portion of the guiding and locking device 46.

[0159] In FIGS. 20A and 20B, for exemplification only, use is made of a three starts screw thread. The screw threads 144 and 145 can be of single or multiple starts, and, in this case, the internal screw thread 145 will then comprise a plurality of internal screw thread flanks.

[0160] If the embodiment shown in FIG. 20B is used in the automatic opening device for containers 41, the reinforcement lugs 46d on the upper edge of the guiding and locking device 46 will be located in the regions where the ends of the internal screw thread flanks 145 are extended above the upper edge of the guiding and locking device 46.

[0161] Another difference regarding the embodiment depicted in FIG. 20A will be notice at the moment of opening the container. In that, when a rotary movement is applied to the automatic opening device for containers 41, the lower ends 144d of the lower flanks 144a of the external screw thread 144 will touch the upper ends of the internal thread flanks of the screw thread 145, which, in the continuity of the rotary movement, will cause the screwing of these internal screw thread flanks 145 on the roots 144c of the external screw thread 144.

[0162] The operation to open the container will be the same regardless of which embodiment be used among the two described in the previous paragraphs. A user probably would not notice the difference between these two embodiments. The choice of the screw thread configuration to be used will be a design option, being only necessary to make the due adaptations in the embodiment of the automatic opening device for containers 41 being used.

[0163] Although right hand oriented screw threads were depicted in the Figures of the previously described embodiments of the automatic opening device for containers 41, left hand oriented screw threads can be used instead, as mentioned regarding the embodiments of the invention described hereinbefore.

[0164] Therefore, the same observations previously made are valid here, emphasizing that if a left hand oriented screw thread is used, it will only be necessary to make the duly adaptations so that the automatic opening device for containers 41 can be used without any difficulty, whichever is the embodiment used. FIGS. 21A and 21B are front cutting views showing an automatic opening device for containers 41 provided with left hand oriented screw threads, similar to those depicted in FIGS. 20A and 20B.

[0165] FIGS. 22A and 22B depict a front partial cutting view and a partial front perspective cutting view depicting an additional embodiment of an automatic opening device for containers 61 according to the teachings of the present invention. As can be seen in the Figures, the automatic opening device for containers 61 comprises a closing element 61a, a base element 61b and a locking device 62.

[0166] As depicted in the Figures, the closing element 61a is in a closed position, engaged to the base element 61b. Preferably, both are connected to each other by means of a pivoting connection element, not shown in the Figures. This type of pivoting connection between base elements and closing elements is well known in the art, variations thereof being known, and can be used interchangeably in conjunction with the present invention. Any other connection means can be used to connect the closing element 61a to the base element 61b, and there may even be no connection means between them, and the connection between these two parts could be made by pressure, or by screwing, for example.

[0167] Likewise the automatic opening device for containers 1 and 41 described hereinbefore, the base element 61b comprises a first sidewall 72, in the form of an elongated cylindrical body, and a top element 73, circularly shaped and whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the first sidewall 72. The closing element 61a is also similar to the closing elements 1a and 41a described hereinbefore and comprises a second sidewall 71, in the form of an elongated cylindrical body, and an upper element 75 circularly shaped and whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the second sidewall 71.

[0168] A cutting device 63 is provided in the inner region of the top element 73, the cutting device 63 comprising a protruding hollow body which projects downwardly, as shown in FIG. 22A, its lower portion being provided with a plurality of cutting elements 63a. In FIGS. 22A and 22B the cutting device 63 does not appear in cut so as to allow to view it in its entirety.

[0169] The top element 73 is provided in its upper region with a protruding ring 74, which encircles a throughout orifice 74a. The upper region of the cutting device 63 is connected to the lower portion of the top element 73, in the region where the throughout orifice 74a is located, the latter being a continuation of the hollow portion of the cutting device 63. As the cutting device 63 has not been cut in the Figure, consequently the throughout orifice is not viewed in the Figure, the throughout orifice 74a being shown in the Figure in dashed lines, to indicate its location in the top element 73 in alignment with the hollow portion of the cutting device 63.

[0170] A protruding sealing member 76 is provided in the inner portion of the upper member 75 of the closing member 61a. The protruding sealing member 76 is designed to house the protruding ring 74 when the closing element 61a and the base element 61b are closed, wherein the protruding sealing member 76 closes the throughout orifice 74a of the base element 61b, as shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B.

[0171] Preferably the second sidewall 71 of the closing element 61a and the first sidewall 72 of the base element 61b of the automatic opening device for containers 61 have substantially equal outside diameters when closed, as shown in FIG. 22A. Therefore, the top element 73 of the base element 61b must be provided with a recess in the region of its edge at which it connects to the first sidewall 72, to form an annular ring region 73a. Thus, when the closing element 61a is in the closed position, the lower region of the second sidewall 71 will engage to the annular ring region 73a, as can be seen in FIG. 22A.

