Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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POURING SPOUT FITMENT FOR FLEXIBLE CONTAINER
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[000 11 The present disclosure relates generally to dispensing
systems, more
.. particularly, to pouring spout fitments for flexible containers.
BACKGROUND
10002] Typically, when transferring fluids from a container, it is
necessary either to
attach a pouring spout to the container or to insert a funnel into the
receiving vessel to prevent
unwanted spillage. Such transfer methods are commonly used to deliver fluids
such as motor oil,
antifreeze, transmission fluid, and gasoline additives to an automobile. A
common problem
when using transfer devices such as a pouring spout or a funnel to transfer
such fluids is that a
user must locate, clean, and dry the transfer device to avoid contamination of
the fluid during
transfer to the receiving vessel. The user must also select a transfer device
of an appropriate size
and shape to enable the transfer of fluids without spillage.
[0003] Flexible containers closed with a fitment and lid are
considered particularly
advantageous forms of packaging for fluids such as motor oil, antifreeze,
transmission fluid, and
gasoline, because they are lighter than their rigid counterparts, and produce
a smaller volume of
waste once the empty container is disposed by a consumer. Additionally,
flexible containers
advantageously allow a user to empty more of a viscous fluid from the flexible
container than
from a rigid container. However, it can be particularly difficult for
consumers to open and
dispense from flexible containers. For example, users often spill the contents
of flexible
containers while opening them, or while dispensing them, because the pressure
of a user's grip
on the flexible container during these activities can cause unintended flow of
the fluid within the
flexible package through the package opening and out of the package.
10004] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved fitment and
pouring spout for
flexible containers to facilitate the easy and clean transfer of pourable
materials from flexible
containers.
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SUMMARY
[00051 In one aspect, dispensing systems for a flexible container
are provided. In one
embodiment, a dispensing system for a flexible container includes:(1) a
fitment having: a canoe
comprising a body having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a
passage extending
through the body, wherein the canoe is configured to be attached to the inner
surface of a flexible
package; an engaging element surrounding a dispensing opening and configured
to engage a
detachable dispensing system; and (2) a detachable dispensing system having: a
handling portion
comprising an outer ring configured to selectively secure and remove the
handling portion about
the engaging element and an inner ring defining a circular aperture within the
handling portion; a
hollow rigid member comprising a top end and a base end, the top end
comprising a first
engaging element for engaging at least a portion of the inner ring of the
handling portion and
preventing the top end of the hollow rigid member from moving through the
handling portion
into the container when the hollow rigid member is in the recessed position,
and the base end
comprising a second engaging element, which comprises first one or more
peripheral elements
.. that extend outwardly from the hollow rigid member, for engaging at least a
portion of the inner
ring of the handling portion and fixing the hollow rigid member to the
handling portion when the
hollow rigid member is in the extended position, wherein the hollow rigid
member is slideably
disposed within the circular aperture and selectively positionable between:
(a) a recessed
position, wherein the top end is proximate the handling portion and the base
end extends away
from the handling portion and toward the container and (b) an extended
position in which the
base end is proximate the handling portion and the top end extends away from
the handling
portion and the container; and an extendible spout at least partially disposed
in the hollow rigid
member and connected to the hollow rigid member, the extendible spout having:
a proximal end
and a proximal opening, the proximal end connected to the hollow rigid member,
a distal end and
a distal opening, the distal end configured to extend from and retract at
least partially into the
hollow rigid member, and a discharge passage that extends from the proximal
opening to the
distal opening, wherein the extendible spout is configured to dispense a
pourable material from
the container through the distal opening when the handling portion is engaged
about the
dispensing opening of the container.
[00061 In another aspect, pouring spout fitments for flexible containers
are provided.
In one embodiment, a pouring spout fitment for a flexible container includes:
(1) a hollow canoe
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portion having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a passage
extending through the
body, wherein the canoe is configured to be attached to an inner surface of
the flexible container;
(2) rigid member disposed above the canoe portion, wherein the engaging
portion is configured
to engage a cap; (3) a hollow rigid member comprising a top end having a
discharge opening and
a base end, the base end extending below the hollow canoe portion; (4) an
extendible spout at
least partially disposed in the hollow rigid member and connected to the
hollow rigid member,
the extendible spout having: a proximal end and a proximal opening, the
proximal end connected
to the base end of the hollow rigid member, a distal end and a distal opening,
the distal end
configured to extend from and retract at least partially into the hollow rigid
member, and a
discharge passage that extends from the proximal opening to the distal
opening, wherein the
extendible spout is configured to dispense a pourable material from the
container through the
distal opening when the handling portion is engaged about the dispensing
opening of the
container.
[00071 In another embodiment, a pouring spout fitment for a
flexible container
includes: (1) a hollow rigid member including a top end having a discharge
opening and a base
end having a base end opening, an inner surface defining an inner space
extending between the
discharge opening and the base end opening, and an outer surface, wherein the
outer surface
comprises friction fit attachment means configured to attach to a friction fit
opening in the
flexible container; (2) an extendible spout at least partially disposed in the
hollow rigid member
and connected to the hollow rigid member, the extendible spout including: a
proximal end and a
proximal opening, the proximal end connected to the base end of the hollow
rigid member, a
distal end and a distal opening, the distal end configured to extend from and
retract at least
partially into the hollow rigid member, and a discharge passage that extends
from the proximal
opening to the distal opening, wherein the extendible spout is configured to
dispense a pourable
material from the container through the distal opening when the hollow rigid
member is attached
to the friction fit opening.
[00081 In another aspect, flexible material containers are
provided. In one
embodiment, the flexible material container includes a container having the
pouring spout
fitment described above.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing system
including a fitment and a
detachable dispensing system disposed in a flexible container.
[0010] FIG. 1A is a cross-section of the dispensing system and
flexible container of
FIG. 1, taken along line A-A.
100111 FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the dispensing system and
flexible container of
FIG. 1.
[00121 FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the dispensing system and
flexible container of
FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. 1A, where the extendible spout is shown in a retracted
position.
10013] FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the detachable dispensing
system of
FIG. 1, wherein the hollow rigid member is in an extended position.
[00141 FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the detachable dispensing system
of FIG. 1.
[00151 FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the
dispensing system of
FIG. 1.
10016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the detachable dispensing system of
FIG. 1,
wherein the removable lid is in a closed position.
[00171 FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pouring
spout fitment
disposed in a flexible container.
10018] FIG. 8A is a is a cross-section of the pouring spout
fitment and flexible
container of FIG. 8, taken along line A-A.
[00191 FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the pouring spout fitment and
flexible container
of FIG. 8.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a cross-section of the pouring spout fitment and
flexible container
of FIG. 8 as shown in FIG. 8A, where the extendible spout is shown in a
retracted position.
100211 FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a one-piece embodiment of the
pouring
spout fitment of FIG. 8.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
friction pouring spout
fitment disposed in a flexible container.
10023] FIG. 12A is a cross-section of the pouring spout fitment
and flexible
container of FIG. 12, taken along line A-A.
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[00241 FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the pouring spout fitment
and flexible
container of FIG. 12.
