Spouted pouch adapted to be filled with a flowable product and method of production thereof

Abstract

In combination a spouted pouch to be filled with a flowable product by a filling machine, a plug, and a cap. The interference fit plug is releasably mounted over the top end of the neck of the spout body and hermetically seals the product passage of the spout body. The plug is adapted to be removed by the filling machine and to be replaced by pressing the plug onto the neck after filling of the pouch. The plug removal, filling, and replacing of the plug are preferably performed in an aseptic environment. The cap is after the filling of the pouch and the replacing of the plug onto the neck. The capping is preferably performed by a capping machine in a non-aseptic environment.

Claims

1. A method for production of aseptically filled spouted pouches with a manually openable cap, which method comprises: supplying an empty, spouted pouch to an aseptic filling machine, which spouted pouch comprises: a flexible material pouch body, a spout having a molded spout body of plastic material, said spout body having at a lower end thereof an attachment portion that is attached to the pouch body, wherein said spout body has at an upper end thereof a tubular neck, which neck has an interior surface delimiting at least a section of a product passage that extends from a lower product passage opening through the spout body to a mouth opening at a top end of the neck, said neck also having an exterior surface, an interference-fit plug, wherein the plug is releasably mounted onto the top end of the neck of the spout body and hermetically seals the product passage of the spout body, which plug has a molded plug body of plastic material, wherein the plug body has a top portion and a downward depending annular wall adapted to be fitted onto a top section of the tubular neck of the spout, wherein said annular wall has a surface which embodies an annular sealing surface, and wherein the exterior or interior surface of the top section of the neck embodies a cooperating annular sealing surface such that a hermetic seal is present between the annular wall of the plug and the neck of the spout body, wherein the exterior of the neck of the spout body, below the top section thereof, is provided with an integrally molded first cap connector formation, wherein the plug is adapted to be removed by the filling machine and to be replaced by pressing the plug onto the neck after aseptic filling of the pouch with the flowable product, wherein the method further comprises: arranging at least the end portion of the neck and the plug of the empty spouted pouch in an aseptic environment of the filling machine, wherein in said aseptic environment: the plug is removed from the neck by the filling machine, the pouch is filled with a flowable product via the product passage in the spout body, the filled pouch is reclosed by replacing the plug by pressing the plug onto the top end of the neck and causing an interference fit with the neck, wherein the method further comprises: providing a manually operable rotational cap that is adapted to be assembled on the spouted pouch after said aseptic filling of the pouch and said replacing of the plug onto the neck, wherein the cap has a cap body that is molded of thermoplastic material, which cap body includes an annular skirt having an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a lower end, wherein a section of the interior of the skirt is provided with an integrally molded second cap connector formation that is adapted to cooperate with the first cap connector formation on the neck of the spout body, and wherein the cap body and the plug body are provided with cooperating snap-fit formations, and wherein the cap, below the skirt, is provided with an integrally molded tamper-evident structure that allows to visually evidence the first time opening of the filled pouch, and wherein the spout body, below the first cap connector formation, is provided with one or more integrally molded tamper-evident formations that cooperate with said tamper-evident structure of the cap, such that upon first time opening of the filled pouch the tamper-evident structure evidences said first time opening, wherein the method further comprises, with the plug replaced onto the top end of the neck, the step of: lowering the cap body over the plug in an manner causing the first and second cap connector formations to cooperate and causing the snap-fit formations to engage and thereby couple the plug to the cap, wherein the cooperating snap fit formations couple the plug to the cap such that upon manually opening of the cap the plug remains coupled to the cap and is entrained with the cap so as to open the product passage and allowing dispensing of the flowable product from the filled pouch.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of lowering the cap body over the plug is performed in a non-aseptic environment.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the filling machine comprises a filling nozzle, wherein the filling nozzle comprises a front end portion that is adapted to the introduced into the neck of the spout, and wherein the plug has an outer annular wall with a sealing surface sealing onto a corresponding sealing surface on the exterior of the neck of the spout, wherein the filling nozzle is not in contact with the annular sealing surface of the neck of the spout.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the filling machine comprises in said aseptic environment a plug removal and/or replacement device that engages the plug.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the filling machine comprises, in said aseptic environment, a plug retention member that is adapted to temporarily support the removed plug, prior to the plug being replaced onto the neck of the spout, of the same spout from which the plug has been removed or a spout of another spouted pouch filled by the filling machine, and wherein the method comprises retaining said removed plug by said plug retention member, wherein said plug removal device removes said plug and transfers the plug to said plug retention member.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the plug body has an outer annular wall provided with said annular sealing surface of the plug, said plug body further comprising one or more centering portions downwardly depending from the top portion of the plug body and frictionally engaging the interior surface of the neck when the plug is mounted over the top end of the neck, and wherein the plug retention member is adapted to engage on the one or more centering portions in an interference fit.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the one or more centering portions of the plug body delimit an open bottom cavity for reception of a pin portion of the plug retention member therein, wherein the one or more centering portions engage on the pin portion in an interference fit.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the centering portion of the plug body comprises an inner annular wall downwardly depending from the top portion of the plug body and coaxial with the outer annular wall, wherein the inner annular wall delimits the open bottom cavity for reception of a pin portion of the plug retention member therein, wherein the inner annular wall engages on the pin in an interference fit.

