COLLAPSIBLE FLUID DISPENSING PACKAGE AND VALVE FITMENT FOR DISPENSING FLUID SUCH AS FOODSTUFFS

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve fitment (6; 60) for a collapsible fluid dispensing package for dispensing fluid by relative pressure present in the package; the valve fitment comprising:at least a compressible wedge-like spout (9; 9, 9);a sealing base (10) arranged for sealing engagement with the container at a seal edge (5); wherein the wedge-like spout (9; 9, 9) is located within a passage (11; 11, 11) formed through the sealing base (10) and, wherein sealing base is preferably of higher rigidity than the wedge-like spout (9; 9, 9). The invention also relates to a fluid dispensing package (1) comprising the valve fitment (6; 60).

Claims

1. A collapsible fluid dispensing package for dispensing fluid by relative pressure present in the package comprising: a container for containing fluid comprising at least one seal edge and, a valve fitment sealed to the seal edge of the container; the valve fitment comprising at least a compressible wedge-like spout; the valve fitment comprises a sealing base in sealed engagement with the container at the seal edge; the wedge-like spout is located within a passage formed in or through the sealing base; and the passage is hermetically closed from the exterior by at least one flexible wall of the container sealed onto the sealing base.

2. Package according to claim 1, wherein the sealing base comprises sealing surfaces for sealing with the container at the seal edge and wherein the wedge-like spout is placed in the passage in recess relative to the sealing surfaces of the sealing base.

3. Package according to claim 1, wherein the passage extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the general plane of extension the seal edge of the container.

4. Package according to claim 1 wherein the passage has an opening on at least one side of the sealing base; the opening being closed by one flexible wall of the container.

5. Package according to claim 1, wherein the sealing base is formed as a boat-type fitment portion.

6. Package according to claim 1, wherein the wedge-like spout comprises a free tapered end which comprises a lip line, oriented in the direction of extension of the passage across the sealing base that is capable of opening or enlarging to form an opening.

7. Package according to claim 6, wherein the lip line is initially hermetically closed or sealed before use.

8. Package according to claim 6, wherein the wedge-like spout comprises at least one pressure-bearing surface.

9. Package according to claim 1, wherein the valve fitment comprises a fluid flow guiding member protruding from the sealing base.

10. Package according to claim 9, wherein the flow guiding member forms a portion of tube with a free end comprising a fluid delivery outlet.

11. Package according to claim 1, wherein the valve fitment is formed of a single piece made integrally of the same material.

12. Package according to claim 1 wherein the fluid is a foodstuff and wherein its interior is aseptically treated.

13. Valve fitment for a collapsible fluid dispensing package for dispensing fluid by relative pressure present in the package, the valve fitment comprising: at least a compressible wedge-like spout; a sealing base arranged for sealing engagement with the container at a seal edge; wherein the wedge-like spout is located within a passage formed through the sealing base and, wherein sealing base is greater rigidity than the wedge-like spout.

14. Valve fitment according to claim 13, wherein the sealing base comprises sealing surfaces for sealing with the container at the seal edge and wherein the wedge-like spout is placed in the passage in recess relative to the sealing surfaces of the sealing base.

15. System comprising a valve fitment for a collapsible fluid dispensing package for dispensing fluid by relative pressure present in the package, the valve fitment comprising at least a compressible wedge-like spout; a sealing base arranged for sealing engagement with the container at a seal edge, wherein the wedge-like spout is located within a passage formed through the sealing base and, wherein sealing base is of greater rigidity than the wedge-like spout, a mechanical actuation device comprising first and second clamps with clamping surfaces which are dimensioned and shaped complementarily to engage the sealing base of the valve fitment and to position the valve fitment in a predetermined referential position and at least one of the surfaces comprising at least an actuation member which is arranged to engage and open the wedge-like spout.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Further details, objects and advantages of the invention will become evident for a skilled person when reading the following detailed explanations of embodiments of the invention when taking in conjunction with the figures of the enclosed drawings.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the package of the invention;

[0046] FIG. 2 is a plane partial cross-sectional view of the package of FIG. 1 (taken along line C-C of FIG. 4);

[0047] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the valve fitment as such;

[0048] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the valve fitment taken in the direction A-A of FIG. 2;

[0049] FIG. 5 is cross-sectional view of the valve fitment taken in the direction B-B of FIG. 2;

[0050] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of detail of FIG. 4 showing in particular the free tapered end of the wedge-like spout;

[0051] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the valve fitment according to a second embodiment;

[0052] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the valve fitment of FIG. 7 with the cover cap being disengaged (in fluid dispensing mode);

[0053] FIG. 9 is a side view of the valve fitment of FIGS. 7 and 8;

[0054] FIG. 10 shows the valve fitment when engaged by an external mechanical actuation device;

[0055] FIG. 11a, 11b shows details of the external mechanical device;

[0056] FIG. 12a shows a wedge-like spout of the spout fitment of the invention in closure configuration;

[0057] FIG. 12b shows a plane view of a wedge-like spout of the valve fitment of the invention in opened configuration when engaged in opening by pushers;