190251 FIG. 14 is a cross-section of the pouring spout fitment and
flexible container
of FIG. 12 as shown in FIG. 12A, where the extendible spout is shown in a
retracted position.
[00261 FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a one-piece embodiment of the
pouring
spout fitment of FIG. 12.
[0027] FIG. 16 is another embodiment of a pouring spout fitment
and flexible
container.
[00281 FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the pouring spout
fitment of FIG. 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00291 In the following description, numerous specific details are
given to provide a
thorough understanding of several embodiments. The embodiments can be
practiced without
one or more of the specific details, or with other components, materials, etc.
In other instances,
well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in
detail in order to
avoid obscuring aspects of the described embodiments.
100301 Reference throughout this specification to "one
embodiment," "an
embodiment," or "embodiments" means a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described
in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment.
Thus, the
appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in
various places
throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment.
Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be
combined in any
suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
Detachable Dispensing Systems for Flexible Containers
100311 In some embodiments, dispensing systems for flexible
containers are
provided. These dispensing systems for flexible containers include a fitment
and a detachable
dispensing system. Embodiments of suitable detachable dispensing systems are
described in
detail in U.S. Patent No. 9,550,606, which is hereby incorporated by reference
herein in its
entirety.
[00321 As used herein, "flexible container" means a container
which is easily
bendable or deformed between a variety of shapes. In some embodiments, the
flexible container
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may be substantially flat before being filled with a material and assuming a
three-dimensional
shape. In these embodiments, the flexible container may advantageously return
to a substantially
flat, flexible shape for disposal once the material is emptied. In some
embodiments, flexible
containers may be made from suitable single or multi-layer films. In some
embodiments,
flexible containers may be made from polyolefins.
[00331 Fitments suitable for use with dispensing systems for
flexible containers
disclosed herein may include a canoe including a body having an outer surface
and an inner
surface defining a passage extending through the body, wherein the canoe is
configured to be
attached to the inner surface of a flexible package. The canoe may be any
suitable size or shape
for the flexible package, and is typically larger than the dispensing opening
of the dispensing
system. For example, the canoe may have an oblong boat-like shape, and may
substantially
surround a dispensing opening. In other embodiments, the canoe may have a
cylindrical shape.
In other embodiments, the canoe may have a relatively flat, circular shape.
The canoe may be
attached to the inner surface of a flexible package by welding, glue,
adhesive, or any suitable
attachment means.
t(H)341 In some embodiments, the fitment also includes a rail
grabber portion. The
rail grabber portion may be attached to the canoe portion. For example, the
rail grabber portion
may be located above the canoe portion, such that the rail grabber portion
extends beyond the
flexible container when the canoe portion is attached to the inner surface of
a flexible container.
In some embodiments, the rail grabber portion substantially surrounds at least
a portion of the
hollow rigid member. In some embodiments, the rail grabber portion may consist
of two or more
protrusions which extend outward around a dispensing opening. The rail grabber
portion is
configured to allow for easy transport of the fitment and flexible package
with the fitment
attached along standard manufacturing lines, according to methods which are
known in the art.
t(H)351 In some embodiments, the fitment also includes attachment means
configured
to allow the detachable dispensing system to be selectively attached to the
fitment and removed
from the fitment. In some embodiments, the attachment means are threads. In
some
embodiments, the attachment means include at least one snapping element.
100361 In some embodiments, the detachable dispensing system
includes a handling
portion having an outer ring and an inner ring. The outer ring is configured
to selectively secure
and, alternatively, remove the handling portion about a dispensing opening of
the fitment. That
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is, the outer ring connects the handling portion to the container. The outer
ring configuration
advantageously enables the handling portion, and thus the system, to be
attached to and removed
from the fitment, when desired, rather than being permanently attached. As a
result, the systems
described herein can be repeatedly used with the same container or other
containers, thereby
allowing the containers to be resealed with its initial lid and/or seal after
each allotment of
pourable materials via the system or the container may be discarded. This
feature minimizes
contamination and spillage of the pourable material within the container
between each allotment.
The outer ring configuration also beneficially secures the system to the
container so that
unwanted spillage of the pourable material is minimized, if not avoided,
during use and to
.. prevent the pourable material of the container to be exposed to the
environment when being
dispensed therefrom.
[90371 In some embodiments, the handling portion is made of a
thermoplastic
material. Non-limiting examples of suitable thermoplastic materials include
polypropylene,
polyethylene, and the like. In some embodiments, the handling portion is
formed by injection
molding.
[90381 In embodiments, the detachable dispensing systems described
herein also
include a hollow rigid member that includes a top end and a base end. In some
embodiments, the
hollow rigid member is fixed within the handling portion. In other
embodiments, the hollow
rigid member is slideably disposed within the handling portion and selectively
positionable
between a recessed position and an extended position.
[90391 As used herein, "slideably disposed" means that the hollow
rigid member is
freely moveable through the handling portion unless otherwise fixed to the
handling portion
when in a recessed position or an extended position.
[00491 As used herein, "selectively positionable" when used to
describe the hollow
.. rigid member means capable of being moved and positioned, e.g. by a user,
from a recessed
position to an extended position and vice versa at desired times.
[00411 In some embodiments, the hollow rigid member is made of a
thermoplastic
material. Non-limiting examples of suitable thermoplastic materials include
polypropylene,
polyethylene, and the like. In some embodiments, the hollow rigid member is
formed by
injection molding.
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[00421 In operation, when the hollow rigid member is in the
extended position, the
base end of the hollow rigid member, in some embodiments, may be substantially
flush with the
dispensing opening of the fitment, whereas in other embodiments, the base end
may be
substantially flush with the inner ring of the handling portion. As used
herein, the term "flush"
when used to describe the position of the base end of the hollow rigid member
in relation to
another component of the detachable dispensing system means immediately
adjacent to or
directly abutting such component. In an embodiment, when the hollow rigid
member is in the
extended position, the hollow rigid member may be partially disposed within
the container. For
example, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the base end of the hollow
rigid member may
be partially disposed within the container above the fill line for the
pourable material. In some
embodiments, the hollow rigid member has one or more protrusions at its base
end to prevent the
base end of the hollow rigid member from extending beyond the dispensing
opening of the
fitment. For example, in some embodiments, the hollow rigid member may have a
base end
which is flared, such that the diameter of the base end is larger than the
diameter of the top end
of the hollow rigid member. In embodiments where the hollow rigid member has a
base end
which is flared, the hollow rigid member may advantageously easily form a seal
with the inner
ring of the handling portion, even accounting for variations in the inner
diameter of the inner ring
of the handling portion. For example, because the base end is flared, it can
form a seal with the
inner ring of the handling portion even if the inner ring of the handling
portion is slightly larger
than its designed dimension.
190431 In some embodiments, the detachable dispensing system also
includes an
extendible spout that is at least partially disposed in and connected to the
hollow rigid member.
