Spout With Self Sealing Fitment Assembly Mountable Thereto

Abstract

A spout and self sealing fitment assembly including a spout and a self sealing fitment. The spout and the fitment are configured to allow for the fitment to be pressed onto the spout whereupon corresponding threads on each matingly engage, thereby allowing for removal of the spout and fitment by way of unscrewing. The fitment may also be pried off the spout.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure relates in general to flexible packaging, and more particularly, to a spout with a self sealing fitment assembly mountable thereto. Such flexible packaging is used in association with the dispensing of flowable material from a bag.

2. Background Art

This application incorporates by reference U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/100,271 filed May 3, 2011 which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/589,368 filed Oct. 22, 2009, entitled “Self Sealing Bag in Box Cap Assembly,” which claims priority from U.S. Pat. App. Ser. No. 61/196,969, filed Oct. 22, 2008, entitled “Self Sealing Bag in Box Cap Assembly”, and, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/282,152 filed Jan. 13, 2011, entitled “Self Sealing Bag in Box Cap Assembly”.

Self sealing bags have become increasingly useful, especially in the food packaging industry. One current system utilizes a flexible bag having a spout to which a Sentry cap available from Scholle Corporation is affixed. A separate hose is provided which has at a first end a probe and at a second end a connector available from Erie Plastics with a flexible membrane. One such membrane is available from LMS of Midland, Mich. The probe is inserted into the opening of the Sentry cap and the other end is affixed to a distribution hose so that flowable material can be withdrawn from the flexible bag through the Sentry Cap and to the distribution hose. One such system is shown in FIG. 1 of the incorporated '271 application. Several different embodiments of such a cap are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,387,220 issued to Verespej et al and assigned to Scholle Corporation and U.S. Pat. No. 7,357,277 issued to Verespej et al and assigned to Scholle Corporation. Both of these patents are incorporated by reference herein, in their entirety.

Among other drawbacks, such a system requires many separate components which increase the cost of use of such a system. Additionally, with such a system, many connections are utilized, each of which is susceptible to failure. Further still, such sealing membranes are prone to damage during the insertion of the probe therein, and there are drawbacks associated with the membrane configurations themselves.

In addition, it is often the case that the fitments are coupled to the spout in a press fit configuration, which typically requires the use of a special tool, or equipment to install and remove. As a result, a user is unable to generally and easily remove the fitment from the spout. Often, when the two are attempted to be separated, one or both of the structures are damaged.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure is directed to a spout and self sealing fitment assembly comprising a spout and a self sealing fitment. The spout includes a base flange, a cylindrical upstand, an upper flange and a spout thread. The cylindrical upstand extends from the base flange and terminates at a distal end. The upper flange is disposed on the cylindrical upstand spaced apart from the base flange and the distal end. The spout thread is helically disposed on the cylindrical upstand between the upper flange and the distal end. The self sealing fitment assembly has a body defining an opening, and a sealing membrane extending over the opening. The sealing membrane has a valve positionable between a closed position and an open position. The body further comprises an upper annular portion, an inner depending annular member, and an outer depending annular member. The inner depending annular member extends from the upper annular portion and includes an outer surface. The outer depending annular member extends from the upper annular portion spaced apart from the inner depending annular member. The outer depending annular member has an inner surface. The inner surface and outer surface cooperatively forming a passageway configured to receive the cylindrical upstand of the spout. The inner surface of the outer depending annular member having a lower portion of a first thickness, and an upper portion of a second thickness which is greater than the first thickness. An inwardly directed stopper flange is defined therebetween. A fitment thread is helically disposed on the lower portion of the inner surface.

When the cylindrical upstand is extended into the passageway and pressed therein, the outer depending annular member is configured to outwardly flex so as to allow the spout thread to be directed over the fitment thread until the distal end of the base flange reaches the stopper flange, whereupon, the spout thread and the fitment thread are in a mating engagement. Such mating engagement allows for removal of the self sealing fitment from the spout through twisting of the spout relative to the self sealing fitment, guided by the mating engagement of the fitment thread and the spout thread.

In a preferred embodiment, the spout has an upper annular rim flange disposed at the distal end. The upper annular rim flange extends outwardly from the cylindrical upstand. In operable engagement, the upper annular rim flange engages the stopper flange, precluding further insertive movement of the spout within the passageway.