[0172] This feature is only intended to facilitate the manipulation of the automatic opening device for containers 61 by users, serving only to facilitate the use of the device. The configurations of the closing element 61a and the base element 61b can be different from those depicted in the Figures, provided that these different components do not cause difficulties for the operation of the automatic opening device for containers 61.

[0173] The automatic opening device for containers 61 can even be provided without a closing element 61a such as the one shown in the Figures, and yet the automatic opening device for containers 61 will operate normally, as will be seen hereafter.

[0174] An internal screw thread 64 is provided in the inner portion of the first sidewall 72 of the base element 61b. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the internal screw thread 64 comprises a right hand oriented screw thread of single start. However, the internal screw thread 64 may comprise a screw thread with any number of starts and, consequently, the invention is not limited to the use of an internal screw thread 64 having a simple start. Further, the orientation of the internal screw thread 64 may also be to the left.

[0175] The locking device 62 comprises an elongated substantially cylindrical body provided at its upper edge with a plurality of upper rupture elements 62a connected to the lower edge of the base element 61b, as can be seen in the Figures. A plurality of lower locking elements 62b is provided in the lower inner portion of the locking device 62.

[0176] The lower locking elements 62b comprise spaced apart lugs distributed circularly, the lower portion of each lug being joined to the lower region of the locking device 62 and the body of each lug being inclined towards the geometric axis of the locking device 62. The lower locking elements 62b can undergo small radial bends towards the inner wall of the locking device 62. Other embodiments of lower locking elements 62b may be used and, therefore, the invention is not limited to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 22A and 22B.

[0177] The upper rupture elements 62a operate basically the same way as the upper rupture elements 6a and 46a described hereinafter, as well as the lower locking elements 62b have basically the same functions as the lower locking elements 6b and 46b described hereinafter. Therefore, it is not necessary to make herein a detailed description of these component parts.

[0178] Other embodiments of rupture elements may be used on the upper rupture elements 62a, provided that they are able to cause the same effects obtained by the rupture elements depicted in the Figure.

[0179] The automatic opening device for containers 61 should be screwed onto a spout 65 provided in a container 70. The spout 65 comprises an elongated cylindrical body 66 provided in its outer region with an external screw thread 67. The internal screw thread 64 of the base element 61b will screw onto the external screw thread 67 of the spout 65, as will be seen hereafter. An upper ring 68 is provided in the outer region of the elongated cylindrical body 66, below the outer screw thread 67, and a lower ring 69 is provided in the lower outer region of the elongated cylindrical body 66, as can be seen in the Figures. Likewise the spouts 12 and 47 described hereinbefore, the spout 65 is provided in its rim with a sealing element 77, as shown in FIG. 22B.

[0180] In FIGS. 22A and 22B, the automatic opening device for containers 61 is in a position immediately prior to starting its application to the spout 65. The application starts by inserting the lower portion of the automatic opening device for containers 61 against the upper portion of the spout 65, by making a linear downward movement as indicated by the arrow N in FIG. 22B. This operation will cease when the automatic opening device for containers 61 is in a position where a rotational movement can be initiated, to cause the internal screw thread 64 of the base element 61b to screw in the external screw thread 67 of the spout 65. This operation is executed in a factory, using an applicator not shown in FIGS. 22A and 23B.

[0181] FIG. 22C depicts the automatic opening device for containers 61 partially screwed onto the spout 65, after the rotational screwing movement has started, as indicated by circle B. More particularly, the Figure depicts the moment of starting the rotational screwing movement, when the lower locking elements 62b touches the edge of the retaining ring 68. Consequently, the lower locking elements 62b incline towards the internal region of the locking device 62. When said rotational screwing movement is applied to the automatic opening device for containers 61, it also undergoes a concomitant downward linear movement, as indicated by the arrow N in FIG. 22C.

[0182] With the continuation of the rotational screwing movement, all the lower locking elements 62b moved past the edge of the retaining ring 68, as shown in FIG. 22D, and will return to their original position, thereby serving as a locking means, intended to prevent unscrewing of the automatic opening device for containers 61.

[0183] The rotational screwing movement will cease when the lower edge of the locking device 62 touches the upper region of the lower ring 69, as shown in FIG. 22D. From that moment on, container 70 will be ready for sale.

[0184] A particular feature of this embodiment of the invention is that is partial the screwing of the internal screw thread 64 of the base element 61b of the automatic opening device for containers 61 on the external screw thread 67 of the spout 65, as depicted in FIG. 22D. This means that said rotational screwing movement of the automatic opening device for containers 61 onto the spout 65 would still be possible if it were not prevented by the touch of the lower edge of the locking device 62 in the upper region of the lower ring 69, as previously described.

[0185] The use of the lower locking elements 62b is optional, although recommended, as it prevents inadvertent unscrewing of the automatic opening device for containers 61, as described hereinbefore. However, the automatic opening device for containers 61 would operate normally if it were not provided with the lower locking elements 62b.

[0186] As a result of this partial screwing of the lower locking elements 62b, the lower ends of the cutting elements 63a of the cutting device 63 will be positioned close to the sealing element 77 adhered to the rim of the spout 65, as shown in FIG. 22D.

