SPOUT FOR FLEXIBLE POUCH WITH OBTURATOR DEVICE

Abstract

A spout (1) for a flexible pouch (100) for liquid or semi-dense substances, generally for food use, such as fruit juices, yogurt, fruit or vegetable puree and the like. The spout has an obturator device (40) having a translatable obturator (44) and elastic device for keeping the obturator closed.

Description

This invention relates to a spout for pouch for liquid or semi-dense substances, generally for food use, such as fruit juices, yoghurt, fruit or vegetable purées and the like.

In particular, the use of such pouch, for both type of contents and convenience of use, it is particularly prevalent among children.

To prevent the accidental dropping of the package, for example on a support surface, causing the unwanted spillage of the contents, some known solutions of spout for flexible pouch provide a valve device inserted into the spout.

However, the use of such spouts with valve device is sometimes uncomfortable or not suitable for the purpose.

In fact, children tend to squeeze out the contents from the pouch by crushing the flexible container or sucking through the spout and only sometimes doing the two things together. The drinking spouts with valve device of the prior art are sometimes too rigid to allow sucking the contents without effort, or too unstable, so that the contents accidentally escape from the pouch.

The purpose of this invention is to provide a spout for a pouch with valve device able to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art and meet the above-mentioned needs.

This purpose is achieved by a spout made according to claim 1.

The characteristics and advantages of the spout according to this invention will be apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example, in accordance with the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a pouch-spout assembly provided with a spout according to this invention;

FIG. 2 shows the spout of FIG. 1, in separate parts, provided with an obturator device comprising valve means according to this invention;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the spout of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the table and the adjustable leg of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a plan view from above of the spout of FIG. 3, along the section line V-V of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the obturator device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 shows a plan view from below of the obturator device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a section view of the obturator device of FIG. 6, along the section line V-V of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows an enlargement of detail IX in FIG. 8.

With reference to the accompanying figures, 1 generally indicates a spout for a pouch, in particular a spout for a flexible pouch 100.

For example, the flexible pouch 100 consists of two films 102 of a multi-layer material, bonded along the edges.

According to a further embodiment, the pouch provides lateral bellows sides, also typically made with multi-layer film.

The spout 1 extends substantially along a longitudinal axis X and comprises, from the part that remains inside the pouch 100 to the outside, an entrance portion 2, a connecting portion 4 and a final portion 6.

Internally, the spout 1 comprises a conduit 8, usually, of a circular cylindrical shape, that extends along the longitudinal axis X, between a mouth 10 of the entrance portion 2 and an opening 12 of the final portion 6, annularly bounded by a crown 12a, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

The connecting portion 4 is preferably formed by a pair of facing walls 14, with prevailing extension in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, joined at the ends. These walls form two outwardly engaging surfaces 16 intended for coupling the films of the pouch 100.

Preferably, the engaging surfaces 16 are joined to the films 102 by bonding, thus forming a pouch-spout assembly.

The final portion 6 comprises a tube 18, which extends along the longitudinal axis X, coaxial with the conduit 8.

According to an embodiment, the final portion 6 further comprises a threading 20 for screwing a cap 200, realized, for example, by sections of interrupted threading.

According to a variant embodiment, the tube is suitable for stable pressure coupling or fitting with a cap.

Preferably, the cap 200 for the spout 1 comprises an outer annular wall 202, which surrounds the tube 18 and, for example, is provided with threading for engagement with the threading 20 of the spout 1.

At one end of the outer annular wall 202, the cap 200 further comprises a bottom 204 suitable to close the opening 12 and, at the other end, a tamper-evident seal 206.

Preferably, moreover, the cap 200 includes an annular sealing lip 208, axially projecting from the bottom 204 and suitable to penetrate into the tube 18 through the opening 12, to form a seal with the tube 18.

Preferably, the final portion 6 of the spout 1 comprises an engaging portion 22 suitable to engage with the tamper-evident seal 206 of the cap 200, to realize an anti-rotation constraint of said tamper-evident seal.

An example of embodiment of a spout provided with a cap provided with a tamper-evident seal engageable with an engagement portion of the spout is described in European patent EP 2076448 granted in the name of the Applicant, the description of which is incorporated herein as teaching.

