HK1030918A - Dispensing package and method for making the same - Google Patents

Description

Dispensing package and method of making same

Background

The present invention relates to packaging for fluid products and the like, and more particularly to dispensing packages and methods for making same.

Many different types of packaging bags or containers are now available for packaging flowable, non-solid products such as fluids or fluidized materials, including liquids, pastes, powders, and the like, which are collectively referred to herein as "fluids". Some such packages include a dispenser that dispenses a selected amount of fluid from the package and then reseals the package.

Self-sealing dispensing valves have been used to package certain types of products, such as those disclosed in Drobish et al, U.S. Pat. No.4,728,006, which is designed for shampoos, conditioners, and the like. However, such valves are known to experience certain sealing problems and inconsistent dispensing characteristics, particularly when the package is exposed to significant temperature variations.

Liquid silicone rubber valves have recently been used for certain types of packaging and have proven particularly advantageous because the material is very inert in nature and therefore neither adulterates nor reacts with the product being packaged. Examples of such packages are shown in applicant's U.S. patent nos. 5,033,655; no.5,213,236; no.5,377,877 and Brown et al, No.5,409,144, which are incorporated herein by reference. While liquid silicone rubber has many properties for packaging, it also has problematic properties. For example, liquid silicone rubber parts are very sticky on the surface and have a high coefficient of friction. As a result, handling of this component is difficult and in attempting to secure the dispensing valve to the container with a conventional threaded collar assembly, the surface of the valve flange will stick tightly to the adjacent surface of the container before the collar can be tightened sufficiently firmly to create a leak-proof seal. Tightening of the collar will deform the valve flange and the entire valve from its designed shape, thereby preventing a secure seal from being formed and/or altering the intended dispensing and sealing characteristics of the valve.

Another disadvantage associated with the use of liquid silicone rubber for product packaging dispensing valves is that it cannot be heat fused. At the same time, there is no currently available technology to quickly and reliably attach liquid silicone valves to containers, at least without a basic method of preparation, making high speed commercial assembly currently impractical.

Summary of The Invention

One aspect of the present invention is a dispensing package for fluid products and the like which includes a container shaped to receive and retain a fluid product and having a discharge orifice therethrough. A co-sealing closure includes an edge flange portion and a head portion with an aperture that opens and closes in response to application of a predetermined discharge pressure. The flange portion of the closure is disposed around and surrounds the discharge orifice and is made of a thermoplastic material that is heat fused to the container to form a secure, interconnected fluid-tight seal therebetween.

Another aspect of the present invention is a dispensing assembly for fluid product packages and the like of the type having a container shaped to receive and retain a fluid product therein with a discharge orifice. A self-sealing closure includes a rim flange portion and a head portion with an aperture that opens and closes in response to the application of a predetermined discharge pressure. A dispensing plate made of thermoplastic material includes a discharge orifice therethrough. The flange portion of the closure member, which is disposed about and surrounds the discharge orifice, is formed of a thermoplastic material and is heat fused to the dispensing plate to form a secure interconnection and fluid seal therebetween.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method of making a dispensing package for liquid products and the like, comprising forming a container shaped to receive and retain a fluid product therein. An array of holes is formed through the container. A self-sealing closure is provided having a rim flange and a head with an aperture extending therethrough which opens upon communication of a predetermined discharge pressure to permit fluid flow through the aperture and closes upon removal of the predetermined discharge pressure to prevent fluid flow. The flange portion of the closure is positioned about the discharge aperture in the container to surround the aperture. The flange portion of the closure is heat fused to the container to form a secure interconnection and fluid seal therebetween.

A further aspect of the invention is a method of manufacturing a dispensing package or the like comprising an elongate strip of heat sealable material for forming at least a dispensing panel of an associated fluid container. A plurality of holes are formed in the strip of material to define the discharge holes of the packages. A thermoplastic closure is molded directly in situ on the band, wherein the closure has a head and an edge flange portion which surrounds and encloses a discharge aperture in the band of material. The head of the closure member is slotted to form apertures which open to permit fluid flow through the apertures in response to communication of a predetermined discharge pressure and close to prevent fluid flow through the apertures when the predetermined discharge pressure is removed. The strip of material is cut to form a plurality of dispensing panel assemblies, wherein each assembly includes at least one dispensing panel having at least one closure member molded thereon. The dispensing plate assembly is connected to the fluid pouch to form a dispensing package wherein the liquid product in the container can be dispensed either directly through the closure aperture by applying pressure on the container or indirectly by inserting a straw through the closure aperture and applying suction to the straw.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a dispensing package having a construction that is inexpensive and does not leak. The dispensing package has a self-sealing closure with an aperture preferably shaped to allow the liquid product within the container to be dispensed either directly through the closure aperture by applying a discharge pressure to the interior of the container or indirectly by inserting a straw through the closure aperture and applying suction to the straw. The closure may be molded directly onto a thermoplastic strip in situ to minimize part movement. The closure aperture is preferably formed while the closure is still secured to the continuous strip of container material so that the aperture is precisely located in the head of the closure. The entire package can be made from a strip of material that can be heat sealed so that the manufacture of the package can be fully automated to further reduce costs.