[0187] This partial screwing is fundamental to facilitate the opening of the container 70 by a user, who will only need to rotate the automatic opening device for containers 61 in a clockwise direction, thereby causing the tearing of the upper rupture elements 62a. Consequently, the screwing of the internal screw thread 64 of the base element 1b of the automatic opening device for containers 61 on the external screw thread 67 of the spout 65 will go on.

[0188] Concomitantly with this rotational screwing movement, a linear downward movement of the automatic opening device for containers 61 will also occur, and the combination of these two movements, clockwise rotational screwing and linear downward, will cause the cutting elements 63a of the cutting device 63 to progressively pierce the sealing element 77 adhered to the rim of the spout 65.

[0189] These clockwise rotational and linear downward movements of the automatic opening device for containers 61 will cease when the rim of the spout 65 touches the lower region of the top element 73, and when this occurs the cutting elements of the cutting device 63 will have already torn the sealing element 77, and the product stored in the container 70 can then be served, passing through the hollow interior of the cutting device 63 and the throughout orifice of the base element 61b.

[0190] Some aspects are relevant for designing the automatic opening device for containers 61, to enable it to operate correctly to open container 70. One of these relevant aspects is to design the lower locking elements 62b in such a way that, after they had move past the edge of the locking ring 68, they must resist any attempts to unscrew the automatic opening device for containers 61.

[0191] This is important because users are used to executing a counterclockwise rotational movement to unscrew a cap from a spout, due to the massive use of right-oriented screw threads on caps and spouts, and situations may occur where users inadvertently attempt to unscrew the automatic opening device for containers 61 from spout 65, without first realizing the need to continue to perform a screwing operation of the automatic opening device for containers 61 in spout 65 to open of the container 70.

[0192] In such situations it is desirable that the resistance opposed by the lower locking elements 62b to this attempt to unscrew the automatic opening device for containers 61 of the spout 65 is such that it makes it extremely difficult to occur. The user must then pay attention to the instructions to correctly open the container 70, executing then a clockwise rotary operation to keep screwing. As mentioned hereinbefore, these instructions may appear in the upper region of the upper element 75 of the closing element 61a.

[0193] An aspect of fundamental importance for the correct operation of the automatic opening device for containers 61 to open container 70 is the correct sizing of some components of the automatic opening device for containers 61 object of this embodiment of the invention, particularly the base element 61b and the locking device 62, as will be seen hereafter.

[0194] In FIG. 22A it can be seen that the spout 65 has a linear extension L.sub.1 between its rim and the edge of the retaining ring 68, and a linear extension C.sub.1 between said edge of the retaining ring 68 and the portion of the upper region of the lower ring 69 where the lower edge of the locking device 62 will touch, at the end of the assembly of the automatic opening device for containers 61 on the container 70, as shown in FIG. 22D.

[0195] It can also be seen from FIG. 22A that the base element 61b has a linear extension L.sub.2 between the lower part of the ring-shaped engagement region 73a and its lower rim, and a linear extension C.sub.2 between that lower edge of the base element 61b and an imaginary plane that contains the upper region of the lower locking elements 62b.

[0196] In FIG. 22D the linear extension L.sub.3 represents the displacement of the linear extension of the spout 65 between its edge and the edge of the retaining ring 68 inside the automatic opening device for containers 61, after the device is in the final position of its application to the spout 65. The linear extension C.sub.3 represents the spacing between the edge of the spout 65 and the bottom of the ring- shaped engagement region 73a of the upper member 73.

[0197] For the automatic opening device for containers 61 object of this embodiment of the invention to operate in the manner previously described, it is necessary that the linear extensions L.sub.1, L.sub.2 e L.sub.3 described above are substantially identical, allowing small variations resulting from manufacturing tolerances that do not harm the perfect engagement of the components related to these linear extensions. Likewise, the linear extensions C.sub.1, C.sub.2 e C.sub.3 must also be substantially identical, the same comments regarding manufacturing tolerances applying here. These are geometric relationships that must be considered for the design of the automatic opening device for containers 61.

[0198] FIGS. 23A and 23B are upper perspective views showing an automatic opening device for containers 41 whose base element 41b is provided with a pouring device 53. In FIG. 23A the closing element 41a is in the open position, and in FIG. 23B is in the closed position, in a partial cut. The pouring device 53 comprises an integrally hollow body formed by a first curved portion 53a and a second portion 53b.

[0199] The first curved portion 53a has one end connected to the hollow body of the cutting device 43 (not shown in the Figures), and its other end is connected to one end of the second horizontal portion 53b, the latter extending over the face of the base element 41b towards the edge, as shown in FIG. 23A. The other end of the second horizontal portion 53b is bevelled and forms a rim 53c, which defines a throughout orifice 53d.

