HK1069369B - Tamper-evident closure for a pouch - Google Patents

Description

Anti-channeling enclosed construction for a bag

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a tamper-resistant dispensing structure for two elements of a collapsible bag containing a fluid product.

Background

Collapsible bags are commonly used for packaging a wide variety of products, including food, beverages, personal care, home care or the like or different products which may be in the form of liquids, lotions, gels, creams or the like. Such bags are typically made of a flexible, heat sealable polymer sheet or are constructed of a flexible cardboard or metal foil sheet having a heat sealable polymer liner. The bag typically has two opposing elastic web portions that are peripherally sealed to one another to define an interior region adapted to contain such articles and to define an opening for establishing communication between the interior region of the bag and the exterior of the bag. The opening is adapted to receive a dispensing fitment, which may incorporate a dispensing valve and a removable cap, or other similar or different components, molded from a polymeric material that is heat sealable to the web portion of the collapsible pouch.

An example of such a fitting is disclosed in U.S. patent 6050451 assigned to aptar group, inc. As disclosed therein, the base of the fitting has two sidewalls that meet at two opposite ends of the fitting and that are also vertically oriented when the fitting is vertically oriented. In addition, each sidewall has a series of spacer ribs projecting therefrom and to which an associated one of the web portions of the collapsible pouch may be heat sealed.

While the prior art structures described above work well in the applications for which they were designed, it would be desirable to provide an improved dispensing structure that could provide additional benefits to the producer as well as the consumer.

For example, it would be desirable to provide an improved dispensing structure for a pouch wherein the dispensing structure can include a very easy-to-open but highly visible anti-tamper feature.

It is also desirable that such an improved structure be adaptable to the use of means for supporting the bag when desired for filling the bag with product prior to sealing closure of the bag or fitment.

It is desirable that such an improved dispensing structure be adaptable to molding the structure by a simple straight pull molding action to maximize the number of cavities in the mold assembly and minimize cost.

Furthermore, it is preferred that when provided with tamper-resistant features, such dispensing structures be capable of operating in a manner that removes, or at least substantially minimizes, the creation of waste items that need to be disposed of after the dispensing structure is initially opened.

Furthermore, it would be desirable if such an improved tamper-resistant dispensing structure did not have any pieces loosely retained on the fitment after opening in a manner that would allow such pieces to flap or loosely shake when the opened bag is used to dispense the product or when the opened bag is otherwise handled.

It would also be desirable to provide an improved dispensing structure that would provide only minimal or no obstruction in the product dispensing region once opened, so as to avoid any significant interference with the flow of product or with the insertion of the dispensing structure into the receiving container or the user's mouth.

In addition, it is desirable that such improved structures be designed to be easily adaptable to reinstallation of a closure, such as a cap, to allow sealing of the system to be closed between uses.

In addition, it is desirable that such an improved dispensing structure be adaptable to preferably use an external or internal dispensing valve to reduce the likelihood of product spillage and to controllably dispense the product.

It is also desirable that such an improved dispensing structure simplifies the system for filling the bag with product. For example, it would be desirable if such an improved dispensing structure could allow for filling of a bag on a production line in a stable manner through at least a portion of the dispensing structure and then be conveniently adapted to close the dispensing structure.

The present invention may incorporate design elements that will provide the advantages, benefits and features described above.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a tamper-evident dispensing structure sealed to a collapsible pouch having two opposed, resiliently connected panel portions sealed to one another so as to define an interior region and so as to define an opening leading to the interior region, the opening being adapted to receive a portion of the dispensing structure when the dispensing structure is sealed to the collapsible pouch, said dispensing structure comprising at least two elements including:

(A) a fitting having

(1) At least one surface for sealing to the bag at the opening around the periphery of the fitment,

(2) a receiving device, and

(3) at least one dispensing passage through the fitment; and

(B) a cover structure molded separately from said fitment and then mounted to said fitment, the cover structure having:

(1) a base for fixedly but non-detachably connecting to the accessory receiving device,

(2) a cap for sealingly and removably mounting to said fitment to close said dispensing passage, an

(3) At least one first frangible web connecting the top cover to the base for easy separation of the top cover from the base.