[0058] FIG. 12c shows a perspective view of a wedge-like spout of the valve fitment of the invention in opened configuration when engaged in opening by pushers;

[0059] FIG. 13a is a schematic perspective view of the package of the invention according to another possible embodiment;

[0060] FIG. 13b is a perspective view of the valve fitment of the package in FIG. 13a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The collapsible fluid dispensing package present invention according to a first embodiment is illustrated generally in relation to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0062] The package 1 comprises a container 2 that is generally a flexible pouch or semi-flexible package. The embodiment is described in relation to a doypac-type container. However, other containers can possibly be used. The container comprises a front wall 3 and a rear wall 4 which are sealed (e.g., welded) together along a seal edge 5. The package comprises a valve fitment 6 that is sealed (e.g., welded) at the seal edge 5. The valve fitment may be positioned at a location that is substantially opposite to a third wall 7 of the container that is sealed to both first and second walls 3, 4. The third wall 7 provides good stability in a standing position with the third wall serving as bottom wall while having the possibility to fold as the container is emptied from its fluid content thereby contributing to a reduced occupied volume when the container is emptied. Of course, a container with only a front and second walls (but without third wall) can be used. The container and valve fitment demarcate a sealed internal cavity 8 for containing the fluid.

[0063] The position of the valve fitment is not critical and may dependent on the specific fluid dispensing applications. In the illustrated embodiment, the fitment may be triangularly shaped such that the cavity 8 narrows down progressively towards the valve fitment. However, other designs of the seal edge are possible such as a rectangular seal edge with a fitment positioned centrally or a seal edge that is truncated at a corner with a fitment placed at this corner.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the valve fitment 6 comprises a compressible wedge-like spout 9 and a sealing base 10. The wedge-like spout is also known as a duckbill valve. A passage 11 is formed through the sealing base 10 to house the wedge-like spout 9. The sealing base is of higher rigidity than the spout 9 so that it protects the spout and prevents its accidental (manual) opening.

[0065] In the preferred mode, the sealing base 10 is formed as a boat-type fitment portion. The fitment comprises thus a longer dimension L intended to extend in the median plane S of extension of the seal edge of the container. It also comprises a larger width w oriented perpendicularly to said same direction. The width of the fitment progressively diminishes from the center towards the two ends of the sealing base.

[0066] The sealing base 10 is delimited outwardly by seal surfaces for sealing with the front and rear walls 3, 4 of the container. In the illustrated mode (FIG. 3), the seal surfaces form a series of transversal ridges 12-17 extending on each side of the sealing base 10. Preferably, the transversal ridges 12-17 extend orthogonally from a median portion of wall 18. The portion of wall 18 extends longitudinally along the direction of the longer dimension L of the fitment and in the median plane S of the seal edge of the container. Such skeleton configuration provides a high rigidity of the sealing base compared to the wedge-like spout.

[0067] In addition, portions of the most central ridges 13, 14, 16 delimit the central passage 11 for access to the wedge-like spout. The ridges 13, 14, 16 extend beyond the wedge-like spout in the orthogonal direction. Therefore, the wedge-like spout 9 is placed in the passage in recess relative to the sealing surfaces of the sealing base.

[0068] The front and rear walls 3, 4 of the container are sealed on the sealing base to the seal surfaces, i.e., transversal ridges 12-17. In particular, the passage 11 is covered and so imperviously closed by the container's walls 3, 4. Furthermore, the wedge-like spout 9, as positioned in recess, relative to the seal surfaces, becomes orthogonally distant from the walls 3, 4 and is thus not directly sealed to these walls. In addition, the sealing tension of the walls 3, 4 on the fitment must be such that a certain pressure is necessary to be exerted until the wedge-like spout can be contacted. Therefore, manual accidental opening can be successfully prevented.

[0069] The wedge-like spout 9 may preferably comprise a free tapered end 19 (FIG. 6). This end 19 comprises a lip line 20 oriented in the direction of extension (P) of the passage across the sealing base. The lip line is thus also orthogonal to the longer dimension L of the valve fitment. Preferably, the lip line is initially hermetically closed or sealed before use as illustrated on FIG. 6. It comprises a line of weakness, preferably rectilinear. For this, the thickness t.sub.0 of the line's wall is made smaller than the thickness t of the walls of the spout outside the lip line. For example, t.sub.0 may be 1.5 to 3 times smaller than t. The lip line can be dimensioned to break when a mechanical pressure is exerted on the wedge-like spout, such as in a privileged direction. In particular, this privileged direction corresponds to the direction of extension the lip line and the same as the one of the passage.

[0070] The opposite end 21 of wedge-like spout is connected to the sealing base 10, i.e., to the innermost transversal ridge 15. A fluid inlet opening 22 is provided in the sealing base for enabling fluid to enter the wedge-like spout.