[0200] The closing element 41a is provided with a sealing element 41a, which is designed to rest on the rim 53c of the second horizontal portion 53b when the closing element 41a is in the closed position, as can be seen in FIG. 23B. Consequently, the sealing element 41ablocks the undesirable passage of product through the throughout orifice 53d if, for example, the container is placed in an inclined position with the closing element 41a in the closed position, or even in an inverted position, supported on the upper face of the closing element 41a.

[0201] The sealing element 41a prevents the possibility for the product to flow through the throughout orifice 53d and accumulate inside the empty space formed between the closing element 41a and the base element 41b. In case the sealing element 41a were not provided, when a user would open the closing element 41a,an undesirable product spill would occur.

[0202] This embodiment of the pouring device 53 enables a user to pour the product stored in the container without having to place the container upside-down, in a position where the throughout orifice is substantially downwards, which can cause the product to overflow, in special thixotropic products.

[0203] For a user to pour the product into the container it suffices to slightly incline the container to initiate a flow of product. The control of such flow is easily made by varying the angle of inclination of the container, in conjunction with making a slight pressure in the container, in case that it is made of flexible material. The pouring device 53 may be used in conjunction with any of the embodiments and variations of the invention described hereinbefore. Therefore, mutatis mutandis, the automatic opening device for containers 1 shown in FIGS. 1A to 12 and FIGS. 14A to 22 may also be provided with a pouring device 53.

[0204] In the description of the embodiments of the invention made hereinbefore it has always been shown that the automatic opening device for containers is provided with a closing element and a base element, joined by a pivoting connecting element. However, it is possible to use other configurations other than those described hereinbefore. For example, the closing element can be attached to the base element by means of a screw thread, or by means of a pressure coupling, as previously mentioned.

[0205] Alternatively, it is possible that the embodiments of the automatic opening device for containers disclosed hereinbefore be provided with only the base elements 1b, 41b or 61b. In this case the throughout orifice for the administration of the product would be permanently open, without a seal.

[0206] Some solutions can be used in order to avoid this problem. For example, as shown in FIG. 24 regarding the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1A to 12C, merely for example, the upper member 10 of the base element 1b may be provided with a protruding plugging element 58 formed by an elongated hollow body whose upper portion is closed, and the bottom portion is open and firmly connected to the base element 1b, with the hollow portion of the protruding plugging element 58 being aligned and in communication with the throughout orifice 2a and, consequently, with the hollow portion of the cutting device 3.

[0207] Therefore, after a user has opened the container, it will suffice to use a cutting element, such as a knife, to make a transverse cut across section the body of the protruding plugging element 58 to provide a throughout orifice, in order to allow the product stored in the container to pass through hollow portion of the protruding plugging element 58.

[0208] A cap 59 can be provided to close this throughout orifice in the hollow portion of the protruding plugging element 58, in order to prevent that passage from being permanently open. Preferably the cap 59 is connected to the base element 1b by means of a flexible connecting element 60, to prevent the cap 59 from being inadvertently discarded by the user.

[0209] Evidently, mutatis mutandis, this solution could also be used in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 14A to 22B. Notice that the cap 59 and the closing element 1a, or the closing element 41a, execute the same function of sealing the passage of the product stored in the container through the throughout orifices 2a or 39a, respectively. The only difference is that the cap 59 is sized to engage the body of the protruding plugging element 58, thereby resulting in a smaller component and saving material.

[0210] FIGS. 25A and 25B depict perspective views showing an exemplary rotational locking system that can be used in conjunction with any of the automatic opening devices for containers described hereinbefore. For exemplification only, said rotational locking system is described in conjunction with the embodiment of the automatic opening device for containers 41 shown in FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C and 15. It is important to mention that, mutatis mutandis, this rotational locking system can also be used in the automatic opening devices for containers 1 and 61 described hereinbefore.

[0211] FIGS. 25A and 25B depict an external screw thread flank 45 being screwed onto the internal screw thread 44. Each of the external screw thread flanks 45 is provided with a locking recess 45b to preclude rotational movements, which is designed to latch into a locking protrusion 44e provided in one of the flanks of the screw thread 44, thereby preventing rotational movements.

[0212] The location of each rotational locking recess 45b and each rotational locking protrusion 44e must be determined in such a way that the latch between them occurs at the same time as the inner portion of the upper member 55 of the base member 41b touches the edge of the spout 47. Therefore, when a user opens the container, by means of a clockwise rotation of the assembly formed by the closing element 41a and the base element 41b, at the moment when the rotational locking recesses 45b latches into the locking protrusion 44e of the screw thread 44, the user will hear a snap. From that moment on no rotation will occur, in any direction, as the whole assembly is locked in that position.

[0213] The rotational locking system depicted in FIGS. 25A and 25B prevents the assembly formed by the closing element 41a and the base element 41b from rotating to unscrew the screw thread 44 in an anti-clockwise direction. It therefore serves as a tamper resistant means that precludes removal of that assembly formed by the closing element 41a and the base element 41b, thereby preventing the container from being refilled after the product originally stored in the container has been fully poured.