The extendible spout includes a proximal end and a proximal opening, a distal
end and a distal
opening, and a discharge passage. The proximal end is connected to the hollow
rigid member,
the distal end is configured to extend from and retract at least partially
into the hollow rigid
member, and the discharge passage extends from the proximal opening to the
distal opening. The
extendible spout is configured to dispense the pourable material from the
flexible package
through the distal opening when the handling portion is engaged about the
dispensing opening of
the fitment, thereby enabling the pourable material to be dispensed in areas
or receiving vessels
otherwise not possible due to, for example, the size or shape of the receiving
vessel or the
container itself. The extendible spout also is configured to provide
directional transfer and
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enables the pourable materials to be transferred from the flexible package to
areas or receiving
vessels without being exposed to the environment.
10044] In some embodiments, the extendible spout is made of a
thermoplastic
material, a paper material, or the like, or combinations thereof Non-limiting
examples of
suitable thermoplastic materials include polypropylene, polyethylene, and the
like. In one
embodiment, the paper material is coated with either a plastic layer or a wax
layer. In some
embodiments, the extendible spout is formed by extrusion molding.
10045] In embodiments, the proximal end of the extendible spout is
connected to the
hollow rigid member. This connection secures the extendible spout so as to
prevent the
extendible spout from disengaging the hollow rigid member, particularly during
operation.
[0046] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the extendible
spout is directly
connected to hollow rigid member. That is, the proximal end is affixed to the
interior annular
wall or the annular insert of the hollow rigid member proximate the base end.
In one
embodiment, the proximal end is connected to the hollow rigid member using a
bonding method.
Non-limiting examples of suitable bonding methods include adhesive gluing,
sonic welding, and
the like.
10047] In other embodiments, the proximal end of the extendible
spout is indirectly
connected to the hollow rigid member. That is, the proximal end is affixed to
another component
or components and that component or components is/are at least partially
affixed to the inner
surface of the hollow rigid member proximate the base end.
10048] In some embodiments the extendible spout includes a
corrugated portion. In
another embodiment, the extendible portion is flexible. In yet another
embodiment, the
extendible spout includes a corrugated portion and is flexible.
[0049] In some embodiments, the corrugated portion and the
extendible spout are
made of the same material. In other embodiments, the corrugated portion and
the extendible
spout are made of different materials. Non-limiting examples of suitable
materials in which the
corrugated portion may be made of include thermoplastic materials, paper
materials, and the like.
In one embodiment, the paper material is coated with either a plastic or a wax
layer.
[0050] In some embodiments, the corrugated portion may be formed
in the same
manner as the extendible spout. In another embodiment, the corrugated portion
may be formed in
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a different manner as the extendible spout. In one embodiment, the corrugated
portion is formed
by extrusion molding.
1905 I I In some embodiments, the extendible spout is selectively
positionable in a
retracted configuration in which the extendible spout is retracted and the
distal end is at least
partially disposed within the hollow rigid member, and, alternatively, an
extended configuration
in which the extendible spout is extended and the distal end extends out of
the hollow rigid
member. That is, the length of the extendible spout can be varied prior to,
during, or after use,
and therefore not fixed to one specific length. This feature beneficially
provides the detachable
dispensing systems with the ability to dispense material from a container into
various
destinations without having to disconnect the system from the container.
10052] In one embodiment, a user may insert a finger or tool into
the distal end of the
extendible spout to adjust the extendible spout from one extended length to a
second extended
length, when desired.
[00531 In operation, the extendible spout may be selectively
positioned in a fully
extended configuration or a partially extended configuration. In one
embodiment, the extendible
spout, when in a fully extended configuration, has a length of about 3 inches
to about 40 inches.
In one embodiment, the extendible spout, when in a fully extended
configuration, has a length of
about 5 inches or less. In another embodiment, the extendible spout, when in a
fully extended
configuration, has a length of about 40 inches or less. In yet another
embodiment, the extendible
spout, when in a fully extended configuration, has a length of about 8 inches
to about 21 inches.
In another embodiment, the extendible spout, when in a fully extended
configuration, has a
length of about 8 inches to about 30 inches. In other embodiments, the
extendible spout, when in
a fully extended configuration, has a length of about 8 inches to about 40
inches. In other
embodiments, the extendible spout, when in a fully extended configuration, has
a length of about
10 inches to about 15 inches, for example about 10 inches, about 11 inches,
about 12 inches,
about 13 inches, about 14 inches, about 15 inches, or any ranges therebetween.
[00541 In some embodiments, the extendible spout is configured to
expand, in
relationship to the length of the hollow rigid member, at a ratio of 3:1. For
example, for every
inch of hollow rigid member, the extendible spout can fully expand to 3
inches. In some
embodiments, the extendible spout is configured to expand, in relationship to
the length of the
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hollow rigid member, at a ratio of 4:1. For example, for every inch of hollow
rigid member, the
extendible spout can fully expand to 4 inches.
190551 In some embodiments, the inner surface of the distal end of
the extendible
spout comprises grooves or dimples to aid a user in extending the extendible
spout from the
hollow rigid member into an extended configuration. In another embodiment, a
lip or ridge is
located on at least one of an inner surface or an outer surface of the distal
end of the extendible
spout. The lip or ridge may be similarly configured to aid a user in extending
the extendible
spout from the hollow rigid member.
[00561 In some embodiments, the detachable dispensing system
includes a removable
safety seal covering the distal opening of the extendible spout. In one
embodiment, the
removable safety seal is connected to the distal opening of the extendible
spout. In another
embodiment, the removable safety seal is connected to the inner surface of the
distal end of the
extendible spout. In yet another embodiment, the removable safety seal may be
connected to the
outer surface of the distal end. In certain embodiments, the removable safety
seal is heat sealed
to either the distal opening or the inner surface of the distal end for
attachment.
[90571 In some embodiments, the detachable dispensing system
includes a removable
safety seal covering the proximal end of the extendible spout. In one
embodiment, the removable
safety seal is connected to the proximal opening of the extendible spout. In
another embodiment,
the removable safety seal is connected to the inner surface of the proximal
end of the extendible
spout. In yet another embodiment, the removable safety seal may be connected
to the outer
surface of the proximal end. In certain embodiments, the removable safety seal
is heat sealed to
either the proximal opening or the inner surface of the proximal end for
attachment.
[00581 In another embodiment, the removable safety seal is
connected to the hollow
rigid member proximate either the top end, for example, when the extendible
spout is
substantially retracted, if not fully, into the hollow rigid member, or the
base end.
100591 In some embodiments, the detachable dispensing system
includes more than
one removable safety seal. For example, in one embodiment, the distal opening
of the extendible
spout is covered with a first removable safety seal and the inner surface of
the extendible spout is
covered with a second removable safety seal.
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[00601 In some embodiments, the removable safety seal includes a
metal foil that is
coated with a plastic layer, in which the plastic layer faces the direction of
the discharge passage.
Non-limiting examples of suitable metal foils include aluminum, platinum, and
the like.
[00611 In some embodiments, the removable safety seal may be
punctured for
removal. In another embodiment, the removable safety seal may include a pull
tab to enable a
user to remove the removable safety seal from either the extendible spout or
the hollow rigid
member with a pealing motion.