9. A method for production of aseptically filled spouted pouches with a manually openable cap, which method comprises: supplying an empty spouted pouch to an aseptic filling machine, which spouted pouch comprises: a flexible material pouch body, a spout having a molded spout body of plastic material, said spout body having at a lower end thereof an attachment portion that is attached to the pouch body, wherein said spout body has at an upper end thereof a tubular neck, which neck has an interior surface delimiting at least a section of a product passage that extends from a lower product passage opening through the spout body to a mouth opening at a top end of the neck, said neck also having an exterior surface, arranging at least the end portion of the neck of the empty spouted pouch in an aseptic environment of the filling machine, filling, in said aseptic environment, the spouted pouch with a flowable product via the product passage in the spout body, placing, in said aseptic environment and by means of a device of the filling machine, a sterilized interference fit plastic plug onto the top end of the neck of the filled pouch, by pressing the plug onto the top end of the neck and causing an interference fit with the neck, such that the plug is releasably mounted onto the top end of the neck of the spout body and hermetically seals the product passage of the spout body, which plug has a molded plug body of plastic material, wherein the plug body has a top portion and a downward depending annular wall adapted to be fitted onto a top section of the tubular neck of the spout, wherein said annular wall has a surface which embodies an annular sealing surface, and wherein the exterior or interior surface of the top section of the neck embodies a cooperating annular sealing surface such that a hermetic seal is present between the annular wall of the plug and the neck of the spout body, wherein the exterior of the neck of the spout body, below the top section thereof, is provided with an integrally molded first cap connector formation, discharging the filled spouted pouch closed by said interference-fit plug from said aseptic environment, and entering a non-aseptic environment, wherein the method further comprises: providing a manually operable rotational cap that is adapted to be assembled on the spouted pouch after said aseptic filling of the pouch and said placing of the plug onto the neck, wherein the cap has a cap body that is molded of thermoplastic material, which cap body includes an annular skirt having an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a lower end, wherein a section of the interior of the skirt is provided with an integrally molded second cap connector formation that is adapted to cooperate with the first cap connector formation on the neck of the spout body, and wherein the cap body and the plug body are provided with cooperating snap-fit formations, and wherein the cap, below the skirt, is provided with an integrally molded tamper-evident structure that allows to visually evidence the first time opening of the filled pouch, and wherein the spout body, below the first cap connector formation, is provided with one or more integrally molded tamper-evident formations that cooperate with said tamper-evident structure of the cap, such that upon first time opening of the filled pouch the tamper-evident structure evidences said first time opening, wherein the method further comprises, after said discharging of the filled spouted pouch closed by said interference-fit plug from said aseptic environment and in a non-aseptic environment, the step of: lowering the cap body over the plug in an manner causing the first and second cap connector formations to cooperate and causing the snap-fit formations to engage and thereby couple the plug to the cap, wherein the cooperating snap fit formations couple the plug to the cap such that upon manually opening of the cap the plug remains coupled to the cap and is entrained with the cap so as to open the product passage and allowing dispensing of the flowable product from the filled pouch.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the lowering comprising screwing and/or pressing.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the empty spouted pouch is supplied pre-sterilized.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the top portion of the plug body is provided with a peripheral groove extending around the top portion, wherein an upper shoulder of the plug body delimits the top of the peripheral groove, and wherein one or more snap-fit formations of the cap extend into said peripheral groove and engage underneath said upper shoulder of the plug body.

