System for preventing blockage of evacuation of flexible packaging

The present application relates to a system for evacuating fluid from a flexible container. The system includes a spout connected to a flexible container. A passageway within the spout is in fluid communication with an inside of the flexible container, and the passageway has a top end and a bottom end. An evacuation facilitating structure is positioned proximate the bottom end of the passageway and has a fluid channel therethrough. The evacuation facilitating structure blocks portions of the wall of the flexible container from entering the bottom end of the passageway and preventing fluid from evacuating the container via the passageway.

BACKGROUND

Generally, this application relates to systems and methods for facilitating evacuation of fluids from flexible, collapsible polymeric packaging, and in particular, for preventing the blocking of evacuation of fluid from such packaging at the spout.

Flexible, collapsible plastic bags are often used to store fluid products such as soft drink syrups, fruit juices, and flowable foods, among other things. Such bags can also be used to store non-edible fluid products such as chemicals. The plastic bags are typically housed in a corrugated paperboard box to aid in the transporting, handling, and dispensing of the product. Such packaging systems are commonly referred to as “bag-in-box” packaging systems and are often used in restaurants and convenience stores to facilitate service of liquid food products.

The plastic bags in the bag-in-box systems typically have sidewalls sealed along a peripheral seam to define a fluid-containing chamber or pouch. The sidewalls are typically made of polymeric films with either a monolayer or multiple layer structure. The particular polymers constituting the container film layers vary depending on the type of fluid product to be placed in the container. A spout or a fitment is connected to the bag and provides access to the fluid chamber for filling the bag with product and dispensing the product from the bag. After the flexible container is filled with a desired product, the spout is capped to seal the flexible container and protect the contents from contamination. Depending on the type of contents, the container, spout, cap, and contents may be heat sterilized using steam, an autoclave process, or similar method.

To access and dispense the fluid contents of the flexible container, the flexible container must be evacuated, generally using a vacuum or suction process. Initially all of the air within the flexible container is evacuated. Subsequently, the fluid in the bag is evacuated. Sometimes, during the evacuation of the fluid, due to the suction force on the flexible container, the walls of the flexible container become lodged in the spout. This blocks up the spout and cuts off the passageway for the fluid. Thus, the evacuation process is essentially stopped, rendering the fluid inaccessible.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments of the present technology relate to evacuation structures that facilitate evacuation of fluid from a flexible, collapsible container by preventing portions of the container wall from getting lodged in, or blocking or impeding the flow of fluid out of, the spout connected to the container.

Certain embodiments of the present application relate to a spout connected in fluid communication to a flexible container. A passageway within the spout is in fluid communication with an inside of the flexible container, and the passageway has a top end and a bottom end. An evacuation facilitating structure is positioned proximate the bottom end of the passageway and has a fluid channel therethrough. The evacuation facilitating structure blocks a portion of one of the walls of the flexible container from entering the bottom end of the passageway and preventing fluid from evacuating the container via the passageway.

Certain embodiments of the present technology relate to a system for evacuating fluid from a flexible container. The system includes a spout having a base that is configured to be connected to one of a plurality of walls of the flexible container and a passageway in fluid communication with an interior region of the flexible container, the passageway having an outlet at a top end and an inlet at a bottom end. The system includes a cage positioned proximate the bottom end of the passageway and including a circular rim that is mounted along the base of the spout proximate the inlet, the cage being positioned to block a portion of one of the plurality of walls of the flexible container from entering the inlet of the passageway and preventing fluid from evacuating the container via the passageway

The cage may arc downward below the base of the spout and may be detachably connected to the spout. The cage may be detachably connected to the base via a bayonet connecting arrangement. The cage may include a plurality of intersecting bars that define a plurality of gaps through which fluid can flow into the spout.