The dispensing structure of the present invention enables a manufacturer to fill a bag with product and install the dispensing structure in the bag in a number of preferred ways.

In a preferred form, an empty bag is first sealed completely around the rim except for the opening in which the first part of the dispensing structure is disposed and sealingly connected. The associated first portion of the dispensing structure includes a passageway for flow material into or out of the bag. The bag can be filled with product through the installed first portion of the dispensing structure in the top of the bag. The second part of the dispensing structure can then be connected to the first part of the dispensing structure for creating a sealed closure. In the most preferred form of the invention, the first part of the dispensing structure is a fitment comprising a flow passage and further comprising a plurality of support flaps capable of supporting the fitment while the pouch is sealingly connected to the fitment on a track for transporting the pouch through a suitable filling means for filling the pouch with fluid product through the fitment. A second part of the dispensing structure, such as a lid structure, can then be mounted on the fitment to form a closed package.

In a second alternative but more complex form, the empty bag can first be filled with fluid product before the dispensing structure fitment and cap structure are mounted to the bag. The dispensing structure fitment and lid structure may be provided as an already assembled, integrally closed dispensing structure to be heat sealed to the top of an open pouch after the pouch has been filled with product through an opening in the top of the pouch.

A third variant can be achieved by the distribution structure of the invention. In particular, the dispensing structure, including the fitment and attached, closed lid structure, can be first sealed to the opening in the pouch, but the opposite bottom end of the pouch can remain open. The bag can then be inverted and the bag can be filled with product through the open end. The open end of the bag can then be sealed closed.

The present invention, however, contemplates that most users of product packaging will need to utilize the inherent convenience and efficiency of the present invention through the following steps: (1) providing an empty pouch, the pouch being first sealed around all of the outer edges except for the top opening of the pouch, (2) heat sealing the fitment or first portion of the dispensing structure to the opening of the pouch, (3) filling the pouch with product through the dispensing passage in the fitment with the pouch and fitment depending from the support flap over the fitment, and (4) finally mounting the lid structure on the fitment to form a sealed closure for the package.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the fitment has at least one surface for sealing to the pouch around the outer edge of the fitment at the pouch opening. The fitment also has a receiving means for the cap structure and at least one dispensing passage through the fitment.

The cover structure is molded separately from the fitment and the cover structure can be subsequently mounted to the fitment. The cover structure has a base for being fixedly and non-detachably connected to the accessory receiving device. The cap structure also has a top cover for being sealingly and removably mounted to the fitment to close the dispensing passage. The lid structure also has at least one first frangible web connecting the top lid to the base for subsequent separation of the top lid from the base.

In a presently preferred embodiment, the fitment has a body over which the spout extends and a nozzle and a receiving means for being closed by a cap. The dispensing passage extends through the body, the receiving means and the nozzle.

In a preferred form of the invention, the cover structure base and the accessory receiving means are adapted to snap together.

In a preferred form of the invention, the lid structure further comprises (1) a tear strip (a) between the top cap and the base and (b) defined along one edge by the first frangible web; and (2) attaching only a portion of the tear strip to the second frangible web on the overcap so as to leave the tear strip attached to the overcap after tearing of the first and second frangible webs. This eliminates separate tear-off disposables that need disposal.

The tear strip preferably has a generally frustoconical configuration wherein the first and second frangible webs are each defined by a reduced thickness portion of material. The tear strip preferably includes a graspable tab and an opposed end portion fused to the overcap, the second frangible web extending from the graspable tab to the opposed end portion.

The overcap may be sealingly disposed on the fitting in any suitable manner including a friction sealing surface or a sealing bead with retention features such as threads or a snap-fit bead and groove arrangement or the like.

