Dispensing – With frangible closure for outlet – About line or point of weakness
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-07
2001-06-05
Derakshani, Philippe (Department: 3754)
Dispensing
With frangible closure for outlet
About line or point of weakness
C222S541900, C222S562000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06241132
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to the art of fluid dispensing apparatus, and more particularly to a collapsible pouch or bag including a dispensing fitment for effectively and conveniently dispensing fluid from the pouch. The fluid dispensing fitments involved are particularly suited for dispensing fluid directly for human consumption if desired, i.e., in the manner of a drinking “straw.” Although the invention will be described with particular reference to the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that the invention has broader application and may be advantageously employed in other environments and applications for dispensing any of a wide variety of fluids both for human consumption and otherwise.
It is generally known to use a flexible or collapsible bag or pouch to retain and selectively dispense fluids and other viscous materials. However, prior pouch arrangements have included large, complex, and expensive outlet fittings and/or valve structures not suitable for conveniently dispensing fluid for direct human consumption. Other prior designs have required use of a separate drinking straw that must be pushed or inserted into the pouch, an operation often resulting in a stream of fluid being accidentally forced under pressure from the drinking straw onto those nearby. Furthermore, such prior systems have not included easily openable outlet fittings or fitments particularly adapted to facilitate human consumption directly from the associated fluid retaining pouch.
Accordingly, it has been deemed desirable to develop fluid dispensing apparatus with fitment spouts for use in association with fluid containing pouches that are convenient and easy to open and use, sanitary, inexpensive to manufacture, and which prevent undesired spillage of liquid from the associated pouch.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a fluid dispensing system includes a fluid container defining an internal cavity adapted for retaining fluid, and a fitment connected to the container. The fitment is adapted for dispensing fluid from the container and includes a base adapted for securement to the container and a neck first portion extending outwardly from the base away from the container. The neck first portion and base include a bore therein in fluid communication with the internal cavity of the container. A neck second portion is removably connected to the neck first portion by a weakened material zone in fluid-blocking relation with the bore. The neck second portion is adapted for at least partial separation from the neck first portion upon application of stress to the neck second portion to rupture the weakened material zone and open the bore.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a fitment spout adapted for dispensing fluid from an associated container includes a base adapted for being fixedly secured to the container, a neck first portion, and a neck second portion. The first portion of the neck projects outwardly from the base away from the container. The neck and base together defining a bore in fluid communication with an interior portion of the container. The second portion of the neck is connected to the first portion and blocks the bore in a fluid-tight manner. The neck second portion is interconnected to the first portion by way of a frangible zone of material whereby the second portion is adapted for selective separation from the first portion upon application of stress thereto for at least partially rupturing the frangible zone.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fluid dispenser includes a container adapted to retain fluid in an interior portion and an elongated fitment member for dispensing fluid from the container. The fitment member defines a bore extending from a first end to a second end, and is connected to the fluid container so that the bore is in fluid communication with the interior portion of the container at the first end of the fitment member and projects outwardly from the container. A flexible sanitary overwrap at least partially covers the second end of the elongated fitment member. The sanitary overwrap includes an inner surface sealingly and releasably engaged with the second end of the fitment member to block fluid flow out of the container interior portion through the bore.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a fitment for dispensing fluid includes a first portion adapted for being fixedly secured to an associated container and a second portion connected to and projecting outwardly from the first portion. The first and second portions define a bore in fluid communication with an interior portion of an associated container. A normally closed valve is connected to the second portion and at least substantially blocks fluid flow out of the associated container through the bore. The valve is selectively openable to allow fluid flow through the bore.
One advantage of the present invention resides in the provision of a new and improved fluid dispensing apparatus with an associated fitment spout.
Another advantage of the invention is found in the provision of a fluid dispensing apparatus with an easily and conveniently opened fitment.
A further advantage of the invention is the provision of a fluid dispensing apparatus with a fitment particularly adapted for dispensing fluid for direct human consumption in a sanitary and convenient manner.
Another advantage of the invention resides in the ease of manufacturing an effective fluid dispensing apparatus at relatively low cost.
A still further advantage of the invention is found in the provision of a spill-proof fluid dispensing apparatus with a selectively openable and closable valve for convenient dispensing of fluid.
Still other benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2802608 (1957-08-01), Gassaway
patent: 5577643 (1996-11-01), Stolz
patent: 5586672 (1996-12-01), Schneider et al.
patent: 5622283 (1997-04-01), Morrison
patent: 5699936 (1997-12-01), Sakamoto
patent: 5845812 (1998-12-01), Morrison
Derakshani Philippe
Fay Sharpe Fagan Minnich & McKee LLP
The Testor Corporation
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