13. The method according to claim 2, wherein the non-aseptic environment is outside of the filling machine.

14. The method according to claim 4, wherein the plug removal and/or replacement device engages a peripheral groove in the exterior of the plug body.

15. The method according to claim 5, wherein said plug removal device removes said plug and transfers the plug to said plug retention member.

16. The method according to claim 6, wherein the interference fit includes the plug retention member being spaced from the annular sealing surface of the outer annular wall of the retained plug.

17. The method according to claim 8, wherein the inner annular wall frictionally engages the interior surface of the tubular neck when the interference-fit plug is mounted over the top end of the tubular neck, wherein the inner and outer annular walls of the plug body define an open bottomed annular groove between them in which the top end of the tubular neck is received when the interference-fit plug is mounted over the top end of the tubular neck.

18. The method according to claim 6, wherein the one or more centering portions extend downward beyond the outer annular wall, said one or more centering portions having a bevelled lower edge to facilitate introduction of the one or more centering portions into the tubular neck of the spout body.

19. The method according to claim 1, wherein the annular sealing surface is an inwardly protruding seal bead.

20. The method according to claim 9, wherein the empty spouted pouch is supplied pre pre-sterilized.

Description

(1) The invention will now be described with reference to the appended drawings. In the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 shows an example of a combination according to the invention, wherein the still empty spouted pouch is hermetically sealed by the plug,

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates the removal of the plug from the neck of the spout and the temporary plug retention member,

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates the filling of the opened spouted pouch by means of a filling nozzle of a filling machine,

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates the plug being replaced on the filled spouted pouch,

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates the cap being assembled onto the filled spouted pouch,

(7) FIGS. 6-8 illustrate the spout of the combination of FIG. 1,

(8) FIGS. 9-12 illustrate the plug of the combination of FIG. 1,

(9) FIG. 13 illustrates in a cross-sectional view the interference fit of the plug on the neck of the spout,

(10) FIGS. 14, 15 illustrate the cap of the combination of FIG. 1,

(11) FIG. 16 shows the cap in a first cross-section,

(12) FIG. 17 shows the cap in a second cross-section perpendicular to the first cross-section,

(13) FIG. 18 illustrates in cross-sectional view the assembly of the cap over the plug and the neck of the spout,

(14) FIGS. 19, 20 illustrate the assembled combination with the spout, plug, and cap,

(15) FIGS. 21, 22 illustrate an alternative embodiment of spout, plug, and cap for use with the inventive method,

(16) FIG. 23 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of spout, plug, and cap for use with the inventive method,

(17) FIG. 24 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of the inventive method for aseptically packaging a flowable product in spouted pouches.

(18) With reference to FIGS. 1-5 first the method for production of aseptically filled spouted pouches with a manually openable cap will be elucidated.

(19) FIG. 1 represents the step of supplying an empty spouted pouch 1 to an aseptic filling machine (not shown). The empty spouted pouch 1 has been pre-sterilized, e.g. by irradiation.

(20) Generally the empty spouted pouch to be supplied to the filling machine comprises a flexible material pouch body 10, a plastic spout 20, and an interference-fit plug 50.

(21) The plastic plug 50 is releasably mounted over the top end of the neck of the spout body and hermetically seals the product passage of the spout body.

(22) In this condition the pouch 1 is introduced into a filling machine, wherein at least the region of the spout 20 and the plug 50 enter into an aseptic environment, e.g. enter into an aseptic chamber, e.g. a tunnel, of the filling machine (or the entire filling machine being placed in an aseptic environment).