190621 In some embodiments, the detachable dispensing system
includes a removable
lid that covers the top end of the hollow rigid member, when the hollow rigid
member is in the
recessed position. In one embodiment, the removable lid is hingedly connected
to the hollow
rigid member. In another embodiment, the removable lid includes a tab that
extends from the lid
to enable a user to remove the lid and access the extendible spout. In yet
another embodiment,
the removable lid is releasably connected to the handling portion with a
fastening element (e.g., a
clamp or a snap) or a friction fit. In another embodiment, the removable lid
includes inner one or
more threads configured to engage the outer one or more threads that are
disposed on the outer
periphery of the handling portion.
Pouring spout fitments
[00631 In some embodiments, a pouring spout fitment for a flexible
container is
provided. In some embodiments, the fitments may include a canoe comprising a
body having an
.. outer surface and an inner surface defining a passage extending through the
body, wherein the
canoe is configured to be attached to the inner surface of a flexible package.
The canoe may be
any suitable size or shape for the flexible package, and is typically larger
than the dispensing
opening of the dispensing system. For example, the canoe may have an oblong
boat-like shape,
and may substantially surround a dispensing opening. In other embodiments, the
canoe may
have a cylindrical shape. In other embodiments, the canoe may have a polygonal
shape. The
canoe may be attached to the inner surface of a flexible package by welding,
glue, adhesive, or
any suitable attachment means.
[00641 In some embodiments, the pouring spout fitment further
include a hollow rigid
member, at least partially disposed within the hollow canoe portion. That is,
at least a portion of
the hollow rigid member may be within the hollow canoe portion. The hollow
rigid member
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may include a top end, which has a discharge opening, and a base end having a
base opening,
where the base opening and the discharge opening are in fluid communication
with one another.
In some embodiments, the base end of the hollow rigid member may extend below
the hollow
canoe portion. In some embodiments, there may be an annular space created
between the outer
surface of the hollow rigid member and the inner surface of the hollow canoe
portion. This
annular space may advantageously assist in preventing unwanted spillage from
the flexible
container. For example, users often struggle with dispensing fluids from
flexible containers,
because the pressure imparted by a user's grasp of the container can cause the
fluid contained
within it to flow out of the dispensing opening, particularly during opening
of the container,
when additional pressure may be applied by a user. In embodiments where this
annular space is
present, however, the material in the flexible container can flow into this
annular space, such that
there is less likelihood of spillage through the dispensing opening. In some
embodiments, the
outer surface of the hollow rigid member may be connected to the hollow canoe
portion, so that
no annular space is created. In these embodiments, it may be advantageously
easier for a user to
empty the entirety of the contents of the flexible package.
[90651 In some embodiments, the pouring spout fitment also
includes a rail grabber
portion. The rail grabber portion may be attached to the canoe portion. For
example, in some
embodiments, the rail grabber potion may be located above the canoe portion,
or away from the
flexible package, such that the rail grabber portion extends beyond the
flexible container when
the canoe portion is attached to the inner surface of a flexible container. In
some embodiments,
the rail grabber portion substantially surrounds at least a portion of the
hollow rigid member. In
some embodiments, the rail grabber portion may consist of two or more
protrusions which
extend outward around a dispensing opening. The rail grabber portion is
configured to allow for
easy transport of the fitment and flexible package with the fitment attached
along standard
manufacturing lines, according to methods which are known in the art.
190661 In some embodiments, the pouring spout fitment also
includes attachment
means configured to receive a cap. The lid may be selectively attached and
removed from the
pouring spout fitment, and may serve to close the dispensing opening. In some
embodiments,
the attachment means are threads. In some embodiments, the attachment means
are one or more
snapping elements. The lid may be of any suitable design. For example, the lid
may be a screw-
on closure, a snap on closure, a safety seal, or a hinged cap.
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[00671 In some embodiments, the pouring spout fitment also
includes an extendible
spout that is at least partially disposed in and connected to the hollow rigid
member. The
extendible spout includes a proximal end and a proximal opening, a distal end
and a distal
opening, and a discharge passage. The proximal end is connected to the hollow
rigid member,
the distal end is configured to extend from and retract at least partially
into the hollow rigid
member, and the discharge passage extends from the proximal opening to the
distal opening. The
extendible spout is configured to dispense the pourable material from the
flexible package
through the distal opening when the hollow canoe portion is attached to the
inner surface of the
flexible container, thereby enabling the pourable material to be dispensed in
areas or receiving
vessels otherwise not possible due to, for example, the size or shape of the
receiving vessel or the
container itself. The extendible spout also is configured to provide
directional transfer and
enables the pourable materials to be transferred from the flexible package to
areas or receiving
vessels without being exposed to the environment.
[00681 In some embodiments, the extendible spout is made of a
thermoplastic
material, a paper material, or the like, or combinations thereof Non-limiting
examples of
suitable thermoplastic materials include polypropylene, polyethylene, and the
like. In one
embodiment, the paper material is coated with either a plastic layer or a wax
layer. In some
embodiments, the extendible spout is formed by extrusion molding.
[00691 In embodiments, the proximal end of the extendible spout is
connected to the
hollow rigid member. This connection secures the extendible spout so as to
prevent the
extendible spout from disengaging the hollow rigid member, particularly during
operation.
[00701 In some embodiments, the proximal end of the extendible
spout is directly
connected to hollow rigid member. That is, the proximal end is affixed to the
interior annular
wall or the annular insert of the hollow rigid member proximate the base end.
In one
embodiment, the proximal end is connected to the hollow rigid member using a
bonding method.
Non-limiting examples of suitable bonding methods include adhesive gluing,
sonic welding, and
the like.
[00711 In other embodiments, the proximal end of the extendible
spout is indirectly
connected to the hollow rigid member. That is, the proximal end is affixed to
another component
or components and that component or components is/are at least partially
affixed to the inner
surface of the hollow rigid member proximate the base end.
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[00721 In some embodiments the extendible spout includes a
corrugated portion. In
another embodiment, the extendible portion is flexible. In yet another
embodiment, the
extendible spout includes a corrugated portion and is flexible.
[00731 In some embodiments, the corrugated portion and the
extendible spout are
made of the same material. In other embodiments, the corrugated portion and
the extendible
spout are made of different materials. Non-limiting examples of suitable
materials in which the
corrugated portion may be made of include thermoplastic materials, paper
materials, and the like.
In one embodiment, the paper material is coated with either a plastic or a wax
layer.
[00741 In some embodiments, the corrugated portion may be formed
in the same
manner as the extendible spout. In another embodiment, the corrugated portion
may be formed in
a different manner as the extendible spout. In one embodiment, the corrugated
portion is formed
by extrusion molding.
[00751 In some embodiments, the extendible spout is selectively
positionable in a
retracted configuration in which the extendible spout is retracted and the
distal end is at least
partially disposed within the hollow rigid member, and, alternatively, an
extended configuration
in which the extendible spout is extended and the distal end extends out of
the hollow rigid
member. That is, the length of the extendible spout can be varied prior to,
during, or after use,
and therefore not fixed to one specific length. This feature beneficially
provides the detachable
dispensing systems with the ability to dispense material from a container into
various
destinations without having to disconnect the system from the container.