These and other advantages of the present invention will become further understood by those skilled in the art with reference to the following specification, claims and appended drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing package embodying the present invention, with a portion thereof omitted to reveal internal construction.

Fig. 2 is another perspective view of the dispensing package with a portion thereof omitted to reveal internal construction.

Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a dispensing package.

Fig. 4 is a side view of the dispensing package with a portion thereof omitted to reveal internal construction.

Fig. 4A is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the dispensing package showing the self-sealing closure portion thereof in a fully closed and fully retracted position.

Fig. 4B is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the dispensing package showing the closure in a fully closed and fully extended position.

Fig. 4C is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the dispensing package showing the closure in a fully open and fully extended position.

Fig. 5 is a partial schematic view of a method of making a package embodying the present invention in which the discharge aperture is formed through a strip of heat sealable material.

Fig. 6 is a partially schematic top view of the formed strip of material shown in fig. 5.

Figure 7 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a closure formed in situ on a formed strip of material.

Fig. 8 is a partially schematic top view of the strip of material after the closure has been molded thereon.

Fig. 9 is a partially schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a processing step for forming apertures in the closure.

Fig. 10 is a partially schematic top view of the strip of material after the apertures have been formed.

Fig. 11 is a partially schematic top view of a strip of material cut to length to form a bottom panel of a package.

Figure 12 is a partial side view of the floor assembly.

Figure 13 is a bottom view of the assembled dispensing package.

Figure 14 is a partially schematic side view of a strip of packaging material being formed into a pouch.

FIG. 15 is a partially schematic side view of a strip of packaging material in which the sides of the packages have been heat sealed together.

FIG. 16 is a partially schematic vertical cross-sectional view and a method of installing a lower plate assembly in the body of an associated package filled with a fluid product.

FIG. 17 is a side view of another embodiment of the present dispensing package, with a portion thereof omitted to reveal internal construction.

Figure 18 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present dispensing package.

Description of The Preferred Embodiment

For ease of description, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof will be used with respect to the orientation of the invention in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Reference numeral 1 (fig. 1-4) generally designates a dispensing package embodying the present invention. The dispensing package 1 is particularly designed for use with fluid products such as juices, iced tea, shakes, and other similar products. The dispensing package 1 comprises a container 2 shaped to receive and retain a fluid product therein, and a discharge orifice or opening 4 therethrough. The self-sealing closure 5 includes a rim flange portion 6 and a head portion 7 with an aperture 8, the aperture 8 being opened and closed in response to the application of a predetermined discharge pressure. The flange portion 6 of the closure 5 is positioned to surround and enclose the discharge orifice 4 of the dispensing package 1, is made of a thermoplastic material, and is heat fused to the dispensing package 1 to form a secure connection and fluid-tight seal therebetween.

The dispensing package 1 is shown in the form of a stand-up pouch formed from a relatively thin strip of heat sealable material such as a laminate or film, comprising a pouch portion 15 and a base 16, the base 16 having a discharge opening 4 for the dispensing package 1. As will be described in more detail below, the pocket portion 15 of the illustrated dispensing package 1 may be formed by interconnecting relatively thin, flexible, heat-sealable strips of material by a continuous heat-seal bond 17 at the top of the container 2 and a continuous heat-seal bond 18 along opposing side edges 19 of the container 2.

As will be described in greater detail below, the base 16 of the illustrated dispensing package 1 can be formed from a relatively thin, flexible, heat-sealable material such as a strip 22 (FIGS. 5-8) of laminated or film stock. In the illustrated example, the discharge holes 4 have a planar shape of a figure, and are disposed at predetermined positions spaced apart along the longitudinal center line of the strip 22.