(23) FIG. 2 illustrates the step of removal of the plug 50 from the neck by the filling machine, here by a schematically illustrated plug removal and replacement device 200.

(24) FIG. 2 also illustrates schematically the provision in the filling machine of a plug retention member 210 that is adapted to temporarily support the removed plug 50. This retention member 210 is arranged in the mentioned aseptic environment. It is illustrated that the plug removal and replacement device 200 removes the plug 50 from the neck, e.g. by simply lifting the plug, and then transfers the plug to the plug retention member. Subsequently the pouch can be filled and the plug 50 replaced on the same spout.

(25) For example the filling machine is a carousel machine wherein the spouted pouch passes through an arctuate path with the filling nozzle and the plug retention member moving in sync with the moving spouted pouch. In another embodiment the plug may be replaced on the spout of another spouted pouch filled by the filling machine.

(26) FIG. 3 illustrates the step of filling the pouch 1 by means of a filling nozzle 220 of the filling machine. The nozzle 220 is brought into sealing engagement with the spout 20 in order to avoid spillage. As the pouch was empty prior to filling no removal of air is required prior to the filling. This step of filling is done in the aseptic environment.

(27) Once the pouch 1 is sufficiently filled, the nozzle 220 is disengaged from the spout 20. Then, as illustrate in FIG. 2 the plug 50 is taken from the retention member 210 and replaced onto the spout 20. The plug 50 is pressed over the top end of the neck and thereby an interference fit with the neck is established. The filled pouch 1 is thus closed hermetically by the plug 50, as is illustrated in FIG. 4.

(28) FIG. 5 illustrates that a manually operable rotational plastic cap 70 has been assembled on the spouted pouch 1 after the aseptic filling of the pouch and the replacing of the plug onto the neck. As preferred, this step is done by a capping machine that is arranged in a non-aseptic environment, with the caps 70 not being subjected to a sterilizing treatment.

(29) The cap 70 is provided with an integrally molded tamper-evident structure 80 that allows to visually evidence the first time opening of the filled pouch. The spout body is provided with one or more tamper-evident formations that cooperate with the tamper-evident structure of the cap, such that upon first time opening of the filled pouch the tamper-evident structure evidences said first time opening.

(30) As will be discussed in more detail below the assembly of the cap 70 comprises the lowering of the cap body over the plug 50 in a manner causing cap connector formations on the neck and the skirt of the cap to cooperate and also causing snap-fit formations on the plug and on the cap to engage. The latter couple the plug to the cap, whereas the cooperating cap connector formations couple the cap to the neck.

(31) The snap-fit coupling between the plug 50 and the cap 70 is such that upon manually opening of the pouch the plug remains coupled to the cap and is entrained with the cap so as to open the product passage and allowing dispensing of the flowable product from the filled pouch.

(32) With reference to FIGS. 6-13 details of the spout 20 and the plug 50 will be discussed as well as the sealing cooperation between the spout 20 and the plug 50.

(33) The spout 20 has a spout body that has been injection molded as a monolithic piece of suitable plastic material as is preferred.

(34) The spout body has at a lower end thereof an attachment portion 21, that is adapted to be attached to the pouch body, e.g. by heat sealing techniques. At the upper end thereof the spout body has a tubular neck 22.

(35) The depicted attachment portion 21 is adapted to secure the portion 21 between opposed panels or wall of the pouch 10 at an edge thereof. In another embodiment the attachment portion 21 may e.g. be embodied as annular planar flange in a plane normal to a vertical axis of the spout, wherein this flange is adapted to secure the spout to a panel of the pouch over an opening in said panel.

(36) The depicted attachment portion 21 has a series of vertically spaced horizontal ribs, here four ribs. In an alternative example the portion may have three such ribs, e.g. to allow for a downward protruding boss on the underside of lower flange 30, e.g. centrally along each long side of said flange 30. Such a boss can prevent shiggling when the spout is conveyed over rails of handling equipment, e.g. filler.

(37) The neck 22 has an interior surface 23 which delimits a section of a product passage 24 that extends from a lower product passage opening 25 through the spout body to a mouth opening 26 at a top end of the neck. The neck also has an exterior surface 27.