Certain embodiments of the present technology relate to a system for evacuating fluid from a flexible container. The system includes a spout having a base that is configured to be connected to one of a plurality of walls of the flexible container and a passageway in fluid communication with an interior region of the flexible container, the passageway having an outlet at a top end and an inlet at a bottom end. The system includes a plurality of legs that extend downward from the base of the spout and that are positioned to block a portion of one of the plurality of walls of the flexible container from entering the inlet of the passageway and preventing fluid from evacuating the container via the passageway while allowing fluid to pass between the plurality of legs.

The system may include at least one bridge that extends between at least two of the plurality of legs. The bridge may define at least one gap through which fluid can flow into the spout. The system may include a connector that is slidably received in the passageway and that includes a bottom portion that extends below the base of the spout. The connector may include at least one cutout along the bottom portion that allows fluid to flow into the spout. The connector may include at least one slot along the bottom portion that allows fluid to flow into the spout. The connector may be movable within the passageway between a first position and second position, wherein when the connector is in the first position, the bottom portion of the connector does not extend below the base of the spout and when the connector is in the second position, the bottom portion of the connector extends below the base of the spout.

Certain embodiments of the present technology relate to a system for evacuating fluid from a flexible container. The system includes a spout having a base that is configured to be connected to one of a plurality of walls of the flexible container and a passageway in fluid communication with an interior region of the flexible container, the passageway having an outlet at a top end and an inlet at a bottom end. The system includes an insertable member that is slidably received in the passageway and that can be moved within the passageway between a first position and second position. When the insertable member is in the first position, a bottom portion of the insertable member does not extend below the base of the spout, and when the insertable member is in the second position, the bottom portion of the insertable member extends below the base of the spout and is positioned to block a portion of one of the plurality of walls of the flexible container from entering the inlet of the passageway and preventing fluid from evacuating the container via the passageway.

The insertable member may include a second passageway that extends therethrough through fluid can flow. The insertable member may include at least one cutout along the bottom portion that allows fluid to flow into the spout and the second passageway when the insertable member is in the second position. The insertable member may include at least one slot along the bottom portion that allows fluid to flow into the spout and the second passageway when the insertable member is in the second position. The insertable member may include a cage at the bottom thereof that defines gaps that allows fluid to flow into the spout and the second passageway when the insertable member is in the second position.

Certain embodiments of the present technology relate to a system for evacuating fluid from a flexible container. The system includes a spout having a base that is configured to be connected to one of a plurality of walls of the flexible container and a passageway in fluid communication with an interior region of the flexible container, the passageway having an outlet at a top end and an inlet at a bottom end. The system includes a flexible cage positioned proximate the bottom end of the passageway. The flexible cage includes an outer portion, an inner portion, and flexible arms. The outer portion is secured to the base of the spout. The inner portion including a top surface, a bottom surface, and a central bore that extends between the top and the bottom surface. The top surface includes a plurality of top protrusions with top gaps between the top protrusions. The bottom surface includes a plurality of bottom protrusions with bottom gaps between the bottom protrusions. The flexible arms connect the inner portion with the outer portion. The flexible cage has a first position where the flexible arms are deflected and the bottom protrusions extend a first distance below the spout base. In the first position, the bottom protrusions block a portion of one of the walls of the flexible container from entering the bottom end of the passageway and preventing fluid from evacuating the container via the passageway. The flexible cage has a second position where the flexible arms are not deflected and the bottom protrusions are closer to the spout base than they are when the cage is in the first position. The outer portion of the flexible cage may also include a plurality of outer protrusions with a plurality of gaps between the outer protrusions. The outer protrusions may extend below the spout base.