In another preferred embodiment, the stopper flange is spaced apart from the upper annular portion such that a portion of the passage way remains unobstructed between the upper annular rim flange and the upper annular portion.

In another preferred embodiment, the upper annular portion further includes a grasping flange extending outwardly therefrom. The grasping flange facilitates the prying off of the fitment from the spout.

In another preferred embodiment, lower portion of the inner surface has a height, the height of the lower portion of the inner surface is less than a distance between the distal end of the cylindrical upstand and the upper flange, such that the outer depending annular member is spaced apart from the upper flange.

In another preferred embodiment, the inner depending annular member extends beyond the outer depending annular member.

In another preferred embodiment, the spout thread has an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface of the spout thread has a slope that is greater than that of the lower surface. As a result, the force required to pass the fitment thread over the spout thread is greater in one direction than in an opposite direction.

In another preferred embodiment, the fitment thread is positioned entirely on the lower portion of the inner surface, and is spaced apart from the stopper flange.

In another preferred embodiment, the spout thread is positioned entirely between the distal end of the cylindrical upstand and the upper flange, and spaced apart from each one.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure is directed to a self sealing fitment assembly having a body defining an opening, and a sealing membrane extending over the opening. The sealing membrane has a valve positionable between a closed position and an open position. The body further comprises an upper annular portion, an inner depending annular member and an outer depending annular member. The inner depending annular member extends from the upper annular portion. The inner depending annular member has an outer surface. The outer depending annular member extends from the upper annular portion spaced apart from the inner depending annular member. The outer depending annular member has an inner surface. The inner surface and outer surface cooperatively form a passageway configured to receive the cylindrical upstand of the spout. The inner surface of the outer depending annular member has a lower portion of a first thickness, and an upper portion of a second thickness which is greater than the first thickness, resulting in a narrowing of the passageway, with an inwardly directed stopper flange defined therebetween. A fitment thread helically disposed on the lower portion of the inner surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the fitment thread is spaced apart from the stopper flange.

In another preferred embodiment, the upper annular portion further includes a grasping flange extending outwardly from the outer depending annular member. The grasping flange is spaced apart from the stopper flange.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 of the drawings is a top plan view of a container having a spout with self sealing fitment assembly mounted thereto;

FIG. 2 of the drawings is a partial perspective view of the container having a spout with self sealing fitment assembly mounted thereto;

FIG. 3 of the drawings is a partial perspective view of the container having a spout with self sealing fitment assembly mounted thereto, without the cap to the fitment;

FIG. 4 of the drawings is a perspective view of the spout for use with the self sealing fitment assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 of the drawings is a side elevational view of the spout for use with the self sealing fitment assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 of the drawings is another side elevational view of the spout for use with the self sealing fitment assembly of the present disclosure, being rotated a quarter turn from the view of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 of the drawings is another side elevational view of the spout for use with the self sealing fitment assembly of the present disclosure, being rotated a quarter turn from the view of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the spout for use with the self sealing fitment assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the self sealing fitment of the present disclosure, showing the cap in the installed configuration;

FIG. 10 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the self sealing fitment of the present disclosure, taken about a plane proximate the first end of the thread, to, in turn, show the gap between the stopping flange and the first end of the thread;

FIG. 11 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the self sealing fitment of the present disclosure, having the cap removed;

FIG. 12 of the drawings is a perspective view of the cap of the self sealing fitment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 of the drawings is a partial cross-sectional view of the fitment assembly of the dispensing system of the present disclosure, showing, in particular, the placement of the sealing membrane and the retaining ring;

FIG. 14 of the drawings is a perspective view of the sealing membrane of the present disclosure, showing, in particular, the valve opening;

FIG. 15 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the sealing membrane of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 of the drawings is a partial cross-sectional view of the sealing membrane of the present disclosure, showing, in particular, the features of the body attachment flange, the connector region and the sidewall structure of the valve body;

FIG. 17 of the drawings is a perspective view of a cross-section of the self sealing fitment mounted on the spout of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 18 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the self sealing fitment mounted on the spout of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail a specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification and is not intended to be limited to the embodiment illustrated.

It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.