(38) The exterior surface of the top section of the neck embodies an annular sealing surface 27a that is adapted to establish a hermetic seal with a corresponding sealing surface on the interior side of an outer annular wall of the plug 50.

(39) Below the sealing surface 27a, the exterior of the neck of the spout body is provided with an integrally molded first cap connector formation, here embodied as a thread 28. The thread 28 e.g. is a single continuous thread, a double start thread, an interrupted thread as shown here, or otherwise.

(40) Below the integrally molded first cap connector formation 28 and above the attachment portion 21, the spout body has a pair of upper and lower flanges 29, 30 extending around the neck. As is known in the field these flanges may be used in the course of conveyance of the spouted pouches 1, e.g. through the filling machine, e.g. with a support of guide member of the filling machine between the flanges 29, 30 at opposite sides of the neck.

(41) A portion of the neck intermediate these flanges 29, 30 is provided with a pair of parallel vertical guide faces 31, 32 at diametrically opposed locations, e.g. allowing for guiding of the neck in a guide slot of the filling machine.

(42) On top of the upper flange 29, here at diametrically opposed locations relative to the neck, the spout body is provided with integrally molded tamper-evident formations 33, 34 that are raised from the upper flange and adjoin the neck of the spout body.

(43) The plug 50 has a monolithic molded plug body of plastic material as is preferred.

(44) In the depicted example the plug body has a top portion 51 and a downward depending outer annular wall 52 that is adapted to be fitted over the top section of the tubular neck of the spout, 20.

(45) The outer annular wall 52 has an interior surface 53 which embodies an annular sealing surface 54, here embodied by an inwardly protruding seal bead near the lower end of the wall 52. When the plug 50 is placed on the neck, the seal bead 54 forms a hermetic seal with the sealing surface 27a on the top section of the neck. As shown it is envisaged that the seal bead is slightly expanded when the plug 50 is pressed onto the neck. It is envisaged that this single seal between the plug and the neck is sufficient to create a closure of the pouch that guarantees the quality and shelf-life of the packaged flowable product. Therefore it is preferred that no additional seal is present between the plug and the neck and further no additional seal at other locations, e.g. between the cap and the neck.

(46) The plug body further comprises an integrally molded inner annular wall 55 which is coaxial or concentric with the outer annular wall and depends downwardly from the top portion of the plug body.

(47) It is envisaged that the inner annular wall 55 serves to center the plug 50 relative to the neck when the plug is placed thereon. In view thereof the wall 55 extends downward beyond the outer annular wall 52 such that the wall is introduced into the neck prior to the seal bead 54 engaging the neck. To enhance the introduction into the neck the inner annular wall has a bevelled lower edge on the outside. A further bevelled edge is present on the inside to enhance placement over the plug retention member 210. In a possible design the bevel on the outside is much greater than the bevel on the inside, e.g. increased chamfer, so as to improve placement of the plug 50 on the neck. The length of the wall 55 may also be varied, e.g. increased, relative to the depicted example.

(48) The inner annular wall 55 frictionally engages the interior surface of the neck when the plug is mounted over the top end of the neck. As can be seen the inner and outer annular wall of the plug body define an open bottomed annular groove between them in which the top end of the neck is received when the plug is mounted over the top end of the neck.

(49) In the depicted embodiment the exterior of the wall 55 is provided with alternating ribs 56 and grooves, extending in axial direction, with the ribs 56 frictionally engaging the neck of the spout body. The ribs are bevelled at their lower end enhancing introduction into the neck of the spout.

(50) The top portion of the plug body is embodied with a top wall 57 of which the outer perimeter forms a peripheral and radially extending upper shoulder 58 as the top portion forms a peripheral groove 59 below said upper shoulder 58.

(51) In more detail, in this example, the top wall 57 is joined directly to wall 60 forming an extension of the inner annular wall 55. A circular flange 61 below the groove 59 also forms part of the top portion of the plug. The outer annular wall 52 adjoins at the top end thereof the outer perimeter of this flange 61.

(52) As can be seen in FIG. 2 it is envisaged that a single peripheral groove 59 extends around the top portion and that this groove also serves to couple the plug 50 to a plug removal and replacement device 200 of the filling machine.