The system may also include an evacuation member. The evacuation member may include a head and a body. The head may insert into the central bore of the flexible cage's inner member. The body may extend into the container. The head and body may form a duct from within the container to the flexible cage.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain techniques of the present application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, certain techniques are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the claims are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings. Furthermore, the appearance shown in the drawings is one of many ornamental appearances that can be employed to achieve the stated functions of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates a cutaway side view of a spout or fitment10in fluid communication with a flexible container14according to an embodiment of the present technology. The spout10and container14are both made of polymeric materials. The spout10is connected to the container14by, by way of example, heat sealing. The spout10may be attached near the bottom of the container but may also be attached at any number of other locations on the container14. The spout10includes a base18and a passageway22extending between an inlet26at a bottom end of the spout10and an outlet30at a top end of the spout10. The passageway22is defined by a cylindrical wall34that extends upwardly from the base18.

The spout10provides fluid access to the contents of the container14, which can be a flexible, collapsible bag or pouch. Typically, the container14is used for housing fluids such as, for example, soft drink syrups, which are withdrawn from the container14under pressure with a hose or other kind of conduit and mixed at a fountain with a diluent such as soda water. The hose (not shown) has a dispenser attachment for connecting to the spout10in a fluid and air-tight arrangement. A vacuum pressure is applied to the spout10through the hose to withdraw fluid under pressure from the container14. The container14can be used to store any number of other types of fluids besides syrups.

With reference toFIGS. 1-4, an arced circular cage or grill38is detachably connected to the spout10. The cage38includes four gaps42. The cage38includes a circular rim46that can be mounted in or along the base18of the spout10proximate the inlet26. The cage38includes a pair of arced bars50that extend inward from the rim46and that intersect each other and define the gaps42. The sizes and shapes of the gaps42and bars50can vary from those shown inFIGS. 1-4. The arced bars50extend below the base18of the spout10. The cage38is made of, by way of example, plastic and can be detachable from the spout10. By way of example, the cage38can be press fitted in or snapably connected to an annular ledge or groove54located in or near the base18or inlet26of the spout10. The cage38can be more rigid or more flexible depending on the properties of the fluid that is in the container14and the amount of suction needed to evacuate the fluid.

With reference toFIG. 1, initially the flexible container or bag14is filled with fluid through the outlet30of the spout10. The spout10is then capped (not shown) to seal the flexible container14and fluid protect the contents from contamination. When it is time for the end user to empty the container14, a dispensing connector (not shown) that is connected to a hose is connected to the spout10. The hose is connected to a pump or vacuum device (not shown) that is used to suck the fluid out of the container14. As fluid is sucked out of the container14and through the spout10, a vacuum is created in the flexible container14, and the container14collapses. The bars50of the cage38extending below the base18of the spout10help prevent the flexible walls52of the collapsing container14from becoming lodged in, or blocking, the inlet26of the spout10or entering the passageway22of the spout10. At the same time, the gaps42of the cage38allow fluid to pass through the inlet26into the spout10. In this way, the cage38helps prevent blockage by the flexible walls52while at the same time allowing fluid to evacuate through the cage38and spout10. In alternative embodiments, the cage38ofFIGS. 1-4may be “flat”—and not arced—like the cage126ofFIGS. 25-28.

FIGS. 5-6illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present technology. The embodiment includes a spout10and an arced circular cage or grill38. The cage38and spout10are similar to those shown inFIGS. 1-4except that the cage38is integrally formed with the spout10and is not detachable from the spout10. The cage38operates to help prevent blockage in the same way the cage38shown inFIGS. 1-4does.

FIGS. 7 and 8illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present technology. The system includes a spout10and an insertable dispensing member58. The spout10and dispensing member58can be used with the container14shown inFIG. 1or similar other kind of flexible container. Extending from underneath the base18of the spout10and around the inlet26are a number of prongs or legs62. By way of example, the spout10includes eight legs62, but the spout10may include any number of legs62. Moreover, the legs62may have different sizes, shapes, heights, and/or widths than those shown inFIGS. 7 and 8. Furthermore, the legs62may extend from different locations along the bottom of the base18than as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8. In operation, and as with the spout10shown inFIG. 1, the flexible container or bag14is filled—with the dispensing member58removed—with fluid through the outlet30of the spout10ofFIGS. 7 and 8. The spout10is then capped (not shown) to seal the flexible container14and protect the contents from contamination. When it is time for an end user to evacuate the fluid from the container14, the cap is removed and a dispensing member58is inserted into the passageway22of the spout10.

