Abstract:
This invention relates to a fitment assembly used for dispensing liquids from flexible bags. The connector engages a valved fitment for a container for holding and dispensing fluid. The fitment includes a spout connected to the container and a sliding internal valve body and an external valve body securely positioned within the spout. The connector has a fitment end mateable with the fitment so as to compress the top edge of the external valve body so as to form a seal between the external valve body and the dispensing connector. The external valve body through circumferentially placed apertures allows for substantially complete drainage of the flexible bag.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/174,694, filed Jun. 12, 2015, of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    In one aspect, the present invention relates to quick-disconnect couplings for the dispensing of liquids and semi-liquids from a collapsible bag. More particularly, the present invention relates to a double slider valve fitment for use in a quick-disconnect coupling that can empty the collapsible bag substantially fully during dispensing. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Many systems are used for dispensing beverage syrup from a disposable package consisting of a flexible collapsible bag in a corrugated box commonly referred to as a bag-in-box dispensing package. 
         [0004]    Generally these systems include a bag that is provided with a fitment in the form of a spout through which filling and dispensing occurs. It is generally desirable to provide a quick-disconnect coupling between the spout and the service-line of the beverage mixing and dispensing system, for example, a pump. Such a coupling may be carried on the spout fitment of the bag and will work in conjunction with the service-line connector or “probe.” Because it is discarded with the bag when emptied, in the packaging art it is commonly referred to as a single-service valve and coupling. This type of valve opens automatically as the line connector is connected to the spout and closes as it is disconnected therefrom to prevent syrup from draining from the bag. 
         [0005]    Quick-connect valve systems and slider fitments for fluid dispensing are known. Certain fitments having valves having more than one moveable component are also known. Some systems are dedicated to only one type of currently known service line connection; while others are adapted to be used with various types of service line connectors. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,445,551 (Bond, et al.) teaches a cylindrical tubular valve member having a closed lower end positioned within a spout. Gripping lugs on the valve member are adapted to grip the dispensing connector. For dispensing, the dispensing connector pushes the valve member inwardly so that outlets on the side thereof are open to fluid flow. A seal is produced between the O-ring on the dispensing connector and the valve body. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,421,146 (Bond and Ulm) teaches a dispensing valve assembly for coupling to a service line connector. The valve member has gripping members that cooperate with the dispensing connector to move the valve between a closed and open position. The dispensing connector also has a collar for gripping the spout. An O-ring on the dispensing connector provides a seal with the valve. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,785 (Copp, et al.) discloses a universal quick-disconnect coupling and valve. The fitment includes a generally cylindrical spout for attachment to a container that is capable of mating with a dispensing connector. A slider moves axially within the spout and has a valve within it that moves from a closed position to an open position upon insertion of a dispensing connector into the slider. An external support member and clamp about the dispensing connector has teeth to engage the flange of an external adapter ring of the spout. The dispensing connector is sealed within the slider by an O-ring which cooperates with an internal adapter sleeve that fits within the slider. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,662 (Roethel #1), U.S. Pat. No. 6,779,556 (Roethel #2) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,953,070 (Labinski, et al.) teach a dispensing fitment having a first body secured to a liquid container and forming a first flow passage and a valve assembly connected to this secured body, which has a seal retaining body defining a second flow passage that communicates with an inlet of the first flow passage. A resilient seal member located in the second flow passage is resiliently urged into sealing engagement with the inlet to block fluid flow from the second flow passage into the first flow passage. The assembly further includes a spout that is slideable within the first body to an inward position where the seal member is moved resiliently away from the inlet to allow fluid flow between the passages. The seal retaining body is a resilient tubular member transverse to the first flow passage and is made of a resilient (i.e. rubber) material. A dispensing connector collar has grooves for engaging flanges on the first body. The dispensing connector includes O-rings for sealingly engaging the valve assembly. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,964 (Zielinksi, et al.) teaches a dispensing apparatus for coupling between a dispensing connector and the spout of a container so as to permit coupling of a valve sub-assembly housed in the dispensing connector with a single slider valve assembly housed in the spout. The apparatus includes a collar about the dispensing connector and includes sleeves having at least two resilient fingers members. Each finger member has a surface engageable with a flange portion on the outer surface of the spout. A collar is releasably slid over an outer surface of the sleeve for constricting the resilient finger members toward a lower end of the sleeve. The fingers act to lock the collar relative to the spout. The system provides a single-handed coupling operation for the collar and spout. An O-ring on the probe forms the seal with the valve assembly and an inner O-ring connects with the valve sub-assembly. The collar does not engage the valve assembly housed in the spout. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,095,962 (Lloyd-Davies, et al.) teaches a fluid dispensing device comprising a valve member slideable in the spout of a container. The single valve member is tubular and has an open outer end for receiving a dispensing connector and a closed inner end. The valve member has openings through its sidewalls. In the closed position of the valve member, opposed shoulders of the valve member and of the spout resist axial movement of the valve member in either direction and interengaged sealing surfaces block fluid flow to the openings. The outer end portion of the valve member is laterally outwardly deflectable and includes protrusions adapted to enter the recess of a dispensing connector and engage the dispensing connector whereby the valve member can be moved between the open and closed position. In the dispense position, an O-ring provides a seal between the outside of the dispensing connector and the inner wall of the valve member. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,410 (Rutter et al. #1) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,761 (Rutter, et al. #2) teach a spout fitment for a liquid container. The fitment includes a dispensing valve member slideable within the spout of the container. A valve element within the slideable dispensing valve member is resiliently biased to close a fluid flow opening therein. The valve element sits on the inside of a wall extending across the slideable dispensing valve member and a resilient member is required to push the valve element against the inner surface of this wall. Given this arrangement, a snap fit of parts is not possible. In the dispensing position, an O-ring on the dispensing connector forms a seal with the slideable dispensing valve member. The member may also include a ridge for engaging the O-ring and snapping into an associated groove on the dispensing connector. In some embodiments, a ridge on a dispensing connector shown can apparently press down on the top edge of the slideable dispensing valve member. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,680,970 (Smith and Tschanen) teach a self-closing dispensing valve comprising a valve housing having a fluid conduit with a valve orifice therethrough and a flow control member within the valve body. The flow control member is displaceable between a closed and open position. A plurality of resilient flexible fingers are fixed to either the valve housing or the valve member and are deflected when the valve member is displaced to its open position. The fingers are deflected by a conical camming surface on the valve member when displaced toward the open position. 
         [0014]    International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2004/085283 (Johnson) teaches a double slider valve fitment for attachment to a container for fluid. The fitment includes a spout having an external surface capable of mating with a collar of a dispensing connector. An external slider is movable axially within the spout and an internal slider is movable axially within the external slider. The internal slider is movable between a closed position that prevents the flow of fluid through the fitment and an open position that allows for the flow of fluid through the fitment. The internal slider is adapted to be moved between the closed and open positions by insertion of the dispensing connector into the external slider. The internal slider is biased toward the closed position when the dispensing connector is released as a result of temporary deformation of portions of the external slider by the internal slider pressed inwardly by the dispensing connector. The internal slider cooperates with the dispensing connector by means of locking lugs on a top edge thereof. A dispensing connector collar is disclosed, which may be threaded for threaded engagement with an external surface of the spout. In the dispensing position, O-rings on the dispensing connector sealingly engage with the external and internal slider. 
         [0015]    Johnson represents a significant improvement in the art. In particular, due to the arrangement of parts, a component that has a significant inherent resilience (i.e. rubber or a spring) is not required; rather the entire fitment is preferably formed of plastic. Further, the relatively simple arrangement of parts facilitates both manufacture of the individual valve components and the assembly of the fitment. There nevertheless remains room in the art for improvement. For example, in the dispensing position, sealing engagement between the dispensing connector and fitment is provided by the O-ring on the dispensing connector. 
         [0016]    Not draining the flexible bag substantially fully is a problem in the art. This results in product waste and creates problems during disposal. This invention addresses this problem. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0017]    Accordingly, in one of its aspects, the present invention provides a fitment assembly comprising: a fitment for attachment to a container for holding and dispensing a fluid and having a generally cylindrical spout attached thereto, the fitment comprising a generally cylindrical external valve body movable to a fixed position within the spout; and a generally cylindrical internal valve body movable axially within the external valve body, the internal valve body movable between a closed position operable to prevent the flow of fluid through the fitment and an open position operable to allow the flow of fluid through the fitment, the internal valve body movable between closed and open positions by insertion of a dispensing connector into the external valve body adjacent the internal valve body, the internal valve body being biased toward the closed position; wherein the external valve body comprises a generally cylindrical body, wherein the cylindrical body comprises a top cylindrical portion and bottom cylindrical portion or a barrel seal, a valve seat attached to an end of top cylindrical portion by a plurality of radially spaced posts defining apertures therebetween, the posts being spaced from the spout to allow liquid to flow therethrough when the valve is in the open position; wherein said external valve body further comprises at least one circumferentially spaced aperture at the distal end of the barrel seal proximate to the container surface, and wherein said barrel seal of said external valve body protrudes beyond a spout of said container on which said fitment is attached and into said container such that said at least one circumferentially spaced aperture is located within said container. 