(53) As will be explained below it is envisaged that the upper shoulder 58 not only serves to bound the groove 59, but also acts as a snap-fit formation by means of which the plug body is coupled to the cap 70. It will be explained that one or more snap-fit formations of the cap extend into this peripheral groove and engage underneath the upper shoulder 58 of the plug body.

(54) With reference to FIGS. 13-17 details of the cap 70 as well as of the snap fit cooperation thereof with the plug 50 will be discussed.

(55) The cap has a monolithic cap body that is injection molded of thermoplastic material.

(56) The cap body comprises a top wall 71 with an outer perimeter 72. An annular skirt 73 depends downward from the outer perimeter. At the lower end the cap is provided, integrally molded below the skirt, with a tamper-evident structure that allows to visually evidence the first time opening of the filled pouch.

(57) The cap body is provided with one or more windows 74 in the skirt 73. Here two windows 74 at diametrically opposed positions directly below the top wall 71. As is preferred a window 74 is embodied as an elongated slot in circumferential direction of the skirt 73.

(58) The annular skirt 73 has an interior surface 75 that delimits the inner cavity of the cap 70. In an upper region thereof the cap 50 is received. Below the cap receiving region of the bore a section of the interior surface of the cap 70 is provided with an integrally molded second cap connector formation, here embodied as a thread 76.

(59) In the cap receiving region the interior surface 75 of the cap body is provided with an integrally molded snap-fit formation 78 that is adapted to couple with the plug 50 in a snap-fit engagement when the cap 70 is pressed over the plug 50 that is secured over the neck of the spout.

(60) In this example the snap-fit formation 78 is embodied as an inwardly protruding peripheral snap-fit ledge 78, as is preferred directly beneath the one or more windows 74, here the one or more elongated slot windows 74.

(61) As can be best seen in FIG. 18 the snap-fit formation 78 is adapted to snap into the groove in the top portion of the plug 50 and to engage underneath the upper shoulder 58 of the plug 50. This snap-fit is such that the coupling remains intact when the user opens the spouted pouch.

(62) As can be seen, as preferred, the inner diameter of the plug receiving region of the bore of the cap 70 is such that the outer annular wall 52 of the plug 50 fits is received therein with a radial play, so that the sealing function thereof is not impaired by the assembly of the cap 70 over the plug 50.

(63) As can be seen the engagement of the snap-fit formations 78, 58 between the cap and the plug is remote from outer annular wall of the plug, so that the sealing function thereof is not impaired by the assembly of the cap 70 over the plug 50.

(64) As can be seen, the inner diameter of the threaded section of the cap 70 is greater than the outer diameter of the plug 50, such that the cap 70 can be lowered over the plug without the threading of the cap unduly interfering with the plug.

(65) As can be seen, and as preferred, the top wall 71 of the cap covers the entirety of the top face of the plug 50, so that no access is available to the plug from above.

(66) FIG. 18 also illustrates that the outer diameter of the outer annular wall 52 of the plug body is less than the minor diameter of the thread 28 on the tubular neck 22. In particular the neck comprises a conical portion on which the threading is located, at least part thereof.

(67) The cap body also comprises a vertical panel 79 extending in a vertical center plane of the cap body and extending over the top wall 71 and along the exterior of the skirt 73. This panel, which may carry integrally molded indicia, effectively strengthens the cap body and enhances grip by the user. As can be gathered from FIG. 18 this strengthening may be of advantage in view of the snap-fit between the cap and the plug body.

(68) FIG. 18 also illustrates that the seal between the seal bead 54 of the plug 50 on the exterior of the neck of the spout effectively is the only seal in the completely assembled closure between the interior of the pouch and the atmosphere. If desired one or more additional seals may be established between the plug and the neck, e.g. between the top end of the neck and the plug and/or between the interior surface of the neck and the inner annular wall of the plug. However, as discussed, the provision of a single seal around the exterior of the neck is deemed effective and reliable.