FIG. 7shows the dispensing member58in a “transit” or first position as it is being inserted into the spout10, andFIG. 8shows the dispensing member58fully inserted into the spout10to a “home” or second position. The dispensing member58includes a first cylindrical body66and a second cylindrical body70. The first cylindrical body66has a greater diameter than the second cylindrical body70, and the two bodies66and70are connected to opposite sides of a flange74. As shown inFIG. 7, a portion of the first cylindrical body66is inserted into the passageway22of the spout10. The second cylindrical body70of the dispensing member58may be connected via a tube or line to a pump or vacuum device (not shown) that is used to suck the fluid out of the container14. With reference toFIG. 8, the dispensing member58can be pushed into the spout10until the flange74is resistibly engaged by the wall34of the spout10, i.e., the “home” position. When the dispensing member58is in home position, a portion of the first cylindrical body66of the dispensing member58extends below the base18of the spout10and is encircled by the legs62.

As fluid is sucked out of the container14and through the spout10and a fluid passageway in the dispensing member58by the pump, the legs62and/or the portion of the first cylindrical body66of the dispensing member58extending below the base18of the spout10help prevent the flexible walls52of the collapsing container14from becoming lodged in, or blocking, the inlet26of the spout10or entering the passageway22of the spout10. In this way, the legs62and dispensing member58help facilitate evacuation of fluid from the container14and prevent blockage at the spout10during evacuation. Alternatively, the spout10ofFIGS. 7-8could be used without the dispensing member58such that the legs62of the spout10serve to prevent blockage of the spout inlet26and passageway22. Or, alternatively, the spout10may not include the legs62, and the dispensing member58can be used with the spout10such that the first cylindrical body66of the dispensing member58serves to prevent blockage of the spout inlet26and passageway22.

FIGS. 9 and 10illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present technology. The dispensing member58is the same as the one shown inFIGS. 7-8, and the spout10is similar to the one shown inFIGS. 7-8. The spout10inFIGS. 9 and 10differs in that it includes bridges or bars78extending between pairs of oppositely aligned legs62. The bridges78intersect around the center point between all the legs62. The bridges78are thin and flexible and are generally perpendicular to the legs62they connect. The bridges50, however, may include sizes, shapes, and/or thicknesses that differ from those shown inFIGS. 9 and 10. The bridges78also may extend from the legs62at different angles than those shown inFIGS. 9 and 10or may be arced. Furthermore, while there are four intersecting bridges78shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, it will be appreciated that more or fewer bridges78may be used, depending on the number and orientation of the legs62, among other things. In operation, the bridges78help, along with the legs62and the first cylindrical body66of the dispensing member58, to prevent the flexible walls of the container14from blocking the spout inlet26and passageway22during evacuation. Alternatively, the spout10ofFIGS. 9 and 10could be used without the dispensing member58such that the legs62and bridges78serve to prevent blockage of the spout inlet26and passageway22.

FIGS. 11-14illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present technology. The spout10is generally like the one shown inFIGS. 7 and 8but does not include the legs62. The dispensing member58is similar to the one shown inFIGS. 7 and 8but has a series of arched, open apertures or cutouts82along the bottom of the first cylindrical body66. As can be seen inFIGS. 13 and 14, when the dispensing member58is in the home position, a lower portion of the first cylindrical body66extends below the base18of the spout10. That portion helps prevent the flexible container walls from entering or blocking the spout inlet26and passageway22during fluid evacuation. The cutouts82allow fluid to pass through the first cylindrical body66while the body66is still preventing blockage. In this way, the first cylindrical body66of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 11-14helps prevent blockage by the flexible walls while at the same time allowing fluid to flow to the spout passageway22. The number, shape, and size of the cutouts82may vary from those shown inFIGS. 11-14. In addition, as an alternative, the dispensing member58ofFIGS. 11-14may be used with the spout10shown inFIGS. 7-8or the spout10shown inFIGS. 9-10.