190761 In one embodiment, a user may insert a finger or tool into
the distal end of the
extendible spout to adjust the extendible spout from one extended length to a
second extended
length, when desired.
[0077I In operation, the extendible spout may be selectively
positioned in a fully
extended configuration or a partially extended configuration. In one
embodiment, the extendible
spout, when in a fully extended configuration, has a length of about 3 inches
to about 40 inches.
In one embodiment, the extendible spout, when in a fully extended
configuration, has a length of
about 5 inches or less. In another embodiment, the extendible spout, when in a
fully extended
configuration, has a length of about 40 inches or less. In yet another
embodiment, the extendible
spout, when in a fully extended configuration, has a length of about 8 inches
to about 21 inches.
In another embodiment, the extendible spout, when in a fully extended
configuration, has a
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length of about 8 inches to about 30 inches. In other embodiments, the
extendible spout, when in
a fully extended configuration, has a length of about 8 inches to about 40
inches.
19078] In some embodiments, the extendible spout is configured to
expand, in
relationship to the length of the hollow rigid member, at a ratio of 3:1. For
example, for every
inch of hollow rigid member, the extendible spout can fully expand to 3
inches.
[0079] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the distal end of
the extendible
spout comprises grooves or dimples to aid a user in extending the extendible
spout from the
hollow rigid member into an extended configuration. In another embodiment, a
lip or ridge is
located on at least one of an inner surface or an outer surface of the distal
end of the extendible
spout. The lip or ridge may be similarly configured to aid a user in extending
the extendible
spout from the hollow rigid member.
19080] In some embodiments, the pouring spout fitment includes a
removable safety
seal covering the distal opening of the extendible spout. In one embodiment,
the removable
safety seal is connected to the distal opening of the extendible spout. In
another embodiment, the
removable safety seal is connected to the inner surface of the distal end of
the extendible spout.
In yet another embodiment, the removable safety seal may be connected to the
outer surface of
the distal end. In certain embodiments, the removable safety seal is heat
sealed to either the distal
opening or the inner surface of the distal end for attachment.
[00811 In some embodiments, the detachable dispensing system
includes a removable
safety seal covering the proximal end of the extendible spout. In one
embodiment, the removable
safety seal is connected to the proximal opening of the extendible spout. In
another embodiment,
the removable safety seal is connected to the inner surface of the proximal
end of the extendible
spout. In yet another embodiment, the removable safety seal may be connected
to the outer
surface of the proximal end. In certain embodiments, the removable safety seal
is heat sealed to
either the proximal opening or the inner surface of the proximal end for
attachment.
100821 In another embodiment, the removable safety seal is
connected to the hollow
rigid member proximate either the top end, for example, when the extendible
spout is
substantially retracted, if not fully, into the hollow rigid member, or the
base end.
[0083] In some embodiments, the pouring spout fitment includes
more than one
removable safety seal. For example, in one embodiment, the distal opening of
the extendible
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spout is covered with a first removable safety seal and the inner surface of
the extendible spout is
covered with a second removable safety seal.
100841 In some embodiments, the removable safety seal includes a
metal foil that is
coated with a plastic layer, in which the plastic layer faces the direction of
the discharge passage.
Non-limiting examples of suitable metal foils include aluminum, platinum, and
the like.
[00851 In some embodiments, the removable safety seal may be
punctured for
removal. In another embodiment, the removable safety seal may include a pull
tab to enable a
user to remove the removable safety seal from either the extendible spout or
the hollow rigid
member with a pealing motion.
[00861 In some embodiments, the pouring spout fitment includes a handling
portion.
The handling portion may substantially surround at least a portion of the
hollow rigid member.
The handling portion may be textured, or contain a plurality of ridges or
protrusions to enhance
its graspability by the user. In some embodiments, the handling portion may be
at the top end of
the hollow rigid member.
[0087I In some embodiments, the pouring spout fitment includes a removable
lid that
covers the top end of the hollow rigid member, when the hollow rigid member is
in the recessed
position. In one embodiment, the removable lid is hingedly connected to the
hollow rigid
member. In another embodiment, the removable lid includes a tab that extends
from the lid to
enable a user to remove the lid and access the extendible spout. In yet
another embodiment, the
removable lid is releasably connected to the handling portion with a fastening
element (e.g., a
clamp or a snap) or a friction fit.
[00881 In some embodiments, the flexible package may comprise a
hollow friction
fitting. In these embodiments, the canoe may be configured to attach to the
inner surface of this
hollow friction fitting. For example, the canoe may comprise friction fit
means, such as ridges
and/or barbs which extend from the canoe and are configured to engage the
inner surface of the
hollow friction fitting. For example, the inner surface of the hollow friction
fitting may include a
plurality of ridges, valleys, barbs, or depressions which are complementary to
the friction fit
means on the canoe. In this way, the canoe and the friction fitting may form a
seal, such that no
material stored within the flexible package can escape through the interface
between the hollow
friction fitting and the canoe. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the
canoe may be
slightly larger than the inner diameter of the hollow friction fitting. In
some embodiments, the
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canoe and the hollow friction fitting may each comprise snapping elements, so
that the hollow
friction fitting and the canoe form a snap interference fit. As used herein, a
"snap interference
fit" means a stationary coupling of the hollow friction fitting to the canoe
as a result of at least
one or more snapping elements.
[00891 The hollow friction fitting may be made of any suitable material. In
some
embodiments, the hollow friction fitting is made of a thermoplastic material.
Non-limiting
examples of suitable thermoplastic materials include polypropylene,
polyethylene, and the like.
In some embodiments, the hollow friction fitting is formed by injection
molding.
[00901 In some embodiments, the pourable material is a fluid. In
embodiments, the
fluid is a liquid or the combination of a liquid and a gas. Non-limiting
examples of suitable fluids
include motor oil, and the like. In other embodiments, the pourable material
is a flowable solid.
Non-limiting examples of suitable flowable solids includes sand, pebbles, and
the like. In yet
other embodiments, the pourable material is a combination of a fluid and
flowable solid.
Friction Pouring Spout Fitments
100911 In some embodiments, friction fitments for flexible containers are
provided. In
some embodiments, the flexible containers comprise a hollow friction fitting.
In some
embodiments, the inner surface of the hollow friction fitting may include a
plurality of ridges,
valleys, barbs, or depressions configured to create a friction fit or a snap
interference fit with the
friction fitments described herein.
[90921 In some embodiments, the friction fitment comprises a hollow rigid
member.
The hollow rigid member may include a top end, which has a discharge opening,
and a base end
having a base opening, where the base opening and the discharge opening are in
fluid
communication with one another. The hollow rigid member may include an outer
surface and an
inner surface. The outer surface of the hollow rigid member may include a
plurality of ridges,
valleys, barbs, or depressions configured to create a friction fit or a snap
interference fit with the
hollow friction fitting of the flexible container. For example, in some
embodiments the ridges,
valleys, barbs, or depressions on the inner surface of the hollow friction
fitting may be
complimentary to those on the outer surface of the hollow rigid member. In
this way, the hollow
rigid member and the friction fitting may form a seal, such that no material
stored within the
flexible package can escape through the interface between the hollow friction
fitting and the
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hollow rigid member. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the hollow
rigid member
may be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the hollow friction fitting.
