PLASTIC SPOUT AND POUCH PACKAGING

Abstract

A spout (1, 401, 601) having a plastic spout body which comprises an attachment portion (10, 410, 610) having a vertical first plane of symmetry (M1) with a vertical first sealing wall (11, 411, 611) and an opposed vertical second sealing wall (12, 412, 612), and with a transverse wall (20), which is integrally connected to an upper edge of the first sealing wall and to an upper edge of the second sealing wall, wherein the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall each depend from said transverse wall and each have a bottom edge (114, 115, 541, 515, 714, 715) remote from the upper edge. Each sealing wall is, seen in a bottom view of the attachment portion, composed of a first rectilinear portion (111, 121, 511, 521, 711, 721), a central curved portion (113, 123, 513, 523, 713, 723), and a second rectilinear portion (112, 122, 512, 522, 712, 722). The spout body has a tubular neck (30) having a bore (31) that adjoins an opening (21) in the transverse wall. The attachment portion further comprises curved stabilizing ribs (15, 16, 151, 161, 152, 162) extending between associated connection points to the opposed rectilinear portions of the sealing walls.

Claims

1. Spout (1, 401, 601) adapted to be heat sealed in a non-bonded region between opposed first and second walls (101, 102) of a pouch, comprising a plastic spout body that has a passage for filling the pouch with a substance and/or for discharging a substance from the pouch, wherein the spout body comprises: an attachment portion (10, 410, 610) having a first vertical plane of symmetry (M′), a vertical first sealing wall (11, 411, 611), and an opposed vertical second sealing wall (12, 412, 612), and with a transverse wall (20) which is integral with an upper edge of the first sealing wall (11, 411, 611) and with an upper edge of the second sealing wall (12, 412, 612), wherein the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall each depend from said transverse wall and each have a bottom edge (114, 115, 514, 515, 714, 715) remote from the upper edge, wherein each sealing wall has an outer sealing surface (110, 120, 510, 520, 710, 720), wherein the outer sealing surfaces of the sealing walls are to be heat-sealed to a respective one of the pouch walls, wherein each sealing wall (11, 12, 411, 412, 611, 612) is, seen in a bottom view of the attachment portion, composed of a first rectilinear portion (111, 121, 511, 521, 711, 721), a central curved portion (113, 123, 513, 523, 713, 723), and a second rectilinear portion (112, 122, 512, 522, 712, 722), wherein the second rectilinear portion (112, 512, 712) of the first sealing wall is integrally connected to the first rectilinear portion (121, 521, 721) of the second sealing wall at a first pointed end (13) of the attachment portion to define an acute angle between them, wherein the second rectilinear portion (122, 522, 722) of the second sealing wall is integrally connected to the first rectilinear portion (111, 511, 711) of the first sealing wall at a second pointed end (14) of the attachment portion to define an acute angle between them, wherein the transverse wall (20) has an opening (21) therein, a tubular neck (30) having a bore (31) that adjoins the opening (21) in the transverse wall, which tubular neck is integral with and extends upwards from the transverse wall, which tubular neck together with the opening in the transverse wall forms the passage (P), wherein the attachment portion (10, 510, 710) further comprises: at least one first stabilizing rib extending between associated connection points to the second rectilinear portion of the first sealing wall and to the first rectilinear portion of the second sealing wall, and at least one second stabilizing rib between associated connection points to the first rectilinear portion of the first sealing wall and to the second rectilinear portion of the second sealing wall, characterized in that, seen in a bottom view of the attachment portion, the at least one first stabilizing rib (15, 151, 152) is, between said associated connection points, curved toward the first pointed end, and the at least one second stabilizing rib (16, 161, 162) is, between said associated connection points, curved toward the second pointed end.

2. Spout according to claim 1, wherein the outer sealing surfaces (110, 120, 510, 520, 710, 720) are smooth outer sealing surfaces to be sealed to a respective one of the pouch walls (101, 102).

3. Spout according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first stabilizing rib comprises or consists of: an inner first stabilizing rib (151), disposed adjacent to the passage (P), an outer first stabilizing rib (152), disposed closer to the first pointed end (13), and wherein the at least one second stabilizing rib comprises or consists of: an inner second stabilizing rib (161), disposed adjacent to the passage (P), an outer second stabilizing rib (162), disposed closer to the second pointed end (14).

4. Spout according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein at least one first stabilizing rib, e.g. the inner first stabilizing rib (151), and at least one second stabilizing rib, e.g. the inner second stabilizing rib (161), are arranged in proximity of the opening (21) in the transverse wall and are connected to the rectilinear portions in proximity of a join to the respective central curved portion of the sealing wall (11, 12, 411, 412, 611, 612).

5. Spout according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a radius of curvature of the at least one first stabilizing rib, e.g. of each first stabilizing rib (15, 151, 152), and of the at least one second stabilizing rib, e.g. of each second stabilizing rib (16, 161, 162), is larger than a radius of a circular opening (21) in the transverse wall.

6. Spout according to any one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising a first connecting rib (153), which extends between an outer first stabilizing rib (152) and an inner first stabilizing rib (151), and a second connecting rib (163), which extends between an outer second stabilizing rib (162) and an inner second stabilizing rib (161), wherein the first connecting rib and the second connecting rib each extend in the first plane of symmetry (M′).

7. Spout according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the outer sealing surfaces (110, 120, 510, 520, 710, 720) of the first sealing wall and of the second sealing wall are each embodied as a smooth outer sealing surface, and wherein these smooth outer sealing surfaces (110, 120, 510, 520, 710, 720) are each bordered by an inwardly-recessed bottom edge (114, 115, 514, 515, 714, 715) of the sealing wall (11, 12, 411, 412, 611, 612), and wherein, for example, the inwardly-recessed bottom edges (114, 115, 514, 515, 714, 715) extend along the entire bottom periphery of both sealing walls (11, 12, 411, 412, 611, 612) to form a peripheral inwardly-recessed bottom edge.

8. Spout according to claim 7, wherein the inwardly-recessed bottom edge (114, 115, 514, 515, 714, 715) extends in vertical direction over a minor portion of the height of the respective sealing wall (11, 12, 411, 412, 611, 612), for example between 5% and 20% of the height of the sealing wall and/or over a height between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

9. Spout according to claim 7 or 8, wherein a section of each of the sealing walls above the inwardly-recessed bottom edge is defined as a nominal section (116, 516, 716) of the sealing wall, and wherein the sealing walls each have a thickness (t) at the inwardly-recessed bottom edge thereof that is smaller than a nominal thickness (T) of the nominal section of the sealing wall, and wherein, for example, the thickness (t) of the inwardly-recessed bottom edge of the sealing walls is between 0.05 mm and 0.2 mm less than the nominal thickness (T).