The fitment receiving device preferably includes a platform extending over the fitment body and defining at least one aperture extending through the platform. The preferred form of the cap structure includes (1) a post and (2) an enlarged head that is (a) disposed at the distal end of the post, and (b) wider than the orifice so that the head can be forced through the platform orifice due to temporary elastic deformation of the head or platform. Thus, the post can be received in the aperture, with the head disposed adjacent the platform to retain the fitting and cover structure in a non-removable snap fit.

In a preferred embodiment, a dispensing valve, such as a resilient slit-shaped pressure operated valve, may be mounted in the dispensing passage of the fitment.

Many other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following specification, claims and drawings.

Drawings

In the drawings, like numerals are used to identify like parts throughout:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the dispensing structure of the present invention, shown mounted in a collapsible bag;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view taken generally along the plane 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the dispensing structure of the present invention prior to installation in the bag of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the dispensing structure shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, showing the fitment element and the cap structural element prior to assembly to form the dispensing structure;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the dispensing structure taken generally along the plane 5-5 of FIG. 3; (ii) a

FIG. 6 is an end elevational view taken generally along the plane 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane 7-7 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a combined partial cross-sectional view and side elevational view of the dispensing structure fitment shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the lid structure taken generally along the plane 9-9 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view taken generally along the plane 10-10 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view taken generally along the plane 11-11 in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane 12-12 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the dispensing structure member prior to assembly of the cover structure and fitment;

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the dispensing structure after the lid structure and fitment have been assembled;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane 15-15 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 16 is a greatly enlarged partial bottom perspective view of a portion of the cover structure;

FIG. 17 is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane 17-17 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 18 is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane 18-18 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 19 is a bottom perspective view of the overcap after the tear strip has been torn away from the remainder of the cap structure and a portion of the overcap and after the overcap has been unscrewed from the fitment spout;

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of the dispensing structure after the overcap has been removed;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane 21-21 in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a partial perspective view of two packages each including a fitment with a channel supported on a rail for package filling and further processing; and

FIG. 23 is an end view of the tooling system taken generally along the plane 23-23 in FIG. 22.

Detailed Description

While this invention is capable of embodiment in many different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings disclose only some specific embodiments, such as fittings, for example, which utilize the practice of this invention. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims.

The disclosed embodiments are shown and described in a selected orientation for convenience in description of the embodiments. It will be understood, however, that the dispensing structure utilizing the present invention can be manufactured, stored, transported, used, and sold in orientations other than the disclosed orientation.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the dispensing structure of the present invention, generally designated by the numeral 50, shown mounted on a collapsible bag 60. The pouch 60 contains a fluid product to be dispensed after opening the dispensing structure 50, such product may be a food, beverage, personal care product, household product or other similar or dissimilar product in the form of a fluid, suspension, cream, gel, powder, particulate, etc.

The collapsible bag 60 is typically and preferably made of an elastic, heat sealable polymeric sheet material or an elastic, cardboard or heat sealable, polymeric lined metal foil material such that the collapsible bag 60 has two opposing elastic web portions 61 and 62 as shown in fig. 1, the collapsible bag 60 can be of a specialized or conventional design. The web portions 61 and 62 are sealed to each other at the outer edges so as to define an interior region and so as to define an opening (1) leading to the interior region, and (2) adapted to receive a lower portion of the dispensing structure 50 when the dispensing structure 50 is sealed to the collapsible bag 60.

As shown in fig. 4, the dispensing structure 50 of the present invention comprises two base elements, components or parts, a fitment 70 and a cover structure 80, which are preferably separately molded and then joined together.

In the presently preferred form, at least the fitment 70 is molded from a polymeric material, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), which is preferred and adapted to be secured or otherwise sealed to the web portions 61, 62 of the collapsible bag 60 by, preferably, ultrasonic welding or by adhesive.