In the illustrated example, the self-sealing valve or closure member 5 (fig. 4A-4C) is shaped substantially similar to the dispensing valve disclosed in the similar U.S. patent 5,213,236, and includes a resilient flexible connecting sleeve portion 25 connected at one end to the flange portion 6 of the closure member 5 and at the other end to the head portion 7 of the closure member 5. As described in Brown et al patent 5,213,236, closure element 5 is in a substantially concave orientation when aperture 8 is fully closed (fig. 4A), and closure element 5 is in a convex orientation when aperture 8 is fully open (fig. 4C). The connecting sleeve portion 25 of the closure member 5 allows the head portion 7 of the closure member 5 to reciprocate between the fully open and fully closed positions. The connecting sleeve 25 of the illustrated closure member 5 has a J-shaped longitudinal cross-sectional shape, while the head 7 has a tapered thickness, wherein the inner portion of the head 7 located adjacent the aperture 8 is thinner than the outer portion of the head 7. The illustrated head 7 has an arched inner surface 26 and an arched outer surface 27, wherein the inner surface 26 communicating with the fluid product has a larger radius than the outer surface 27 communicating with the surrounding environment.

The illustrated self-sealing closure 5 is in the form of a one-piece valve having a cap-like side elevational configuration in its molded or normal state. The resilient flexibility of the connecting sleeve portion 25 allows it to be folded up and then rolled out for the nature of a rolling apertured diaphragm, the valve head 7 being mounted centrally thereof in such a manner as to allow the valve head to move or float freely axially inwardly and outwardly relative to the discharge orifice 4 in the container 2.

The reciprocating movement of the valve head 7 and the flexible connecting sleeve portion 25 provide several important advantages for the dispensing package 1. For example, the connecting sleeve portion 25 is preferably made sufficiently flexible so that abnormal pressures inside the container 2 due to thermal expansion, vibration, shock impact forces, etc. are compensated by axial movement of the valve head 7 relative to the rim flange portion 6, thereby eliminating excessive pressure on the discharge orifice 8.

Another example of the benefit resulting from the reciprocating movement of the valve head 7 on the connection sleeve portion 25 is that the connection sleeve portion 25 is preferably made sufficiently flexible so that any misalignment and/or twisting of the valve flange portion 6 is not transmitted to the valve head 7, thereby enabling the discharge orifice 8 to operate without obstruction. The flexible continuous sleeve portion 25 generally spaces the valve head portion 7 from the marginal flange portion 6 so that it is free floating, thereby avoiding problems associated with small holes 8 or twisting of the valve head portion 7. This feature is particularly important in the illustrated dispensing package, wherein the container 2 is made of a highly flexible material such as the illustrated laminated foil or film. The bottom panel 16 may distort when pressure is applied to the container 2 to dispense the fluid product therefrom, particularly when the dispensing package is approaching an empty condition. The flexibility of the connecting sleeve portion 25 allows the valve head portion 7 to freely reciprocate even when the bottom plate 16 is distorted, thereby ensuring good flow characteristics and avoiding leakage.

A further benefit obtained by the reciprocating movement of the valve head portion 7 is that the connecting sleeve portion 25 is preferably made sufficiently flexible such that a rather gentle pressure (e.g. a pressure significantly lower than the predetermined opening pressure of the orifice 8) is required to move the valve head portion 7 from the closed, fully retracted position shown in fig. 4A to the closed, fully extended position shown in fig. 4B, thereby improving the dispensing feel of the dispensing package 1. When a user grasps the container 2 and applies force to the sidewall, the pressure generated within the container causes the valve head portion 7 to move over the flexible connecting sleeve portion 25 from the closed fully retracted position shown in fig. 4A to the closed fully extended position shown in fig. 4B, at which point the valve head portion 7 momentarily stops and continued movement of the valve head portion 7 is resisted until additional force is applied to the container 2, which requires the internal pressure within the container to be greater than the predetermined opening pressure of the orifice 8. This movement of the flexible connecting spool portion 25 and valve head portion 7 is sensed by the user through contact or feel, typically in the form of vibration or pulsation experienced in the container as the valve head portion 7 reaches the closed, fully extended position (fig. 4B). This pulsation gives the user the signal that the valve head portion 7 has been fully extended and that further pressure will cause the orifice 8 to burst open and dispense the fluid product. When the orifice 8 is suddenly opened and closed, the same vibration or pulsation is transmitted to the user through the side wall of the container, thereby helping to obtain accurate flow control.