10. Spout (1) adapted to be heat sealed in a non-bonded region between opposed first and second walls (101, 102) of a pouch, comprising a plastic spout body that has a passage (P) for filling the pouch with a substance and/or for discharging a substance from the pouch, wherein the spout body comprises: an attachment portion (10, 410, 610) having a vertical first plane of symmetry (M′), a vertical first sealing wall (11, 411, 611), and an opposed vertical second sealing wall (12, 412, 612), and with a transverse wall (20) which is integral with an upper edge of the first sealing wall (11, 411, 611) and with an upper edge of the second sealing wall (12, 412, 612), wherein the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall each depend from said transverse wall (20) and each have a bottom edge (114, 115, 514, 515, 714, 715) remote from the upper edge, wherein each sealing wall has an outer sealing surface (110, 120, 510, 520, 710, 720), wherein the outer sealing surfaces of the sealing walls are to be heat-sealed to a respective one of the pouch walls, wherein each sealing wall (11, 12, 411, 412, 611, 612) is, seen in a bottom view of the attachment portion, composed of a first rectilinear portion, a central curved portion, and a second rectilinear portion, wherein the second rectilinear portion of the first sealing wall is integrally connected to the first rectilinear portion of the second sealing wall at a first pointed end of the attachment portion to define an acute angle between them, wherein the second rectilinear portion of the second sealing wall is integrally connected to the first rectilinear portion of the first sealing wall at a second pointed end of the attachment portion to define an acute angle between them, wherein the transverse wall (20) has an opening (21) therein, a tubular neck (30) having a bore (31) that adjoins the opening (21) in the transverse wall, which tubular neck is integral with and extends upwards from the transverse wall, which tubular neck together with the opening in the transverse wall forms the passage (P), characterized in that the outer sealing surface (110, 510, 710) of the first sealing wall and the outer sealing surface (120, 520, 720) of the second sealing wall is smooth, and in that the outer sealing surfaces (110, 120, 510, 520, 710, 720) of the first sealing wall and of the second sealing wall are each bordered by an inwardly-recessed bottom edge (114, 115, 514, 515, 714, 715) of the sealing wall (11, 12, 411, 412, 611, 612).

11. Spout according to claim 10, wherein the inwardly-recessed bottom edges (114, 115, 514, 515, 714, 715) extends along the entire bottom periphery of both sealing walls and form a peripheral inwardly-recessed bottom edge.

12. Spout according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the inwardly-recessed bottom edge (114, 115, 514, 515, 714, 715) extends in vertical direction over a minor portion of the height of the respective sealing wall, for example between 5% and 20% of the height of the sealing wall and/or over a height between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

13. Spout according to any one or more of claims 10-12, wherein a section of each of the sealing walls above the inwardly-recessed bottom edge is defined as a nominal section (116, 516, 716) of the sealing wall, and wherein the sealing walls each have a thickness (t) at the inwardly-recessed bottom edge (114, 115, 514, 515, 714, 715) thereof that is smaller than a nominal thickness (T) of the nominal section of the sealing wall, for example wherein the thickness (t) of the inwardly-recessed bottom edge of the sealing walls is between 0.05 mm and 0.2 mm less than the nominal thickness (T).

14. Spout according to any one or more of claims 10-13, wherein the attachment portion further comprises: at least one first stabilizing rib (15, 151, 152) extending between associated connection points to the second rectilinear portion of the first sealing wall and to the first rectilinear portion of the second sealing wall, and at least one second stabilizing rib (16, 161, 162) between associated connection points to the first rectilinear portion of the first sealing wall and to the second rectilinear portion of the second sealing wall.

15. Spout according to claim 14, wherein, seen in a bottom view of the attachment portion: the at least one first stabilizing rib (15, 151, 152) is, between said associated connection points, curved toward the first pointed end, and the at least one second stabilizing rib (16, 161, 162) is, between said associated connection points, curved toward the second pointed end.

16. Spout according to any one or more of claims 10-15, wherein at least one first stabilizing rib, e.g. the inner first stabilizing rib, and at least one second stabilizing rib, e.g. the inner second stabilizing rib, are arranged in proximity of the opening (21) in the transverse wall and are connected to the rectilinear portions in proximity of a join to the respective central curved portion of the sealing wall.

17. Spout according to any one or more of claims 10-16, further comprising a first connecting rib (153), which extends between an outer first stabilizing rib and an inner first stabilizing rib, and a second connecting rib (163), which extends between an outer second stabilizing rib and an inner second stabilizing rib, wherein the first connecting rib and the second connecting rib each extend in the first plane of symmetry.

18. A closure assembly comprising a spout according to any one or more of claims 1-17 and a closure device mounted to the neck of the spout, e.g. a cap and/or a valve.

19. A pouch packaging configured to contain, or containing, a substance, comprising: a collapsible pouch comprising opposed first and second walls (101, 102) made of a heat-sealable film material, defining an interior of the pouch in between the walls, and a spout (1) according to any one or more of the preceding claims 1-17, wherein the spout has been positioned, with its attachment portion (10, 410, 610), in a non-bonded region between the opposed first and second walls (101, 102) of the pouch, wherein the first pouch wall has been heat sealed to the outer sealing surface of the first sealing wall of the attachment portion, and wherein the second pouch wall has been heat sealed to the outer sealing surface of the second sealing wall of the attachment portion.

20. Packaging according to claim 19, wherein the spout (1, 401, 601) is embodied at least to claim 10, wherein a groove (G) initially defined by the inwardly-recessed bottom edge (114, 115, 514, 515, 714, 715) of each of the sealing walls (11, 12, 411, 412, 611, 612) is filled with solidified molten plastic material.

21. Packaging according to claim 20, wherein a bead (103) of solidified molten plastic material is present under the filled groove (G) initially formed by the inwardly-recessed bottom edge (114, 115, 514, 515, 714, 715) of the sealing walls (11, 12, 411, 412, 611, 612), wherein said bead is fused to the bottom edge (114, 115, 514, 515, 714, 715) and to the respective pouch wall (101, 102).

22. Packaging according to any one or more of claims 19-21, wherein the heat-sealable film material of the pouch wall (101, 102) is a plastic mono-material, for example of a polyolefin material, for example, polyethylene (PE), preferably linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), or polypropylene (PP).

23. Packaging according to any one or more of the claims 19-22, wherein the spout body is made from the same plastic material as the plastic mono-material of the film of the pouch walls (101, 102), for example both consisting of a polyolefin material, for example polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP).

24. Use of the spout (1) according to any one or more of the claims 1-17 in a pouch for forming a passage for filling the pouch with a substance and/or for discharging a substance from the pouch.

25. Method for manufacturing a pouch packaging configured to contain a substance, or containing a substance, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a spout (1, 401, 601) according to any one or more of claims 1-17 with the attachment portion (10, 410, 610) thereof in a non-bonded region between opposed first and second walls of the pouch, which pouch walls (101, 102) are made of heat-sealable film material, preferably plastic mono-material film material, heat sealing the pouch walls onto the outer sealing surfaces (110, 120, 510, 520, 710, 720) of the sealing walls of the spout using a heat sealing device comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the heat sealing comprises clamping the first pouch wall with the first jaw (210) of a sealing device onto the outer sealing surface (110, 510, 710) of the first sealing wall, and clamping the second pouch wall with the second jaw (220) onto the outer sealing surface (120, 520, 720) of the second sealing wall, wherein the heat sealing device (200) is operated to provide heat from each of the jaws (210, 220) so as to heat seal the pouch walls onto the outer sealing surfaces of the sealing walls.

26. Method according to claim 25, wherein the heat sealing involves an impulse heat-sealing cycle, in which cycle: initially the first jaw (210) and the second jaw (220) are in an opened position thereof, spaced from the non-bonded region of the pouch in which the spout (1, 401, 601) has been inserted with its attachment portion (10, 410, 610), upon operation of an actuator system (201, 202) the first jaw (210) and second jaw (220) are moved into contact with the respective pouch wall and into a clamped position, so that said pouch walls (101, 102) are clamped, lightly as preferred, onto the outer sealing surface (110, 120, 510, 520, 710, 720) of the first and second sealing wall (11, 12, 411, 412, 611, 612) respectively, a heat impulse is generated that is emitted from each of the first and the second jaw (210, 220), which heat impulses cause the pouch walls and outer sealing surfaces (110, 120, 510, 520, 710, 720) of the spout to be fused with each other, after termination of the heat impulse generation, the jaws (210, 220) remain in the clamped positions and a cooling of the spout and pouch walls is effected, preferably as cooling liquid is being circulated through one or more ducts (216) in the jaws, preferably this circulation of cooling liquid being continued during all steps of the impulse heat sealing cycle, after said cooling, the first jaw (210) and the second jaw (220) are moved away from each other, into the opened position, for example allowing the pouch with spout to be moved to another processing station, e.g. for filling and/or capping.