         [0018]    In another aspect, this invention relates to a process for assembling a fitment on to a filled or unfilled container, comprising the steps as follows: (I) assembling a generally cylindrical internal slider valve into a generally cylindrical external valve body to form a valve body assembly into a primary seal position; (II) putting a cap on said external valve body of said valve body assembly; (III) assembling said assembly of said cap and said valve body assembly on to a generally cylindrical spout in a pre-cap position to form a fitment assembly; and (IV) affixing the assembly of Step (III) to said container wherein said fitment assembly comprises said fitment for attachment to said container for holding and dispensing a fluid, wherein said fitment has said spout attached thereto, said fitment further comprises said external valve body movable to a fixed position within said spout; and said internal valve body movable axially within said external valve body, said internal valve body movable between a closed position operable to prevent the flow of fluid through said fitment and an open position operable to allow the flow of fluid through said fitment, said internal valve body movable between closed and open positions by insertion of a dispensing connector into said external valve body adjacent said internal valve body, said internal valve body being biased toward the closed position; wherein when coupled to said fitment said dispensing connector compressively engages said external valve body to form a seal between said external valve body and said dispensing connector; wherein the external valve body comprises a generally cylindrical body, wherein the cylindrical body comprises a top cylindrical portion and bottom cylindrical portion or a barrel seal, a valve seat attached to an end of top cylindrical portion by a plurality of radially spaced posts defining apertures therebetween, the posts being spaced from the spout to allow liquid to flow therethrough when the valve is in the open position; wherein said external valve body further comprises at least one circumferentially spaced aperture at the distal end of the barrel seal proximate to the container surface, and wherein said barrel seal of said external valve body protrudes beyond a spout of said container on which said fitment is attached and into said container such that said at least one circumferentially spaced aperture is located within said container. 
         [0019]    In yet another aspect, this invention relates to a process for dispensing fluid to or from a container, comprising: (I) providing said container comprising said fluid, with a fitment attached to said container, wherein said fitment is capable of accepting a dispensing connector that is part of a dispensing apparatus, wherein said dispensing connector connects the supply of said fluid to said dispensing apparatus; (II) inserting said dispensing connector into said fitment to actuate an internal valve body within said fitment; (III) dispensing said fluid from said container through said dispensing apparatus; wherein said fitment assembly comprises: said fitment-attached to-said container for holding and dispensing said fluid and having a generally cylindrical spout attached thereto, said fitment comprising a generally cylindrical external valve body movable to a fixed position within said spout; and a generally cylindrical said internal valve body movable axially within said external valve body, said internal valve body movable between a closed position operable to prevent the flow of said fluid through said fitment and an open position operable to allow the flow of said fluid through said fitment, said internal valve body movable between closed and open positions by insertion of said dispensing connector into said external valve body adjacent said internal valve body, said internal valve body being biased toward said closed position; wherein the external valve body comprises a generally cylindrical body, wherein the cylindrical body comprises a top cylindrical portion and bottom cylindrical portion or a barrel seal, a valve seat attached to an end of top cylindrical portion by a plurality of radially spaced posts defining apertures therebetween, the posts being spaced from the spout to allow liquid to flow therethrough when the valve is in the open position; wherein said external valve body further comprises at least one circumferentially spaced aperture at the distal end of the barrel seal proximate to the container surface, and wherein said barrel seal of said external valve body protrudes beyond a spout of said container on which said fitment is attached and into said container such that said at least one circumferentially spaced aperture is located within said container; wherein said fitment assembly is made from a synthetic resin material. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts, and in which: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of the fitment assembly of the present invention with a dispensing connector. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of the fitment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the external valve body. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a partial cross-sectional top view of the internal valve body. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of the internal valve body shown in  FIG. 4A . 
           [0026]      FIG. 4C  illustrates a partial cross-sectional bottom view of the internal valve body shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of the cap. 
