Abstract: A method for filling an aseptic pouch having the steps of: (a) providing a pouch, the pouch including a body having a plurality of panels coupled together to define a cavity, and, a spout providing ingress into the cavity, the spout having a plug sealingly engaged to the spout; (b) cleaning the external surfaces of the pouch with a cleaning preparation; (c) directing the spout and the plug into an aseptic zone, the aseptic zone having a supply of sterilized gas having a positive flow within the aseptic zone; (d) removing the plug; (e) filling the pouch with a flowable material; (f) replacing the plug on the spout to seal the cavity; (g) removing the spout and the plug from the aseptic zone; and (h) coupling the plug to a cap, and the cap to the spout, whereupon removal of the cap removes the plug, providing cavity access.

Abstract: A pouch cleaning assembly that includes a treatment chamber and a guide assembly. The treatment chamber includes an elongated central channel extending therethrough. The guide assembly having a first side guide bar and a second side guide bar. The guide bars defining a channel therebetween that is structurally configured to facilitate the retention of spouts of a plurality of pouches in slidable engagement along the first and second guide bar. Any abutment of adjacent portions of the plurality of pouches within the treatment chamber define relative points of contact. The channel is positioned within the elongated central channel, wherein the channel is undulating in at least one of a vertical and a horizontal direction along the length thereof sufficient so as to substantially expose the relative points of contact between adjacent ones of the plurality of spouts so as to expose the same to the cleaning preparation.

Abstract: A plug for a pouch assembly, wherein the plug includes a top wall, an inner axial skirt and an outer axial skirt. The inner axial skirt depends from the top wall in a direction opposite the top wall. The inner axial skirt includes an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper end and a lower end. The outer axial skirt includes an inner surface and an outer surface, an upper end proximate the top wall and a lower end spaced apart therefrom. A seal bead is positioned on the inner surface of the outer axial skirt spaced apart from the upper end. The seal bead extends inwardly toward the inner axial skirt. The plug is attachable to the spout of the pouch. The seal bead is structurally configured to hermetically seal against the spout, while precluding sealed engagement between the inner axial skirt and the spout.

Abstract: A barrier spout having a base flange and an upstand portion. The base flange has a top surface, a bottom surface and an outer surface. The upstand portion has a proximal end extending from the base flange terminating at a distal end. An upper opening is defined at the distal end, and a lower opening is defined at the proximal end. The base flange and the upstand portion each comprise a three layer co-molded configuration including an outer layer, an inner layer and a central layer. The central layer has an oxygen transmission rate that is less than an oxygen transmission rate of either of the outer layer and the inner layer.

Abstract: A plug for a pouch assembly, where the plug includes a top wall, an inner axial skirt and an outer axial skirt. The inner axial skirt depends from the top wall in a direction opposite the top wall. The inner axial skirt includes an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper end and a lower end. The outer axial skirt includes an inner surface and an outer surface, an upper end proximate the top wall and a lower end spaced apart therefrom. A seal bead is positioned on the inner surface of the outer axial skirt spaced apart from the upper end. The seal bead extends inwardly toward the inner axial skirt. The plug is attachable to the spout of the pouch. The seal bead is structurally configured to hermetically seal against the spout, while precluding sealed engagement between the inner axial skirt and the spout.

Abstract: A flexible package having dispensing bag and a hose spout integrally coupled therewith. The dispensing bag is positioned within an outer vessel or urn having a valve dispensing member. The hose spout is extended through the valve dispensing member. The filled container can be emptied through the hose spout, which dispensing fluid flow can be controlled by the valve dispensing member. The hose spout comprises a molded member that includes a base flange that extends through a transition region to an elongated spout, with a dispensing opening at a distal end of the elongated spout.

Abstract: A pouch cleaning assembly that includes a treatment chamber and a guide assembly. The treatment chamber includes an elongated central channel extending therethrough. The guide assembly having a first side guide bar and a second side guide bar. The guide bars defining a channel therebetween that is structurally configured to facilitate the retention of spouts of a plurality of pouches in slidable engagement along the first and second guide bar. Any abutment of adjacent portions of the plurality of pouches within the treatment chamber define relative points of contact. The channel is positioned within the elongated central channel, wherein the channel is undulating in at least one of a vertical and a horizontal direction along the length thereof sufficient so as to substantially expose the relative points of contact between adjacent ones of the plurality of spouts so as to expose the same to the cleaning preparation.

Abstract: A film for a flexible bag comprising a plurality of coextruded layers. The layers include a core layer, a first skin layer and a second skin layer. The core layer is a polymer having a modulus equal to or less than 120 MPa. The core layer has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first skin layer is coextruded directly on the first side of the core layer. The first skin layer has a density greater than 0.916 g/cc. The second skin layer is coextruded directly on the second side of the core layer. The second skin layer has a density greater than 0.916 g/cc. A flexible bag is further disclosed.

Abstract: A film for a flexible bag comprising a plurality of coextruded layers. The layers include a core layer, a first skin layer and a second skin layer. The core layer is a polymer having a modulus equal to or less than 175 MPa. The core layer has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first skin layer is coextruded directly on the first side of the core layer. The first skin layer has a modulus greater than 175 MPa. The second skin layer is coextruded directly on the second side of the core layer. The second skin layer has a modulus greater than 175 MPa. A flexible bag is further disclosed.