27. Method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the spout (1, 401, 601) is at least according to claim 1, and wherein the clamping by means of the first jaw (210) and the second jaw (220) of the heat sealing device causes a bending of the curved stabilizing ribs (15, 151, 152, 16, 161, 162).

28. Method according to claim 27, wherein the spout (1, 401, 601) is at least according to claim 10, wherein the inwardly-recessed bottom edges (114, 115, 514, 515, 714, 715) of the sealing walls (11, 12, 411, 412, 611, 612) provide that, when the spout together with the pouch walls is clamped between the first and second jaws (210, 220), an open bottomed groove (G) is initially present at the bottom edge of the sealing walls of the spout, between the inwardly-recessed bottom edge and the pouch wall, and wherein, as heat impulses are generated, the outer sealing surfaces (110, 120, 510, 520, 710, 720) of the sealing walls and the pouch walls (101, 102) are melted and fused together, wherein, as a result of the melting of the contacting surfaces of the spout and pouch walls, some of the molten plastic material flows away and into said groove (G) initially formed by the inwardly-recessed bottom edge, wherein this flow of molten material fills up said groove (G) initially formed by the inwardly-recessed bottom edge (114, 115, 514, 515, 714, 715), wherein, preferably, said flow of molten material also forms, when solidified, a bead (103) of plastic material protruding below bottom edge (114, 115, 514, 515, 714, 715) of the sealing walls, the bead being joined to the pouch wall and to the bottom edge.

Description

IN THE DRAWINGS

[0177] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a spout according to the invention,

[0178] FIG. 2A shows the spout of FIG. 1 from another angle,

[0179] FIG. 2B shows the attachment portion and part of the neck of the spout of FIG. 1,

[0180] FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the spout of FIG. 1,

[0181] FIGS. 4A and 4B respectively illustrate a spout having straight stabilizing ribs and a simulation with clamping forces applied thereon,

[0182] FIGS. 5A and 5B respectively illustrate the spout of FIG. 1 and a simulation with clamping forces applied thereon,

[0183] FIG. 6A shows a bottom perspective view on the spout of FIG. 1,

[0184] FIG. 6B shows a magnification of the encircled area A-A in FIG. 6A,

[0185] FIG. 7A illustrates in a cross-sectional view the second aspect of the invention,

[0186] FIG. 7B shows a detail of FIG. 7A on a larger scale,

[0187] FIG. 7C shows another detail of FIG. 7A on a larger scale,

[0188] FIG. 8 illustrates the use of an embodiment of an induction based impulse heat sealing device according to the invention,

[0189] FIG. 9 schematically shows the susceptor element and inductor of FIG. 8,

[0190] FIG. 10 schematically shows the electromagnetic field generated by the jaw of FIG. 8 and the interaction with the susceptor element,

[0191] FIG. 11 illustrates schematically the operation of a continuous motion impulse heat sealing device,

[0192] FIG. 12A shows an alternative embodiment of the spout according to the present invention in isometric view,

[0193] FIG. 12B shows a front view on the spout of FIG. 12A,

[0194] FIG. 12C shows a cross-sectional view on the spout of FIG. 12A,

[0195] FIG. 12D shows an alternative embodiment in a view corresponding to FIG. 12C,

[0196] FIG. 13A shows a further alternative embodiment of the spout according to the present invention in isometric view,

[0197] FIG. 13B shows a front view on the spout of FIG. 13A,

[0198] FIG. 13C shows a cross-sectional view on the spout of FIG. 13A,

[0199] FIG. 14A shows yet another embodiment of a spout according to the invention,

[0200] FIG. 14B shows the spout of FIG. 14A from below,

[0201] FIG. 14C shows the spout of FIG. 14A in a vertical cross-section in a plane offset from the mid-plane of the spout,

[0202] FIG. 14D shows a transversal and vertical cross-section of the spout of FIG. 14A.

[0203] Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals are used to refer to corresponding components or to components that have a corresponding function.

[0204] The figures illustrate an embodiment of the spout according to the present invention, indicated with reference numeral 1. The spout 1 is adapted to be heat sealed in a non-bonded region between opposed first and second walls of a collapsible pouch.

[0205] The spout 1 has a plastic spout body that is made as a single piece by injection-moulding, for example of polyethylene (PE) material or polypropylene (PP).

[0206] The spout body is generally comprised of an attachment portion and a tubular neck.

[0207] The attachment portion 10 has an outer contour that is commonly identified as a so-called ‘diamond’ shape, when seen from below. The structure will be discussed in more detail below.

[0208] The attachment portion 10 has a first vertical plane of symmetry M′ with a vertical first sealing wall 11 and an opposed vertical second sealing wall 12, and with a transverse wall 20 which is integral with an upper edge of the first sealing wall 11 and with an upper edge of the second sealing wall 12. The first sealing wall and the second sealing wall each depend from the transverse wall 20 and each have a bottom edge 114 remote from the upper edge.

[0209] Each sealing wall 11, 12 has one outer sealing surface 110, 120. These outer sealing surfaces 110, 120 of the sealing walls are to be heat sealed to a respective one of the pouch walls.

[0210] In practical embodiments, as illustrated, each outer sealing surface 110, 120 forms one continuous elongated area with, preferably parallel, upper and lower borders extending from one pointed end 13 to the other pointed end 14 of the attachment portion 10.

[0211] Each sealing wall 11, 12 is, seen in a bottom view of the attachment portion 10, composed of a first rectilinear portion, a central curved portion, and a second rectilinear portion. In more detail, the first sealing wall 11 is composed of a first rectilinear portion 111, a central curved portion 113, and a second rectilinear portion 112, which are integrally interconnected end to end. Similarly, the second sealing wall 12 is composed of a first rectilinear portion 121, a central curved portion 123, and a second rectilinear portion 123, which are integrally interconnected end to end as well.

[0212] The second rectilinear portion 112 of the first sealing wall 11 is integrally connected to the first rectilinear portion 121 of the second sealing wall 12 at a first pointed end 13 of the attachment portion 10 to define an acute angle between them.

[0213] The second rectilinear portion 122 of the second sealing wall 12 is integrally connected to the first rectilinear portion 111 of the first sealing wall 11 at a second pointed end 14 of the attachment portion 10 to define an acute angle between them.

[0214] The transverse wall 20 extends generally horizontally, so generally perpendicular to the walls 11, 12. The transverse wall 20 has a diamond shape that corresponds to the shape of the sealing walls 11, 12.

[0215] The transverse wall 20 has an opening 21 therein, that is located in the center between the opposed curved portions of the sealing walls. In practical embodiments, as here, the opening 21 is circular.

[0216] In practical embodiments, as shown here, the attachment portion 10 has a second vertical plane of symmetry M″ that is perpendicular to the first plane of symmetry M′. As shown here, preferably, the second plane M″ extends through the center of the opening 21.

[0217] The relative size of the curved portions 113, 123 may be varied, e.g. smaller so that the rectilinear portions of the sealing walls become relatively longer.