As shown in FIG. 8, the fitment 70 includes a body 82 having an internal dispensing passage 84, the internal dispensing passage 84 for extending through the body 82 and establishing communication between the interior of the bag and the exterior of the bag when the lid structure is opened. The fitment body 82 may have any suitable specialized or conventional design for fitting in the pouch opening and being sealed to the pouch webs 61, 62. One such fitment body design that may be used in the dispensing structure of the present invention is disclosed in fig. 9-13 of pending U.S. patent application 09640614 filed on 8/17/2000, the disclosure of which is not incorporated herein by reference in a inconsistent manner with this specification. Basically, such fitment bodies have a generally boat-shaped configuration defining an exterior surface that is ultrasonically heat bonded or otherwise sealingly attached to the elastic edge of the bag film wall or web. The very specific design of the fitting body does not form any part of the present invention, except that the fitting body should have suitable sealing surfaces and dispensing passages.

In the preferred form shown in fig. 8, the fitting body 82 is molded so as to have a hollow boat-shaped structure with an open bottom 86, a top panel 88 and two opposed side wall portions 91, 92 (fig. 6). In the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 4, fins 95 project from each of the opposite end edges of the fitting 70. In a preferred form of the fitting, the rim dimension increases from a minimum dimension at the bottom to a maximum dimension at the top, wherein the rim dimension does not decrease after increasing through an intermediate dimension between the bottom and the top.

As shown in fig. 8, a hollow receptacle 93 projects from the top plate 88 and has a platform 94 with 4 wings or tabs 96 (fig. 4). As seen in fig. 13, the tab 96 is preferably not placed on any portion of the body 82. As shown in fig. 4 and 13, each tab 96 defines an aperture 98. As shown in fig. 4, the platform 94 also defines 2 arcuate slots 100.

As shown in fig. 8, a nozzle 120 extends over the body 82 and the receptacle 93. A dispensing passage 122 extends through the nozzle 120 and communicates with the receiving means 93 and the interior hollow region of the body 82 at the bottom of the nozzle 120. The nozzle passage 122 may be considered a continuous portion or section of the body dispensing passage 84 (fig. 8). The entire fitting 70 can thus have the following features: including the dispensing passages 84, 122 that extend completely through the fitment from top to bottom.

In the preferred embodiment, the nozzle 120 includes external male threads 124 as shown in FIG. 8. In the preferred method of manufacture, the fitting 70 is molded from a thermoplastic material and the nozzle threads 124 are released from the adjacent mating molding by unscrewing the fitting 70 from the molding. In another production method, the fitting 70 is not unscrewed from the adjacent molded part. In particular, the fitting 70 and the mold are merely pulled apart and therefore the male thread 124 is preferably shallow enough and the thickness of the nozzle wall is thin and resilient enough so that separation of the fitting from the mold does not require a side action mold assembly to release the threads. Thus, given the above-described shape of the fitting body 82 and given that the tabs 96 do not rest directly on the body 82, the fitting 70 can be molded in a simple, two-part mold that defines a horizontal parting plane, the mold parts being capable of being separated by simple, coaxial, straight-line pullout movements relative to one another along a line perpendicular to the parting plane, without the need for any side mold action.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the fitting 70 can be provided with an internal, slit-shaped, pressure-activated, resilient valve (not shown) mounted within or below the nozzle 120 of the fitting 70. The valve may be the same as, or similar in structure and function to, the valve disclosed in U.S. patent 5839614, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference to the extent it is not inconsistent herewith.

The cover structure 80 is preferably molded separately from the fitting 70 and can then be mounted to the fitting 70. As shown in fig. 10, the cover structure 80 includes a base 130 for fixedly and non-removably attaching to the fitment receiving platform 94 shown in fig. 3 and 5. As shown in fig. 13, the features for attaching the cover structure 80 to the fitment 70 include 4 posts 134 and two arcuate guide members 138. Each arcuate guide member 138 is adapted to be received in one of the fitment platform arcuate slots 100 (fig. 4) and each post 134 is adapted to be received in one of the fitment receiving platform apertures 98. As shown in fig. 9, the upper or bottom end of each post 134 is connected to the upper portion of the cover structure 130 by two support webs or bridges 142 that extend between two generally arcuate openings 144 (fig. 20).