           [0028]      FIG. 6A  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the external valve body connected to the spout in the pre-cap position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6B  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the external valve connected to the spout in the full-cap position. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  illustrates the dispensing connector ready-to-connect with the external valve body attached in a full-cap position with the spout. 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  illustrates the dispensing connector engaged with the external valve body through the O-ring. 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  illustrates the fitment position in connection with the dispensing connector where the internal slider pin opens the connector. 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  illustrates the fitment position in connection with the dispensing connector where the connector now opens the internal slider ports for fluid flow. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0034]    In a liquid dispensing apparatus such as is used to dispense individual servings of beverages and the like, the syrups, flavorings and other ingredients are frequently supplied in collapsible containers enclosed and shipped within an outer container (“bag-in-box”). The shipping package or container is provided with a fitment that accepts a probe that is part of the dispensing apparatus in order to connect the supply of liquid to the dispensing apparatus. The fitment generally contains a valve that is actuated by the insertion of the probe of the dispensing apparatus in order to allow the liquid to flow into the dispensing apparatus. The fitment attached to the liquid container is generally termed a package connector and the probe or similar device on the dispensing apparatus that interacts with the package connector is generally termed a dispensing connector. 
       The Fitment Assembly—General 
       [0035]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the present invention includes a double slider valve fitment  120  for attachment to a container such as a flexible bag for holding liquid (not shown), the double slider valve fitment  120  being  120  that is engageable to a dispensing connector  114  connected to a service line. 
         [0036]    The fitment  120  comprises a generally cylindrical spout  122  with a generally cylindrical external valve body  124  movable axially within the spout  122  and an internal valve body  126  movable axially within the external valve body  124 . As will be described in further detail below, generally external valve body  124  is slideable to a secured position (full-cap position), while internal valve body  126  is repeatedly slideable to enable opening and closing of the valve. The internal valve body  126  is movable between a “closed” position that prevents fluid from flowing through the fitment  120  and an “open” position that allows fluid to flow from the container through the fitment  120 . The internal valve body  126  is adapted to be moved between the closed and open positions by insertion of the dispensing connector  114  into the external valve body  124 . The internal valve body  126  is sized to be received within the external valve body  124 . The fitment  120  suitably further includes a cap  128 . 
       Spout 
       [0037]    The components of the fitment assembly  120  will now be described in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 1 -through  6 B. The spout  122  is generally cylindrical in shape and one end is received by the dispensing connector  114  when the assembly is in a dispense position, as will be discussed further below. At the other end of the spout  122  there is a base portion  130  for attaching the spout  122  to a wall of a container such as a flexible bag (not shown). Methods and means for attaching the spout  122  to a wall of the container are well known in the art and a variety of attachment mechanisms may be used to secure the spout  122  to the container wall, such as by heat sealing or adhesive attachment or both. 
         [0038]    Located at the opposing end of the spout  122  from the base portion  130  is the spout opening  132 , which is adapted to receive the dispensing connector  114  therein. In one embodiment, the internal surface of the spout  122  suitably includes an integrally melded stop ridge  133  and sealing rings  135 , both of which serve to limit the motion of the external valve body  124  at certain stages in the functioning of the fitment assembly  110 . Suitable stop ridge and sealing rings are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,785 (Copp, et al.), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
         [0039]    The external surface  137  of the spout  122  preferably includes a series of external threads or flanges, which are adapted to mate with corresponding threads on a dispensing apparatus (not shown) or a collar with which a double slider fitment  110  may be used. The configuration of the external surface  137  of the spout  122  is not particularly restricted and may be altered in accordance with known ways to connect such surfaces e.g. a snap-fit arrangement could also be used. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 through 6B , generally, the configuration of the external surface of the spout is not particularly restricted. 
       External Valve Body 
       [0040]    The external valve body will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 6  and particularly  FIG. 3 . 