[0218] The spout body further has a tubular neck 30 having a bore 31 therein. The bore 31 in the neck 30 adjoins the opening 21 in the transverse wall 20. The tubular neck 30 is integral with and extends upwards from the transverse wall 20. The bore 31 of the neck together with the opening 21 in the transverse wall forms a passage P for filling the pouch with a substance and/or for discharging a substance from the pouch.

[0219] A central vertical axis C-C of the tubular neck 30 is arranged here on the intersection line between the first plane of symmetry M′ and the second plane of symmetry M″.

[0220] The tubular neck 30 only extends away from the transverse wall 20 in the upward direction V and does not extend in between the first sealing wall 11 and the second sealing wall 12, that is beneath the transverse wall 20.

[0221] It is illustrated here that the neck 30 is provided with a thread 32 to accommodate a screw cap thereon, e.g. as shown in WO2018194454. Other designs of closure assemblies include the inventive spout are also envisaged, e.g. snap caps, quarter turn caps, e.g. as in WO2018034562, or more complex embodiments, e.g. as disclosed in WO2017053228, WO2017135824.

[0222] As illustrated the attachment portion 10 further comprises: [0223] at least one first stabilizing rib 15, here ribs 151, 152, extending between associated connection points to the second rectilinear portion 112 of the first sealing wall 11 and to the first rectilinear portion 121 of the second sealing wall 12, and [0224] at least one second stabilizing rib 16, here ribs 161, 162, between associated connection points to the first rectilinear portion 111 of the first sealing wall 11 and to the second rectilinear portion 122 of the second sealing wall 12.

[0225] As illustrated, seen in a bottom view of the attachment portion as in FIG. 3, the at least one first stabilizing rib 15 is, between the associated connection points, curved toward the first pointed end 13, and the at least one second stabilizing rib 16 is, between the associated connection points, curved toward the second pointed end 14.

[0226] The at least one first stabilizing rib 15 here consists of an inner first stabilizing rib 151, disposed adjacent to the opening 21, and an outer first stabilizing rib 152, disposed closer to the first pointed end 13.

[0227] The at least one second stabilizing rib 16 here consists of an inner second stabilizing rib 161, disposed adjacent to the opening 21, and an outer second stabilizing rib 162, disposed closer to the second pointed end 14.

[0228] As discussed the number of curved stabilizing ribs can be different, e.g. just one curved stabilizing rib between opposed rectilinear portions of the sealing walls or with three or four such ribs instead of the depicted two ribs.

[0229] It is illustrated that the curved stabilizing ribs 15, 151, 152, 16, 161, 162 form the sole stabilizers between the opposed sealing walls 11, 12.

[0230] The inner stabilizing ribs 151, 161 have a continuous curvature over the length thereof, curved towards the first pointed end 13 and second pointed end 14, respectively. This means that the central portion of the inner stabilizing ribs 151, 161 does not lie on a straight line between its respective connection points to the first sealing wall 11 and to second sealing wall 12. Also the outer stabilizing ribs 152, 162 are curved towards the respective pointed end 13, 14.

[0231] The stabilizing ribs are integral at their upper end to the transverse wall 20.

[0232] As shown, in practical embodiments, the curved stabilizing ribs have a greater height than their thickness.

[0233] It is illustrated, as is optional, that the radius of curvature of the outer stabilizing ribs 152, 162 is larger than the radius of curvature of the inner stabilizing ribs 151, 162. This difference in curvature between the ribs of each set of stabilizing ribs, may be provided in order to achieve that the outer stabilizing rib is relatively stiff under clamping load of the sealing jaws compared to the inner stabilizing rib.

[0234] It is illustrated, as is practically preferred, that the radius of curvature of all of the stabilizing ribs is larger than the radius of the circular opening 21 in the transverse wall 20, e.g. at least in the non-deformed state of the spout 1, when no clamping force is applied thereon.

[0235] The attachment portion 10 of the spout 1 further comprises a first connecting rib 153, which extends between the inner first stabilizing rib 151 and the outer first stabilizing rib 152. In particular, the first connecting rib 153 is connected to a central portion of the inner first stabilizing rib 151 and a central portion of the outer first stabilizing rib 152. Similarly, the attachment portion 10 comprises a second connecting rib 163, which is connected to a central portion of the inner second stabilizing rib 161 and a central portion of the outer second stabilizing rib 162. Both connecting ribs 153, 163 are located in the first plane of symmetry M′, so on a straight line between the first pointed end 13 and the second pointed end 14.

[0236] As illustrated, in practical embodiments, the connecting ribs 153, 163 have their upper end integral with the transverse wall.

[0237] As illustrated, in practical embodiments, the connecting ribs 153, 163 have a lower height than the stabilizing ribs.

[0238] It is noted that, in an embodiment with just one first curved stabilizing rib and just one second curved stabilizing rib, e.g. the inner stabilizing ribs, a connecting rib could be present that connects to the central portion of the curved rib and to the transverse wall so as to provide additional support in the center of the curved rib.

[0239] With reference to the FIGS. 4A-5B, the working principle of the curved stabilizing ribs according to the first aspect of the invention is discussed.

[0240] FIG. 4A shows the attachment portion and part of the neck of a spout 201 that is presented here to illustrate an embodiment wherein the stabilizing ribs are straight, similar to the mentioned prior art design. The attachment portion of the spout is of the so-called diamond shape and has two sealing walls 211, 212. The spout 201 further comprises straight stabilizing ribs 215, 216 between opposed rectilinear portions of the sealing walls 211, 212.

[0241] The spout 201 has been modelled by means of a finite element analysis (FEA). The FIG. 4A indicates clamping forces F, F′ that would be exerted by jaws of a heat sealing device, and which are modelled to act on both sealing walls of the spout 201.

[0242] In FIG. 4B, the resulting deformation of sealing wall of the spout 201 is illustrated. It is visible that within each rectilinear portion of the sealing walls significant differences in the degree of deformation occur. The reference numerals 202, 203, 204, 205 denote zones where hardly any deformation under a clamping load, that is a relatively light clamping load as preferred, occurs, with the remainder of the sealing wall denoted by 206 showing a fair degree of deformation. These significant local variations in deformation of the sealing walls due to clamping are undesired, since they give rise to uneven sealing between the sealing walls of the spout and the pouch walls. Furthermore, the variations in deformation may result in localized stress concentrations that could cause failure of the spout.

[0243] In FIG. 5A, the attachment portion and part of the neck of the spout 1 of FIG. 1 has been modelled, onto which the same clamping forces F, F′ have been modelled. It is shown in FIG. 5B that the corresponding deformation of the sealing walls nearly uniform over the entire outer sealing surface, including over the rectilinear portions thereof. Only very minor zones 250, 251 show no deformation. The majority of the outer surface of the sealing walls of the spout according to the first aspect of present invention is thus evenly deformed, as indicated in red.

[0244] As explained herein, the effect shown in FIG. 5B is the result of resilient bending of the curved stabilizing ribs under the influence of the clamping force. As a result of this bending, the connection points of these ribs are subjected to a resulting force in the plane of the sealing walls and in a direction away from the respective pointed end. In FIG. 5A, these resulting forces R are displayed. These resulting forces R effect tensile stresses in the sealing walls and provide the result that the rectilinear portions become elongated and straightened.

[0245] As shown the outer sealing surfaces of the first sealing wall 11 and of the second sealing wall 12 are each embodied as a smooth outer sealing surface, so lacking any relief that would lead to entrapment of air, e.g. lacking weld lines, etc.

[0246] These smooth outer sealing surfaces 110, 120 are each bordered along their lower perimeter by an inwardly-recessed bottom edge 114, 115 of the sealing wall 11, 12. A vertical face of the edge 114, 115 is stepped inward of the vertical outer sealing surface 110, 120.