[0071] The wedge-like spout further comprises a pair of pressure-bearing surfaces or walls 23, 24. These surfaces are positioned orthogonally to the lip line and positioned on each side of the valve spout. The pressure-bearing surfaces are positioned towards the openings 25, 26 of the passage 11 so that they are accessible from external mechanical actuation members (FIGS. 5, 12b, 12c). The pressure-bearing surfaces may have various shapes. Preferably, the surfaces are relatively flat and have a substantially triangular or trapezoidal shape. This configuration ensures a good transmission of the forces for opening/breaking the lip line of the spout, as well as a wide opening of the spout.

[0072] The valve fitment preferably further comprises a fluid flow guiding member 27. The guiding member may be a portion of tube with a first end 28 connected to the sealing base 10, in particular to the outermost transversal ridge 12, and a second or free end 29. At its first end 28, the tubular guiding member communicates with the passage 11. At its free end 29, the portion of tube comprises a fluid delivery outlet 30.

[0073] The valve fitment can be formed of one single piece. In particular, the wedge-like spout 9, the sealing base 10 and the guiding member 27 are formed as one single monolithic piece made of the same material. In particular the valve fitment can be moulded in one piece by plastic-injection.

[0074] Of course, the valve fitment can also be formed of two or more pieces. For instance, the wedge-like spout can be a separate piece which is connected to the sealing base.

[0075] A second possible embodiment is illustrated on FIGS. 7 to 9. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in that the fluid flow guiding member 27 comprises a closure member 31. The closure member comprises a cap 32 configured to close the fluid delivery outlet 30. The cap 32 can be mounted to the portion of tube by a hinge 33 so enabling the cap to take reversible open and closed positions (FIGS. 8 and 7 respectively). For economical reasons, the valve fitment can also be formed of a single piece including the closure member.

[0076] Of course, other possible variants are possible. For example, the closure member can be a cap comprising a thread portion to be screwed on a complementary thread portion of the tubular portion. The flow guiding member 27 may also be closed by a pull-off closing membrane.

[0077] The following FIGS. 10-12 show an example of the valve fitment interaction with an external mechanical actuation device. The mechanical actuation device may comprise first and second clamps 34, 35 comprising clamping surfaces 36, 37 which are dimensioned and shaped complementarily to engage the sealing base 10 and position the valve fitment in a predetermined referential position. As shown, the clamping surfaces are generally shaped to tightly fit the boat-type profile of the fitment.

[0078] In addition, each surface 36, 37 comprise an actuation member 39, 40 which is arranged to engage the pressure-bearing surfaces 23, 24 of the wedge-like spout. The actuation members 39, 40 may be a series of pins protruding from the clamping surfaces 36, 37. The pins may be formed as stationary passive elements relative to the clamps 34, 35. In such case, the opening of the spout is obtained directly by the engagement of the clamps against the valve fitment.

[0079] In a possible alternative (not shown), the pins are mounted retractable relative to the clamping surfaces 36, 37. The pins can be further actively driven in a protruding position of engagement with the spout by external drive means such as solenoids. In such case, the opening of the spout is carried out independently from the engagement of the clamping surfaces with the valve fitment. In particular, the pins can be moved into engagement with the spout after the valve fitment has been engaged by the clamps 34, 35.

[0080] It should be noted that the external mechanical actuation device could be provided with only a single actuation member, with e.g. a single pin, for opening the valve fitment.

[0081] is The valve fitment of the invention may also be a stand-alone part which can be used with a refillable container.

[0082] Another possible embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 13a and 13b, showing a package 1 comprising a container 2 also having a front wall 3 and a rear wall 4 which are sealed (e.g. welded) together along a seal edge 5. The package comprises a valve fitment 60 that is sealed (e.g. welded) at the seal edge 5. According to this embodiment, the container and valve fitment demarcate two sealed primary and secondary internal cavities, 8 and 8, for containing the fluid. The container 2 is sealed at an intermediate part along a seal edge 5 which allows creating the two cavities 8 and 8, together with a central part 61 of the valve fitment 60.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 13a and in more detail in FIG. 13b, the valve fitment 60 comprises two compressible wedge-like spouts 9 and 9 and a sealing base 10. The wed-like spout is also known as a duckbill valve. Similarly to the other executions shown, corresponding passages 11 and 11 are formed through the sealing base 10 to house the wedge-like spouts 9 and 9, respectively. Also, the sealing base is of higher rigidity than the spouts 9 and 9 so that it protects the spouts and prevents their accidental (manual) opening.

[0084] As shown in any of FIG. 13a or 13b, the valve fitment 60 further comprises a fluid flow guiding member 27 and a free end 29 through which the fluid is delivered.

[0085] With the package and the valve fitment embodiments shown in FIGS. 13a and 13b, a dual chamber pouch is obtained preventing product contamination during storage and/or during product dispensing. As the valve fitment 60 comprises dual spout 9 and 9, such a configuration allows delivering the product in either a specific sequence or at the same time, simply by controlling the auctioning on the spouts 9 and 9 separately. For example, one spout can be activated while the other one is not, or both are activated at the same time, or cycles are done according to predefined desired sequences. Besides, such a valve fitment 60 configuration, can also be produced from one piece, allowing lower cost, lower environmental impact and smaller packaging.