As shown in fig. 15, each post 134 has an enlarged head 140 disposed at the distal end of the post that is wider than the aperture 98. The enlarged head 140 defines an inclined surface (as shown in fig. 15) adapted for insertion into the aperture 98. Due to the temporary elastic deformation of the platform 94 and/or the head 140, each post 134 with an enlarged head 140 can be forced into the platform aperture 98 so that the post 134 can be eventually received in the aperture 98, the head 140 being disposed adjacent the bottom surface of the receiving platform 94 to hold the fitting 70 and the cover structure 80 together in a non-removable snap-fit manner.

As shown in fig. 4, the cover structure 80 further includes a tear strip 150 extending upwardly from the base 130 to the overcap 160. One end of the tear strip 150 includes a graspable tab 170.

Referring to fig. 12, the cap 160 includes internal female threads 172, the female threads 172 adapted to threadably mate with the male threads 124 of the fitting nozzle shown in fig. 7. Referring to fig. 12, the top cap 160 further includes a top or upper end wall 174 from which depends a generally annular sealing plug or spud 176 that is adapted to enter the upper open end of the fitment nozzle discharge passage 122 shown in fig. 7. As shown in fig. 8, the upper end of the fitment nozzle 120 defines an inwardly extending sealing bead 178, the sealing bead 178 for sealing engagement to the cap spud 176 when the cap 170 is threaded onto the nozzle 120 (as shown in fig. 7).

As shown in fig. 4 and 7, the lid structure includes at least one first frangible web 180, the first frangible web 180 being used to initially connect the lower edge of the tear strip 150 to the base 130. A second frangible web 182 connects the upper edge of the tear strip 150 to the overcap 160. Thus, in the preferred embodiment shown, the tear strip 150 is located between the lid structure base 130 and the lid structure top 160. The tear strip 150 is preferably a truncated cone and is defined along its bottom edge by the first frangible web 180 and along its top edge by the second frangible web 182.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and second frangible webs 180 and 182, respectively, are defined by portions of reduced thickness material. While other forms of frangible webs may be used. For example, the lower edge of the tear strip 150 may be connected to the closure base 130 by a circular array of connecting tabs or a single aperture of a bridge, and the frangible connection between the upper edge of the tear strip 150 and the closure top 160 may be of the same or different configuration.

In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the tear strip 150 can be removed altogether and the overcap 160 can be attached directly to the cap structure base 130 by a single frangible web. It is presently contemplated that it is preferred that the structure include a tear strip such as tear strip 150 interposed between the cover structure base 130 and the overcap 160.

When the tear strip 150 is used in the lid structure 80, a user can grasp the tab 170 projecting upwardly from one end of the tear strip 150, and the user can continue to pull on the tab 170 to tear off the frangible webs 180 and 182, thereby separating the overcap 160 from the lid structure base 130 and partially or completely separating the interfering strip 150 from the overcap 160. The absence of the tear strip 150 indicates that the system has been opened or moved.

In the preferred embodiment, the tear strip 150 is completely separated from the lid structure base 130, but not completely separated from the top cover 160. A portion of the tear strip 150 preferably remains attached to the overcap 160 (fig. 19).

After the tear strip 150 has been completely detached from the closure base 130, the overcap 160 can be unscrewed from the fitment spout 120. However, as shown in fig. 19, the end of the tear strip 150 remains attached to the overcap 160 so as to avoid creating a small waste that would have to be discarded separately.

In a preferred form of the invention, as shown in figure 19, the tear strip 150 remains attached to the bottom edge of the overcap 160 at one end of a portion thereof, and the tear strip 150 and overcap 160 are fused together at one end of a portion of the tear strip 150 by an attachment portion or rib 190. The configuration of the tear strip 150 and the connecting ribs 190 is shown in fig. 9, 11, 16, 17 and 18 prior to tearing the tear strip 150. Fig. 9 and 11 illustrate how the tear strip 150 and attached grip tab 170 terminate in an opening 202 defined in the closure structure base 130.