While the illustrated self-sealing closure member 5 is similar in shape to that disclosed in Brown et al 5,213,236, the self-sealing closure member 5 of the present invention is made of a thermoplastic material rather than the liquid silicone rubber material that is preferred for prior Brown et al valves. By using a thermoplastic material, the closure 5 can be heat fused to the dispensing package 1, at least in its flange portion 6, in a manner discussed in more detail below.

In a working embodiment of the invention, the closure member 5 is made of a thermoplastic rubber compound, such as a mixed Kraton brand polymer, in particular Dynaflex G2735.

In operation, a full dispensing package 1 can be used to dispense a fluid product by simply applying a pressure on the pocket portion 15 of the dispensing package 1 sufficient to move the head portion 7 of the closure member 5 to the fully open position and open the aperture portion 8 of the closure member 5. From the dispensing package 1, a generally fluid product is thus dispensed, which can be introduced into a suitable beverage container or directly into the mouth of the user. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 2, a straw 28 may be inserted through the closure aperture 8 and fluid is drawn from the dispensing package 1 by suction against the straw 28.

Fig. 5-16 schematically illustrate a method of manufacturing a dispensing package 1 embodying the present invention. Referring to fig. 5, a relatively thin, flexible roll 30 of heat-sealable material is provided, from which the planar strip 22 is drawn. The holes 4 are first formed in the strip 22 at regular intervals along its longitudinal centre line by means of a cutting or punching operation as illustrated, which operation comprises cooperating knife-die parts 35 and 36. The punched strip 22 is then fed into the next station where the self-sealing closure 5 is bonded to the punched strip 22. In the example shown in fig. 7, each closure 5 is molded directly onto strip 22 in situ, which ultimately forms bottom panel 16 of dispensing package 1. Each closure member 5 is concentrically positioned around the associated discharge aperture 4 such that the flange portion of the closure member 5 closes the associated discharge aperture 4. In the example shown in fig. 7, the entire closure member 5 is molded from the same thermoplastic material so that the flange portion 6 of the closure member 5 is automatically and integrally heat fused to the base plate 16. The strip 22 of the shape shown in fig. 8 with closure member 5 formed or otherwise mounted thereon is then transported to a slitting station as shown in fig. 9 where apertures 8 are formed.

In the example shown in fig. 9, the head portion 7 of the closure element 5 molded onto the continuous strip 22 is slit to form a cruciform slit aperture 8 with two slits 32 and 33 (fig. 10) perpendicular to each other. The valve orifice 8 shown in fig. 9 is formed by a cutter die 40, the die 40 having a cross-shaped blade 41 in the shape of the desired cross slit. The gasket die 42 is positioned against the outer surface 27 of the valve head 7 to ensure complete slitting. Other techniques may be used to form the aperture 8, such as laser cutting, etc. The aperture forming operation is carried out while the closure member 5 is still mounted on the continuous strip 22, which helps to ensure that the aperture 8 is properly positioned in each valve head 7, and that there is proper alignment therebetween, even during high speed manufacturing.

As shown in fig. 11, after the closure member 5 has been slit or otherwise processed to form the associated aperture 8, the continuous strip 22 is cut to length to form individual components 45 which, in the illustrated example, will ultimately be mounted on the pocket portion 15 of the dispensing package 1. It should be understood that the single component 45 may be used for various packaging purposes, including attachment to container liners, sidewalls, corners, and the like.

It should be understood that the present invention also contemplates the installation of an already formed self-sealing closure 5 on the continuous strip 22 by heat fusing the flange portion 6 of the closure 5 to the base panel 16. Conventional heat fusion or sealing equipment, including ultrasonic means, may be used to heat fuse the flange portion 6 of closure 5 to base plate 16 to form a secure connection and fluid seal therebetween. One drawback associated with the assembly of prefabricated closures 5 onto continuous strip 22 relates to the additional handling of closures 5 and ensuring their proper orientation around discharge holes 4 in strip 22. This drawback is addressed by molding closure 5 directly onto continuous strip 22 in situ.