Referring now to the Figures of the present disclosure, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 3, collectively, container assembly 10 includes container body (flexible bag) 12, spout 14 and fitment assembly 16. With reference to FIG. 1, the container body 12 comprises a plurality of flexible polymer panels 13 and a plurality of seals 15 coupling the panels to each other. The panels and seals cooperate to define cavity 26. Of course, the invention is not limited to any particular number of panels and/or seals, or, a container body having any particular geometric configuration. For example, the container body may comprise a pillow-type container, or may comprise a gusseted container, among others. Such container assemblies are commonly utilized with a number of different types of flowable material. For example, syrups, purees, smoothies, pastes and other materials may be utilized in association with the container. The disclosure is certainly not limited to any particular flowable material. The flexible bag is often positioned within an outer rigid container and a probe is directed through the fitment. One particular use is with thicker beverage mixes and associated filling equipment.

Spout 14 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 4 through 8 as comprising base flange 300, cylindrical upstand 302, upper flange 304, upper annular rim flange 306 and thread 308. The base flange 300 includes lower portion 310 and upper portion 312. The two portions define lower surface 318, top surface 316 and outer surface 314. As will be understood to those of skill in the art, the base flange is coupled to the container body (i.e., typically a conventional pillow-type container) through welding, adhesion or other system typically joining the upper surface to the inside of the panels. The cylindrical upstand 302 extends upwardly from the base flange 300, positioned at a proximal end 324 thereof, and extends generally orthogonal thereto toward distal end 326. Typically, the cylindrical upstand is substantially uniform in cross-section and the inner surface defines a passageway which provides fluid communication with the cavity of the container. While termed cylindrical, elliptical as well as other shapes are contemplated.

The upper flange 304 includes upper surface 330, lower surface 332 and outer surface 334. The upper flange is spaced apart from the lower flange and is generally parallel thereto. Thus, a generally uniform channel is defined between the flanges. Filling equipment and dispensing equipment may be configured to grasp the spout 14 about the channel and the flanges. In the embodiment shown, the upper flange corresponds in diameter to the upper portion 312 of the base flange 300 with the outer surfaces of each being corresponding in configuration (that is, having the same foot print, for example).

The upper annular rim flange 306 extends about the distal end of the cylindrical upstand 302. In the embodiment shown, the upper annular rim flange 306 extends outwardly from the outer surface of the cylindrical upstand and generally has a diameter which is smaller than the upper flange 304 (and that generally matches the diameter of the outer surface 348 of the thread 308).

The thread 308 includes first end 340, second end 342 and generally comprises a single helical winding which overlaps for a portion (such as for example a quarter turn to a half turn). The helical winding includes a upper surface 344, a lower surface 346 and an outer surface 348. The first end 340 of the helical winding has an upper surface which is tapered so that a gap is preserved between the upper annular rim flange and the thread. In the embodiment shown, the upper taper extends about a quarter turn. It will be understood that such a configuration allows for an extended thread while preserving the gap separating the thread from the upper annular rim flange.

The upper surface is inclined in a downward and outward configuration at a different angle than the lower surface The slope of the upper surface is substantially greater than that of the lower surface. This provides a one way effect to the mating threads, in that they can be snapped over the threads when directed on (or in a downward direction on the spout) while generally requiring greater force to remove the cap from the spout.

The spout may comprise a HDPE material, or a polypropylene material, among other polymer materials. It will be understood that the spout is generally an injection molded component that comprises a single uniform material, although it is contemplated that multiple materials may be utilized for desired portions thereof. Of course, other methods of manufacturing, as well as other materials are likewise contemplated.

An exemplary fitment assembly 16 is shown in its entirety and in separate components, collectively, in FIGS. 9 through 16 as comprising body 40, sealing membrane 42, retaining ring 44 and cap/seal 46. The body 40 includes upper annular portion 200, inner depending annular member 202 and outer depending annular member 204. An opening 54 is defined in the upper annular portion 200 and the inner depending annular member 202. Generally, the body and the cap may be integrally molded (much like the Sentry product sold by Scholle Corporation). The sealing membrane and the retaining ring comprise separate elements which are coupled to the base. In certain embodiments, the cap may be omitted, and a membrane seal (formed from a foil or a polymer film) can be sealingly engaged with the body. This membrane is frangible and pierced prior to or simultaneous with insertion of a drain or probe into the opening 54 of the fitment assembly. Typically, the base and cap, as well as the ring, are formed from a polymer, such as HDPE, or polypropylene, although other materials are likewise contemplated.