The bottom of the structure shown in fig. 11 is shown enlarged in perspective view in fig. 16. The end of the tear strip 150 opposite the grip tab 170 is shown in fig. 16 as being attached to the bottom of the overcap 160 by the attachment portion or rib. The bottom of the overcap 160 is defined by a generally annular flat surface 206, the flat surface 206 being connected to the tear strip 150 along the second frangible web 182. The other outer edge of the tear strip 150 is connected to the lid structure base 130 by the first frangible web 180. As shown in fig. 12 and 16, the inner surface of the tear strip 150 includes a lower or first surface 211, an intermediate or second surface 212, and an upper or third surface 213. The cover structure base 130 defines an outer peripheral wall surface 216 adjacent the lower or first frangible web 180.

Referring to fig. 12 and 16, it can be seen that the tear strip 150 is attached to the outer bottom annular edge of the bottom annular surface 206 of the overcap 160 by the frangible web 182 except at the end of the tear strip 150 where the inner surface of the tear strip 150 extends radially inwardly to define a rib 190 attached to the bottom of the overcap 160 across the width of the overcap bottom annular surface 206.

As shown in FIG. 19, when the tear strip 150 is pulled, the frangible web 180 between the tear strip 150 and the base 130 is torn or severed, and the frangible web 182 connecting the tear strip 150 to the overcap 160 is also torn or severed, but the tear strip 150 remains attached to the bottom of the overcap 160 at the rib 190. Fig. 20 and 21 illustrate the dispensing structure 50 after the tear strip 150 and overcap 160 have been removed-it should be understood that the pouch 60 (fig. 1) has been omitted from fig. 20 and 21 for ease of illustration. After removal of the top cover 160 as shown in fig. 20 and 21, the cover structure base 130 remains securely attached to the accessory receiving means 93, preferably by a snap fit created by the enlarged head 140 of the post 134 protruding from the underside of the cover structure base 130 passing through the accessory receiving means 93, as described in detail above.

Figures 22 and 23 show an intermediate stage in a method of producing a package using the dispensing structure of the invention. In a production step prior to the stage shown in fig. 22 and 23, the dispensing structure fitment 70 and dispensing structure cap structure 80 shown in fig. 4 are molded separately, but are not installed. The fitment 70 is then sealed to the interior opening of the empty bag 60, and the intermediate assembly can then be supported in a transport system comprising a pair of spaced, parallel rails 250, as shown in fig. 22 and 23. Such an empty bag assembly can be moved along a transport system under a filling machine (not shown) that inserts a filling tube through the open nozzle 120 to fill the bag with product. The specific construction and operation of such a machine does not form any part of the present invention. It will of course be appreciated that the bag can be filled manually with product if desired.

The assembly can then be moved under a cover structure mounting station (not shown) by the product-filled bag while still supported on the rail 250, wherein the transport system has an upwardly open area for accommodating automatic mounting of the cover structure 80 (fig. 4) on the nozzle 120 to the fitment. Such a cover structure mounting station is not shown and the details of the structure and operation of such a station do not form any part of the present invention. It will of course be possible to effect manual mounting of the cap structure on the nozzle 120 to the fitment.

In any event, during installation of the cap structure 80, the cap structure 80 (fig. 4) is pushed down onto the nozzle 120 so that the female threads 172 (fig. 7) on the overcap 160 slide over the male threads 124. The cap 160 has sufficient resilience and toughness to be suitable for the installation procedure.

When the cover structure 80 is pushed fully downward, the cover structure base 130 engages the accessory receiving means 93. The cover structure guide 138 is received in the fitment receiving platform slot 100 and the cover structure base post 134 (fig. 13) enters the aperture 98 in the fitment receiving platform 94 so that the enlarged head 140 of the post 134 snaps under the fitment receiving platform 94 and a secure, tight snap fit is established.