Abstract: A pouch cleaning assembly that includes a treatment chamber and a guide assembly. The treatment chamber includes an elongated central channel extending therethrough. The guide assembly having a first side guide bar and a second side guide bar. The guide bars defining a channel therebetween that is structurally configured to facilitate the retention of spouts of a plurality of pouches in slidable engagement along the first and second guide bar. Any abutment of adjacent portions of the plurality of pouches within the treatment chamber define relative points of contact. The channel is positioned within the elongated central channel, wherein the channel is undulating in at least one of a vertical and a horizontal direction along the length thereof sufficient so as to substantially expose the relative points of contact between adjacent ones of the plurality of spouts so as to expose the same to the cleaning preparation.

Abstract: A method for filling an aseptic pouch having the steps of: (a) providing a pouch, the pouch including a body having a plurality of panels coupled together to define a cavity, and, a spout providing ingress into the cavity, the spout having a plug sealingly engaged to the spout; (b) cleaning the external surfaces of the pouch with a cleaning preparation; (c) directing the spout and the plug into an aseptic zone, the aseptic zone having a supply of sterilized gas having a positive flow within the aseptic zone; (d) removing the plug; (e) filling the pouch with a flowable material; (f) replacing the plug on the spout to seal the cavity; (g) removing the spout and the plug from the aseptic zone; and (h) coupling the plug to a cap, and the cap to the spout, whereupon removal of the cap removes the plug, providing cavity access.

Abstract: A spout assembly for a flexible bag having a base flange, a body and a dual lead thread. The base flange has a top surface and a bottom surface. At least one of the top surface and the bottom surface are configured for coupling to a flexible bag. The body extends from the base flange and includes a proximal end corresponding to the base flange and a distal end spaced apart therefrom, and, an inner surface and an outer surface. The dual lead thread extends along the outer surface of the body between the proximal end and the distal end. The dual lead thread has a first threadform and a second threadform. The first threadform has a first threadform length. The second threadform has a second threadform length. The length of the first threadform is different than that of the second threadform.

Abstract: A plug for a pouch assembly. The plug is includes a top wall, an inner axial skirt and an outer axial skirt. The inner axial skirt depends from the top wall in a direction opposite the top wall. The inner axial skirt includes an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper end and a lower end. The outer axial skirt includes an inner surface and an outer surface, an upper end proximate the top wall and a lower end spaced apart therefrom. A seal bead is positioned on the inner surface of the outer axial skirt spaced apart from the upper end. The seal bead extends inwardly toward the inner axial skirt. The plug is attachable to the spout of the pouch. The seal bead is structurally configured to hermetically seal against the spout, while precluding sealed engagement between the inner axial skirt and the spout.

Abstract: A connector for a self sealing fitment that includes a body, a lower flange, and a locking mechanism. The connector is configured to sealingly engage with a cap coupled to a spout of a flexible bag by sealingly engaging with a sealing membrane of the cap. The locking mechanism facilitates the maintaining of the same in the inserted configuration. A lockout collar is provided to preclude inadvertent and undesirable coupling between a connector and a sealing membrane of a cap.

Abstract: A spout assembly for a flexible bag having a base flange, a body and a dual lead thread. The base flange has a top surface and a bottom surface. At least one of the top surface and the bottom surface are configured for coupling to a flexible bag. The body extends from the base flange and includes a proximal end corresponding to the base flange and a distal end spaced apart therefrom, and, an inner surface and an outer surface. The dual lead thread extends along the outer surface of the body between the proximal end and the distal end. The dual lead thread has a first threadform and a second threadform. The first threadform has a first threadform length. The second threadform has a second threadform length. The length of the first threadform is different than that of the second threadform.

Abstract: A dispensing system which has a dispenser housing assembly, and a bag assembly that fits within the dispensing housing assembly. The bag assembly includes a flexible bag and an integrated spout and valve member. The integrated spout and valve member includes a spout portion which has an annular base flange and a spout body extending therefrom. A valve is positioned within the spout body. The valve including an opening that can be selectively opened to allow the passage of a flowable material from within the flexible bag.

Abstract: A flexible package for positionable within a vessel having an outlet with a valve dispensing member. The flexible package includes a dispensing bag and a hose spout. The dispensing bag includes a panel and a seal defining a cavity with an open top and an opening extending through the panel. The opening is spaced apart from the open top and the at least one seal. The hose spout includes an integrally molded flange and an elongated spout of a uniform material. The elongated spout extends from the molded flange and together defines an elongated channel with a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end corresponds to the molded flange. The inner outer surface of the molded flange is coupled to the inner surface of the dispensing bag by a seal with the elongated spout extending through about the opening thereof.

Abstract: A tap for a flexible package having a dosing dispenser. The tap can be coupled to a spout of a flexible bag (such as the type that is provided for bag in box packaging). The tap permits the application of metered doses from the flexible bag. As the flexible bag is emptied, the flexible bag collapses, as the dosing dispenser generally prohibits the passage of air back into the flexible bag when the flowable material is emptied therefrom.

Abstract: A spout assembly including a spout, a base film and a coupling member. The spout has a base flange and an upstand. The base flange has a top surface, a lower surface and an outer surface. The upstand extends from the base flange toward a distal end spaced therefrom. The upstand defines a passageway with a lower opening and an upper opening. The base film has a top surface and a bottom surface. At least a portion of the top surface of the base film overlies at least a portion of the lower surface of the base flange. The coupling member couples the base film to the spout. In turn, the base film is maintained in the overlying orientation.

Abstract: A barrier spout having a base flange and an upstand portion. The base flange has a top surface, a bottom surface and an outer surface. The upstand portion has a proximal end extending from the base flange terminating at a distal end. An upper opening is defined at the distal end, and a lower opening is defined at the proximal end. The base flange and the upstand portion each comprise a three layer co-molded configuration including an outer layer, an inner layer and a central layer. The central layer has an oxygen transmission rate that is less than an oxygen transmission rate of either of the outer layer and the inner layer.