The spout 1 comprises valve means housed in the tube 18 and suitable to prevent the exit of the contents from the pouch when an action acting on said valve means is lower than a predetermined action and to allow the exit of the contents when the action acting on said valve means is greater than a predetermined action.

Said valve means comprise an obturator housing 30 placed in the tube 18, for example in the final portion 6 of the spout 1. For example, the obturator housing 30 is realized by a wall of the annular housing 32, radially projecting internally from the inner surface of the tube 18. Said obturator housing 30 identifies an upward line 30a in the tube 18 in communication with the interior of the pouch 100 through the mouth 10 of the spout 1, and a downward line 30b, in communication with the external environment through the opening 12 of the spout 1.

Preferably, said housing wall 32 is made in a single piece with the tube 18.

Additionally, the valve means comprise a sensitive obturator device 40, housed in the tube 18, engageable with the obturator housing 30, to close or open said obturator housing 40 according to said action exerted by the contents.

The obturator device 40 comprises an obturator group sealingly engageable in the obturator housing 30, comprising an obturator 44, for example realized by an annular wall, for example provided with an outer truncated-conical surface 44a that engages with the housing wall 32 by contact.

Additionally, the obturator group 42 comprises an abutment 46, for example realized by a plate, suitable to go in abutment to define the closed position of the obturator 44 with respect to the obturator housing 30, for example in abutment with the housing wall 32.

According to a preferred embodiment, the obturator 44 is placed upstream of the abutment 46 relative to the direction of output of the contents, for example projecting axially from said abutment 46.

In addition, the obturator group 42 comprises a guide body 48 suitable to guide the translation of the obturator 44 with respect to the obturator housing 30.

For example, the guide body 48 is active upstream of the obturator 44, projecting axially with respect to said obturator 44. Preferably, said guide body 48 projects axially from the abutment 46.

Preferably, the guide body 48 comprises a plurality of tabs 50 extending radially, ending externally in a guide limit surface 52 radially internal with respect to the outer surface 44a of the obturator 44 in engagement with the obturator housing 30.

For example, the guide limit surface 52 has a first portion 52a, axially flanked to the outer surface 44a, truncated conical and with slope equal to said outer surface 44a, and a second portion 52b, axially flanked to the first portion 52a upstream of this, truncated-conical and with steeper slope steeper than that of the outer surface 44a.

Preferably, the guide body 48 comprises three tabs 50 angularly equally spaced.

The obturator device 40 further comprises elastic means suitable to operate permanently on the obturator group 42 to keep it in a closing position of the obturator housing 30 by means of a closing action.

According to a preferred embodiment, said elastic means comprise at least one elongated member 50 that extends axially, for example downstream of the obturator group 42, compressible.

For example, the elongated member 50 extends axially from the obturator group 42, for example from the abutment 46, and preferably is wrapped with a helical trend, for example conical, around the longitudinal axis X. In other words, the elongated element 50 is twisted along the longitudinal axis X.

Preferably, said elastic means comprise a pair of elongated elements 50, arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis X.

According to a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal section of the elongated member 50 (FIG. 9), i.e., the section obtainable through an imaginary section plane containing the longitudinal axis X, has a polygonal shape, preferably quadrangular and, in particular, trapezoidal, wherein an outer edge 62 is rectilinear, an inner edge 64 is rectilinear and parallel to the outer edge 62, and lower 66 and upper 68 edges are rectilinear.

Moreover, each elongated element 50 has an outer surface 50a (on which lie the said outer edges 62 of the multiple elongated sections formed by the elongated element 50 with the imaginary plane) and an inner surface 50b (on which lie the said inner edges 64 of the multiple sections formed by the elongated element 50 with the imaginary plane).

Said outer surfaces 50a lie on a single imaginary conical outer surface; in the same way, said inner surfaces 50a lie on a single imaginary conical inner surface.

In addition, preferably, the obturator device 40 comprises an abutment member 70 which provides the abutment for the elastic means.

For example, the abutment member is made from a ring, formed in one piece, for example by moulding, with said elongated elements 50.

Preferably, said abutment member 70 comprises a plurality of safety projections 72, radially protruding outwards, suitable to lock abutment member 70 inside the tube 18.

Preferably, the obturator device 40 is made in a single piece, for example by moulding.

In addition, the valve means comprise retaining means for retaining the obturator device 40 inside the tube 18.