In some
embodiments, the hollow rigid member and the hollow friction fitting may each
comprise
snapping elements, so that the hollow friction fitting and the canoe form a
snap interference fit.
As used herein, a "snap interference fit" means a stationary coupling of the
hollow friction fitting
to the hollow rigid member as a result of at least one or more snapping
elements.
[0093] In some embodiments, the hollow rigid member further
includes a rail grabber
portion. The rail grabber portion may be located at or near the top end of the
hollow rigid
member, such that the rail grabber portion extends beyond the flexible
container when the
friction fitment is attached to the flexible container. In some embodiments,
the rail grabber
portion substantially surrounds at least a portion of the hollow rigid member.
In some
embodiments, the rail grabber portion may consist of two or more protrusions
which extend
outward around a dispensing opening. The rail grabber portion is configured to
allow for easy
transport of the friction fitment and flexible package with the fitment
attached along standard
manufacturing lines, according to methods which are known in the art.
[90941 The hollow friction fitting may be made of any suitable
material. In some
embodiments, the hollow friction fitting is made of a thermoplastic material.
Non-limiting
examples of suitable thermoplastic materials include polypropylene,
polyethylene, and the like.
In some embodiments, the hollow friction fitting is formed by injection
molding.
10095] The hollow rigid member may be made of any suitable material. In
some
embodiments, the hollow friction fitting is made of a thermoplastic material.
Non-limiting
examples of suitable thermoplastic materials include polypropylene,
polyethylene, and the like.
In some embodiments, the hollow friction fitting is formed by injection
molding.
[0096I In some embodiments, the friction fitment further comprises
a handling
portion. This handling portion is configured to extend beyond the opening of
the flexible
package, and substantially surrounds at least a portion of the hollow rigid
member. Thus, when
the friction fitment has been installed in a flexible package, a user may be
able to lift, move, and
manipulate the flexible container in party by grasping the handling portion.
In some
embodiments, the handling portion may include features to improve its
graspability by a user.
For example, the handling portion may be textured, or include a plurality of
ridges or protrusions
to make it more easily graspable by a user.
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[00971 In some embodiments, the friction fitment also includes an
extendible spout
that is at least partially disposed in and connected to the hollow rigid
member. The extendible
spout includes a proximal end and a proximal opening, a distal end and a
distal opening, and a
discharge passage. The proximal end is connected to the hollow rigid member,
the distal end is
configured to extend from and retract at least partially into the hollow rigid
member, and the
discharge passage extends from the proximal opening to the distal opening. The
extendible spout
is configured to dispense the pourable material from the flexible package
through the distal
opening when the friction fitment is attached to the flexible package, thereby
enabling the
pourable material to be dispensed in areas or receiving vessels otherwise not
possible due to, for
example, the size or shape of the receiving vessel or the container itself The
extendible spout
also is configured to provide directional transfer and enables the pourable
materials to be
transferred from the flexible package to areas or receiving vessels without
being exposed to the
environment.
[00981 In some embodiments, the extendible spout is made of a
thermoplastic
material, a paper material, or the like, or combinations thereof Non-limiting
examples of
suitable thermoplastic materials include polypropylene, polyethylene, and the
like. In one
embodiment, the paper material is coated with either a plastic layer or a wax
layer. In some
embodiments, the extendible spout is formed by extrusion molding.
[00991 In embodiments, the proximal end of the extendible spout is
connected to the
hollow rigid member. This connection secures the extendible spout so as to
prevent the
extendible spout from disengaging the hollow rigid member, particularly during
operation.
[01001 In some embodiments, the proximal end of the extendible
spout is directly
connected to hollow rigid member. That is, the proximal end is affixed to the
interior annular
wall or the annular insert of the hollow rigid member proximate the base end.
In one
embodiment, the proximal end is connected to the hollow rigid member using a
bonding method.
Non-limiting examples of suitable bonding methods include adhesive gluing,
sonic welding, and
the like.
[01011 In other embodiments, the proximal end of the extendible
spout is indirectly
connected to the hollow rigid member. That is, the proximal end is affixed to
another component
or components and that component or components is/are at least partially
affixed to the inner
surface of the hollow rigid member proximate the base end.
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[01021 In some embodiments the extendible spout includes a
corrugated portion. In
another embodiment, the extendible portion is flexible. In yet another
embodiment, the
extendible spout includes a corrugated portion and is flexible.
[01031 In some embodiments, the corrugated portion and the
extendible spout are
made of the same material. In other embodiments, the corrugated portion and
the extendible
spout are made of different materials. Non-limiting examples of suitable
materials in which the
corrugated portion may be made of include thermoplastic materials, paper
materials, and the like.
In one embodiment, the paper material is coated with either a plastic or a wax
layer.
[01041 In some embodiments, the corrugated portion may be formed
in the same
-- manner as the extendible spout. In another embodiment, the corrugated
portion may be formed in
a different manner as the extendible spout. In one embodiment, the corrugated
portion is formed
by extrusion molding.
[01051 In some embodiments, the extendible spout is selectively
positionable in a
retracted configuration in which the extendible spout is retracted and the
distal end is at least
partially disposed within the hollow rigid member, and, alternatively, an
extended configuration
in which the extendible spout is extended and the distal end extends out of
the hollow rigid
member. That is, the length of the extendible spout can be varied prior to,
during, or after use,
and therefore not fixed to one specific length. This feature beneficially
provides the friction
fitments with the ability to dispense material from a container into various
destinations without
-- having to disconnect the system from the container.
191061 In one embodiment, a user may insert a finger or tool into
the distal end of the
extendible spout to adjust the extendible spout from one extended length to a
second extended
length, when desired.
[0107I In operation, the extendible spout may be selectively
positioned in a fully
extended configuration or a partially extended configuration. In one
embodiment, the extendible
spout, when in a fully extended configuration, has a length of about 3 inches
to about 40 inches.
In one embodiment, the extendible spout, when in a fully extended
configuration, has a length of
about 5 inches or less. In another embodiment, the extendible spout, when in a
fully extended
configuration, has a length of about 40 inches or less. In yet another
embodiment, the extendible
-- spout, when in a fully extended configuration, has a length of about 8
inches to about 21 inches.
In another embodiment, the extendible spout, when in a fully extended
configuration, has a
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length of about 8 inches to about 30 inches. In other embodiments, the
extendible spout, when in
a fully extended configuration, has a length of about 8 inches to about 40
inches.
191081 In some embodiments, the extendible spout is configured to
expand, in
relationship to the length of the hollow rigid member, at a ratio of 3:1. For
example, for every
inch of hollow rigid member, the extendible spout can fully expand to 3
inches.
101091 In some embodiments, the inner surface of the distal end of
the extendible
spout comprises grooves or dimples to aid a user in extending the extendible
spout from the
hollow rigid member into an extended configuration. In another embodiment, a
lip or ridge is
located on at least one of an inner surface or an outer surface of the distal
end of the extendible
spout. The lip or ridge may be similarly configured to aid a user in extending
the extendible
spout from the hollow rigid member.