[0214] If a container is provided with an automatic opening device for containers according to the invention in which there is no connecting element to hold the closing element 1a or 41a, or the cap 59, connected to the base element 1b, or 41b, it is recommended that an tamper evidence device is used to cover the automatic opening device for containers, thereby preventing the closing elements 1a, 41a, 61a or the cap 59 from being improperly removed when the container is in market shelves.

[0215] FIG. 26 shows an automatic opening device for containers 81 according to a further embodiment of the invention. As can be seen in the Figure, the automatic opening device for containers 81 comprises a closing element 81a, a base element 81b and a locking device 6. The automatic opening device for containers 81 is quite similar to the automatic opening device for containers 1 shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C.

[0216] The closing element 81a, when is in the closed position, engage with the base element 81b, and both are connected to each other by means of a pivoting connection element 86, as shown in FIG. 26. There are variations of this type of pivoting connection, which can be used interchangeably in conjunction with the present invention. In addition, any other type of connection means can be used to connect the closing element 81a to the base element 81b, and there may even be no connection means between them, in which case the connection between these two parts could be made by pressure or screwing, for example.

[0217] The base element 81b comprises a first sidewall 78, in the form of an elongated cylindrical body, and a circularly shaped top element 79 whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the first sidewall 78. The upper region of the top element 79 is provided with a protruding element 84, located in a region close to the edge of the top element 79, preferably located 180 from the region where the connecting pivoting element 86 connects the base element 81b with the closing element 81a, although other locations can be chosen. The protruding element 84 encircles a throughout orifice 83.

[0218] The closing element 81a comprises a second sidewall 80 in the form of an elongated cylindrical body and an upper element 82, circular in shape and whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the second sidewall 80. A protruding sealing element 85 is provided in the lower region of the upper element 82, intended to close the throughout orifice 83 of the base element 81b when the closing element 81a and the base element 81b are closed. The protruding sealing element 85 can be designed to encircle the protruding element 84, or, alternatively, engage with the throughout orifice 83 to create a sealing.

[0219] Consequently, the location of the protruding sealing element 85 in the lower region of the upper element 82 will be a function of the location of the protruding element 84, and in the present case it will be located in a region close to the edge of the upper portion of the upper element 82, preferably located at 180 from the region in which the connecting pivoting element 86 connects the base element 81b to the closing element 81a, although other locations can be chosen.

[0220] Preferably the automatic opening device for containers 81 is designed so that the second sidewall 80 of the closing element 81a and the first sidewall 78 of the base element 81b have substantially equal outside diameters when closed. To this aim, the top element 79 of the base element 81b must be provided with a recess in the region of its edge where it connects to the first sidewall 78, to form a ring-shaped engagement region 79a. Thus, when the closing element 81a is in the closed position, the lower region of the second sidewall 80 will engage into said ring-shaped engagement region.

[0221] This feature intends to facilitate the manipulation of the automatic opening device for containers 81 by users. It is possible to use different configurations of the closing element 81a and the base element 81b than those depicted in the Figures, without, however, changing the functionality of these components for the operation of the automatic opening device for containers 81. The automatic opening device for containers 81 may even be provided without a closing element 81a as shown in FIG. 26, and yet the automatic opening device for containers 81 will operate normally, according to the teachings of the invention.

[0222] As can be seen in FIG. 27, an internal screw thread 87 is provided in the inner portion of the first sidewall 78 of the base element 81b. The configuration of the internal screw thread 87 may comprise, for example, a right-oriented screw thread with three starts, although the internal screw thread 87 may comprise a screw thread with any number of starts.

[0223] Therefore, this embodiment of the invention is not limited to the use of an internal screw thread with three starts, and such screw thread was only chosen for exemplification only, although the use of a screw thread with multiple starts is more suitable for the purposes of the invention. The internal screw thread 87 may be indistinctly oriented to the right, as shown in the Figures, or to the left.

[0224] The inner portion of the top element 79 is provided with a cutting device 88, which comprises a hollow protruding body whose upper portion is connected to the lower portion of the top element 79 in the region where the throughout orifice 83 is located. The latter is a continuation of the hollow portion of the cutting device 88, thereby forming a direct connection substantially between the throughout orifice 83 and the hollow portion of the cutting device 88, through which the product contained in the container will pass. The lower portion of the cutting device 88 is provided with a plurality of cutting elements 88a.

[0225] The locking device 6 shown in FIGS. 26, 27 and 28 is identical to the locking device that has been described in relation to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 2, and comprises an elongated substantially cylindrical body provided in its upper edge of a plurality of upper rupture elements 6a which are connected to the lower edge of the base element 1b, as can be seen in more detail in FIG. 1C.

[0226] A plurality of lower locking elements 6b is provided in the lower internal portion of the locking device 6. The lower locking elements 6b comprise spaced apart lugs circularly distributed, the lower portion of each lug being joined to the lower region of the locking device 6 and the body of each lug being inclined towards the geometric axis of the locking device 6. The lower locking elements 6b are designed so that they can slightly incline radially towards the inner wall of the locking device 6.

