A dispensing structure incorporating a valve-containing fitment for mounting to a container and a package with a dispensing structure

Description of the invention

The invention relates to a package comprising a collapsible sachet or container, in particular a package with a valve dispensing device suitable for use with a container through which the substance can be discharged when the pressure inside the container is increased.

Many packages, including packaging or dispensing containers, are designed to contain food, beverages, as well as personal care products such as shampoo, lotions, or other materials. Such containers typically have an opening at the end of which a dispensing closure is mounted.

One type of dispensing closure for such tanks has a flexible, pressure-open, self-sealing, slotted dispensing valve mounted in the closure above the container opening. When the container is squeezed, the valve slit opens and the liquid contents of the container are drained through the open slits of the valve. The valve closes automatically to shut off the flow of liquid when the increased pressure is reduced below a threshold value - the valve closes even when the uncompressed container is inverted so that the valve is subjected to the weight of the contents inside the container.

Closure designs employing such valves are shown in US Patent Nos. 5,271,531 and 5,033,655. Typically, such closures include a body mounted on the neck of the container to hold the valve above an opening in the container.

In order to cover the valve during transport or when the container is not used, it is possible to insert a cover. See, for example, Figs. 31-34 of US Patent No. 5,271,531. The purpose of such a cover may be to prevent leakage from the valve that could arise under certain conditions. The cover can also protect the valve from dust and dirt and / or can protect the valve from damage.

It has been found that it would be advantageous to provide an improved dispensing structure having a slotted type valve that could be used with food containers, including thin wall flexible foldable containers, deformable, foldable paper containers, foil sachet containers and other similar containers.

The package according to the invention comprises a collapsible sachet having at least two opposite flexible parts which are connected to each other at the edges of the inner area which remains unconnected and which are separated from each other in a part of the rim in the edge area, thereby creating an opening leading to the inner space. limited by flexible parts in their inner area and a dosing device, which has a hollow base sealed to flexible portions along the opening, and a spout extending from the base ending in an end with an outlet opening and a drainage channel extending from the inner space of the package through the base and spout to the outlet, wherein the hollow base has two opposite walls enclosing a portion the drainage channel they create which ends at the respective edge ends to which they converge, and wherein each wall defines an outer surface portion sealed to one of the flexible portions along the opening of the sachet.

The package according to the invention is characterized in that a resilient valve is sealed across the discharge channel in the device, having a self-sealing slit which opens in response to pressure increased against external pressure, on the side of the valve facing the inside of the package, allowing flow.

Preferably, the package includes on the sachet an openable lid that initially covers at least a portion of the spout of the dispensing device.

The cover preferably has weakened, breakable areas at its edges adjacent to the sachet.

The package may further include a detachable, disposable, tab-shaped cover of at least two flexible portions that enclose the spout of the dispensing device and whose edges are sealed together to form an airtight volume around the spout of the device.

Preferably, the package further comprises an openable lid on the sachet in the form of a separate, outer cap initially applied to the spout of the dispensing device to close a drainage channel that is movable and opens the drainage channel.

PL 198 329 B1

The valve is preferably located inside the discharge channel completely inside the device.

The package according to the second aspect of the invention comprises a collapsible sachet defined by at least two opposite flexible parts which are connected to each other at the edges of the inner area which remains unconnected and which are separated from each other in a part of the rim in the edge area so that an opening leading to the border is formed. an interior space delimited by flexible parts in their interior area and a dosing device, which has a hollow base sealed to flexible portions along the opening and a spout extending from the base ending in an end with an outlet opening and a drainage channel extending from the inner package space, through the base and the spout to the outlet opening, and a resilient valve having a self-sealing slit which opens in response to pressure increased relative to external pressure, on the side of the valve facing the inside of the package, allowing flow.

The package according to the second aspect of the invention is characterized in that the resilient valve is completely inside the dispensing device, across the discharge channel, internally of the outlet opening, under the spout when the slit is closed.

Preferably, the hollow base has two opposing walls including a portion of a drainage channel formed therefrom which terminate at respective edge ends to which they converge, and wherein each wall defines an outer surface portion sealed to one of the flexible portions along the opening of the sachet, and wherein the spout of the dispensing device has a generally annular outer end defining the outlet.

The package may further include a removable, disposable, tab-shaped cover of at least two flexible portions that enclose the spout of the dispensing device and whose edges are sealed together to form an airtight volume around the spout of the device.

The cover preferably has weakened, breakable areas at its edges adjacent to the sachet.

Preferably, the package further comprises an openable lid on the sachet that initially covers at least a portion of the spout.

Also preferably, the package further comprises an openable lid on the sachet in the form of a separate, outer cap initially applied to the spout of the dispensing device to close a drainage channel that is movable and opens the drainage channel.