[0247] It is shown that the inwardly-recessed bottom edges 114, 115 together extend along the entire bottom periphery of both sealing walls 11, 12 to form a peripheral inwardly-recessed bottom edge of the attachment portion 10.

[0248] It is shown that the inwardly-recessed bottom edge 114, 115 extends in vertical direction over a minor portion of the height of the respective sealing wall 11, 12. For example, the edge 114, 115 extends over between 5% and 20% of the height of the sealing wall and/or over a height between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, e.g. over about 0.8 to 1.5 mm.

[0249] A section of each of the sealing walls 11, 12 above the inwardly-recessed bottom edge 114 is defined as a nominal section 116 of the sealing wall. It is shown, e.g. in FIG. 6B, that the sealing walls each have a thickness “t” of the inwardly-recessed bottom edge thereof that is smaller than a nominal thickness “T” of the nominal section 116 of the sealing wall. In the present embodiment, the thickness “t” of the inwardly-recessed bottom edge 114 is between 80% and 95% of the nominal thickness “T”.

[0250] It is illustrated that the thickness “t” of the inwardly-recessed bottom edge of the sealing walls is between 0.05 mm and 0.2 mm less than the nominal thickness “T”, e.g. approximate 0.1 mm.

[0251] It is illustrated the at least one first stabilizing rib 15 and the at least one second stabilizing rib 16 do not project downwardly beyond the nominal section 116 of the sealing walls 11, 12.

[0252] In FIG. 6B, a magnification of the encircled area A-A in FIG. 6A is displayed. FIG. 6B shows part of the first sealing wall 11 of the attachment portion 10. In particular, FIG. 6B shows the central curved portion 113 of the first sealing wall 11.

[0253] It is shown in FIG. 6B that the first sealing wall 11 has the inwardly-recessed bottom edge 114. The second sealing wall 12 has a similar inwardly-recessed bottom edge, although this is not visible in the figures.

[0254] The inwardly-recessed bottom edge 114 extends over a portion h′ of the overall height H of the first sealing wall 11. As preferred and illustrated, this portion h′ lies in between 5% and 20% of the overall height H, for example having a height in between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, whereas the overall height H may be in between 5 mm and 20 mm.

[0255] A portion h of the height of the first sealing wall 11 above the inwardly-recessed bottom edge 114, is furthermore defined as the nominal section 116 of the first sealing wall 11 that forms the outer sealing surface 110. The height h of the nominal section 116 is, in the present embodiment, in between 75% and 95% of the overall height H of the first sealing wall 11.

[0256] The inwardly-recessed bottom edge 114 is, seen from the outer sealing surface 110 of the nominal section 116 of the first sealing wall 11, set in an inward direction

[0257] At the inwardly-recessed bottom edge 114, the first sealing wall has a thickness t that is smaller than a nominal thickness T at the nominal section 116 of the first sealing wall 11.

[0258] Referring to FIG. 6A, it is shown that the ribs 151, 152, 153, 161, 162, 163 do not project over the entire height of the sealing walls 11, 12, but only over the nominal sections of the sealing walls 11, 12. The stabilizing ribs here have a height that corresponds to the height h of the nominal sections of the sealing walls 11, 12.

[0259] The FIGS. 14a-d illustrate an embodiment of the inventive spout wherein, as the spout 1′ and in particular the attachment portion 10′ thereof is of larger dimensions than the spout shown in FIG. 1, there is an additional intermediate stabilizing rib between each pair of inner and outer stabilizing ribs.

[0260] The attachment portion 10′ has the same basic features as discussed herein with reference to the attachment portion 10.

[0261] The at least one first curved stabilizing rib here consists of an inner first stabilizing rib 151′, disposed adjacent to the opening 21, an outer first stabilizing rib 152′, disposed closer to the first pointed end 13, and an intermediate first stabilizing rib 155 located between the ribs 151′ and 152′.

[0262] The at least one second curved stabilizing rib here consists of an inner second stabilizing rib 161′, disposed adjacent to the opening 21, an outer second stabilizing rib 162′, disposed closer to the second pointed end 14, and an intermediate first stabilizing rib 165 located between the ribs 161′ and 162′.

[0263] It is illustrated that the curved stabilizing ribs form the sole stabilizers between the opposed sealing walls 11′, 12′.

[0264] These inner stabilizing ribs have a continuous curvature over the length thereof, curved towards the first pointed end 13 and second pointed end 14, respectively.

[0265] The stabilizing ribs are integral at their upper end to the transverse wall 20.

[0266] A first connecting rib 153′ extends between the inner first stabilizing rib 151′ and the outer first stabilizing rib 152′ and connects the central portions of all three first stabilizing ribs. Similarly, second connecting rib 163′ connects the central portions of all three second stabilizing ribs. Both connecting ribs 153′, 163′ are located in a first vertical plane of symmetry through the pointed ends of the attachment portion 10′.

[0267] As illustrated, in practical embodiments, the connecting ribs 153′, 163′ have their upper end integral with the transverse wall.

[0268] As illustrated, in practical embodiments, the connecting ribs 153′, 163′ have a lower height than the stabilizing ribs.

[0269] FIGS. 7A-C are now discussed, in particular to elucidate the second aspect of the invention.

[0270] The FIG. 7A shows the spout 1 in cross-section, here in the second plane of symmetry M″. Also depicted, yet with an exaggerated thickness, are a first pouch wall 101 and a second pouch wall 102. The FIG. 7A further illustrates two sealing jaws 210, 220 of a heat sealing device applied to heat seal the pouch walls onto the attachment portion 10 of the spout.

[0271] For the purpose of the following discussion, the FIG. 7A illustrates on the left, and in the enlargement of FIG. 7B, that the first sealing wall 11 has not yet been sealed against the first pouch wall 101, but is lightly clamped into contact by means of jaw 210. The FIG. 7A illustrates on the right, and in the enlargement of FIG. 7C, that the second sealing wall 12 has been sealed against the second pouch wall 102.

[0272] For the purpose of discussion, and as preferred, it is assumed herein that the sealing device is an impulse heat sealing device. Contrary to common heat sealing devices having continuously heated jaws, the jaws 210, 220 are configured and operated to create a brief heat impulse and subsequent cooling whilst the jaws 210, 220 are in the clamped position.

[0273] FIG. 7C and the left-hand part of FIG. 7A illustrate the clamped position of the jaws 210, 2020, preferably lightly clamped, wherein the inwardly-recessed bottom edge 114 defines an initially present groove “G” directly below the smooth outer sealing surface. This groove “G” is effectively formed between the inward offset vertical face of the edge 114 and the pouch wall, which pouch wall 101 is in full surface contact with the smooth outer sealing surface of the sealing wall.

[0274] As discussed, and as preferred, the front or contact surface of the sealing jaws 210, 220 have a complementary shape so as to achieve intimate full surface contact between the jaws and the pouch walls, and between the pouch walls and the smooth outer sealing surfaces.

[0275] In general terms, when the heat impulses are generated by means of the jaws 210, 220, the outer sealing surfaces of the sealing walls and the pouch walls are locally melted and fused together. As a result of the melting of the contacting surfaces of the spout and pouch walls, assisted by the clamping force, some of the molten plastic material flows away and into the groove “G” initially formed by the inwardly-recessed bottom edge 114.

[0276] This flow of molten material fills up the groove “G” that is initially formed by the inwardly-recessed bottom edge 114. The FIG. 7C illustrates that, as preferred, herein this escaping flow of molten material also forms, when solidified, a bead 103 of plastic material that protrudes below the bottom edge 114 of the sealing walls 11, 12. It is shown that this bead 103 is joined both to the pouch wall and to the bottom edge 114.