FIGS. 15-18illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present technology. The spout10is generally like the one shown inFIGS. 11-14. The dispensing member58is similar to the one shown inFIGS. 7 and 8but has a series of enclosed slots86along the bottom of the first cylindrical body66. As can be seen inFIGS. 17 and 18, when the dispensing member58is in the home position, a lower portion of the first cylindrical body66extends below the base18of the spout10. That portion helps prevent the flexible bag walls from entering or blocking the spout inlet26and passageway22during fluid evacuation. The slots86allow fluid to pass through the first cylindrical body66while the body66is still preventing blockage. In this way, the first cylindrical body66of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 15-18helps prevent blockage by the flexible walls while at the same time allowing fluid to flow to the spout passageway22. The number, shape, and size of the slots86may vary from those shown inFIGS. 15-18. In addition, as an alternative, the dispensing member58ofFIGS. 15-18may be used with the spout10shown inFIGS. 7-8or the spout10shown inFIGS. 9-10.

FIGS. 19-24illustrate another alternative embodiment of the present technology that can be used with the container14ofFIG. 1. The embodiment includes a spout10, an insertable member or insert90, and a cap94. The insert90is generally cylindrical has a passageway extending therethrough and is slidably and telescopingly received in the passageway22of the spout10. The insert90includes enclosed apertures, cutouts or slots98positioned near the bottom thereof. Alternatively, the cutouts98may not be enclosed but may be open at the bottom. At its bottom end, the insert90includes a circular cage or grill102that includes gaps106. The sizes and shapes of the cutouts98and gaps106can vary from those shown inFIGS. 19-24. The cap94includes inner and outer cylindrical portions110and114that are separated by an annular channel118. The inner cylindrical portion110is configured to be slidably received in the passageway22of the spout10while the channel118slidably receives a portion of the spout wall34.

FIGS. 19 and 20show the system in a “transit” or first position with the cap94partially inserted into the spout10and the insert90positioned entirely or almost entirely in the passageway22of the spout10. The cap94and the insert90may be held in the transit position in the spout10by, for example, a press fit, or a snappable connection to the spout10via, for example, a tab and groove arrangement. In the transit position, the cap94and insert90are in contact or are close to being in contact with each other in the passageway22.

FIG. 21shows the cap94removed so that the container14can be filled with fluid through the spout10. During that process, the insert90may stay in the transit position.

Once the container14is filled with fluid, and as shown inFIGS. 22 and 23, the cap94is put back on the spout10and moved to a “home” or second position in which the cap94is inserted into the spout10until the outer cylindrical portion114of the cap94engages an upper flange122on the spout10. The cap94can be held in the home position by, for example, a press fit or a snappable connection with the spout wall34. When the cap94is moved to the “home” or second position, it pushes the insert90further downward in the passageway22to a “home” position such that the portion of the insert90including the cage102and cutout98is extended below the base18of the spout10.

With reference toFIG. 24, when it is time to evacuate the fluid contents of the container14, the cap94is removed from the spout10. The cage102and the portion of the insert90that extends below the base18of the spout10help prevent the flexible bag walls from entering or blocking the spout inlet26and passageway22during fluid evacuation. The cutouts98and gaps106allow fluid to pass through the passageway of the insert90while the cage102and the portion of the insert extending below the base18help prevent blockage. In this way, the insert90helps prevent blockage by the flexible walls while at the same time allowing fluid to evacuate through the insert90and spout10. In an alternative embodiment, the cage102may be arced like the cage38ofFIGS. 1-6.