The dispensing device preferably comprises a sealing surface around the discharge channel, and the resilient valve has a central wall in which there is a slot, the valve having an edge flange projecting sideways beyond the central wall and connected thereto, and the valve with the flange sealingly connected to the sealing surface. devices.

The base of the dispensing device preferably includes a plurality of ribs sealed to the flexible portions of the sachet around the opening.

The base of the dispensing device preferably forms three separate, parallel ribs.

The rib preferably has a generally triangular cross-section.

The base preferably has a plate from which the spout protrudes.

The package according to the third aspect of the invention comprises a container having at least one generally flat wall which has an opening leading into the container, the dispensing device sealed against the flat wall in the opening such that a part of the dispensing device extends beyond the planar wall, the dispensing device having a discharge channel. connecting the exterior to the interior of the container, furthermore the package comprises a resilient valve with a self-closing gap, which opens in response to pressure increased relative to external pressure on the side of the valve facing the inside of the package to allow flow.

The package according to the third aspect of the invention is characterized in that a removable, disposable cover extends beyond the projecting portion of the dispensing device to form an airtight volume around a portion of the device extending beyond the grace of the wall, the removable cover being sealed by sealing means to the container, and a spring-loaded valve with a self-closing slot is mounted on the empty device across the discharge channel.

Preferably, the container has an upper end defined by at least two end walls, two side walls, a top wall and a corner wall formed by said at least one generally flat wall, the corner wall connecting the top wall, the side walls and one of the side walls.

The end walls, further the end walls, the side walls, the top wall, and the corner wall each include a piece of material, the cover further includes an integral tab of the top wall, side walls and one of the end walls behind the corner wall, and the cover is hollow in shape. triangular prism, otherwise the decoupled fastening means include weakened, frangible areas along the edge of the cover adjacent to the corner wall, weakened ones the frangible areas include partial perforations in the material tab along the edges of the top wall, side walls, and one of the end walls.

Preferably, the dispensing device comprises a spout, furthermore the package comprises an openable lid in the form of a separate outer cap which is initially applied over the spout and is movable from the closed position.

The container is preferably a soft sachet.

The dispensing device preferably comprises an annular flange welded to at least one flat wall within the interior of the container, the dispensing device having an outer annular end on which a membrane is removably attached to seal the empty dispensing device.

The package according to the fourth aspect of the invention comprises a container having at least one generally planar wall that has an opening for pouring the contents from within the container, the dispensing device sealed against the planar wall in the opening such that a portion of the device extends beyond the planar wall, the dispensing device having a passageway. drainage connecting the exterior to the interior of the container, further comprising a resilient valve with a self-closing slot, which opens in response to pressure increased relative to external pressure on the side of the valve facing the inside of the package to allow flow.

The package according to the fourth aspect of the invention is characterized in that the dispensing device is hollow and multi-piece and includes a base and a valve support, the base having a flange adapted to seally engage a flat wall of the container around the opening, and the hollow projection protruding from the flange and forming at least a portion drainage channel, wherein a valve support is adapted to fit on a hollow projection of the base of the dispensing device and forms a second part of the discharge channel, further a resilient valve with a self-closing slot is mounted on the valve support across the discharge channel.

Preferably, the package further comprises a removable, disposable cover extending from the container to form an airtight volume around a portion of the dispensing device extending beyond the flat wall, the cover being an integral extension of the container material, the package having a weakened, frangible connection, and the lid protrudes from the container allowing it to be removed by breaking the breakable connection.

Preferably, the package comprises an openable lid in the form of a separate outer lid which is initially applied to the empty dispensing device closing the discharge channel and is movable from the closed position.

The base flange of the dispensing device is preferably annular and adapted to be positioned facing the inside of the container, sealed to a flat wall, the hollow shoulder of the base of the dispensing device having an annular outer end, and the package includes a diaphragm removably attached to the annular outer end sealing the portion. a discharge channel formed by the hollow projection of the base of the device.

The hollow projection of the base preferably has an outer thread and the valve support has an internally threaded rim, adapted to threadly engage the outer threads of the hollow protrusion, furthermore having an integral spout extending from the rim that forms part of a discharge channel.

Preferably, the container is a soft sachet.

The improved package according to the invention has a dispensing device which is sealed to the container and which cannot be removed therefrom without destroying a part of the container and / or the dispensing device.

The package according to the invention allows the use of a penetration revealing seal.

Moreover, in the package according to the invention, the dispensing device may be initially covered and / or hermetically sealed until it is used.

PL 198 329 B1

The dispensing device may employ designs that allow it to be incorporated as a unitary part, or as an extension of the container with a reduced number of components, and which independently and permanently allow it to be attached to the reservoir.

The dosing device can be easily made from a wide variety of materials with the use of efficient, high-quality, mass production technologies with a low scrap rate, high speed, which allow obtaining products with homogeneous performance characteristics for individual products, with high reliability.