         [0041]    The external valve body  124  is generally cylindrically shaped having two cylindrical portions—the top portion  124 . 1  and the bottom portion also known as the barrel seal  124 . 2 . The top portion  124 . 1  and the barrel seal  124 . 2  are separated by a groove  124 . 3  on the external shell  138 . The external shell includes the groove  124 . 3 , and a stop ridge  140  and the handling ring  124 . 4  that form the groove  124 . 3 . The groove  124 . 3  is nominally in the middle portion of the external valve body  124 . The external shell  138  also includes a positioning ring  142  at the opposing end. When the external valve body  124  is positioned within the spout  122 , the positioning ring  142  is located adjacent the base portion  130  of the spout  122 , and the stop ridge  140  is located adjacent the spout opening  132 . Suitably, above stop ridge  140 , the external surface  138  may be engageable with the dispensing connector  114  . . . . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 through 6B , threaded portion  144  is threadably engageable with the dispensing connector  114 . 
         [0042]    The lower portion of the external valve body  124  is also called the barrel seal  124 . 2  that extends further below the handling ring or the flange  124 . 4  in a cylindrical fashion. At its distal end  124 . 5 , spaced on the wall of the barrel seal  124 . 2  are situated one or more circumferentially, (preferably) semi-circular apertures  124 . 6  that help drain the fluid from the bag substantially fully. In the full-cap position (see  FIG. 6B ), the distal end  124 . 5  of the external valve body  124  is not flush (generally, or otherwise) with the base portion  130  of the spout  122 . In fact, the distal end  124 . 5  of the barrel seal  124 . 2  extends into the bag such that at least the circumferentially spaced apertures  124 . 6  are open to the passage of the fluid from the bag for its dispensation through the internal slider  126  and the dispensing connector  114 . 
         [0043]    As the fluid is drained from the flexible bag, the bag collapses and advances closer to the spout  122 . For a spout base portion  130  that is nominally flush with the plane of the flexible bag, the planar laminate side of the bag opposing the planar laminate side on which the spout  122  is attached, may likely collapse on the spout base portion  130 , effectively shutting down or reducing fluid flow and its dispensation. The residual usable fluid in the bag may thus not be drained fully and will be wasted. However, in the present invention, the valve body  124 , through its barrel seal  124 . 2  at its distal end  124 . 5  extends past the base portion  130  of the spout and into the flexible bag cavity. Moreover, even if the bag were to collapse on the distal end  124 . 5  of the barrel seal  124 . 2 , the circumferentially spaced apertures  124 . 6 , which have an orientation normal to the plane of the collapsed planar side of the bag, will provide the channel for continued dispensing of the liquid through the fitment assembly  110  and the service-line. 
         [0044]    Within the external valve body  124 , adjacent the end with the positioning ring  142 , in one embodiment, there is an interior projection  146  that extends around the internal circumference of the shell  138 . The projection  146  has an upper surface  148  that faces the end of the shell  138  containing the stop ridge  140 , and a lower edge  150  that faces the end of the shell  138  containing the positioning ring  142 . Suitably, projection or ledge  146  has an inverted “L” shape as shown in the Figures. Extending away from the lower edge  150  towards the end of the shell  138 , which includes the stop ridge  140 , are a series of radially spaced posts  152  defining apertures  153  therebetween. The posts  152  support a valve seat  154  at their lower ends. The posts  152  extend substantially parallel to the shell  138  of the external valve body  124  and are spaced from the shell  138  such that liquid may flow between the shell  138  and the posts  152  and through the space between each post  152 . The valve seat  154  is substantially circular and extends between the lower ends of the spaced posts  152 . The valve seat  154  includes a plurality of spaced projections  158  that extend upwardly from the valve seat  154  towards the projection  146 . The projections  158  are preferably centrally located on the valve seat  154  and are radially spaced thereon and are operable to be received in the internal valve body  126  as will be described below. It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that the projections  158  may be spaced in any pattern and may form any shape that performs the same function as the projections  158 . 
         [0045]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  show the pre-cap position and the full cap position of the external valve body  124  attached to the spout  122 . In the pre-cap position, the external valve body  124  (and the fitment) are attached to the spout  122  of the bag, but the bag is not pierced for opening it to the fitment  120  and the dispensing connector  114  of the service-line. The circular lock bead  124 . 7  at the distal end of the external valve body  124  is locked with a groove on the inside wall  122 . 1  of the spout, which creates the pre-cap lock. The pre-cap lock is situated in approximately the middle portion of the spout  122  and a small distance away from the actual bag surface  122 . 2  that is nominally flush with the bottom flange  122 . 3  of the base portion  130  of the spout  122 . 
         [0046]    In the full-cap position, the external valve body  124  is manually pushed downward towards the bag to overcome the lock strength of the circular lock bead  124 . 7 . The bag is pierced and the distal end  124 . 5  of the external valve  124  and the circumferentially-placed apertures  124 . 6  now protrude through the bag and extend on the inside of the bag. The barrel seal structure  124 . 2  that extends beyond the seal of the external valve body  124  helps in providing this extension. In the full cap position the handling ring  124 . 4  now sits on top of the spout&#39;s  122  top surface  132  and the bottom positioning ring  142  of the external valve  124  now locks with the bottom surface of the spout flange. 
       Internal Valve Body 
       [0047]    The internal valve body  126  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 6B  and especially  FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C . Located on the internal valve body  126  are a series of ports  164  that allow the passage of fluid therethrough when the internal valve body  126  is in the open position. When in the open position, the ports  164  are in fluid communication with the apertures  153  between the posts  152  of the external valve body  124 . 