[0227] Other configurations of lower locking elements 6b can be used and, therefore, the invention is not limited to the configuration depicted in FIGS. 27 and 28. The function of the upper rupture elements 6a and the lower locking elements 6b will be understood hereafter, in the description of the operation to apply the automatic opening device for containers 81 to a spout. The container 20 shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 is the same shown in FIG. 3, which is provided with a spout 12 which comprises an elongated cylindrical body provided with an external screw thread 14, in the Figure a three-start, right-oriented screw thread, which comprises a lower flank 14a and an upper flank 14b, with a root 15 formed between these two flanks. The characteristics of the external screw thread 14 have been described hereinbefore, and for this reason, it will not be repeated here.

[0228] The choice of an external right-oriented screw thread, with three starts, is because this is the configuration used in the internal screw thread 5 of the base element 81b. The same comments presented hereinbefore with this regard are valid here, in that the use of a right-oriented thread with three starts is for exemplification only. Therefore, is evidently that the invention is not limited to use only a three-starts screw thread, be it right or left hand oriented. Therefore, the external screw thread 14 may be a screw thread with any number of starts, and its orientation can be indistinctly to the right, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, or to the left, as long as it is compatible with the screw thread used in the internal screw thread 87.

[0229] A sealing element 19 is affixed to the rim of the spout 12. The spout 12 is also provided in its outer portion with an upper ring 16, an intermediate ring 18 and a lower ring 17, located in the upper, intermediate and lower regions, respectively. The diameter of the upper ring 16 is smaller than the diameter of the intermediate ring 18, and the diameter of the intermediate ring 18 is smaller than the diameter of the lower ring 17, as can be seen in FIGS. 27 and 28.

[0230] The application of the automatic opening device for containers 81 to the spout 12 is made by means of a pressing process, a downward longitudinal movement, by means of which the lower part of the automatic opening device for containers 81 is pressed against the upper part of the spout 12. The process for applying the automatic opening device for containers 81 to the spout 12 of the container 20 is the same as previously described regarding the application of the automatic opening device for containers 1 to the spout 12 of the container 20, and shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D. For this reason, the description of this process will not be repeated here. Consequently, the same observations made hereinbefore regarding the embodiment of the invention referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D are valid here.

[0231] In FIG. 27 depicts the automatic opening device for containers 81 in the position it remains after being applied to the spout 12 of the container 20, an operation executed in factory. In that position, container 20 is ready for sale. When a user needs to open the container 20, to pour the product contained therein, suffices to rotate the automatic opening device for containers 81 in order to make the cutting elements 88a of the cutting device 88 tear the sealing element 19, thereby releasing the passage of the product through the hollow portion of the cutting device 88 and through the throughout orifice 83.

[0232] The process of opening container 20 by means of the automatic opening device for containers 81 is exactly the same as that was described with regard to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D, referring to the process tor open the container 20 by means of the automatic opening device for containers 1. For this reason, the description of this process will not be repeated herein. Consequently, the same observations made hereinbefore regarding the embodiment of the invention referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D are valid here.

[0233] In FIG. 28 the automatic opening device for containers 81 is depicted in a position after a user has made a rotation that has made the cutting elements 88a of the cutting device 88 cut the sealing element 19, thereby enabling the product to pass through the hollow portion of the cutter 88 and through the throughout orifice 83.

[0234] FIG. 29 depicts a top perspective view of a variation of the throughout orifice of the fourth embodiment of the automatic opening device for containers depicted in FIGS. 26, 27 and 28. As can be seen in FIG. 29, the protruding element 84 depicted in the Figure is has an annular shape, which encircles a circular throughout orifice 83. All the remaining components of the automatic opening device for containers 81 shown in FIG. 29 are identical to those described in relation to FIGS. 26, 27 and 28, and for that reason, the description of these components will not be repeated here.

[0235] The characteristic of that embodiment of the invention depicted in FIGS. 26 to 29 can also be used in any of the embodiments and variations of the invention disclosed in this specification, that is, the provision of a protruding element 84 that encircles a throughout orifice 83, both provided in a region close to the edge of the upper portion of the top element 79 of the base element 81b, with a cutting device 88 duly positioned in the region where the throughout orifice 83 is located. In this case, mutatis mutandis, the necessary adaptations must be made so that it can be done.

[0236] FIGS. 30A and 30B are upper perspective views depicting a further embodiment of the invention, related to an automatic opening device 90. FIG. 30B is an upper perspective view in partial cut taken from line A-A shown in FIG. 30A. The automatic opening device 90 comprises a closing element 90a, a base element 90b and a locking device 96. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 30A and 30B the closing element 90a is in a closed position, engaged into the base element 90b, as depicted in FIG. 30A, and both are connected each other by means of a pivoting connection element, likewise it was depicted in the previous embodiments of the invention.