The containers of the invention may include disposable sachet-type containers made of a thermoplastic film, foil or multi-layer fabric containing a thermoplastic film or foil.

The valve is a flexible valve that is arranged across the dispensing channel of the dispensing device. The valve has at least one self-sealing slot. The slit may open to allow flow through the valve in response to increasing pressure on the side of the valve facing the interior of the container.

The dispensing device is fixed in an opening defined in the substantially flat wall of the container, allowing the contents to be drained from the interior of the container. The container may be a deformable or collapsible container, or it may be a container having a substantially rigid part or parts.

The multi-piece dispensing device is adapted to be mounted in a container. The dispensing device comprises a base. The base of the dispensing device has a flange adapted to be sealed to the flat portion of the container wall around an opening defined in the flat wall of the container. The dispensing device has a sleeve-like projecting portion which projects from the flange beyond the flat portion of the wall. The sleeve-like projection defines at least a portion of a discharge channel communicating between the surroundings and the interior of the container. The sleeve protruding portion also defines the external thread.

A valve carrier has been introduced to allow the valve to be mounted on a sleeve protrusion of the dispensing device. The valve carrier has an internally threaded rim which is adapted to threadedly engage with an external thread on the sleeve protrusion. The valve support has a unitary discharge channel that extends from the periphery and defines a portion of the dispensing channel.

The flexible valve is housed inside the valve carrier across the dispensing channel. The valve has at least one self-sealing gap that opens to allow flow in response to increased pressure on the side of the valve facing the interior of the container.

The package according to the invention is provided with a dispensing device which is initially shielded and hermetically sealed. The package comprises a container having a top end defined by at least two substantially parallel separated side walls, two substantially parallel spaced end walls connecting the side walls, a top wall connecting the side walls and one end wall, and a substantially flat corner wall. The corner wall is placed at an acute angle to the gable and end walls. The corner wall connects the gable wall, side walls, and one of the end walls. The corner wall also defines an opening leading to the interior of the container.

A sleeve-type dispensing device is tightly mounted in the opening in the corner wall. The sleeve dispensing device defines a dispensing passage connected to the interior of the container.

The flexible valve is housed inside a sleeve dispensing device across the dispensing channel of the device. The valve has at least one self-sealing gap that opens to allow flow in response to an increase in pressure on the side of the valve facing the interior of the container.

A removable and disposable cover extends from the container over the portion of the dispensing device extending above the flat corner wall, and over at least a portion of the flat corner wall. The cover defines a hermetically sealed space around the portion of the device extending beyond the flat corner wall.

The package may comprise a collapsible sachet container defined by at least two opposing flexible portions of material which are joined to each other around a central area which is not connected, moreover, they are separated from each other in an edge area defining an opening leading to the inner area, the package comprises dosing device,

PL 198 329 B1 that defines the dispensing channel. The dispensing device comprises a sleeve base which has two flat ends and which defines two substantially opposite walls that converge and end at each of the two flat ends. Each wall defines an outer surface that is sealed to one of the fabric portions at the location of the opening. The sleeve-like base of the dispensing device defines at least a portion of a dispensing channel leading through the device, and the device further comprises a discharge channel that extends from the sleeve-like base and that defines at least a portion of the dispensing channel.

The flexible valve may be located inside a sleeve device across the dispensing channel of the device. The valve has a self-sealing slit that opens to allow flow in response to an increase in pressure on the side of the valve facing the interior of the sachet.

The package comprises a removable and disposable cover in the form of extensions of at least two parts of the sachet fabric which enclose the discharge channel of the device, and the edge portions of which are sealed together to define a hermetically sealed space around the sachet device.

Detachable coupling means are provided to seal the sachet to the extensions defining the lid.

The above-described dispensing structures according to the present invention can be easily installed on the container by means of a glued connection, and another way of joining parts of the dispensing device to the container wall or walls can be used. In some designs, the valve is simply mounted in a separate holder or carrier and is then mounted in the dispensing device. The dispensing structure designs of the present invention can minimize, if not substantially eliminate, potential leakage pathways.

Such designs also substantially facilitate the drainage of the contents from the container as well as the reclosure of the dispensing structure after some of the contents have been drained.

The dispensing device of the packaging according to the invention can be easily designed so that it greatly improves the control of the dispensing direction as well as gives control over the flow of the product discharged from the container, which is easy to handle when dispensing the product, and which is easier to keep clean avoiding product deposits on the structure. the dispensing structure or dripping along the outer surface of the dispensing structure.

In the following drawings part of this description, like reference numerals in different drawings designate like parts.