191101 In some embodiments, the pouring spout fitment includes a
removable safety
seal covering the distal opening of the extendible spout. In one embodiment,
the removable
safety seal is connected to the distal opening of the extendible spout. In
another embodiment, the
removable safety seal is connected to the inner surface of the distal end of
the extendible spout.
In yet another embodiment, the removable safety seal may be connected to the
outer surface of
the distal end. In certain embodiments, the removable safety seal is heat
sealed to either the distal
opening or the inner surface of the distal end for attachment.
101111 In some embodiments, the detachable dispensing system
includes a removable
safety seal covering the proximal end of the extendible spout. In one
embodiment, the removable
safety seal is connected to the proximal opening of the extendible spout. In
another embodiment,
the removable safety seal is connected to the inner surface of the proximal
end of the extendible
spout. In yet another embodiment, the removable safety seal may be connected
to the outer
surface of the proximal end. In certain embodiments, the removable safety seal
is heat sealed to
either the proximal opening or the inner surface of the proximal end for
attachment.
191121 In another embodiment, the removable safety seal is
connected to the hollow
rigid member proximate either the top end, for example, when the extendible
spout is
substantially retracted, if not fully, into the hollow rigid member, or the
base end.
101131 In some embodiments, the pouring spout fitment includes
more than one
removable safety seal. For example, in one embodiment, the distal opening of
the extendible
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spout is covered with a first removable safety seal and the inner surface of
the extendible spout is
covered with a second removable safety seal.
IN 141 In some embodiments, the removable safety seal includes a
metal foil that is
coated with a plastic layer, in which the plastic layer faces the direction of
the discharge passage.
Non-limiting examples of suitable metal foils include aluminum, platinum, and
the like.
[01151 In some embodiments, the removable safety seal may be
punctured for
removal. In another embodiment, the removable safety seal may include a pull
tab to enable a
user to remove the removable safety seal from either the extendible spout or
the hollow rigid
member with a pealing motion.
[01161 In some embodiments, the friction fitment includes a removable lid
that
covers the top end of the hollow rigid member, when the hollow rigid member is
in the recessed
position. In one embodiment, the removable lid is hingedly connected to the
hollow rigid
member. In one embodiment, the removable lid is hingedly connected to the
handling portion. In
another embodiment, the removable lid includes a tab that extends from the lid
to enable a user
to remove the lid and access the extendible spout. In yet another embodiment,
the removable lid
is releasably connected to the handling portion with a fastening element
(e.g., a clamp or a snap)
or a friction fit.
[01171 In some embodiments, the pourable material is a fluid. In
embodiments, the
fluid is a liquid or the combination of a liquid and a gas. Non-limiting
examples of suitable fluids
include motor oil, and the like. In other embodiments, the pourable material
is a flowable solid.
Non-limiting examples of suitable flowable solids includes sand, pebbles, and
the like. In yet
other embodiments, the pourable material is a combination of a fluid and
flowable solid.
Illustrated Dispensing Systems
101181 FIGS. 1-7 depict an exemplary embodiment of a dispensing
system for use
with a flexible package which includes a detachable dispensing system in
various configurations.
[01191 FIGS. 1 and 1A illustrate a dispensing system 100 for a
flexible container
101, which includes a fitment 103 and a detachable dispensing system 105. FIG.
2 shows an
exploded view of the dispensing system 100 and flexible container 101 of FIGS.
1 and 1A. The
fitment 103 includes a canoe 107 having a body 108 with an outer surface 140
and an inner
surface 141 defining a passage 142 extending through the body 108, where the
outer surface 141
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is configured to be attached to the inner surface 102 of the flexible
container 101. The fitment
103 further includes threads 109 surrounding a dispensing opening 111, wherein
the threads 109
are configured to engage the detachable dispensing system 105. The fitment 103
further includes
a rail grabber portion 139 consisting of two planar protrusions 139a and 139b.
These protrusions
are configured to allow the fitment and a flexible package attached to the
fitment 103 to be easily
transported along typical manufacturing equipment used in the assembly and
filling of flexible
containers, according to methods known in the art.
101201 The dispensing system 100 includes a handling portion 113
having an outer
ring and an inner ring. The outer ring is configured to selectively secure
and, alternatively,
remove the handling portion about a dispensing opening 111 of the fitment 103.
That is, the outer
ring connects the handling portion 113 to the container by connecting threads
114a to threads
114b on the fitment. The outer ring configuration advantageously enables the
handling portion
113, and thus the system, to be attached to and removed from the fitment 103,
when desired,
rather than being permanently attached.
[0121I The detachable dispensing system 105 also includes an extendible
spout 121
that is at least partially disposed in and connected to the hollow rigid
member 115. The
extendible spout 121 includes a proximal end 123 and a proximal opening 125, a
distal end 127
and a distal opening 129, and a discharge passage 131. The proximal end 113 is
connected to the
hollow rigid member 115, the distal end 127 is configured to extend from and
retract at least
partially into the hollow rigid member 115, and the discharge passage 131
extends from the
proximal opening 125 to the distal opening 129. The extendible spout 121 is
movable from a
retracted position, as shown in FIG. 3, and an extended position, as shown in
FIGS. 1, 1A, and
2. The extendible spout 121 is configured to dispense the pourable material
from the flexible
package 101 through the distal opening 129 when the handling portion 113 is
engaged about the
dispensing opening 111 of the fitment 103.
101221 The detachable dispensing system 105 also includes a hollow
rigid member
115 that includes a top end 117 and a flared base end 119. The hollow rigid
member 115 is
slideably disposed within the handling portion 113 and selectively
positionable between a
recessed position and an extended position. FIGS. 1, 1A, 2, and 3 illustrate
the dispensing
system 100 wherein the hollow rigid member 115 is in a recessed position,
wherein the top end
117 is proximate the handling portion 113, and wherein the extendible spout
121 is shown in an
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extended position. FIG. 4 illustrates the detachable dispensing system wherein
the hollow rigid
member 115 is in an extended position, wherein the bottom end 119 is proximate
the handling
portion 113, and wherein the extendible spout 121 is in an extended position.
[01231 The dispensing system 100 further includes a safety seal
137 which is attached
to the extendible spout 121 in an open configuration, where material can pass
through the distal
opening 129 of the extendible spout 121. The safety seal 137 is configured to
seal the distal
opening 129 of the extendible spout 121, and may also function as a pull tab
to assist a user in
extending the extendible spout 121.
[01241 FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the dispensing system 100 of
FIG. 1. As can be
seen in FIG. 5, there may be an annular space 133 created between the hollow
rigid member 115
and the canoe 107. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the dispensing
system 100 of FIG. 1.
As can be seen in FIG. 6, the bottom end 119 of the hollow rigid member 115
may extend
farther below than the canoe 107. In other words, the hollow rigid member 115
may extend
further into the flexible package than the canoe 107 of the fitment 103. FIG.
7 is a perspective
view of the dispensing system 100 wherein the lid 135 is shown in a closed
position.
Illustrated Pouring Spout Fitments
[01251 FIGS. 8-11 depict an exemplary embodiment of a pouring
spout fitment for
use with a flexible package in various configurations.