For example, said retaining means comprise an annular projection 80, for example placed in proximity of the opening 12, suitable to produce an undercut for the snap engagement of the abutment 70 in the tube 18. Said annular projection 80 projects radially internally from the inner surface of the tube 18.

Preferably, said annular projection 80 is made in a single piece with the tube 18.

For the filling and closing of the packing 100, the packing 100 provided with the spout 1 without the obturator device 40 is brought to filling machines that fill it with the desired contents.

Subsequently, the obturator device 40 is inserted in the tube 18 so that the obturator group 42 engages the obturator housing 30; in particular, the obturator 44 closes the obturator housing 30 and the abutment 46 abuts with the housing wall 32.

In addition, the abutment element 70 snaps into the undercut with respect to the annular projection 80, thus remaining locked in the tube 18.

Finally, the cap 200 is applied to the tube 18 and screwed to the spout.

In the rest configuration, the obturator 44 sealingly engages the obturator housing 30 and is subject to the closing action exerted by the elastic means, placed in compression between the abutment 46 and the abutment element 70.

During normal use of the flexible pouch 100, the cap 200 is disengaged from the drinking spout, for example unscrewed.

If the child intends to drink the contents of the pouch, it brings the tube to its mouth and, for example, sucks the contents. This causes low pressure in the tube 18, downstream of the obturator 44, which generates an external opening action on the obturator 44; when such external action overcomes the closing action of the elastic means, the obturator 44 moves and disengages from the obturator housing 30 (for example, lifts from it), allowing the exit of the contents from the pouch.

Therefore, the obturator device 40 is suitable to disengage from the obturator housing 30 under the influence of an opening action carried out by a depression acting in the downward line 30b greater than a predetermined closing action of the elastic means.

Similarly, the child could bring the tube to its mouth and squeeze the flexible pouch. This causes an overpressure in the tube 18, upstream of the obturator 44, which generates an internal opening action on the obturator 44; when such internal action overcomes the closing action of the elastic means, the obturator 44 disengages from the obturator housing 30 (for example, lifts from it), allowing the exit of the contents from the pouch.

Therefore, the obturator device 40 is suitable to disengage from the obturator housing 30 under the influence of an opening action carried out by an overpressure acting in the upward line 30a greater than a predetermined closing action of the elastic means.

Generally, the child could bring the tube to its mouth and such from the tube 18 and, at the same time, squeeze the flexible pouch. In this case, the obturator 44 would be subject both to the external action of the low pressure and the internal squeezing action.

In the opening configuration, in which the obturator is disengaged from the obturator housing, the flow of the contents towards the outside is first limited; subsequently, when the obturator has come completely out of the obturator housing, the guide group realizes, through the tabs 50, passage conduits that facilitate the exit of the contents.

The further distancing of the obturator from the obturator housing is, in any case, guided by the guide body, as well as the approach and subsequent engagement with the obturator housing, when the opening action ceases.

The flexible pouch could also be overturned, accidentally or according to the positions in which the child drinks the contents; in this case, the weight of the contents generates an internal opening action on said obturator 44; the elastic means are structured and dimensioned such that the external action due to the weight of the contents alone is not able to overcome the closing action exerted by the elastic means.

Innovatively, the spout according to this invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art in that it is particularly comfortable to use both when the child sucks the contents of the pouch from the spout and when it squeezes the pouch.

Advantageously, moreover, the spout is very reliable in operation, since the disengagement of the obturator from the obturator housing is properly guided, as well as the subsequent engagement, also thanks to the invitation realized by the shape of the outer surface of the tabs.

According to a further advantageous aspect, the spout is safe to use because the obturator device is inserted in the tube and is locked inside by the undercut created by the abutment member with the annular projections and the safety projections.

Advantageously, moreover, the production of the spout is economical since the obturator device is obtainable by moulding.

It is clear that one skilled in the art, in order to meet specific needs, may make changes to the spout described above, all contained within the scope of protection defined by the following claims.