The subject of the invention has been shown in a preferred embodiment in the drawing in which: Fig. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a package containing a dispensing device according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the packaging shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a right side elevation view of the packet shown in Figure 1; Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the plane 4-4 in Fig. 1 sharply enlarged; Figure 5 is a view similar to that of Figure 4, but Figure 5 shows the package after the lid has been removed and the package has been inverted to drain the product from the package; Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a valve used in the dispensing structure in the package shown in Figures 1-5; Fig. 7 is a top view of the valve shown in Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a side elevation view of the valve shown in Fig. 6 and 7; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a dispensing device for a package of the present invention that has been incorporated into the package shown in Figures 1-5; Figure 10 is a side elevation view of the first embodiment of the dispensing device of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a bottom view of the dispensing device taken along the plane 11-11 in Figure 10; fig. 12 is a plan view of the first embodiment of a dispensing device taken substantially along the plane 12-12 in Fig. 10; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane 13-13 in Figure 12; Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane 14-14 in Fig. 12; Fig. 15 is a view similar to that of Fig. 14, but Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of the valve fitted to the device; fig. 16 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a dispensing device according to the present invention that includes an independent dispensing device that is adapted to be installed on a reservoir and that is fitted with a slit valve; Figure 17 is a perspective view of the top corner of a package containing a container with the second embodiment of the dispensing device shown in Figure 16 mounted thereon; fig. 18 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken along the plane 18-18 in Fig. 17; Fig. 19 is a view similar to this

Fig. 17, but Fig. 19 shows the container and dispensing device shown in Figs. 16-18 with a removable lid above the dispensing structure to form a complete package in accordance with another aspect of the present invention; Fig. 20 is an exploded perspective view similar to Fig. 16 but Fig. twenty shows a further embodiment of a dispensing device according to the present invention that includes an independent multi-piece dispensing device adapted to be mounted on a container (not shown in Fig. 20); Figure 21 is a perspective view of the top corner of the container to which the base of the multi-component dispensing device shown in Figure 20 is attached; and Fig. 22 is a section taken along the plane 22-22 of Fig. 21.

The invention may be structured in many different embodiments, this description and the accompanying drawings only disclose some embodiments of the invention as embodiments of the invention. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

For the sake of clarity of description, the dispensing device and package of the invention are described in selected orientations. It should be noted that the invention may be manufactured, stored, shipped, used, and sold in orientations other than those described.

Figures 1-15 show a preferred embodiment of a dispensing device generally designated 20. In this embodiment, dispensing device 20 comprises independently manufactured elements that are mounted on a container 22 containing a liquid product.

The removable and disposable cover 24 extends from the container 22 and may be considered a removable part of the dispensing device 20 or may be considered an extension of the container 22. The cover 24 may be manufactured as a standalone product that is attached to the container 22 by any suitable means, such as there is a joint made with an adhesive or seal that may be broken or torn when removing the cover 24. The lid 24 may be formed directly as an extension of the materials constituting the walls of the container 22, and suitable weakened areas or other means to facilitate the peeling of the lid 24 may be provided.

The container 22 is a collapsible sachet that is constructed of at least two opposing flexible parts 31 and 31 made of fabric (Fig. 2). Each of the portions 31 and 32 may be a separate sheet or piece of material. Alternatively, elements 31 and 32 may be a single sheet of material folded to define two opposite portions of material. To provide increased capacity and to provide a base for stand-up packages, an additional material wall 33 is preferably provided at the bottom of the sachet.

The parts of the material are tightly connected leaving an unconnected inner area. 1 shows the top joint 34, left side joint 36, right side joint 38, and bottom seal 40. Typically joints 34, 36, 38 and 40 are welded joints that may be made by conventional techniques when the material from which the some parts of the sachet contain a thermally bondable, thermoplastic material. The material portions may include a suitable sandwich structure or film, such as, for example, a pressure-formed laminate film. Such a film may have an outer foil layer covered on the inside of the sachet with a layer of thermoplastic material suitable for thermal bonding or gluing. Additional inner layers, such as a gas-tight layer, a thermally insulating layer, and the like, may be included, along with suitable interconnecting layers for bonding the various types of layers together.

A dispensing device 20 is placed between regions of the material portions 31 and 32 before the parts of the material forming the sachet are finished joining together. The dispensing device 20 is attached to the material portions 31 and 32 by means of a welded connection 42 shown in Figure 1 on one side of the structure. 120. A similar welding connection is provided on the other side of the dispensing structure 20 to connect it to an adjacent part of the material.

The edge areas of the material portions 31 and 32 are also interconnected near each end of the dispensing structure 20. The joining of the sachet portions together such that a finished sachet is formed occurs in such a way that the product can be introduced into the interior space between the material portions before it is completed. joining parts of the material. This is possible according to a conventional process, details of which are not part of the present invention.