[0237] As depicted in FIG. 31, the base element 90b comprises a sidewall 97, in the form of an elongated cylindrical body, and a top element 100, circular in shape and whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the sidewall. A central protruding ring 92 is provided in the upper central portion of the top element 100, which encircles a throughout orifice 92a. The closing element 90a comprises a sidewall 99 in the form of an elongated cylindrical body and an upper element 98, circular in shape and whose edges are joined to the upper edge of the second sidewall 99.

[0238] Preferably the automatic opening device for containers 90 is designed so that the sidewall 99 of the closing element 90a and the sidewall 97 of the base element 90b have substantially equal outside diameters when closed, as shown in FIGS. 30A and 30BA. In order for this to occur, the top element 100 of the base element 90b must be provided with a recess in the region of its edge at which it connects to the sidewall 97, to form an engaging annular ring region.

[0239] This feature is only intended to facilitate the manipulation of the automatic opening device for containers 90 by users, but it is not essential for the functionality of the device. The embodiments of the closing element 90a and the base element 90b can be different from those depicted in the Figures, without, however, changing the functionality of these components for the adequate operation of the automatic opening device for containers 90. The automatic opening device for containers 90 can even be provided without a closing element 90a as shown in the Figures, as the automatic opening device for containers 90 will operate normally even being not provided with this component, as will be seen hereafter. Therefore, the closing element 90A is optional, and so other types of devices can be used, such as the ones previously described herein.

[0240] Segments of internal screw thread 95 is provided in the inner portion of the sidewall 97 of the base element 90b. In the embodiment depicted in the Figures, the segments of internal screw thread 5 comprises a left-hand oriented internal screw thread of three starts. The internal screw thread 5 may comprise a screw thread with any number of starts, as well as it can comprise a right-hand oriented screw thread, and consequently, and so the invention is not limited to the use of an internal screw thread 95 with three starts and a left-hand screw thread.

[0241] Note that FIG. 30B depicts one of the three segments of internal screw thread 95 which pertain to the front part of the base element 90b that was cut, just for illustration purpose. The use of segments of internal screw thread, instead of a screw thread extending along the whole inner region of the base element 90b is just a technical option that provides reduction of costs, and cannot be considered a limitation of the invention.

[0242] A puncture device 93 is provided in the inner portion of the top element 100, which comprises a hollow protruding body in the shape of an inverted cone whose upper portion is connected to the lower portion of the top element 100, in the region where the throughout orifice 92a is located, the latter being a continuation of the hollow portion of the puncture device 93.

[0243] The lower portion of the puncture device 93 is provided with a puncture element 93a. Lateral passages 93b are provided in the puncture device 93, as best seen in FIG. 32, which is a lower perspective view depicting the automatic opening device 90 in partial cut taken from the line A-A shown in FIG. 30A.

[0244] The locking device 96 comprises an elongated substantially cylindrical body provided at its upper edge with a plurality of upper rupture elements 96a, which are connected to the lower edge of the base element 90b, as can be seen in more detail in FIG. 30A. A plurality of lower locking elements 96b is provided at the lower internal portion of the locking device 96. The lower locking elements 96b comprise tabs distributed circularly and spaced apart, the lower portion of each lug being joined to the lower region of the locking device 96 and the body of each lug being tilted towards the geometric axis of the locking device 96. The lower locking elements 96b are designed so that they can undergo small radial bends towards the inner wall of the locking device 96.

[0245] Other embodiments of lower locking elements 96b can be used and, therefore, the invention is not limited to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 30B. The function of the upper rupture elements 96a and the lower locking elements 96b will also be understood hereafter in the description that will be made of the operation for applying the automatic opening device for containers 90 to a spout.

[0246] FIG. 31 is an upper perspective view depicting the automatic opening device 90 showing the closing element 90a in an open position. Note a plugging element 94 comprising a protruding body erecting from a central region of the upper element 98 which serve to close the throughout orifice 92a at the top element 100.

[0247] FIG. 33 depicts the automatic opening device 90 after being applied to an inventive threaded spout 103 of a container 101. The threaded spout 103 is provided with a external lower ring 105 and an external upper ring 104, the diameter of the external lower ring 105 being larger than the diameter of the external upper ring 104. An external screw thread 94 is provided to the external region of the threaded spout 103, located between the external lower ring 105 and the external upper ring 104.

[0248] In this embodiment the external screw thread 94 is a three starts left-hand oriented screw thread, but it is not limited to this type of screw-thread, since screw threads having other number of stars, or even being of left-hand orientation can be uses, as long as the external screw thread 94 is able to match the internal screw thread 95 of the automatic opening device 90.

[0249] Note that one of the flanks of the external screw thread 94 extends upwardly beyond the external upper ring 104. Said extension of the flank of the external upper ring 104 serves to facilitate the engagement of the segments of internal screw thread 95 of the automatic opening device 90 to the external screw thread 94.

[0250] The application of the automatic opening device 90 to the threaded spout 103 is made by means of pressuring downwardly the automatic opening device 90 to the threaded spout 103, as indicated by the arrow X in FIG. 33. At the end of the downwardly pressing movement of the automatic opening device 90, the lower locking elements 96b had already move pass the external lower ring 105 to lock the automatic opening device 90 to the threaded spout 103.