Claims

1.-20. (canceled)

21. A spout for a flexible pouch for liquid or semi-dense substances, having an opening for exit of contents and an inlet for inlet of the contents from the pouch, the spout comprising:

a tube extending along a longitudinal axis and provided with the opening;

a valve housed in the tube and suitable to prevent exit of the contents when an action acting on the valve is lower than a predetermined resisting action and to allow the exit of the contents when the action acting on the valve is greater than a predetermined resisting action, wherein the valve comprises: i) a through obturator housing which identifies in the tube an upward line accessible through the inlet and a downward line provided with the opening; and ii) an obturator device comprising a translatable obturator, engageable with the obturator housing, and an elastic member suitable to operate permanently on the obturator to keep the obturator in a closing position of the obturator housing by a closing action.

22. A spout according to claim 21, wherein the obturator device is suitable to disengage from the obturator housing under influence of an opening action carried out by a depression acting in the downward line that is greater than a predetermined resisting action.

23. A spout according to claim 21, wherein the obturator device is suitable to disengage from the obturator housing under influence of an opening action carried out by an overpressure acting in the upward line that is greater than a predetermined resisting action.

24. A spout according to claim 21, wherein the elastic member comprises at least one compressible elongated member which extends axially.

25. A spout according to claim 24, wherein the elastic member consists of two elongated members symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis.

26. A spout according to claim 24, wherein the elongated member is twisted along the longitudinal axis.

27. A spout according to claim 25, wherein the elongated member is twisted along the longitudinal axis.

28. A spout according to claim 27, wherein the elongated member is twisted along the longitudinal axis.

29. A spout according to claim 28, wherein a longitudinal section of the elongated member has a trapezoidal shape, wherein an outer edge is rectilinear, an inner edge is rectilinear and parallel to the outer edge, and lower and upper edges are rectilinear.

30. A spout according to claim 24, wherein each elongated member has an outer surface and an inner surface and the outer surfaces lie on a single imaginary outer conical surface and the inner surfaces lie on a single imaginary inner conical surface.

31. A spout according to claim 21, wherein the obturator device comprises a ledge suitable to define the closing position of the obturator with respect to the obturator housing.

32. A spout according to claim 21, wherein the obturator device comprises a guide body suitable to guide translation of the obturator with respect to the obturator housing.

33. A spout according to claim 32, wherein the guide body comprises a plurality of tabs extending radially, ending externally in a guide limit surface radially internal with respect to the outer surface of the obturator in engagement with the obturator housing.

34. A spout according to claim 33, wherein the guide body comprises three tabs angularly equally spaced.

35. A spout according to claim 21, wherein the obturator device comprises an abutment member which provides abutment for the elastic member.

36. A spout according to claim 35, wherein the abutment member comprises a plurality of safety projections, radially protruding outwards, suitable to lock the abutment member inside the tube.

37. A spout according to claim 21, wherein the valve comprises a retainer for retaining the obturator device inside the tube.

38. A spout according to claim 21, wherein the obturator device comprises an abutment member which provides an abutment for the elastic member,

wherein the abutment member comprises a plurality of safety projections, radially protruding outwards, suitable to lock the abutment member inside the tube,

wherein the retainer comprises an annular projection suitable to generate an undercut for the abutment member for the snap-wise engagement of the obturator device in the tube.

39. A spout according to claim 21, wherein the obturator device is made in a single piece by molding in a plastic material.

40. A pouch-spout assembly comprising:

a flexible pouch consisting of two films of a multi-layer material, bonded along the edges, and

a spout joined to the pouch by bonding, wherein the spout has an opening for the exit of contents and an inlet for the inlet of the contents from the pouch, the spout comprising:

A) a tube extending along a longitudinal axis and provided with the opening;

B) a valve housed in the tube and suitable to prevent exit of the contents when an action acting on the valve is lower than a predetermined resisting action and to allow the exit of the contents when the action acting on the valve is greater than a predetermined resisting action, wherein the valve comprises: i) a through obturator housing which forms in the tube an upward line accessible through the inlet and a downward line provided with the opening, and ii) an obturator device comprising a translatable obturator, engageable with the obturator housing, and an elastic member suitable to operate permanently on the obturator to keep the obturator in a closing position of the obturator housing by a closing action.

41. A method for preparation to sell of a pouch-spout assembly, comprising the steps of:

providing an assembly comprising a flexible pouch and a spout joined to the pouch and free of a valve;

filling the assembly with a food liquid through the spout;

snap-wise applying an obturator device to the spout, inside a tube of the spout;

applying a cap to the spout.