The upper annular portion 200 includes circumferential cap sealing flange 56. The circumferential cap sealing flange 56 is typically employed when cap 46 is utilized. The cap 46 includes a similar sealing flange 56’ which together with the cap sealing flange 56 provides a hermetic seal when engaged. In embodiments wherein a membrane seal is utilized, the sealing flange 56 can be omitted, and the membrane seal can be sealed against the circumferential sealing surface 57 which is outboard of the location of the cap sealing flange. Additionally, tamper evident structures, such as structures 51, 51′ may be provided on the cap. In other embodiments, a foil seal or a membrane coupled to the body may be utilized.

Additionally, the upper annular portion 200 includes outer annular bulge 214 which includes an outer surface 218 and a grasping flange 219. The outer surface 218 includes a plurality of surface variations which aid in grasping of the body to rotate the same about the spout. The grasping flange 219 provides a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the opening of the body and extends outwardly beyond the outer depending annular member, providing a location to grasp when prying the cap off of the spout.

Outer depending annular member 204 includes inner surface 230 and outer surface 232. The inner surface 230 includes upper portion 240, lower portion 242 and stopper flange 244 therebetween. The lower portion includes thread 250 and terminates at distal end 252. The thread 250 has a helical winding that threadingly engages with the thread of the spout, and includes first end 254, second end 256, upper surface 258, lower surface 260 and outer surface 262. The thread 250 generally has a symmetrical configuration such that the upper and lower surfaces are mirror images of each other. It will be understood that variations are contemplated to further enhance the resistance to pry the cap off and decrease the resistance to snap the cap onto the spout. The distal end 252 includes chamfer 264 which is inwardly and upwardly directed.

Inner depending annular member 202 extends generally downwardly from the upper annular portion at a proximal end 220 and extends to a distal end 222. The inner depending annular member includes inner surface 224 and outer surface 226. The outer surface 226 includes upper portion 227, engagement portion 228 and lower portion 229. The upper portion corresponds to the portion of the surface that is above the stopper flange. The lower surface corresponds to the region below the stopper flange. It will be understood that, due to the hermetic seal, the dimension of the surface may vary so as to impart elastic and or plastic deformation in a desired manner. In the embodiment shown, the upper portion and a portion of the lower portion has a larger diameter than the remainder of the lower portion so as to provide a gradient of deformation therebetween Inner surface 224 and membrane engaging flange 66 positioned at the lower end thereof. The inner surface 224 includes a recessed circumferential channel 67, a base channel 68 and a membrane engaging surface between the recessed circumferential channel 67 and the base channel 68. In the embodiment shown, the membrane engaging flange 66 is angled so that the surface of the flange is at an acute angle with the membrane engagement surface 69. Of course, this is exemplary and not to be deemed limiting. Additionally, an inwardly sloping guide wall portion 63 may be circumferentially disposed above the recessed circumferential channel so as to direct a probe inwardly toward the membrane above the position of the retaining ring when the retaining ring is in its operable position. Similarly, an upper inwardly sloping lower guide wall portion 65 extends from a depending region 61 of the membrane engaging flange 66 and directs the membrane, and in turn, the probe toward the center of the opening. It has been found that such a portion 65 greatly limits damage to the membrane caused by the probe entering in a less than ideal location.

With reference to FIGS. 14 through 16, sealing membrane 42 is shown as comprising body attachment flange 70, valve body 90 and connector region 120. The sealing membrane comprises a silicone polymer material, although other materials are likewise contemplated for use. Such materials include, but are not limited to natural and synthetic rubbers and low durometer polymers. Generally the sealing membrane has a generally circular circumferential configuration with the body attachment flange having an annular configuration. Of course, the outer perimeter configuration is not limited to a substantially circular configuration, and other shapes are contemplated for use.

With further reference to FIG. 13, the body attachment flange 70 comprises upper seal surface 72, lower seal surface 74 outer seal surface 76 and connector coupling interface 78. The body attachment flange has a substantially triangular cross-sectional configuration. In such a configuration the outer seal surface 76 is substantially vertically oriented, and includes an upper flange 86 which extends outwardly from the upper end thereof. The connector coupling interface 78 is spaced apart from, and inward of, the outer seal surface 76. The upper seal surface 72 extends across the upper ends of the outer seal surface 72 and the connector coupling interface 78. The lower seal surface 74 extends across the lower ends of the outer seal surface 72 and the connector coupling interface 78.