Fig. 14 and 15 schematically illustrate a method of manufacturing the illustrated pocket portion 15 of the dispensing package 1. A strip of heat sealable material 50 (preferably identical to the floor strip 22) is first cut to form two similar sheets 51 and 52 which are placed in overlapping relationship as shown in figure 15. The side edges 19 of the sheets 51 and 52 are heat sealed together along the line of joinder 18 to form the opposing sides of the pocket portion 15.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the floor assembly 45 on which the closure 5 is formed may be used with a wide variety of containers or pouches and is not necessarily an upright pouch style dispensing package 1 as shown in fig. 1-4.

Fig. 16 illustrates a further method of manufacturing the dispensing package 1 by fitting the bottom plate member 45 to the pocket portion 15 of the dispensing package 1. In the illustrated example, bottom panel 16 fits within the open end of associated pocket 15 (fig. 16) with the free ends of the pockets in overlapping relation at the bottom of dispensing package 1, as shown in fig. 1. Because both the floor member 45 and the pocket portion 15 are formed of thermoplastic materials, the respective free edges of the floor member 45 and the pocket portion 15 may be fused together by a heat seal die 55 or the like to complete the dispensing package 1.

Once the floor assembly 45 is securely secured to the associated pocket portion 15 of the container 2, the container may be filled, such as through the open upper end of the pocket portion 15, as shown in fig. 16. After the container 2 has been filled, the upper edges of sheets 51 and 52 may be heat sealed together along connecting line 17 to complete the package.

A removable tape-like travel seal (not shown) may be applied over the aperture portion 8 of the closure member 5 to prevent accidental leakage during transport or the like. The travel seal may also be formed prior to filling the container 2 with the fluid product.

Other package manufacturing techniques and/or methods are also contemplated by the present invention. For example, rather than folding the outer perimeter of bottom panel assembly 45, it could be heat fused in a flat condition to the open ends of pockets 15, and then the fused assembly folded down to the shape shown in FIGS. 1-4. A heat-fusible joint (not shown) may be applied to the free lower edge of the formed packaging bag to maintain the upwardly standing bag body shape of the packaging bag 1.

Reference numeral 1A (fig. 17) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention. Because the dispensing package 1A is similar to the dispensing package 1 described above, like parts appearing in fig. 1-16 and 17, respectively, are indicated by corresponding like reference numerals with the suffix "a" attached to the numerals of the latter. In the dispensing package 1a, the self-sealing closure 5a is mounted on the sidewall 60 of the container pocket portion 15 a. In the dispensing package 1a, the pocket portion side wall 60 is made of a thermoplastic material to facilitate forming or mounting the closure member 5a thereon. While package 1a may be dispensed either directly through closure aperture 8a by applying pressure to container 2a or indirectly by inserting a straw through the closure aperture to apply suction, it is particularly suitable for dispensing with a straw.

Reference numeral 1b (fig. 18) generally designates yet another embodiment of the present invention. Because the dispensing package 1b is similar to the dispensing package 1 described above, like parts appearing in fig. 1-16 and 18, respectively, are indicated by corresponding like reference numerals, but with the latter reference numeral suffixed with a "b". In dispensing package 1b, self-sealing closure 5b is disposed in upper corner portion 62 of body 15 b. The pocket portion 15b of the container 2b in which the closure 5b is seated is made of a thermoplastic material to facilitate interconnection therebetween. The corner location of closure 5b in dispensing package 1b is particularly useful for dispensing liquid products directly into the mouth of a user.

The illustrated dispensing packages and associated methods of manufacture provide a relatively inexpensive construction that does not leak. The liquid product in the container can be dispensed either directly through the closure orifice by applying a discharge pressure to the interior of the package or indirectly by inserting a straw into the closure orifice and then applying suction.

In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included within the following claims unless specifically indicated otherwise.

Claims (45)

1. A dispensing package for fluid products and the like, comprising:

a container shaped to contain and retain a fluent product within its interior and including a discharge orifice therethrough;

a self-sealing closure member comprising a rim flange portion and a head portion having an orifice therethrough, the orifice being open to permit fluid flow when in communication with a predetermined discharge pressure and being closed to prevent fluid discharge when the predetermined discharge pressure is removed; wherein the content of the first and second substances,

the flange portion of the closure is disposed around and surrounds the discharge orifice and is formed of a thermoplastic material that is heat fused to the container to form a secure interconnection and fluid seal therebetween.

2. A dispensing package according to claim 1 wherein said closure is molded directly onto said container in situ from a thermoplastic material.