PL 198 329 B1

The dispensing device 20 comprises a unitary mounting portion having a sleeve-like base 50 and a discharge channel 52 that extends from the sleeve-like base 50 (Fig. 9). As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the base 50 is positioned between the pouch material portions 31 and 32, where the base 50 is attached to the material portion. Portions of material 31 and 32 may be defined as defining an opening in which the base 50 of the attachment portion is positioned. In the embodiment of the sachet shown in Figure 1, the portions of material 31 and 32 may be more accurately described as having a substantially rectangular configuration defining three right angles and one beveled corner. The base 50 of the dispensing device is positioned in the sachet opening at the oblique corner and is attached to the material portion 31 and 32 along the periphery of the oblique corner.

As shown in Figure 4, a portion of the pouch material 32 includes an extension 56 and a portion of the pouch material 31 includes an extension 58. Extensions 56 and 58 collectively include the drain channel 52 of the dispensing device, and their edges are interconnected by connections 62 and 64. (Fig. 1) forming a cover 24 defining a hermetically sealed space around the drain channel 20 of the dispensing device. The cover 24, including the extensions 56 and 58 connected at the edges, is removable and disposable. Thus, extensions 56 and 58 are connected to the material portions 32 and 31, respectively, through weakened areas such as partial perforation or perforation areas 66 (FIG. 4) along the edges of the lid 24 adjacent to the pouch 22.

The partial perforation 66 may be provided in a conventional manner in the form of short-spaced short grooves or cuts. Alternatively, it is possible to introduce a single continuous groove on either side of the sachet 22. When a user grasps and pulls the top of the lid 24, the lid tears and separates from the pouch 22 along the perforation 66. A drain passage 52 of the dispensing device is exposed at the corner of the pouch 22. If necessary, it is possible to introduce another method of joining the lid and the sachet. For example, the lid 24 may be attached to the sachet 22 by means of a peelable fastening tape (not shown).

Figures 9-14 show details of the structure of the dispensing device 20. Base 50 of the dispensing device may be defined as having a "boat" configuration. The base 50 has two substantially opposite sides of walls 70 and 72 (Fig. 9) which begin and end each at two lateral ends 74 and 76 (Fig. 9). Each wall 70 and 72 defines an outer surface portion sealed to one of the portions of the material constituting the sachet. In particular, the walls 70 and 72 include three separate, parallel ribs 78. Each rib 78 has a generally triangular cross-section as shown in Figure 14. The ribs 78 reinforce the connection between the device 20 and the material portions 31 and 32 of the sachet 22. The ribs 78 are particularly effective in enhancing the bondability between the dispensing device 20 and the portions of the sachet material 31 and 32 when the dispensing device 20 is connected to the portions of the sachet material 31 and 32 in a thermal manner.

Device base 50 may have a configuration other than "boat" shape, ribs 78 may have a non-triangular cross-section. It is possible to have more than three ribs or less than three ribs. The ribs 78 may also be completely omitted.

It is now believed that dispensing device 20, or at least base 50, is preferably made of a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS, styrene, and the like. It is now believed that dispensing device 20 will be extruded as a single structure, preferably of polyethylene or polypropylene. Welding of the device 20 to the material portions 31 and 32 of the sachet may be accomplished by any of a number of conventional methods such as heat induction, ultrasonic welding, friction welding, and the like (details of which are not part of the present invention). Alternatively, the dispensing device 20 may be attached to the material portions 31 and 32 of the sachet by an adhesive bond or by an intermediate coupling structure (not shown).

As can be seen in Fig. 9, the base 50 of the device includes an inner tubular structure 82 defining at least a portion of the discharge channel 84. As can be seen in Fig. 13, the discharge channel 52 also defines at least a portion of the discharge channel 84. The discharge channel 52 continues. extending above the flat deck 88 that defines the top of the sleeve-like base 50. At a height above deck 88, the interior of drainage conduit 52 has an inner, angular shoulder defining a tapered seat surface 90. The upper end of drain conduit 52 defines outlet port 92 (FIG. 13). As shown in Fig. 15, dispensing device 20 comprises a valve 180 which is mounted in drainage conduit 52.

PL 198 329 B1

The preferred embodiment of the valve 180 is designed to be effectively clamped in a service position to the seat surface 90 of the device (Figs. 2 and 5) by means of a retaining ring 276 (Fig. 15). In a preferred embodiment of the illustrated valve 180, valve 180 is a valve of known design employing a flexible and resilient material, which valve can open to allow the liquid to drain. The valve 180 can be made of a thermosetting elastomer such as silicone, natural rubber, and the like. Also contemplated are making the valve 180 from thermoplastic elastomers based on materials such as thermoplastic polypropylene, ethylene, urethane, and styrene, including their halogen derivatives.