[0251] Note that the puncture element 93a of the puncture device 93 is located close to a sealing element 109 which is adhered to the rim of the threaded spout 103.

[0252] When a user needs to open the container 101 to pour the product contained therein, he/she will have just to apply a rotary counterclockwise movement to the automatic opening device 90, thereby causing the upper rupture elements 96a to rupture, thereby enabling the segments of internal screw thread 95 of the automatic opening device 90 to engage the external screw thread 94 of the threaded spout 103.

[0253] With the continuation of the rotary movement of the automatic opening device 90, the segments of internal screw thread 95 will keep running through the external screw thread 94 of the threaded spout 103, until they meet the lower external ring 103, when the rotary movement of the automatic opening device 90 ceases, as depicted in FIG. 34.

[0254] At the beginning of the rotary movement of the automatic opening device 90 the puncture element 93a of the puncture device 93 punctures the sealing element 109. With the continuation of the rotary movement of the automatic opening device 90, the puncture device 93 continuously penetrates the sealing element 109, thereby enlarging the area that has been punctured in the sealing element 109 by the puncture element 93a.

[0255] Eventually, the whole puncture device 93 will have penetrate the sealing element 109, as depicted in FIG. 35. Consequently, the product into the container will be ready to pour from the inside of the container 101, just sufficing for a user to make pressure on the container 101 to cause the product to pass through the lateral passages 93b of the puncture device 93 and next pass through the throughout orifice 92a of the base element 90b.

[0256] This embodiment of the invention is suitable for being use in situations where it is necessary to just make a small puncture in the sealing elements adhered to the rim of the spouts of containers, e.g., when the products into the containers are condiments such as ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard and the like.

[0257] The reason for this is that making a rotary cut in the center of the sealing element requires much more effort than making the rotary cut very near to the rim of the spout, where the sealing element is more tensioned, thereby facilitating the rotary cut.

[0258] Conversely, making a rotary cut at the center of the sealing element is very difficult, since there the sealing element is less tensioned, and if a rotary cut is made, the resilience of the plastic layers of the sealing element will make resistance against the rotary cutting elements of the cutting device.

[0259] Therefore, in these situations, puncturing initially the sealing element is the better approach to have the sealing element perforated. After that, the rotary movement of the puncture device will enlarge the rupture at the sealing element so as to enable it to entirely surpass the sealing element, as described hereinbefore.

[0260] It is noted from the previous descriptions of the diverse embodiments of the inventions that all of them share the same inventive concept, in that inventive automatic opening devices are connected to locking devices by means of rupture elements, said automatic opening devices being attached to spouts provided with at least two external rings limiting inventive screw threads, the inventive automatic opening devices and the inventive threaded spouts forming a system for automatic opening containers in that its spouts are provided with sealing elements adhered to its rims.

[0261] As it was noticed from the descriptions of the different embodiments and variations of the automatic opening device for containers object of the invention, the fundamental characteristic of all of them is the provision of a cutting device that, in addition to serving as a cap for the container, is provided with a means for executing a cutting or a puncture operation of the sealing elements which are usually affixed to the rims of the spouts of the containers, thereby creating a passage to enable the product contained in the container to be poured.

[0262] This eliminates the need to execute the operations of unscrewing and removing the cap, manually removing the sealing element and screwing back the cap on the spout of the container, as occurs nowadays. Therefore, the present invention obviates the need for users to remove the cap from the threaded spouts of the containers in order to remove the sealing elements that are adhered to the rim of the spouts.

[0263] With the use of the embodiments of the automatic opening device for containers of the invention it is no longer necessary to use thick sealing elements adhered to the rim of the spouts, and so the thickness of the sealing element may be reduced, thereby reducing costs. Therefore, it is no longer needed to use thick sealing elements to prevent users from inadvertently damaging or puncturing them at market shelves when they are checking if the container is duly sealed.

[0264] The use of a screw thread with multiple starts in the embodiments of the automatic opening device for containers previously described provides a much greater lead than it would be obtained by using a single start screw thread, thereby allowing the operation of opening the containers to be rapidly executed. The faster the container is opened, the easier and faster is the tearing or puncture of the sealing element by the cutting or puncture device.

[0265] The shapes of the cutting elements used in the cutting devices of the invention must be determined according to the cutting speed provided by the type of screw thread used in the automatic opening device for containers and the characteristics of the material used in the sealing element.

[0266] Tamper resistant devices may be used in conjunction with the various embodiments and variations of the invention described herein, in order to guarantee the user that the container has not been tampered with. For example, thermal wrappers around the spout and the devices can be used, which are provided with tearing lines that facilitate removal, as is well known in the art.

[0267] The present invention has been described with regard to its various embodiments and variations. Modifications or substitutions may be made in the invention without, however, departing from the inventive concept described and disclosed hereinbefore. Consequently, the invention is not limited to the embodiments and variations described herein, being only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims to this specification.