FIGS. 25-28illustrate another embodiment of the present technology that can be used with the container14ofFIG. 1. The embodiment includes a spout10and a circular cage or grill126that are detachably connected to each other by a bayonet connection system. The spout10includes a series of equi-spaced bayonet fittings130that extend downwardly from the base18and that are radially arranged around the inlet26. Each fitting130includes an L-shaped inwardly extending projection134defining a channel138. An upwardly extending retaining projection142is provided on each L-shaped projection134to retain items in the channel138. The fittings130are separated by gaps146. The cage126includes a series of radially extending tabs150, which tabs150are of a size to fit between the gaps146and within the channels138. The cage126includes bars160that define gaps154. The cage126can be connected to the spout10by aligning the tabs150with the gaps146and rotating the cage126such that each tab150rotates and slides into a respective channel138of a fitting130. The tabs150can be snapably locked into place by the retaining projections142. The cage126can be detached from the spout10by rotating it the opposite direction to snapably remove the tabs150from the channels138and into the gaps146, at which point the cage126can be pulled downwardly away from the spout base18. In alternative embodiments, the cage126may be integrally formed with the spout10and/or the cage may be arced—and not “flat”—like the cage38ofFIGS. 1-6. It will be understood that the gaps154of the cage126may have different sizes and shapes than those shown inFIGS. 25-28. In addition, the cage126may alternatively be detachably connected to the spout10by different means.

In operation, the cage126helps prevent the flexible bag walls from entering or blocking the spout inlet26and passageway22during fluid evacuation. The gaps154allow fluid to pass into the spout10while the bars160of the cage126help prevent blockage.

FIGS. 29-37illustrate another embodiment of the present technology that can be used with the container14ofFIG. 1. The embodiment includes a spout10, a flexible cage162, and a fitment164. The flexible cage162is generally circular and is installed in the base18of the spout10within a snap fit groove166. The flexible cage162includes an outer portion168, an inner portion170, and flexible arms172that connect the outer and inner portions168and170. The flexible arms172allow the inner portion170to move downward relative to the spout10and the outer portion168. The inner portion170includes bottom stand-off protrusions174and top stand-off protrusions176with corresponding bottom gaps178and top gaps180between. The outer portion168also includes outer stand-off protrusions182with corresponding outer gaps184. The number, sizes, and shapes of the bottom, top, and outer stand off protrusions174,176, and182as well as the bottom, top, and outer gaps178,180, and184can vary from those shown inFIGS. 29-36.

FIG. 29shows the fitment164and inner portion170of the flexible cage162in a “transit” or first position within the spout10. The flexible arms172hold the inner portion170in the transit position within the spout10. The flexible arms172have an inner segment186and an outer segment188. In the transit position, the bottom stand-off protrusions174extend just below the outer stand-off protrusions182and the spout base18. A space190exists between the top stand-off protrusions176and a bottom surface189of the fitment164allowing for some upward movement of the inner portion170without the top stand-off protrusions176contacting the fitment bottom surface189while in the transit position. The inner segment186of the flexible arms172can partially enter the passageway22of the spout10during this upward movement of the inner portion170. Once the force pushing the inner portion170is removed, the flexible arms172return the inner portion170to the transit position. The spout base18retains a flange192of the outer portion168within the snap fit groove166using a snap fit type connection. In other embodiments, a press fit connection or other similar method may be used to secure the outer portion168within the spout base18.

FIGS. 30 and 31show the spout10and flexible cage162with the fitment164removed from the spout10to allow the container14to be filled with fluid through the spout10. Before the filling process begins, the flexible arms172hold the inner portion170in the transit position ofFIG. 29. During the filling process, fluid enters the spout passageway22, flows past the flexible cage162, and into the container14. During the filling process, the fluid flows through a central bore194of the inner portion170. The filling process also provides a downward force on the flexible cage inner portion170resulting in the inner portion170and flexible arms172deflecting downward. This deflection further increases the size of an opening196between the outer portion168and inner portion170and fluid can flow through that opening196. The deflection and expanded opening196may reduce the turbulence and aeration of the fluid flowing into the container as well as may reduce splashing of the liquid out of the container. Once the filling is complete, the downward force from the fluid flowing through the spout10is removed from the inner portion170of the flexible cage162, allowing the flexible arms172to return the flexible cage inner portion170to the transit position.