A valve that is similar to, and functionally analogous to, valve 180 is disclosed in US Patent No. 5,439,143. However, valve 180 has a circumferential flange structure (described in detail below) that differs from the flange structure of the valve shown in US Patent No. 5,439,143. The description of the valve disclosed in US Patent No. 5,439,143 is incorporated herein by reference, to the extent applicable and not inconsistent with the description herein.

As shown in Figs. 6-8, the valve 180 includes a flexible central portion, wall or surface 264, having a concave configuration (viewed from the outside) that defines two mutually perpendicular, intersecting discharge slots 266 of equal length. The intersecting slots 266 define four substantially sector-shaped flaps, concave lobes, central wall 264. The flaps open outwardly from the point of intersection of the slits 266 in response to an appropriately increased pressure within the container in the well known manner described in US Patent No. 5,439,143.

The valve 180 includes a skirt 268 (FIG. 8) which extends outwardly from the central wall of the valve or surface 264. At the outer (top) end, skirt 268 is thin and a peripheral flange 270 that extends from skirt 268 is relative to it. at an angle. The thin flange 270 terminates in an enlarged, much thicker, peripheral flange 272 which has a generally trapezoidal cross-section.

To take advantage of the seating of the valve 180 in the drain channel 52 of the device, the mounting area or seat surface 90 has the same angle as the angle of the trapezoidal cross-section of the flange. The upper surface of the valve flange 272 is positioned against the surface of the seat 90 as shown in Fig. 15.

The lower surface of the valve flange 272 is pressed against the clamping ring 276. As shown in Fig. 15, the clamping ring 276 includes an upwardly sloping clamping surface 278. When clamping ring 276 is mounted in drain channel 52, the distance between clamping surface 278 ring 276 and the area of ​​the seat 90 (FIG. 15) increases as the radial distance from the center of the valve 180 increases. This configuration defines a peripheral space with a trapezoidal cross-section that substantially corresponds to the trapezoidal shape of the valve flange 272.

The fixation ring 276 includes an outer circumferential wall 280 (Fig. 15) with a radially outwardly extending bead 282. When the fixation ring 276 is mounted in the drainage conduit 52 (Fig. 15), the bead is located in the cut area 286 of drainage conduit 52 in engagement. on the push. This arrangement seals and holds the valve 180 without the need for any special internal support structure or support members adjacent to the inner surface of the valve cylindrical rim 268. This allows the area adjacent to the inner surface of the valve cylindrical rim 268 to be substantially open, free, and unimpeded, so as to allow movement of the valve rim 268.

If desired, valve 180 may be retained in drain channel 52 without the use of retaining ring 276. For example, valve 180 may be connected to drain channel 52 by a glued joint, or it may be molded directly onto drain channel 90 so as to be formed. a weld is defined by the junction of the hardening molten parts of the materials.

Valve 180 may be molded with slots 266. Alternatively, valve slots 266 may be cut into wall or surface 264 of valve 180 using any suitable conventional technique.

When valve 180 is properly mounted within drain 52 as shown in FIG. 15, central wall or surface 264 of valve 180 lies in a lowered position within drain 52. However, when sachet 22 is compressed to discharge contents through valve 180 ( as detailed in U.S. Patent No. 5,439,143),

The valve central wall or surface 264 is pushed outward from the lowered position towards the end of drainage hole 52.

In order to withdraw the product from the sachet, the lid 24 has to be initially removed by peeling off the lid 23 along a line of weakness defined by a partial perforation or perforation 66 (Figures 1 and 4). Figure 5 illustrates the package after the lid 24 has been peeled off to expose the pour hole 52 after the package has been inverted to facilitate drainage of the product.

Sachet 22 is typically inverted and squeezed to pressurize within the sachet to a level above ambient atmospheric pressure. This forces the product inside the sachet 22 towards the valve 180 and forces the valve 180 to move from a lowered or retracted position (shown in Fig. 4) towards an extended position (Fig. 5). Outward displacement of the central portion of surface 264 of valve 180 is accomplished by the relatively thin, flexible skirt 268. The skirt 268 moves from an inward protruding position, a rest position towards an external displacement, a pressure-occupied position, by "curling" on the skirt 268. outwardly towards the end of the pouring hole 52 (towards the position shown in Fig. 5). However, the valve 180 does not open (i.e., the slots 266 do not open) until the central surface 264 of the valve has fully moved to the fully extended position in the discharge channel 84. When the central surface 264 of the valve begins to move outward, the central surface 264 of the valve is subjected to a radially inwardly directed compressive force which opposes the opening of the slits 266. Moreover, the wall, central surface 264 of the valve substantially maintains its inwardly concave configuration as it moves outward even when it reaches the fully extended position. However, when the starting pressure becomes high enough after the central surface 264 of the valve has moved outward to the fully extended position, slots 266 of valve 180 begin to open to evacuate product (FIG. 5). The product is then discharged or discharged through the opening of the slits 266. For illustrative purposes, Fig. 5 shows drops 280 of a liquid product that is discharged outward.