[0277] As explained, the formation of the bead 103 contributes to the strength of the seal, e.g. when tested in the drop test of a liquid filled pouch.

[0278] As explained, the effect illustrated in FIG. 7A-C is enhanced when the structure of the first aspect of the invention is applied in the spout, yet that is not a necessity. As discussed, this effect may also be achieved when the spout has another design of the one or more stabilizing ribs, e.g. straight as in the mentioned prior art. One could even envisage a completely different structure of the attachment portion, as long as the sealing walls 11, 12 have the smooth outer sealing surfaces border by the inwardly-recessed bottom edge.

[0279] As discussed, the jaws 210, 220 could include an elongated, impulse heatable resistor band that extends along the contoured front surface of the jaw and is covered by a heat-resistant non-stick covering, e.g. a Teflon tape. The heat impulse is then generated by briefly passing an electric current through the band, which is done with the jaws in clamped position. A cooling down is then allowed, or forced, e.g. by passing coolant through one or more ducts 216 in the jaws. The coolant could be circulated continuously through the jaws, as that does not impair the generation of the heat impulse.

[0280] In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7A, use is made of an impulse heat sealing device, wherein each of the first and second jaws comprises: [0281] at least one susceptor element 212, 222 comprising electrically conductive material, which extends along a recessed face portion and coplanar face portions of the contact or front face of the jaw 210, 220 and which is covered by a heat-resistant non-stick 213, 223 covering for contacting the first and second pouch walls in the clamped position of the first and second jaws, [0282] an inductor 211, 221 which is electrically insulated from the respective susceptor element 212, 222, wherein, preferably, the inductor comprises an elongated inductor section that extends along a rear side of the respective at least one susceptor element.

[0283] This sealing device is configured and operated to perform a sealing cycle, wherein—with the first and second jaws 210, 220 in the clamped positions thereof—a high frequency electric current source of the impulse sealing device is operated to temporarily feed a high frequency electric current to the inductor 211, 221 of each jaw, thereby generating a high frequency electromagnetic field with the inductors, thereby inducing eddy currents in the respective susceptor element 212, 222 with the high frequency electromagnetic field and generating an impulse of heat that is emitted by the susceptor element, which impulses of heat seal the first and second walls 101, 102 to the outer sealing surfaces of the attachment portion 10 of the spout and to each other on opposite sides of the attachment portion 10, e.g. in a top seam of a pouch. A cooling, after termination of the high frequency electromagnetic field, is performed, e.g. by cooling liquid circulating through one or more ducts 216 in the jaws, whilst the jaws 210, 220 remain in the clamped position.

[0284] In FIG. 8, an embodiment of an induction based impulse heat sealing device 200 is displayed schematically, partially in exploded-view, along with a pouch 100 and spout 1 that has already been sealed in the upper edge region of the pouch 100.

[0285] The sealing device 200 comprises: [0286] a first jaw 210 and a second jaw 220, [0287] an actuator device, here with actuator 201 for jaw 210 and actuator 202 for jaw 220, configured to move the first and second jaws 210, 220 relative to one another between an opened position and a clamped position, [0288] a cooling device 300 configured to cool each of the first and second jaws 210, 220.

[0289] The first jaw 210 has a first contoured front surface configured to contact the edge region of a respective first wall 101 of the pouch.

[0290] The second jaw 220 has a second contoured front surface configured to contact the edge region of a respective second wall 102 of the pouch.

[0291] The first and second contoured front surfaces each have a recessed face portion defining a recess R configured to receive therein a half of the attachment portion 10 of the spout 1.

[0292] The first and second contoured front surfaces each define, on opposite sides of the respective recessed face and adjoining said recessed face, coplanar face portions.

[0293] The recessed face is shaped to match the shape of the attachment portion 10 of the spout 1 and is composed of a central curved face portion between adjoining rectilinear face portions.

[0294] Each of the first and second jaws 210, 220 comprises at the respective contoured front surface thereof one single elongated, impulse heatable member 212, 222 that extends along the recessed face portion and the coplanar face portions of the respective front surface and that is covered by a heat-resistant non-stick covering (not shown in FIG. 8 for clarity).

[0295] The device is configured to perform an impulse sealing cycle as discussed herein, so that the spout 1 is sealed in the upper edge region and, as preferred, the entire upper edge region of the pouch 100 is hermetically sealed.

[0296] In the cycle, the actuator device 201, 202 is configured to bring the first and second jaws 210, 220 into the clamped position, so that—in the edge region—the first and second walls 101, 102 are clamped against the attachment portion 10 by the recessed faces in the front of the first and second jaws and so that—in the edge region—the first and second walls 101, 102 on opposite sides of the spout 1 are clamped against one another by the coplanar faces of the first and second jaws 210, 220.

[0297] Each impulse heatable member is a susceptor element 212, 222 comprising electrically conductive material. Each susceptor element has a rear side facing away from the respective contoured front surface of the jaw.

[0298] Each of the first and second jaws 210, 220 comprises an inductor 211, 221 which is electrically insulated from the respective susceptor element 212, 222. The inductors each comprises an elongated inductor section, here one pair of inductor sections, that extends along the respective contoured front surface at the rear side of the respective susceptor element.

[0299] The induction based heat sealing device further comprises a high frequency alternating electric current source 250, which is connected to the inductor 211, 221 of each of the first and second jaws 210, 220. In an embodiment, both the inductors 211, 212 are connected to one and the same source 250.

[0300] The device is configured to perform an impulse sealing cycle. Once the jaws 210, 220 have been moved into the clamped position as indicated above, the electric current source 250 is operated to temporarily feed a high frequency electric current to the inductors 211, 221. This generates a high frequency electromagnetic field by means of the inductors. In turn the high frequency electromagnetic field induces eddy currents in the respective susceptor element 212, 222 generating an brief and vehement impulse of heat that is emitted by the susceptor element 212, 222. These impulses of heat seal the edge region of the walls 101, 102 to the sealing faces of the attachment portion 10 and to each other in the portions of the upper edge region.

[0301] So the device is temporarily energizes the susceptor elements 212, 222 on the basis of induction, so as to generate an impulse of heat that is emitted by each of the elements 212, 222.

[0302] The first and second jaws 210, 220, at least the susceptor elements 212, 222 thereof, cool down after termination of the energizing assisted therein by operation of the cooling device 300.

[0303] The actuator device 201, 202 is configured to move the first and second jaws 210, 220 into the opened position after the cooling down has taken place in satisfactory manner.

[0304] It is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, that in each jaw 210, 220 there is just one pair of elongated inductor sections 221a, b that extend horizontally, are parallel to one another, and are vertically spaced from one another by a horizontal slit 221c. The pair of inductor sections is arranged in proximity of the rear side of the susceptor element.

[0305] In an embodiment, the elongated inductor section 221a, b is made from a metal, e.g. of copper.

[0306] It is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, that the at least one elongated inductor section 221a,b is a solid cross-section metal or other, preferably high conductivity material inductor section, e.g. made of copper which is preferred. This arrangement allows to avoid undue variations of current density within the inductor section, and thereby undesirable variation in the generated field, e.g. compared to an internally hollow inductor section.

[0307] It is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, that the at least one elongated inductor section 221a,b has a constant cross-section, preferably a solid cross-section, over its length along the contoured front surface of the respective jaw. This design avoids undue variations of current density within the inductor section, which might otherwise occur at locations where the cross-section changes, and thereby undesirable variation in the generated field.