FIG. 32shows the fitment164fully inserted into the spout10to a “home” or second position. A plug or cap (not shown) may be used to cover and/or seal a fitment inner cavity198. The plug allows the fitment164to seal the container14after the container14is filled with fluid. The fitment bottom surface189pushes the top stand-off protrusions176of the inner portion170downward, moving the entire inner portion170downward as well. The bottom stand-off protrusions174move downward to a point where they extend fully below the outer stand-off protrusions182and the spout base18. The flexible arms172keep the top stand-off protrusions176engaged against the fitment bottom surface189while also helping keep the inner portion170centered relative to the passageway22of the spout10.

Once the container14is at the location for use, the plug is removed from the fitment164, and the dispensing connector (not shown) that is connector to a pump or other device that creates a vacuum is inserted into the fitment inner cavity198in order to suck the fluid from the container14. Once connected, the dispensing connector creates a flow path200from the container14, past the flexible cage162, past a through hole202of the fitment164, and into the dispensing connector and into a tube or line connected to the dispensing connector to a final dispensing device. For the fitment164as shown, the flow path200may include going past the flexible cage162through the opening196between the outer and inner portions168and170of the flexible cage162. As the fluid in the container14is evacuated, the bottom stand-off protrusions174, outer stand-off protrusions182, and the flexible arms172prevent the flexible bag walls of the container14from entering, blocking, or sealing off the spout10. As the flexible bag walls collapse, a secondary flow path201allows fluid to flow between the bottom stand-off protrusions174and through the bottom gaps178, through the central bore194, between the top stand-off protrusions176and through the top gaps180before joining the main flow path200as the main flow path200goes through the through hole202of the fitment164. The outer gaps184between the outer stand-off protrusions174further prevent the flexible bag walls from creating a seal against the spout base18.

In other embodiments, alternative fitments (not shown) may have the through hole located in the bottom surface189of the fitment164. In those embodiments, an alternate first flow path would be between the bottom stand-off protrusions174and through the bottom gaps178, through the central bore194, and through the alternative through hole. The alternate secondary flow path would be through the opening196between the outer and inner portions168and170of the flexible cage162, between the top stand-off protrusions176and through the top gaps180before joining the alternative first flow path through the alternative through hole. Similarly, in some embodiments, the fitment164may be omitted, and a dispenser connector may directly be inserted into the spout10in place of the fitment164shown ofFIGS. 29-32. In these embodiments, the dispenser may contact the top stand-off protrusions176and place the flexible cage162in the home position.

FIG. 33shows the spout10and flexible cage162ofFIG. 29along with an example slidable valve203inserted into the fitment164in a closed position. In the closed position, the slidable valve203creates a seal204against the fitment164isolating the through hole202and preventing fluid from flowing from the container14to the fitment inner cavity198, replacing the need for a separate plug as described above. Once the container14is at the location for use, the dispensing connector (not shown) is inserted into the fitment inner cavity198in order to suck the fluid from the container14. As the dispensing connecter enters the fitment inner cavity198, the dispensing connector pushes the slidable valve203downward into an open position (not shown). In the open position, slidable valve203moves downward into the bottom of the fitment164thereby breaking the seal204between the fitment164and slidable valve203. This allows the fluid to flow past the through hole202, through the slidable valve203, into the fitment inner cavity198, and into the dispensing connector. Similarly, other fitment designs with alternative slidable valves could be adopted to use the spout10and flexible cage162ofFIGS. 29-32.