As will be explained, the outer seal surface 76 seals against membrane engagement surface 69. Additionally, the lower seal surface 74 sealingly engages membrane engaging flange 66. Finally, the upper seal surface sealingly engages the sealing membrane engaging surface 182 of the retaining ring 44. The ring compresses the body attachment flange 70 against the membrane engaging flange 66 and the natural resilience of the material forms a substantially fluid tight seal.

With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the valve body 90 is shown as comprising a substantially cup-like shaped member. The valve body includes sidewall structure 92 and base wall structure 94. In the embodiment shown, the sidewall structure 92 comprises a substantially annular hoop-like member with the base wall structure 94 spanning within the confines of the sidewall structure.

The sidewall structure 92 comprises inner surface 96 and outer surface 98. The inner surface includes upper end 106 and lower end 108. The inner surface slopes inwardly from the upper end 106 to the lower end 108. Inward protrusion 110 is disposed between the upper end and the lower end. The inward protrusion, in the embodiment shown, comprises an annular bump with a substantially hemispherical cross-sectional configuration. Of course, other configurations are contemplated. The inward protrusion helps to direct the probe toward the valve opening 104, and provides an additional measure of strength to the sidewall to preclude damage to the sealing membrane during insertion of the probe.

The outer surface 98 of the sidewall structure 92 includes upper end 114 and lower end 116. Generally the outer surface is substantially perpendicular to the base wall structure 94. In the embodiment shown, the outer surface 98 substantially tracks the membrane engaging flange 66 in a spaced apart orientation therefrom, and in particular, the outer surface 98 is inclined slightly inwardly. The lower end 116 of the outer surface 98 may include a chamfer 99 which substantially matches the surface variation of the membrane engaging flange 66.

The sidewall structure 92 has a greater thickness at the lower end 108, 116 of the inner surface 96 and the outer surface 98, respectively, than at the upper ends thereof. As such, deformation of the lower end of the sidewall structure is minimized relative to the top thereof, and the additional thickness provides further cushioning if the probe is inserted in a manner that is not directed at the valve opening 104.

With reference to FIGS. 14 through 16, the base wall structure 94 includes inner surface 100, outer surface 102 and valve opening 104. The inner surface 100 is spaced apart from the outer surface such that the base wall structure 94 is of a substantially uniform thickness inboard of the sidewall structure 92.

The valve opening 104 comprises a plurality of slits that are configured to separate and to sealingly engage a probe inserted therethrough. Typically, with the materials that are contemplated for the sealing membrane, upon removal of the probe, the material rejoins such that the slits substantially preclude the passage therethrough of fluid. In the embodiment shown, a substantially snowflake like configuration is shown, which is well suited to the grasping and sealingly engaging a probe of, for example, a cylindrical configuration.

The connector region 120 is shown in FIG. 13 as comprising an inner interface 122 and an outer interface 124. The inner interface 122 engages the sidewall structure 92 of the valve body 90. The outer interface 124 extends from the sealing membrane, and in particular from the connector coupling interface 78. The outer interface 124 is spaced apart from the lower end of the lower seal surface 74 so as to form a channel which insures that contact of the connector region with the membrane engaging flange can be minimized.

With reference to FIG. 13, retaining ring 44 comprises a hoop-like structure which has body engaging tab 180, sealing membrane engagement surface 182 and inner wall structure 184. The tab 180 is shown as comprising a projection extending outwardly about the outside perimeter of the retaining ring.

The tab 180 is configured to be insertable and restrainable within the recessed channel 67. With the tab inserted within the channel 67, the body attachment flange 70 of the sealing membrane 42 becomes compressed so as to form a fluid-tight seal between the lower seal surface 76 of the sealing membrane 42 and the membrane engagement flange 66 of opening 54. In particular, the ring presses against the membrane so that its base surface presses against the body attachment flange and the upper seal surface 72 engages the seal membrane engagement surface 182. The natural resilience of the sealing membrane allows for the sealed engagement against the ring and the body. Typically, the seal membrane engagement surface includes a surface area which engages a similarly configured surface area on the membrane itself. The surface area of engagement is such that a significant seal can be created therebetween.