3. A dispensing package as in claim 2 wherein said container has a multi-piece construction comprised of a pouch portion and a panel portion; and the closure member is disposed on one of the pocket portion and the bottom portion.

4. A dispensing package as claimed in claim 3, wherein said closure member is positioned adjacent a corner of said body portion.

5. A dispensing package as claimed in claim 3, wherein said closure member is disposed on a side wall of said body portion.

6. A dispensing package as recited in claim 3, wherein said panel portion defines a bottom panel; and the closure member is disposed on the base plate.

7. A dispensing package as claimed in claim 6 wherein said closure is formed on said container floor between the pouch portions connected to said container.

8. A dispensing package as claimed in claim 7, wherein said container base is formed from a strip of heat sealable sheet material; and the receptacle portion is formed from a strip of material that is heat sealable.

9. The dispensing package of claim 8 wherein said container bottom panel is attached to said container body portion by a heat seal attachment.

10. A dispensing package according to claim 9 wherein said closure aperture is shaped to permit dispensing of the liquid product from said container either directly through the closure aperture by application of a discharge pressure to the interior of the container or indirectly by insertion of a straw through the closure aperture and application of suction to the straw.

11. A dispensing package according to claim 10 wherein said closure aperture is formed by at least one slit through a head portion of said closure.

12. A dispensing package according to claim 11 wherein said closure aperture is formed by at least two interdigitating slits through said closure head portion.

13. A dispensing package according to claim 12 wherein said closure member comprises a resiliently flexible connecting sleeve portion connected at one end to said flange portion and at the other end to said head portion.

14. A dispensing package according to claim 13 wherein said closure member assumes a substantially concave orientation when said aperture is in a fully closed condition.

15. The dispensing package of claim 14, wherein said adapter sleeve has a substantially J-shaped longitudinal cross-sectional shape and said head portion has a tapered configuration.

16. A dispensing package according to claim 1 wherein said container has a multi-piece construction consisting of a pocket portion and a panel portion; and the closure member is disposed on the pocket portion and the panel portion.

17. A dispensing package as recited in claim 16, wherein the closure member is positioned adjacent a corner of the body portion.

18. A dispensing package as claimed in claim 16, wherein said closure member is disposed on a side wall of said body portion.

19. The dispensing package of claim 16, wherein said panel portion defines a bottom panel; and the closure member is disposed on the base plate.

20. A dispensing package according to claim 1 wherein said container is formed from a strip of heat sealable, elongate sheet material.

21. A dispensing package according to claim 1 wherein said closure aperture is shaped to enable liquid product in said container to be dispensed either directly through the closure aperture by applying a discharge pressure to the interior of the container or indirectly by inserting a straw through the closure aperture and applying suction to the straw.

22. A dispensing package according to claim 1 wherein said closure aperture is formed by at least one slit through a head portion of said closure.

24. A dispensing package according to claim 1 wherein said closure member comprises a resiliently flexible connecting sleeve portion connected at one end to said flange portion and at the other end to said head portion.

25. A dispensing package according to claim 1 wherein said closure member assumes a substantially concave orientation when said aperture is in a fully closed condition.

26. A dispensing package for fluid products and the like, comprising:

a container shaped to receive and retain a fluent product therein and including a bottom portion having a discharge orifice therethrough;

a self-sealing closure member comprising a rim flange portion and a head portion having an orifice therethrough, the orifice being open to permit fluid flow when in communication with a predetermined discharge pressure and being closed to prevent fluid flow when the predetermined discharge pressure is removed; wherein the content of the first and second substances,

the flange portion of the closure is disposed around and surrounds the discharge orifice in the bottom of the container, and the closure is made of a thermoplastic material and is heat fused to the bottom of the closure to form a secure interconnection and fluid seal therebetween, whereby the liquid product in the container can be dispensed either directly through the closure orifice by applying discharge pressure to the interior of the container or indirectly by inserting a straw through the closure orifice and applying suction to the straw.

27. A dispensing package according to claim 26 wherein said closure is molded in situ directly onto the bottom of said container from a thermoplastic material.

28. The dispensing package of claim 27 wherein said container has a multi-piece construction comprising a pocket portion and a bottom panel defining said bottom; and the closure is formed on the bottom panel of the container.

29. A dispensing package as claimed in claim 28 wherein said closure member is formed on said container bottom panel prior to attaching said container bottom panel to said pocket portion of said container.