(69) In the embodiment depicted herein the tamper-evident structure on the cap body and the mating tamper-evident formations on the spout body are embodied as disclosed in WO2014007612 which is incorporated herein by reference. The design of the tamper-evident is briefly discussed below, as detailed information is present in the mentioned prior art document.

(70) The cap body 70 comprises a tamper-evident ring 80 that is integrally molded to the skirt 73. The tamper-evident ring is composed of two ring segments, each ring segment having a base portion and an indicator portion 81. The indicator portion 81 is connected at the head end thereof via an integrally molded frangible bridge 82 to an adjacent trailing end of a base portion of another ring segment. The spout 20, here on the top face of each portion of the upper flange 29, has for each ring segment 31 of the tamper-evident ring a rotation preventing boss 33, 34. This boss 33, 34 is arranged to be engaged by a corresponding head end of an indicator portion 81 of the segment. Upon rotating the cap 70 in opening direction by the user from its closed position for the first time, the head end of the indicator portion 81 engages the boss 33, 34 which then prevents the head end from further motion in opening direction of the cap. This cause the breaking of the frangible bridge 82 and the indicator portion 81 is subjected to permanent deformation.

(71) In more detail the boss 33, 34 has a catch portion with a recess at a side of the boss facing the head end of the indicator portion 81 and has an catch portion outer wall with an outer face that is arranged along the inner face of the base portion near the trailing end thereof when said cap is in its closed position. The head end of the indicator portion 81 is arranged at a spacing radially inward from the trailing end of the adjacent base portion when said cap is in its closed position, such that—upon rotating the cap in opening direction by the user from its closed position for the first time—the head end of the indicator portion 81 enters the recess of the catch portion and is then prevented from further motion in opening direction of the cap, whilst the catch portion outer wall comes in the spacing between the spaced apart head end and trailing end, the frangible bridge 82 between said head end and trailing end breaking and the indicator portion 81 bending, folding, and/or buckling whilst being subjected to permanent deformation upon further rotation of the cap in opening direction.

(72) It will be appreciated that the depicted tamper-evident is just one preferred example and many other designs of tamper-evident are possible. Preferably the tamper-evident is such that all parts thereof that are integrally molded with the cap, remain part of the cap and are not retained on the spout.

(73) As is preferred the tamper-evident is such that the plug remains in sealing contact with the neck of the spout at least until the tamper-evident has broken one or more of its frangible bridges. This guarantees that it is impossible to, e.g. inadvertently, manipulate the cap so as to render the seal ineffective without the tamper-evident providing visible proof thereof.

(74) It will be appreciated that for consumer products the presence of a tamper-evident is of importance to allow the consumer to check the integrity of the closure of the pouch. As discussed the inventive approach offers the advantage that, even for aseptically packaged products, there is no need for the cap to be subjected to a sterilizing treatment.

(75) FIGS. 19, 20 illustrate the situation when the cap has been assembled. In practice the cap 70 will be pressed down over the plug and then further down with the threads between the cap and the spout engaging. The latter will require suitable design of the threads which is known in the art. The pressing down also causes the tamper-evident structure of the cap to be correctly positioned relative to the corresponding formations 35 of the spout.

(76) As can be seen in FIG. 19 the plug 50 is visible in the windows 74 of the cap 70. This allows for easy checking of the presence of the plug and the correct mounting thereof. Also it allows to create a visual effect, e.g. if the cap and plug have different colors.

(77) As the plug remains in the cap upon opening the pouch, the user will hardly or not realize the presence of the plug and use the assembly as if it were a normal cap. The user can also screw the cap, with the plug retained therein, back onto the neck of the spout in order to close the pouch again. The plug 50 will then again perform the sealing function as discussed herein.

(78) As discussed above it is preferred for the interference fit plug to be provided with an outer annular wall, of which the interior surface forms an annular sealing surface that hermetically seals onto a corresponding sealing surface on the exterior of the neck of the spout. FIGS. 21, 22 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a spout, plug, and cap for use with the inventive method. Herein the same or similar parts or portions are denoted with the same reference numeral provided with an apostrophe.

(79) The interference fit plastic plug 50′ here has an inner annular sealing wall 63 that hermetically seals onto a corresponding sealing surface in the interior of the neck 22′of the spout 20′. An outer annular wall is absent in the plug 50′.