         [0048]    Suitably, the internal valve body  126  includes a generally cylindrical body  166  with a base ring  168  that extends around one end of the body  166 , and a top ring  170  that extends outwardly from and around the opposing end of the body  166  from the base ring  168 . A central post  174  extends away from the body  166  at the opposing end to the base ring  168 , and is operable to engage the dispensing connector  114 , when the fitment  120  is attached to the dispensing connector  114 . 
         [0049]    The body  166  is sized to be received within the external valve body  124  extending beyond the projection  146  of the external valve body  124  and operable to abut the valve seat  154 . The top ring  170  suitably is sized to extend beyond the circumference of the body  166  to rest against and abut the projection  146  when the internal valve body  126  is in the open position. In the open position, the insertion of the dispensing connector  114  moves the internal valve body  126  towards the valve seat  154  and positions the base ring  168  of the body  166  adjacent the valve seat  154 . The projections  158  on the valve seat  154  are biased inwardly by the internal walls  175  of the body  166  of the internal valve body  126 . 
         [0050]    In one embodiment, the internal walls  175  of the body  166  are sloped inwardly to bias the projections  158  inwardly when the plug  126  is located adjacent the valve seat  154 . When the dispensing connector  114  is removed, the projections  158  will return to their normally biased position and flex outwardly. When the projections  158  move outwardly, the internal valve body  126  will be forced away from the valve seat  154  and the internal valve body  126  will return to the closed position. Other embodiments may be used that force the projections to bend away from their normal position upon insertion of the dispensing connector  114  into the fitment, provided that when the dispensing connector  114  is removed the projections force the internal valve body  126  away from the valve seat  154  to the closed position. While the projections  158  are biased inwardly and then flex to their initial position, the required inherent resilience is fairly limited and all parts of the fitment  120  may be formed of a fairly rigid material. 
       Cap 
       [0051]    The fitment assembly  120  preferably further includes a cap  128  as shown in  FIG. 5 . In one embodiment the cap  128  may include a cover  176  and a skirt  178  bearing an outer retaining ring  180  and an internal cylinder  182  bearing an inner retaining ring  184  which engages the cap  128  with the external valve body  124  when the cap  128 , external valve body  124 , and internal valve body  126  are removed as a unit in order to fill the container. Suitably, the cap  128  may be sized so that if present, the skirt  178  can be received within the spout  122 . The cap  128  may also include a smaller outer skirt  185  sized to sit about the top periphery of spout  122 , when the fitment is capped. While the configuration of the cap  128  is not particularly restricted and is within the purview of a person skilled in the art, an example of a suitable cap  128  is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,785. Other alternative cap configurations will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. 
       Materials 
       [0052]    Although the fitment assembly  120  of the present invention may be made of any material having suitable properties, preferably, it is made of a synthetic resin material that can be melded to form its parts. The synthetic resin material must have sufficient resiliency so that the projections  158  will return to their rest position when a deforming pressure is released. If the fitment assembly  120  is made from a single synthetic resin material, recycling of the valve is made particularly easy, because the used valve can be ground up, re-melted and remolded into new valves. It is preferred that the fitment assembly  120  be made from a synthetic resin that is the same as that used to form the liquid-containing bag with which the fitment is used. Such compatibility further increases the ease of recycling the valve. A preferred synthetic resin for the valve is polypropylene. The valve can also be made of high-density polyethylene, polystyrene, nylon or the like. 
       Fluid Dispensing 
       [0053]    This section refers to  FIGS. 7-10 . When the internal valve body  126  returns to the closed position, it may return to either its initial position or to one in which the top ring  170  is lower than in the initial position, i.e. closer to the ledge  146 , provided that there is a seal between the internal valve body  126  and the external valve body  124 , and no fluid can pass through the fitment  120 . The closed position referred to includes all such positions in which the internal valve body  126  is moved away from the valve seat  154  and where no fluid can pass through the fitment  120 . 
         [0054]    It will be understood by a person skilled in the art in light of the above description that the external valve body  124  is operable to move along the inside of the spout  122  in a smooth telescoping movement while maintaining continuous contact with the spout  122 . Likewise, the internal valve body  126  is operable to move along the inside of the external valve body  124  in a smooth telescoping movement. Further, the internal valve body  126  acts like a plug within the external valve body  124  and is seated within the external valve body  124  in the open position to allow fluid to pass through and is unseated in the closed position to prevent fluid from passing through. 