The inner wall structure 184 is configured to preclude damage to the membrane proximate the engagement of the membrane with the membrane engagement flange 66. Typically, the bags associated with the present fitment assembly, when full, may have a weight of, for example 25 pounds or the like. As such, when dropped onto a probe-type dispenser that is designed to extend through the membrane, damage to the membrane is of heightened concern. It has been found that the potential for damage to the membrane is greatly reduced with the presently configured inner wall structure 184. The inner wall structure 184 includes a inwardly sloping protective flange 186 that extends over a portion of the membrane and extends radially inwardly beyond the inward projection of the membrane engagement flange 66. The inwardly sloping protective flange terminates with a substantially planar wall 187 which is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the opening.

In such a configuration, a downwardly projecting probe may hit the inner wall structure 184 which will direct the probe inwardly toward the membrane. As the probe is directed to the membrane, the engagement of the probe with the membrane occurs at a point that is spaced apart from the membrane engagement flange 66 and thus, an additional measure of give is observed. The inwardly sloping angle is configured to slope inwardly at an acute angle of approximately 20° to 50° , however, the invention is not limited thereto.

Furthermore, the configuration of the membrane enhances the ability to withstand impacts from the downwardly projecting probe. The sidewall structure and the connector region are configured to both deflect and to direct the probe toward the valve opening. In particular, the inner surface 96 is inclined inwardly to urge the probe toward the valve opening. Additionally, the lower portions of the sidewall structure have less deflection, due to the greater thickness to further urge the probe toward the valve opening. Further still, the greater thickness and the inward protrusion further provide additional protection to the membrane to promote the integrity of the membrane.

It will be understood that the cap can be snapped onto the spout and then twisted off the spout by hand (or vice versa, for example). This allows for the removal without the use of a tool. It will be understood that the spout therefor has two different means of attachment. To facilitate such a dual attachment, especially in an environment wherein a probe is extended through the membrane, durability and resistance to movement are different than for caps that do not have only a single means of removal.

With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, amongst other features, the continued movement of the fitment onto the spout is limited by the stopper flange that extends inwardly from the inner surface of the outer depending annular member. The stopper flange interfaces with the upper annular rim flange 306, thereby limiting movement and precluding engagement between the distal end of the outer depending annular member and the upper surface of the upper flange, as well as precluding engagement between the upper annular portion and the upper annular rim flange. In such a configuration, additionally, the upper annular rim flange can be deflected by the stopper flange so as to provide additional force resisting disengagement. As set forth, the stopper flange is spaced apart from the upper annular portion, thereby leaving a space between the rim flange and the upper annular portion. Such a spacing provides improved snap on capabilities to the cap by allowing the deflection of the outer depending annular member about a region that is spaced apart from the stopper flange.

In addition, the distal end of the outer depending annular member 204 is spaced apart from the upper flange 304 of the spout. Indeed, when fully in the installed configuration spacing separation remains. Such a configuration allows for grasping between these elements (to aid removal, for example). Additionally, the configuration precludes interaction between the cap and the upper flange 304 even where the installation (i.e., the insertion of the probe) may cause deflection or relative movement between the cap and the spout. Furthermore, the distal end is chamfered to further limit the interaction between the distal end and the spout, while providing support for the thread positioned on the inner surface thereof. Additionally, to further strengthen the interaction of the inner and outer depending annular members, the distal end of the inner depending annular member 202 extends at least close to even with, or, preferably even beyond, the distal end of the outer depending member, while being inwardly tapered. As such, while providing additional stability and integrity to the inner depending annular member (while also providing support for the membrane), such a configuration provides an enhanced structural channel between the inner and outer depending annular members.

In addition, in the installed configuration, the thread of the spout is spaced apart from the upper annular rim flange (and the thread tapered to maintain the gap), thereby allowing both the threads to flex and the upper annular rim flange to flex without interfering with each other. The threads of the body remain spaced apart from the stopper flange and maintained entirely within the lower portion of the inner surface. As a result, the entire region upon which the thread is positioned is configured to flex more easily than the region above the stopper flange. Furthermore, the separation between the stopper flange and the thread likewise provide improved flexing.