(80) The top portion of the plug 50′ has a peripheral shoulder 64 that abuts against the top end of the neck of the spout when the spout is closed. The top portion has a diameter at most equal to the diameter of the top section of the neck or smaller.

(81) As can be seen the plug 50 is connected to the cap 70′ by means of snap-fit formations 78′ and 58′. The plug 50′, as is preferred, also has a groove 59′, e.g. allowing for engagement with a plug removal and replacement device 200.

(82) FIG. 23 illustrates yet another embodiment a spout, plug, and cap for use with the inventive method. Herein the same or similar parts or portions are denoted with the same reference numeral provided with a double apostrophe.

(83) The interference fit plastic plug 50″ here has an inner annular sealing wall 63″ that hermetically seals onto a corresponding sealing surface in the interior of the neck 22′of the spout 20′. An outer annular wall is absent in the plug 50′.

(84) The top portion of the plug 50″ has a peripheral shoulder 64 that abuts against the top end of the neck of the spout when the spout is closed. The top portion has a diameter at most equal to the diameter of the top section of the neck or smaller.

(85) As can be seen the plug 50″ is connected to the cap 70″ by means of snap-fit formations 78″ and 58″. The top portion of the plug 50″, as is preferred, also has a groove 59″, e.g. allowing for engagement with a plug removal and replacement device 200.

(86) As can be seen the plug body comprises a dome portion 65 or the like which adjoins the lower end of the inner annular wall 63′. The dome portion is directed deeper into the neck of the spout when the plug is placed in the neck.

(87) FIG. 24 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of the inventive method for aseptically packaging a flowable product in spouted pouches.

(88) First block 300 represents the manufacturing of pouch bodies 10 and the provision thereof with spouts as well as plugs 50 that seal the still empty spouted pouches. Preferably the closed spouted pouches are placed on transport rails, e.g. with the flanges of the C-shaped rails engaging between the flanges of the spout.

(89) Second block 301 represents that the empty spouted pouches, sealed by the plugs 50, are subjected to a pre-sterilizing treatment, e.g. by irradiation. Preferably the spouted pouches are received on transport rails in this stage, e.g. many rails filled with pouches packaged in a transport envelope, e.g. a box and/or plastic bag.

(90) Outline 302 very schematically represent a filling machine, and outline 303 very schematically represents an aseptic environment within said filling machine, e.g. formed by a chamber wherein a positive gas flow of sterilized gas is maintained. As discussed it is possible that the entire pouch passes through this zone. In another embodiment, only the region of the plug and the spout, or part of the spout, pass through the aseptic zone. As discussed the spouted pouches could be passed through a sterilant vapour chamber or tunnel, e.g. with hydrogen peroxide, to sterilize all exterior surfaces prior to entry into the aseptic chamber where the plug is removed, the pouch is filled, and the plug replaced.

(91) Third block 304 represent, within the aseptic environment, the removal of the plug 50 from the neck, e.g. by simple lifting action as is preferred. As discussed it is preferred for the plug to be temporarily retained by a dedicated retaining member within said aseptic environment.

(92) Fourth block 305 represents, within the aseptic environment, the filling of the opened pouch, e.g. by the filling nozzle 210.

(93) Fifth block 306 represents, within the aseptic environment, the replacement of the plug onto the neck. As discussed the seal bead 54 guarantees the sealing of the filled pouch.

(94) Outline 307 very schematically represents a capping machine, which is located outside the aseptic environment. As is preferred the capping machine is directly downstream of the filling machine. In an embodiment the capping machine and filling machine share a common frame so are embodied as an integrated filling and capping machine.

(95) Sixth block 308 represents the assembly of the cap 70, wherein the cap 70 is suitably lowered over the plug and further down over the spout 20. As discussed in this capping process the cap snap-fits onto the plug 50 and the threads or other cap connector formations on the cap and the spout engage. Also, in the same process, the tamper-evident structure of the cap is positioned relative to mating formations on the spout.

(96) Seventh block 309 represents the discharge of filled and capped pouches, ready for sale to consumers.