[0308] It is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, that the uniform cross-section elongated inductor section 221a, b has, seen in a top view onto the jaw, a shape corresponding to the contoured front surface of the jaw and maintains a uniform distance between the susceptor element 222 and the elongated inductor section 221a,b. This arrangement enhances uniformity of the development of heat in the susceptor element.

[0309] The horizontal slit 221c can be air slit or a slit filled with electrically insulating material.

[0310] In embodiments, said slit 221c between neighbouring inductor sections 221a, b that are arranged above one another has a height between 0.01 and 5 mm, more preferably between 0.1 and 2 mm.

[0311] The presence of the slit 221c between the parallel elongated inductor sections 221a, b allows for a desirable concentration of the field that is generated by the inductor of the jaw onto the susceptor element 222. This is illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0312] In FIG. 11, the impulse heat sealing of edge regions of a first pouch wall 101 and of a second pouch wall 102, with a spout 1 in between them, is displayed schematically by means of steps (a)-(e).

[0313] In the displayed embodiment, the heat sealing device 200 comprises a first jaw 210 and a second jaw 220. During the production of the spouted pouches, the pouch or the pouch walls that are to be formed into a pouch, is/are moved continuously in a transportation direction (TR), from left to right in FIG. 11.

[0314] In the depicted embodiment, the jaws of the device 200 are configured to move along with the pouch walls 101, 102 in the transportation direction (TR), at least during the sealing cycle.

[0315] The sealing cycle starts with a step (a), shown on the left side of FIG. 11. The first jaw 210 and the second jaw 220 are initially in an opened position and spaced from the pouch walls 101, 102. These walls have a non-bonded, here upper, region, between them, with the spout 1 having been inserted with its attachment portion 10 in this opened region.

[0316] Upon operation of a first actuator device 201, the first jaw 210 is moved towards its clamping position, wherein the first jaw 210 comes in contact with the first pouch wall 101 and clamps, preferably lightly, the wall onto the corresponding outer sealing surface. Similarly, the second jaw 220 is moved towards its first contact position by a second actuator device 202, such that the second jaw 220 comes in contact with the second pouch wall 102 and clamps, preferably lightly, the wall onto the corresponding outer sealing surface. The spout 1 is now clamped, lightly as preferred, as no significant pressure is involved in the impulse heat sealing process, in between the first pouch wall 101 and the second pouch wall 102 and within the contour recesses in the front faces of the jaws.

[0317] Next, during step (b), the jaws 210, 220 remain in the clamped position and move along with the pouch walls 101, 102. Step (b) is an impulse sealing step, during which the heat impulse is generated. Here, as preferred, an electromagnetic field is created by means of the first inductor 211 and the second inductor 221, in order to induce eddy currents in the susceptor elements 212, 222, which generates respective heat impulses emitted by these elements 212, 222.

[0318] Under the influence of the brief heat impulses, the first pouch wall 101 and the second pouch wall 102 are locally fused with each other and with the spout 1 in between them, in order to heat seal the pouch walls 101, 102 to the spout attachment portion 10 and to fuse the pouch walls 101, 102 against each other next to the portion 10.

[0319] During step (c), the heat impulses have terminated as the inductors are no longer energized, but the jaws 210, 220 remain in their clamped positions. Cooling liquid is being circulated through the ducts 216 in the jaws 210, 220. Preferably, this supply of cooling liquid is continued during all steps (a)-(e) of the process. Accordingly, heat is removed from the fused areas as well.

[0320] Once cooling is sufficient, during step (d), the first jaw 210 and the second jaw 220 are moved away from each other, into the opened position.

[0321] As such, the pouch 100 provided with the spout 1 may be taken over by a further handling device, to allow for further processing thereof, such as filling of the pouch and/or closing of the pouch by application of a closure on the neck of the spout, etc. Upon moving them away from each other, the jaws 210, 220 again become spaced.

[0322] Finally, during step (e), the first jaw 210 and the second jaw 220 are moved back towards their initial position. This movement may take place in a direction opposite to the transportation direction (T), in order to effect that the jaws 210, 220 become arranged in their initial positions, similar as on the onset of step (a).

[0323] After moving the jaws 210, 220 back during step (e), the impulse heat sealing cycle is repeated, starting with step (a) again.

[0324] It will be appreciated that the path of the jaws 210, 220 can be of any suitable shape, e.g. circular, oval, linear, etc.

[0325] In FIGS. 12A-12C, another embodiment of the spout 401 is displayed, which has a plastic spout body that is made as a single piece by injection-moulding, for example of polyethylene (PE) material or polypropylene (PP).

[0326] The attachment portion 410 of the spout 401 has a first vertical plane of symmetry M′ between a vertical first sealing wall 411 and an opposed vertical second sealing wall 412.

[0327] The first sealing wall 411 and the second sealing wall 412 each depend downward from a transverse wall and each have a bottom edge 514, 515 remote from the upper edge.

[0328] The attachment portion 410 has a second vertical plane of symmetry M″ that is perpendicular to the first plane of symmetry M′. In FIG. 12C, a cross-sectional view in the second vertical plane of symmetry M″ is displayed.

[0329] The spout 401 is embodied generally similar to the spout 1 in FIG. 1. Each sealing wall 411, 412 has one outer sealing surface 510, 520. These outer sealing surfaces 510, 520 of the sealing walls 411, 412 are to be heat sealed to a respective one of the pouch walls. As shown the outer sealing surfaces 510, 520 of the first sealing wall 411 and of the second sealing wall 412 are each embodied as a smooth outer sealing surface, so lacking any relief that would lead to entrapment of air, e.g. lacking weld lines, ribs, etc.

[0330] The first sealing wall 411 is composed of a first rectilinear portion 511, a central curved portion 513, and a second rectilinear portion 512, which are integrally interconnected end to end. Similarly, the second sealing wall 412 is composed of a first rectilinear portion 521, a central curved portion 523, and a second rectilinear portion 523, which are integrally interconnected end to end as well.

[0331] The smooth outer sealing surfaces 510, 520 are each bordered along their lower perimeter by an inwardly-recessed bottom edge 514, 515 of the sealing wall 411, 412. A vertical face of the edge 514, 515 is stepped inward of the adjacent vertical outer sealing surface 510, 520.

[0332] It is shown that the inwardly-recessed bottom edges 514, 515 together extend along the entire bottom periphery of both sealing walls 411, 412 to form a peripheral inwardly-recessed bottom edge of the attachment portion 410.

[0333] In contrast to the spout 1 shown in FIG. 1, this spout 401 does not have a straight horizontal lower perimeter of the bottom edge 514, 515. Instead, each of the sealing walls 510, 520 additionally comprises a respective pouch wall spacer portion 518, 519, which is located below the inwardly-recessed bottom edges 514, 515 of the sealing walls 510, 520. The pouch wall spacer portions 518, 519 each form a continuation of the inwardly-recessed bottom edge 514, 515 and are integrally connected thereto.

[0334] The pouch wall spacer portions 518, 519 serve the purpose of preventing the pouch walls from deforming inward locally, e.g. underneath the inwardly-recessed bottom edges 514, 515, e.g. as a result of cooling in the process of sealing of the spout 401 in between the pouch walls. By means of the pouch wall spacer portions 518, 519, the pouch walls are prevented from flexing inwardly, which may counter undue local shrinkage of the foil of the pouch walls.

[0335] A thickness of the pouch wall spacer portions 518, 519, preferably, substantially corresponds to the thickness of the inwardly-recessed bottom edges 514, 515, e.g. at least adjacent the inwardly-recessed bottom edges 514, 515. This thickness is smaller than a nominal thickness of a nominal section 516 of the sealing wall, in order to obtain the step between the nominal section 516 and the inwardly-recessed bottom edges 514, 515.