         [0055]      FIG. 6A  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the double slider valve fitment  120  in a pre-cap position. In this position, the fitment  120  is removably positioned within the spout  122 , in order to be readily removable for filling of the container directly through an open spout  122 .  FIG. 6B  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the double slider valve fitment  120  in a full-cap position. This position is suitable for a filled container ready for delivery to the end-user. In this position, the stop ridge  140  and the positioning ring  142  of the external valve body  124  are engaged with the interior of the spout  122 , so that the double slider valve fitment  120  is securely positioned within the spout  122 . The cap  128  is secured to the fitment  120 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 10  illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of the collar  112  and the double slider valve fitment  120  in a dispense position with the dispensing connector  114 . In this position, the user removes the cap  128 . The dispensing connector  114  is engaged with the double slider valve fitment  120 . 
         [0057]    In the ready-to-connect position ( FIG. 7 ), the external valve  124 , the internal valve  126  and the spout  122  (fitment  120 ) are in the full-cap position, wherein the external valve body  124  has been (manually) pushed downward towards the bag to overcome the lock strength of the circular lock bead  124 . 7 . The bag has been pierced and the distal end  124 . 5  of the external valve  124  and the circumferentially-placed apertures  124 . 6  now protrude through the bag and extend on the inside of the bag. The length of the barrel seal structure  124 . 2  that extends beyond the seat  154  of the external valve body  124  provides this extension. In the full-cap position, the handling ring  124 . 4  now sits on top of the spout&#39;s  122  top surface  132  and the bottom ring  142  of the external valve  124  now locks with the bottom surface of the spout flange  122 . 3 . Also, the dispensing connector  114  with or without a collar (compressive or otherwise) is available for connecting with the fitment  120 . 
         [0058]    The dispensing connector  114  moves the valve to an open position. In one embodiment as the dispensing connector  114  is threaded onto the external valve body  124 , it pulls the dispensing connector  114  down into the external valve body  124  where the nose of the dispensing connector  114  comes into contact with the internal valve body  126  at its pin  174 . See  FIG. 8  for example. 
         [0059]    In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the threading then moves the internal valve body  126  down into the dispensing position where a first seal and second seal associated with an O-ring  114 . 1  on the dispensing connector  114  are made during this action. 
         [0060]    As the dispensing connector  114  is threadably engaged with the threaded portion  144  of the external valve body  124 , in one embodiment, it applies an inward force on the internal valve body  126  and the internal valve body  126  is moved axially within the external valve body  124  towards the valve seat  154 . The top ring  170  of the internal valve body  126  rests adjacent the upper surface  148  of the ledge  146 , preventing further axial movement of the internal valve body  126  towards the valve seat  154 . It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that further axial movement of the internal valve body  126  may be prevented by either the top ring  170  abutting the ledge  146  or the position of the valve seat  154  adjacent the internal valve body  126  or by both. The base ring  168  rests against the valve seat  154  and the projections  158  on the valve seat  154  are biased inwardly by the internal walls  175  of the body  166  of the internal valve body  126 . In this position, the ports  164  of the internal valve body  126  are in fluid communication with the apertures  153  located between the posts  152  on the external valve body  124 , and fluid can flow from the container through the barrel seal and between the shell  138  and the valve seat  154  through the apertures  153  between the posts  152  and through the ports  164  on the internal valve body  126 , into the dispensing connector  114 . 
         [0061]    Once the dispensing connector  114  is removed, the pressure on the internal valve body  126  is released and projections  158  will move to their normal position and push outwardly against the internal walls  175  of the body  166 , which will push the internal valve body  126  up and away from the valve seat  154  towards the closed position.  FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic of the double slider fitment  120  of the present invention and a dispensing connector  114  in a ready-to-connect position. As shown, the dispensing connector  114  is removed and the valve moves to a closed position of the fitment  120 . The internal valve body  126  is received in the external valve body  124  with the top ring  170  spaced from the upper surface  148  of the ledge  146 . The base ring  168  of the internal valve body  126  abuts against the upper ends of the posts  152  of the external valve body  124  and blocks any flow of fluid through the apertures  153  located between the posts  152 . The closed position prevents any fluid from passing through the fitment  120  into the dispensing connector  114 . 
         [0062]    A portion of the spout  122  may be received within the receiving space of the dispensing connector  114 . Additional collars and connectors that can be used with this invention are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,578,979, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
         [0063]    While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments and examples, the description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Thus, various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this description. All publications, patents and patent application referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Listing of Parts 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Part 
                   