30. A dispensing package according to claim 29 wherein said container bottom panel is formed from a strip of heat sealable, elongate sheet material; the container bag body is made of a strip material strip which can be heat sealed; and the container bottom panel is attached to the pocket portion of the container by a heat seal attachment method.

31. A dispensing assembly for fluid product packages and the like, of the type comprising a container, the beginning of which is capable of containing and retaining a fluid product inside, with a discharge hole passing through the container; the assembly comprises:

a self-sealing closure member having a rim flange portion and a head portion having an orifice therethrough, the orifice being open to permit fluid flow when in communication with a predetermined discharge pressure and being closed to prevent fluid flow when the predetermined discharge pressure is removed;

a distribution plate made of thermoplastic material, including an exit orifice therein; wherein

The flange portion of the closure member is disposed about and surrounds the discharge orifice and is formed of a thermoplastic material which is heat fused to the dispensing plate to form a secure, interconnected fluid seal therebetween.

32. A dispensing assembly according to claim 31, wherein said closure is molded in situ directly onto said dispensing plate of thermoplastic material.

33. The dispensing assembly in accordance with claim 32 in which said closure orifice is comprised of at least two interdigitating slits through said closure head portion.

34. A dispensing assembly according to claim 33, wherein said closure member includes a resiliently flexible connecting sleeve portion connected at one end to said flange portion and at the other end to said head portion;

when the aperture is in a fully closed state, the occlusive member assumes a substantially concave orientation; and

the connecting sleeve has a substantially J-shaped longitudinal cross-sectional shape.

35. A method for manufacturing a dispensing package for fluid products and the like, comprising:

forming a container shaped to contain and hold a fluid product therein;

forming a discharge hole through the container;

providing a self-sealing closure of the type having an edge flange portion and a head portion having an orifice therethrough, the orifice being open to permit fluid flow when in communication with a predetermined discharge pressure and being closed to prevent fluid flow when the predetermined discharge pressure is removed;

positioning the flange portion of the closure about the discharge aperture in the container so as to surround the discharge aperture; and

the flange portion of the closure is heat fused to the container to form a secure interconnection and fluid seal therebetween.

36. A dispensing package according to claim 35 wherein said providing and positioning steps comprise in situ molding the closure directly onto a container made of thermoplastic material.

37. A method as in claim 36 wherein the container has a multi-piece construction comprised of a pocket portion and a panel portion; and the molding step includes molding the closure element onto the pocket portion or the panel portion before the pocket portion and the panel portion are connected to each other.

38. A method as claimed in claim 37, comprising: the panel portion is formed from a strip of thin material that can be heat sealed.

39. A method as claimed in claim 38, comprising: the pocket portion is formed from an elongated strip of heat sealable material.

40. A method as claimed in claim 39, comprising: an aperture is formed in the head portion of the closure.

41. A method as claimed in claim 35, wherein: the container has a multi-piece construction consisting of a pocket portion and a panel portion, one of which is provided with a discharge opening; and the molding step includes molding the closure element onto the pocket portion or the panel portion before the pocket portion and the panel portion are connected to each other.

42. A method as claimed in claim 35, comprising: the container is made from an elongate strip of material which can be heat sealed.

43. A method as claimed in claim 35, comprising: an aperture is formed in the head of the closure.

44. A method according to claim 43, wherein said aperture forming step is performed after said heat fusing step.

45. A method for making dispensing packages and the like, comprising:

providing an elongate strip of heat sealable material for making at least a dispensing panel for an associated container comprising a fluid pouch;

forming a hole in the strip of material to define a package discharge aperture therein;

molding a thermoplastic closure directly in place on the strip of material; these closures have a head portion and an edge flange portion which are formed around and surround the discharge openings in the material web;

forming an orifice in the head portion of the closure member, the orifice being open to permit fluid flow when a predetermined discharge pressure is communicated, and closed to prevent fluid flow when the predetermined discharge pressure is removed;

cutting a strip of material to form a plurality of dispensing panel assemblies, wherein each assembly includes at least one dispensing panel having at least one closure member molded thereon;

the dispensing panel assembly is connected to the fluid pouch to form a dispensing package wherein the liquid product in each container can be dispensed either directly through the closure aperture by applying pressure to the container or indirectly by inserting a straw into the closure aperture and applying suction to the straw.

46. A method as claimed in claim 45, comprising: the molding step includes forming the closure with a resiliently flexible connecting sleeve portion.