Figure 16-18 shows another embodiment of the dispensing structure of the present invention, which is generally designated 320 in Figs. 16-18. The dispensing device 320 is adapted to be installed on a suitable container, such as the container 322 shown in Figs. 16-18. dispensing device 320 and container 322 may be defined as defining a package according to another aspect of the present invention.

The container 322 includes two substantially parallel, spaced apart sidewalls, a first sidewall 324 (Fig. 17) and a second sidewall 326 (Fig. 18). The container 322 includes two substantially parallel, spaced apart end walls, a first end wall 328 (Fig. 17) and a second end wall 330 (Fig. 17). End walls 328 and 330 connect side walls 324 and 326. Top wall 332 (FIG. 17) connects side walls 324 and 326, and end wall 330.

The container 322 includes a generally flat corner wall 334 (FIG. 18). The reinforcement element 336 is disposed on top of the flat corner wall 334, the reinforcement element 336 is an optional element that may be omitted.

The upper end of the container 322 shown in Figs. 17 and 18 defines a generally straight rectangular prism with a beveled corner defined by an angled corner wall 336. The lower portion of the container 322 which is not visible in Figs. 17 and 18, may be substantially rectangular prism-shaped and have a bottom wall (not shown) such that the entire package has substantially the shape of a parallelepiped-rectangular prism, except for corner wall 334. Alternatively, the bottom of the container 322 may have any other suitable shape. a configuration that extends from and joins the upper portions of the side walls 324 and 326, and the end walls 328 and 330. Moreover, in another alternative embodiment, the entire package may have a configuration that is different from that of a parallelepiped rectangular prism.

The container 322 may be made of materials that are somewhat rigid and that allow the container 322 to maintain its three-dimensional configuration while it is full of product or after it has been emptied. Preferably, however, at least the side walls 324 and 326 are flexible to some extent allowing them to be compressed inward to increase the pressure within the container. Preferably, the container 322 is made of cardboard that can be coated with

Inside, a thermoplastic coating or wax paper that facilitates long-term storage of the liquid products, inside the container 322.

The flat corner wall 334 of the container and the reinforcement element 336 together include an opening 340 (Fig. 18). The opening 340 allows communication between the interior of the container and the surroundings, furthermore, the opening 340 houses a portion of the dispensing structure 320 which includes a sleeve dispensing device 344 having a peripheral collar 346, and a drain channel 348 extending outwardly beyond the collar 346.

Before the container 322 is completely formed, the device 344 is positioned in an opening 340 in the corner wall 334 where it is secured to the inside of the wall 334. Figure 18 shows a circumferential connection 350 securing the collar 346 to the corner wall 334 of the container. The connection 350 can be a heat-seal, glued, or other suitable connection to seal the device 344 to the corner wall 334 of the container.

When device 344 is properly mounted in corner wall 334 of the container, drain channel 348 extends through opening 340 in the container. The interior of drain channel 348 has substantially the same configuration as the interior of drain channel 58 described above with reference to Figure 15. Thus, drain channel 348 includes an interior seat surface (not shown in Figures 16-18, but similar to the surface of seat 90 shown in Figs. Fig. 15 with respect to the drainage channel 52). A dispensing valve, which is identical to the valve 180 described above with reference to Fig. 15, is pressed against a seat surface within drain channel 348. The valve is fitted across the internal discharge channel of drain channel 348, and is retained there by suitable means. Such suitable valve retaining means include a fixation ring (such as a fixation ring 276 described above with reference to Figs. 15), glued joint, welded joint, mechanical joints and the like methods of joining. The valve and device 344 together form the dispensing structure 320.

After the dispensing structure 320 is properly mounted in the end wall 334 of the container, the various portions of the container are oriented and configured to define an interior liquid product receiving space before completely closing the container walls 322. After the interior of the partially completed container 322 has been filled with the product, the remaining wall portions or portions of the walls are moved to the position to close the container, then joined together by suitable conventional techniques, details of which are not part of the present invention.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a lid 360 is disposed on the container 322 to cover the corner wall of the container as shown in FIG. 19. The lid has a hollow triangular prism configuration. The lid 260 is releasably attached to the container 322 so that it can be removed by a user to expose the drain channel 348 of the dispensing structure. In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the lid is defined by integral extensions of the material forming the top wall 332, end wall 328, and two sidewalls 324 and 326. Cover 360 defines a hermetically sealed space around drain channel 348 extending above corner wall 334. in an alternative design (not shown), lid 360 could be a standalone piece attached to container 322.