               
               
                 Numbers 
                 Part Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 114 
                 Dispensing connector 
               
               
                 114.1 
                 O-ring 
               
               
                 120 
                 Fitment assembly; Fitment; Double slider valve fitment 
               
               
                 122 
                 Spout 
               
               
                 122.1 
                 Groove for locking external valve body in pre-cap position 
               
               
                 122.2 
                 Flexible bag surface 
               
               
                 122.3 
                 Base flange of the spout 
               
               
                 124 
                 External valve body; Valve body 
               
               
                 124.1 
                 Top portion of the external valve body 
               
               
                 124.2 
                 Bottom portion of the external valve body; Barrel seal 
               
               
                 124.3 
                 Groove on the external shell of the external valve body 
               
               
                 124.4 
                 Handling ring 
               
               
                 124.5 
                 Distal end of the external valve body 
               
               
                 124.6 
                 Circumferentially spaced apertures 
               
               
                 124.7 
                 Circular lock bead 
               
               
                 126 
                 Internal valve body; Internal slider; Internal slider seal 
               
               
                 128 
                 Cap 
               
               
                 130 
                 Base portion 
               
               
                 132 
                 Spout opening 
               
               
                 133 
                 Stop ridge 
               
               
                 135 
                 Sealing rings 
               
               
                 137 
                 Externa surface of spout 
               
               
                 138 
                 External shell of external valve body 
               
               
                 140 
                 Stop ridge 
               
               
                 142 
                 Positioning ring 
               
               
                 144 
                 Threaded portion 
               
               
                 146 
                 Projection 
               
               
                 148 
                 Upper surface of projection 
               
               
                 150 
                 Lower edge of projection 
               
               
                 152 
                 Radially spaced posts 
               
               
                 153 
                 Apertures 
               
               
                 154 
                 Valve seat 
               
               
                 158 
                 Spaced projections 
               
               
                 164 
                 Ports 
               
               
                 166 
                 Generally cylindrical body 
               
               
                 168 
                 Base ring 
               
               
                 170 
                 Top ring 
               
               
                 174 
                 Post; Slider pin 
               
               
                 175 
                 Internal walls 
               
               
                 176 
                 Cover 
               
               
                 178 
                 Skirt 
               
               
                 180 
                 Outer retaining ring 
               
               
                 182 
                 Internal cylinder 
               
               
                 184 
                 Internal retaining ring 
               
               
                 185 
                 Outer descending skirt