[0126I FIGS. 8 and 8A illustrate pouring spout fitment 800 for a
flexible container
801, which includes a hollow canoe portion 803 having a body 804 with an outer
surface 830 and
an inner surface 831 defining a passage 832 extending through the body,
wherein the outer
surface 830 is configured to be attached directly to the inner surface 802 of
a flexible container
801. FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the pouring spout fitment 800 and flexible
container 801 of
FIG. 8. For example, the hollow canoe portion 803 may be welded to the inner
surface of a
flexible container. The pouring spout fitment 800 further includes a hollow
rigid member 805
having a top end 807 and a bottom end 809. The pouring spout fitment further
includes an
extendible spout 811 that is at least partially disposed in and connected to
the hollow rigid
member 805. The extendible spout 811 includes a proximal end 813 and a
proximal opening 815,
a distal end 817 and a distal opening 819, and a discharge passage 821. The
proximal end 813 is
connected to the hollow rigid member 805, the distal end 817 is configured to
extend from and
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retract at least partially into the hollow rigid member 805, and the discharge
passage 821 extends
from the proximal opening 815 to the distal opening 819. The extendible spout
is configured to
extend between an extended position, wherein the distal end 817 extends from
top end 807 of the
hollow rigid member 805, and a retracted position, wherein the distal end 817
retracts at least
partially into the hollow rigid member 805. The extendible spout 811 is
configured to dispense
the pourable material from the flexible package 801 through the distal opening
819 when the
hollow canoe portion 803 is attached to the inner surface of the flexible
package 801. FIGS. 1
and 1A illustrate the extendible spout in an extended configuration. The
pouring spout fitment
800 further includes a removable lid 823, which is attached to the top end 807
of the hollow rigid
member 805 by threads 824.
[0127] The pouring spout fitment 803 further includes a rail
grabber portion 825
consisting of two planar protrusions 827 and 829. These protrusions are
configured to allow the
fitment 803 and a flexible package 801 attached to the fitment 103 to be
easily transported along
typical manufacturing equipment according to methods known in the art.
[0128I FIG. 11 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the pouring spout
fitment 800,
800a. This embodiment includes a hollow rigid member 805, a hollow canoe
portion 803, a rail
grabber portion 825, and an extendible spout 811 as described above. However,
in this
embodiment the lid 823a is integral with the remainder of the fitment 800a. In
this embodiment,
the lid 823a may be formed in a single injection molding step, and is hingedly
connected to the
hollow rigid member 805, rail grabber portion 825, and hollow canoe portion
803.
191291 FIGS. 12-15 depict an exemplary embodiment of a pouring
spout fitment with
friction fit attachment means for use with a flexible package in various
configurations.
[01301 FIGS. 12 and 12A illustrate pouring spout fitment 1000 for
a flexible
container 1001. FIG. 12A depicts a cross-sectional view of the pouring spout
fitment 1000 of
FIG. 10, taken along line A-A. The pouring spout fitment 1000 includes a
hollow rigid member
1005 having a top end 1007 and a bottom end 1009, an outer surface 1008, and
an inner surface
1010. The pouring spout fitment 1000 further includes an extendible spout 1011
that is at least
partially disposed in and connected to the hollow rigid member 1005. The
extendible spout 1011
includes a proximal end 1013 and a proximal opening 1015, a distal end 1017
and a distal
opening 1019, and a discharge passage 1021. The proximal end 1013 is connected
to the hollow
rigid member 1005, the distal end 1017 is configured to extend from and
retract at least partially
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into the hollow rigid member 805, and the discharge passage 1021 extends from
the proximal
opening 1015 to the distal opening 1019. The extendible spout is configured to
extend between
an extended position, wherein the distal end 1017 extends from top end 1007 of
the hollow rigid
member 1005, and a retracted position, wherein the distal end 1017 retracts at
least partially into
the hollow rigid member 1005. The extendible spout 1011 is configured to
dispense the pourable
material from the flexible package 1001 through the distal opening 1019 when
the hollow canoe
portion 1003 is attached to the inner surface of the flexible package 1001.
FIGS. 12 and 12A,
and 13 illustrate the extendible spout in an extended configuration.
[0131] The pouring spout fitment 1000 further includes a rail
grabber portion 1025
having a single protrusion configured to allow the fitment 1000 and a flexible
package 1001
attached to the fitment 1000 to be easily transported along typical
manufacturing equipment
according to methods known in the art. The pouring spout fitment 1000 further
includes a
removable lid 1023, which is attached to the top end 1007 of the hollow rigid
member 1005 by
threads 1024.
[0132] FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-section of the pouring spout fitment
1000 and
flexible package 1001 of FIG. 12 as shown in FIG. 12A, where the extendible
spout is shown in
a retracted position.
[0133] FIG. 15 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the pouring
spout fitment
1000, 1000a. This embodiment includes a hollow rigid member 1005, a hollow
canoe portion
1003, a rail grabber portion 1025, and an extendible spout 1011 as described
above. However, in
this embodiment the lid 1023a is integral with the remainder of the fitment
1000a. In this
embodiment, the lid 1023a may be formed in a single injection molding step,
and is hingedly
connected to the hollow rigid member 1005, rail grabber portion 1025, and
hollow canoe portion
1003.
[0134] FIGS. 16 and 16A illustrate a pouring spout fitment 1600 for a
flexible
container 1601. FIG. 16A depicts a cross-sectional view of the pouring spout
fitment 1600 of
FIG. 16, taken along line A-A. The pouring spout fitment 1600 includes a
hollow rigid member
1605 having a top end 1607 and a bottom end 1609. The pouring spout fitment
1600 further
includes an extendible spout 1611 that is at least partially disposed in and
connected to the
hollow rigid member 1605. In this embodiment, the extendible spout is
connected to the bottom
end 1609 of the hollow rigid member. The extendible spout 1611 includes a
proximal end 1613
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and a proximal opening 1615, a distal end 1617 and a distal opening 1619, and
a discharge
passage 1621. The proximal end 1613 is connected to the hollow rigid member
1605, the distal
end 1617 is configured to extend from and retract at least partially into the
hollow rigid member
1605, and the discharge passage 1621 extends from the proximal opening 1615 to
the distal
opening 1619. The extendible spout is configured to extend between an extended
position,
wherein the distal end 1617 extends from top end 1607 of the hollow rigid
member 1605, and a
retracted position, wherein the distal end 1617 retracts at least partially
into the hollow rigid
member 1605. The extendible spout 1611 is configured to dispense the pourable
material from
the flexible package 1601 through the distal opening 1619 when the hollow
canoe portion 1603
is attached to the inner surface of the flexible package 1601. FIGS. 16 and
16A illustrate the
extendible spout in an extended configuration.
191351 The pouring spout fitment 1600 further includes a removable
lid 1623, which
is attached to the top end 1607 of the hollow rigid member 1605 by threads
1624. It should be
apparent that the foregoing relates only to certain embodiments of the present
disclosure and that
numerous changes and modifications may be made herein without departing from
the spirit and
the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and equivalents
thereof.
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