The introduced detachable engagement means is a weakened brittle area 364 along the edges of cover 360 adjacent a flat corner wall 334 at the bottom of cover 360. Weakened brittle areas 364 may include cuts or a groove in the material or a plurality of spaced-apart partial perforations in the material. Other suitable weakened structures or tearing aid structures may be included to allow the user to more easily remove the cover 360.

Figure 20 shows another embodiment of a dispensing device 420 in accordance with the present invention that can be mounted on a container 322 that is identical to the container 322 described above with respect to Figs. 17-18.

Referring to FIG. 20, the dispensing structure is a multi-piece dispensing device including a base 430 and a valve carrier 440 that are adapted to engage with each other. Prior to assembly, base 430 is mounted in opening 340 of container 322 (FIG. 22). Thereafter, the valve carrier 440 is mounted on an end of the base 430. The base 430 has a flange 442 adapted to seal against a flat container wall or wall portion 334 as shown in Fig. 22. The flange is particularly suitable for a tight connection by means of a joint

PL 198 329 B1

446 With the corner wall 334 of the container, the connection or bonding may be a glued or welded connection. The welding connection may be made by a conventional or special process employing heat induction, ultrasonic welding, friction welding, or the like. In some applications, it may be advantageous to provide a mechanical connection or a transitional attachment that has a sealed structure.

The base 430 includes a sleeve protrusion 450 (Figs. 20 and 21) extending from the collar 442. The sleeve protrusion 450 defines at least a portion of a discharge channel 454 (Fig. 22) for establishing communication between the surroundings and the interior of the container. A thread 460 is disposed on the outside of sleeve protrusion 450. The upper end of sleeve protrusion 450 preferably defines an outer circumferential end that is adapted to receive membrane, paper, or foil 464. The diaphragm 464 is removably attached across the outer peripheral end of sleeve protrusion 450 such that it sealsly engages a discharge channel protrusion 454 defined by sleeve protrusion 450.

The valve carrier 440 includes a skirt 470 (FIGS. 20 and 22). The skirt 470 has an internal thread 472 for mating with an external thread 460 located at the base of the sleeve shoulder 450. The valve carrier 440 has a uniform drain passage 478 extending from the skirt 470. Drain channel 478 has an internal configuration substantially identical to that of the drain passage 52 of the machine. described above with reference to Fig. 15. The interior of drain channel 478 thus includes a circumferential valve seat (not shown in Figs. 20-22, but identical to the valve seat 90 described above with reference to Fig. 15). A flexible valve (identical to the valve 180 described above with respect to Fig. 15) is mounted in the valve seat in the drain channel 478 where it is held by means of a retaining ring (identical to the retaining ring 276 described above with respect to Fig. 15). The valve in the drain channel 478 is thus sealed across the discharge channel defined by the drain channel. Other suitable securing means are possible, including an adhesive bond, a thermal bond, or the like.

The valve carrier 440, with the valve attached therein, is installed by threading on the base of the projection 450 after the base of the projection 450 has been embedded in the wall of the container 322. The protective membrane or foil 464 is left in place as a freshness seal and / or content violation indicator.

Before the manufacturing process of the container 322 is completed, the interior of the container 322 is filled with product. Thereafter, manufacturing of the container 322 is completed by sealing the remaining portions of the container so that a complete package is formed.

To use the package, the user must first unscrew the valve carrier 340 from the sleeve protrusion 450. The user then removes the diaphragm 464 to open the drain passage 454. The valve carrier 440 is then reinstalled on the sleeve protrusion 450. The container 322 can then be inverted for drainage. product through the dosing structure. One or more walls of the container 322 can be compressed or deflected inward to force liquid to flow through the valve in drain channel 478.

The packages of the present invention allow the user to drain the product in a controlled manner. The amount of pressure exerted on the liquid product within the container may be adjusted as needed to cause the valve in the dispensing structure to open or close.

The exposed surfaces of the package, including the dispensing structure, will remain cleaner during the use of the package because the user can obtain a more accurately controlled product flow, and because the user can more precisely control the direction of the product discharge.

The package of the present invention uses package configurations that prevent air from entering the package, and this reduces the possibility of contamination or airborne spoilage of the product contained in the package. Moreover, a membrane or shell sealed across the discharge channel of the dispensing structure can be used as a means of reclosing and sealing the package prior to loading or transporting the container.

In some applications, it may be advantageous to provide an outer lid covering the drain channel, either hingedly mounted or as an independent structure. However, the illustrated preferred embodiments of the system according to the present invention are aesthetically shapely in part because they do not have a lid which remains attached to the package during product discharge and which would interfere with the discharge of product from the container. Moreover, due to the fact that, in the preferred embodiments, no outer cover is present, the discharge process is not impaired in any way from the user's point of view.

It will be readily apparent from the foregoing Detailed Description of the Invention and from the accompanying drawings that a number of changes and modifications may be made without prejudice to the true spirit and scope of the inventive ideas or principles of the invention.