[0336] It is best shown in FIG. 12B that the pouch wall spacer portion 518 of the first sealing wall 411 is generally arranged in a region underneath the central curved portion 513 of the sealing wall 411, and only to a small extent underneath the straight portions 511, 512. The same applies for the second sealing wall 412, of which the pouch wall spacer portion 519 is not visible in FIG. 12B.

[0337] The lower contour of the pouch wall spacer portion 518 has a curved shape, e.g. seen in the horizontal direction in FIG. 12B, with a lowermost point in the plane M″. Underneath the rectilinear portions 511, 512, the lower contour of the pouch wall spacer portion 518 curves upward to merge with the inwardly-recessed bottom edge 114.

[0338] The wall spacer portion 518, as preferred, has a height Q that is similar to the height h of the nominal portion 516 of the sealing wall 411.

[0339] In a practical embodiment of a spout the semi-circular shape of each of the portions 518, 519 in combination with the associated seal wall, including the bottom edge, is dimensioned for a finger of a user holding to pouch to get a grip thereon, e.g. the user gripping the pouch by placing a thumb on one side and an index finger on the other side. This is, for example, of benefit when the user drinks directly from the pouch via the spout.

[0340] In a practical embodiment, the length between the sharp ends of the attachment portion is 21 millimeters, and the height Q is between 2.5 and 4.5 millimeters, about 3.5 millimeters.

[0341] It is best shown in FIG. 12C that the thickness of a top part of the pouch wall spacer portions 518, 519 substantially corresponds to the thickness of the inwardly-recessed bottom edges 514, 515, but that lower parts of the guiding portions 518, 519 gradually taper inwardly. Hence, outer surfaces 518′, 519′ of these lower parts may gradually taper inwardly, whereas inner surfaces 518″, 519″ of these lower parts remain substantially straight.

[0342] The thicknesses of bottom parts of the pouch wall spacer portions 518, 519 can be made smaller than that of the top parts, since they may have a smaller contribution to the preventing of the flexing of the pouch walls. In this way, less plastic can be used for the spout 401, whilst still having good properties, e.g. in preventing flexing of the pouch walls. The pouch wall spacer portions 518, 519 could also have one or more holes therein to save plastic material.

[0343] FIG. 12D shows an alternative embodiment of the spout discussed above with reference to FIGS. 12A-C, in a view corresponding to FIG. 12C. The corresponding features of this spout have been denoted with the same reference numerals.

[0344] The spout 401 does not have a straight horizontal lower perimeter of the bottom edge 514, 515. Instead, each of the sealing walls 510, 520 additionally comprises a respective pouch wall spacer portion 518, 519, which is located below the inwardly-recessed bottom edges 514, 515 of the sealing walls 510, 520. The pouch wall spacer portions 518, 519 each form a continuation of the inwardly-recessed bottom edge 514, 515 and are integrally connected thereto.

[0345] To achieve a reduced thickness of the pouch wall spacer portions 518, 519 and an enhanced flexing behaviour, the portions 518, 519 have a cross-section tapering towards the lower edge. Herein, as preferred, the outer face of these portions 518, 519 are inwardly directed towards the lower end, e.g. forming an inward angle to the vertically arranged face of the bottom edge 514, 515. As a further reduction of the thickness, the inner face of each of the portions 518, 519 is outwardly offset from the associated inner face of the sealing wall 510, 520, as shown.

[0346] As preferred, the lower edge of the portions 518, 519 is rounded.

[0347] As preferred, the thickness substantially corresponds to the thickness of the inwardly-recessed bottom edges 514, 515, e.g. at least adjacent the inwardly-recessed bottom edges 514, 515. This thickness is smaller than a nominal thickness of a nominal section 516 of the sealing wall, in order to obtain the step between the nominal section 516 and the inwardly-recessed bottom edges 514, 515.

[0348] FIG. 12D also illustrates that the heat-sealing of the pouch wall 101 to the spout has resulted in solidified molten plastic material being present the groove that was initially formed by the inwardly-recessed bottom edge of the sealing wall. This material is fused to the bottom edge 514 and to the respective pouch wall 101.

[0349] In FIGS. 13A-13C, another different embodiment of the spout 601 is displayed, which has a plastic spout body that is made as a single piece by injection-moulding, for example of polyethylene (PE) material or polypropylene (PP).

[0350] The spout 601 in FIGS. 13A-13C is embodied similar to the spout 401 in FIGS. 12A—12C, also comprising and attachment portion 610 with two sealing walls 611, 612, each having a respective inwardly-recessed bottom edge 714, 715 remote from the upper edge. Each sealing wall 611, 612 has one outer sealing surface 710, 720, which are, as preferred, each embodied as a smooth outer sealing surface.

[0351] The sealing walls 611, 612 are each composed of a first rectilinear portion 711, 721, a central curved portion 713, 723, and a second rectilinear portion 712, 722, which are integrally interconnected end to end. The smooth outer sealing surfaces 710, 720 are each bordered along their entire bottom periphery by an inwardly-recessed bottom edge 714, 715 of the sealing wall 611, 612.

[0352] Each of the sealing walls 710, 720 of the spout 601 comprises a respective straight pouch wall spacer portion 718, 719. The pouch wall spacer portions 718, 719 are, similar to the spout 401 according to FIGS. 12A-12C, located below the inwardly-recessed bottom edges 714, 715 of the sealing walls 710, 720, being integrally connected thereto, and form a continuation of the inwardly-recessed bottom edges 714, 715.

[0353] The pouch wall spacer portions 718, 719 of the spout 601 extend across the entire bottom periphery of the sealing walls 611, 612 and each have a straight horizontal lower contour. The pouch wall spacer portions 718, 719 are present underneath the first rectilinear portions 711, 721, the central curved portions 713, 723 and the second rectilinear portions 712, 722. Accordingly, the pouch wall spacer portions 718, 719 are configured to prevent the pouch walls from deforming inwardly along the entire bottom periphery of the sealing walls 611, 612, as a result of cooling during sealing of the spout 601 in between the pouch walls. With these pouch wall spacer portions 718, 719, it may be effected that even larger portions the pouch walls may deform less and remain straighter after sealing.

[0354] It is shown best in FIG. 13B that the pouch wall spacer portion 718 has a height R that is similar to the height h of the nominal portion 716 of the sealing wall 611. The height R of the pouch wall spacer portion 718 is substantially constant along the entire width of the attachment portion 610. However, at one side of the attachment portion 610, e.g. at a first pointed end 613 thereof, the lower contour of the pouch wall spacer portions 718, 719 is curved upward slightly, so that the height R′ of the pouch wall spacer portions 718, 719 is somewhat smaller here. At this elevated portion, the spout 601 may comprises its injection point 717 where molten plastic material has been injected in the mould during an injection-moulding manufacturing process.

[0355] A thickness of a top part the pouch wall spacer portions 718, 719 substantially corresponds to the thickness of the inwardly-recessed bottom edges 714, 715, e.g. adjacent the inwardly-recessed bottom edges 714, 715. This thickness is smaller than a nominal thickness of a nominal section 716 of the sealing wall, in order to obtain the step between the nominal section 716 and the inwardly-recessed bottom edges 714, 715. It is best shown in FIG. 13C that the thickness of lower parts of the pouch wall spacer portions 718, 719 gradually reduces, since inner surfaces 718″, 719″ of these lower parts gradually taper outwardly, whereas outer surfaces 718′, 719′ of these lower parts remain substantially straight.