FIGS. 34-37show various perspectives of the flexible cage162ofFIGS. 29-32.FIG. 34is a bottom view of the flexible cage162.FIG. 35is a top view of the flexible cage162.FIG. 36is a side view of the flexible cage162.FIG. 37is an upper perspective view of the flexible cage162. As described above, the outer portion168is connected to the inner portion170by the flexible arms172. The flexible arms172include inner segments186and outer segments188. The flexible arms172may further include an inner tab205to connect the inner segment186to the inner portion170and an outer tab206to connect the outer segment188to the outer portion168of the flexible cage162. The inner segments186and outer segments188extend from two sides of the inner tab205and outer tab206respectively. The opening196for the fluid flow path200between the outer portion168and inner portion170of the flexible cage162includes both the area between the inner segments186and outer segments188of a given set of flexible arms172as well as the area between the individual sets of flexible arms172. The present embodiment has three sets of flexible arms172. Other embodiments could include additional segments of the flexible arms172, could extend from only a single side of the inner tab205and outer tab206, could omit the inner tab205and outer tab206, and/or could have a different number of sets of flexible arms and/or flexible arms having different shapes.

The flexible cage has eight bottom stand-off protrusions174, twelve top stand-off protrusions176, and twelve outer stand-off protrusions182along with the same number of bottom, top, and outer gaps178,180, and184. Other embodiments may adjust the size, shape, and number of the stand-off protrusions and corresponding gaps based on the needs of the systems. In yet other embodiments, the top stand-off protrusions may be omitted based on the corresponding fitment or connector creating the required gaps, or the outer stand-off protrusion may be omitted such as in instances when the associated spout has stand-off features. The bottom stand-off protrusions174and top stand-off protrusions176surround the central bore194of the inner portion170.

FIGS. 38 and 39show the spout10, flexible cage162, and fitment164ofFIGS. 29-32with an evacuation member208inserted into the central bore194of the flexible cage162. The evacuation member208extends into the container14and provides a duct210that facilitates the extraction of fluid from within the flexible walls of the container14to the spout10. The evacuation member208has a head212that is inserted into the central bore194of the flexible cage162using a snap fit or equivalent connection. The evacuation member208also includes a body214. In the present example, the body214has a helical shape. The helical shape of the body214results in a helical shaped space216between the material of the body214. In other examples, alternate body shapes may be used such as an elongated tube including a plurality of apertures along the length of the tube, or the body could be made of a tubular netting such as Vexar®. The length of the body214can vary based on the size and length of the container.

The operation of the flexible cage162ofFIGS. 38 and 39is similar to that described with the flexible cage ofFIGS. 29-36above. However, once the dispensing connector begins to suck the fluid from the container14and as the flexible bag walls begin to collapse, the body212of the evacuation member208provides the duct210for fluid further into the container (and/or in hard to reach pockets in the container) to reach the spout10. The fluid enters within the body spaces216while the body214prevents the collapse and sealing of the duct as the flexible container walls collapse around the body214. The inner portion170and flexible arms172of the flexible cage162may deflect further based on the forces applied by the flexible container walls onto the evacuation member body214. The flexible arms172will resist those forces and maintain the inner portion170near the same location, allowing the inner portion170and flexible arms172along with the evacuation member body212to prevent the sealing of the spout10by container walls and/or the entry of the container walls into the spout10.

The spouts and fitments shown in the Figures are examples, and different types of spouts and fitments can be used with the blockage prevention technology disclosed herein.

The embodiments of the present technology provide evacuation structures that help prevent the walls of the flexible container or bag from entering the inlet and/or passageway of the spout during evacuation. The structures do this while allowing fluid to flow into or out of the container. The present technology disclosed herein can be used in conjunction with bags that include a textured or embossed film on the inside of the flexible containers, such as the bags disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,984,278, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the specific polymers or materials discussed with respect to those embodiments. Any number of different kinds of polymers having different properties can be used with the embodiments disclosed herein.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the novel techniques disclosed in this application. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the novel techniques without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the novel techniques not be limited to the particular techniques disclosed, but that they will include all techniques falling within the scope of the appended claims.