The snap fit does not allow the user to remove the cover structure base 140 from the fitment receiving platform 94 in a conventional, non-destructive manner. When the cover structure 80 is thus mounted to the fitment receiving platform 94, a secure tamper-proof assembly is established. The user must tear the tear strip 150 off to gain access to the interior of the bag.

Even if the tear strip itself is not used (in an alternative embodiment not shown), and if instead only one annular frangible web is used to directly connect the overcap 160 to the cap structure base 130, the user must still break the one frangible web by applying sufficient torque to the overcap 160. The breakage of the one frangible web will serve as an indication that the system may have been passive or that the cap 160 may have been at least partially unscrewed.

The dispensing structure 50 of the present invention is adaptable to a variety of other package production techniques. Such as an empty bag 60 (fig. 1) that is not initially fitted with the dispensing structure 50, can be filled with the fluid product. The dispensing structure fitment 70 and cap structure 80 can then be provided as an assembled, integrally closed dispensing structure 50 to be heat sealed to the open bag top after the bag has been filled with product.

In another alternative package production, the dispensing structure 50 includes the fitment 70 and associated closure 80 structure, the dispensing structure 50 being initially sealable to an opening in the top of an empty pouch having an opposite bottom end left open. The bag can then be inverted and the bag can be filled with product through the open end. The open end of the bag can then be sealed closed by any suitable conventional or special technique, including heat sealing, applying an adhesive, and the like.

When the user removes the cap 160, the spout 120 preferably protrudes from the fitment which is substantially free of surrounding structure which may interfere with the discharge of product from the bag through the spout. Because the overcap 160 is completely removed, and because there is no portion of the tear strip attached to the fitment, there is sufficient clearance around the open spout 120 to accommodate pouring of the contents from the bag through the spout, and also to accommodate insertion of the spout into the user's mouth.

If desired, a dispensing valve can be installed in the nozzle 120. Such a valve may be the same as, or similar to, the valve disclosed in us patent 5839614. Such a valve may also be mounted inside the fitting, under the nozzle, and held in place by a snap-fit arrangement or a crimped wall for engaging a flange of the valve. Such a dispensing valve may also be molded directly into the fitment using a suitable bi-injection molding technique, which is particularly suitable if the valve is molded using a material, such as silicone, that is different from the material of the fitment.

Although the fitment nozzle 120 is shown with external male threads 124 threadably engaged to the cap threads 172 (FIG. 7), other means for removably attaching the cap 160 to the nozzle 120 may be used. For example, the cap spud 176 (fig. 7) can be replaced such that the spud is longer and includes outwardly directed male threads, and then the fitting nozzle 120 can be provided with complementary internal female threads.

In another alternative embodiment, the threaded engagement between the cap 160 and the nozzle 120 may be eliminated altogether. Instead, a suitable internal or external, removable, snap-fit bead and groove configuration, or bead and bead configuration, may be used.

Although the preferred embodiment of the dispensing structure 50 shows 4 snap-fit posts 134 for securing the cover structure 80 to the fitment 70, it is preferred to use a greater or lesser number of posts.

In addition, other forms of non-removable, snap-fit features may be used in place of the posts and receiving apertures. While a snap fit is preferred, in some applications it may be desirable to provide different means for attaching the cover structure 80 to the fitting 70, such as a thermal bond connection, ultrasonic welding, adhesive connection, or the like.

In the preferred embodiment shown, the dispensing structure 80 includes a downwardly depending arcuate wall or rib 138 for receipt in the fitting channel 100 (fig. 4). In some applications, these features may be omitted. However, these features may be designed to help align the cap structure post 134 and fitment receiving aperture 98 when in use. This can help stabilize the positioning of the cover structure 80 on the fitment 70. This may be best when the finished assembly is opened by the user and a twisting action and torque are applied to the assembly.

Referring to fig. 4 and 13, the cover structure preferably also includes a pair of downwardly projecting ribs or walls 280, the ribs 280 filling the spaces between the fitment receiving platform wings or tabs 96 to give the finished assembly a smooth, uniform appearance.