In addition, the outer annular bulge 214 and the grasping flange 219 are spaced apart from the stopper flange and positioned at or near the proximal end 246 of the outer surface of the outer depending annular member. In such a configuration, the location of the end of the spout is spaced apart from the grasping flange, increasing the mechanical advantage to separate the two. In addition, the increased annular thickness required by the grasping flange can be minimized due to the position of the same with respect to the proximal end of the outer depending annular member.

The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A spout and self sealing fitment assembly comprising: a spout having a base flange, a cylindrical upstand extending from the base flange and terminating at a distal end, an upper flange disposed on the cylindrical upstand spaced apart from the base flange and the distal end, and a spout thread helically disposed on the cylindrical upstand between the upper flange and the distal end;a self sealing fitment assembly having a body defining an opening, and a sealing membrane extending over the opening, the sealing membrane having a valve positionable between a closed position and an open position, the body further comprising: an upper annular portion defining the opening;an inner depending annular member extending from the upper annular portion, the inner depending annular member having an outer surface; andan outer depending annular member extending from the upper annular portion spaced apart from the inner depending annular member, the outer depending annular member having an inner surface, the inner surface and outer surface cooperatively forming a passageway configured to receive the cylindrical upstand of the spout, the inner surface of the outer depending annular member having a lower portion of a first thickness, and an upper portion of a second thickness which is greater than the first thickness, with an inwardly directed stopper flange defined therebetween, and a fitment thread helically disposed on the lower portion of the inner surface,wherein the cylindrical upstand is extended into the passageway and pressed therein, the outer depending annular member is configured to outwardly flex so as to allow the spout thread to be directed over the fitment thread until the distal end of the base flange reaches the stopper flange, whereupon, the spout thread and the fitment thread are in a mating engagement which allows for removal of the self sealing fitment from the spout through twisting of the spout relative to the self sealing fitment, guided by the mating engagement of the fitment thread and the spout thread.

2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the spout has an upper annular rim flange disposed at the distal end, and wherein the upper annular rim flange extends outwardly from the cylindrical upstand, and, wherein in operable engagement, the upper annular rim flange engages the stopper flange, precluding further insertive movement of the spout within the passageway.

3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the stopper flange is spaced apart from the upper annular portion such that a portion of the passage way remains unobstructed between the upper annular rim flange and the upper annular portion.

4. The assembly of claim 3 wherein the upper annular portion further includes a grasping flange extending outwardly therefrom, the grasping flange facilitating the prying off of the fitment from the spout.

5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the lower portion of the inner surface has a height, the height of the lower portion of the inner surface is less than a distance between the distal end of the cylindrical upstand and the upper flange, such that the outer depending annular member is spaced apart from the upper flange.

6. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the inner depending annular member extends beyond the outer depending annular member.

7. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the spout thread has an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface of the spout thread has a slope that is greater than that of the lower surface, such that the force required to pass the fitment thread over the spout thread is greater in one direction than in an opposite direction.

8. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the fitment thread is positioned entirely on the lower portion of the inner surface, and is spaced apart from the stopper flange.

9. The assembly of claim 8 wherein the spout thread is positioned entirely between the distal end of the cylindrical upstand and the upper flange, and spaced apart from each one.

10. A self sealing fitment assembly having a body defining an opening, and a sealing membrane extending over the opening, the sealing membrane having a valve positionable between a closed position and an open position, the body further comprising: an upper annular portion defining the opening;an inner depending annular member extending from the upper annular portion, the inner depending annular member having an outer surface;an outer depending annular member extending from the upper annular portion spaced apart from the inner depending annular member, the outer depending annular member having an inner surface, the inner surface and outer surface cooperatively forming a passageway configured to receive the cylindrical upstand of the spout, the inner surface of the outer depending annular member having a lower portion of a first thickness, and an upper portion of a second thickness which is greater than the first thickness, resulting in a narrowing of the passageway, with an inwardly directed stopper flange defined therebetween, and a fitment thread helically disposed on the lower portion of the inner surface.

11. The fitment assembly of claim 10 wherein the fitment thread is spaced apart from the stopper flange.

12. The fitment assembly of claim 10 wherein the upper annular portion further includes a grasping flange extending outwardly from the outer depending annular member, the grasping flange being spaced apart from the stopper flange.