In a preferred embodiment, the tear tab 150 is shaped to include a generally frustoconical shape. This allows for easier molding of the frangible webs and gripping tabs without the use of an undercut, which typically requires a special and complex molding action. However, in some applications where the cost of such a complex molding action may be tolerated, the tear strip 150 may have a suitable shape other than a generally frustoconical shape.

From the foregoing detailed description and drawings, it will be readily apparent that numerous other modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the novel concepts and principles of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. A tamper-evident dispensing structure (50), the dispensing structure (50) being sealed to a collapsible pouch (60), the pouch (60) having two opposing, elastic web portions (61, 62) sealed to one another so as to define an interior region and so as to define an opening to the interior region, the opening being adapted to receive a portion of the dispensing structure (50) when the dispensing structure (50) is sealed to the collapsible pouch (60), said dispensing structure (50) comprising at least two elements, comprising:

(A) a fitting (70) having

(1) At least one surface (91, 92) for sealing to the bag (60) at the opening around the periphery of the fitment (70),

(2) a receiving device (93), and

(3) at least one dispensing passage (84) through the fitment (70); and

(B) a cover structure (80) molded separately from said fitment (70) and then mounted to said fitment (70), said cover structure (80) having:

(1) a base (130) for fixedly but non-detachably connecting to the accessory receiving means (93),

(2) a cap (160) for sealingly and removably mounting to said fitment (70) to close said dispensing passage (84), an

(3) At least one first frangible web (180) connecting the top cover (160) to the base (130) for easy separation of the top cover (160) from the base (130).

2. The anti-play dispensing structure of claim 1,

the receiving means (93) being arranged for receiving the base (130) of the cover structure (80), the accessory (70) comprising: a body (82) extending downwardly from the receiving means (93), the body (82) defining the at least one surface (91, 92); and a nozzle (120) extending over the body (82) and the receiving means (93) so as to be closed by the cap (160).

3. The anti-tamper dispensing structure according to claim 1, wherein the cover structure and the fitment are initially produced as separate components for subsequent assembly.

4. The anti-tamper dispensing structure according to claim 1, further comprising a tear strip between the top cap and the base, the first frangible web connecting the tear strip to the base, the tear strip having a generally frustoconical configuration.

5. The anti-tamper dispensing structure of claim 1, wherein the first frangible web is defined by a reduced thickness material portion.

6. The anti-tamper dispensing structure according to claim 1, wherein the cover structure further comprises:

(1) a tear strip, (a) disposed between said overcap and said base, (b) defined along one edge by said first frangible web; and

(2) a second frangible web connecting only a portion of said tear strip to said top cover such that said tear strip is connected to said top cover after said second frangible web is torn.

7. The anti-play dispensing structure of claim 6,

the tear strip has a frustoconical configuration;

said first and second frangible webs each being defined by a reduced thickness material portion;

the tear strip includes a graspable tab and opposing end portions fused to the top cover; and

the second frangible web extends from the graspable tab to the opposing end portion.

8. The anti-tamper dispensing feature of claim 1 wherein the cap has internal threads and the fitment has a nozzle with external threads for threaded engagement with the cap internal threads.

9. The anti-tamper dispensing structure according to claim 1, wherein the fitment comprises a body; and

the receiving means (93) has an upper end defining a platform (94) having tabs extending outwardly from and spaced above the body for supporting the fitment on a rail.

10. The anti-play dispensing structure of claim 9,

the fitment receiving platform defining at least one aperture extending through the platform; and

the cover structure base includes (1) a post and (2) an enlarged head, the head being (a) disposed at a distal end of the post and (b) wider than the at least one aperture, the head being capable of being forced through the platform aperture due to temporary elastic deformation of at least one of the head and platform whereby the post is capable of being received in the aperture, the head being disposed adjacent the platform to retain the fitting and cover structure in a non-removable snap fit.