Patent Publication Number: US-7591398-B2

Title: Container closure assembly

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/827,194, filed Sep. 27, 2006, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to container closure assemblies, and more particularly to a container closure assembly that includes a flow control mechanism. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The popularity of store bought beverages presents a number of issues in the beverage container industry regarding the container closure assemblies used for the containers. For example, evidence of tampering with the containers is a concern. Many different solutions, such as PVC shrink bands, plastic overwraps, dust covers and foil liners have been proposed. However, each of these create a loose part that has to be discarded. Also, some of these are difficult for the consumer to remove. 
     Another problem encountered is loose caps. First of all, losing a cap is an inconvenience to the consumer. Furthermore, a loose cap may be considered a small part or choking hazard to a child. Dust covers, loose caps, and anything solid that is a loose part could be considered a choking hazard, if it is deemed to be a Small Part under 16 CFR 1500 and 1501. 
     Another problem encountered with beverage containers, and, in particular, children&#39;s beverage containers, is spillage. Many beverages are highly viscous and spill easily when tipped over. This problem is particularly relevant when the beverage container is a flexible pouch. Flexible pouches are not rigid, have a less sturdy base, and are therefore more unstable and likely to tip over during normal use. Also, children have less motor control and are more likely to tip the flexible container over, which typically results in spillage. 
     Hygiene is also a concern in the beverage container industry. For example, many dispensing mechanisms, such as push pull spouts and twist up spouts have an exposed drinking orifice or require fingers to open the spout, which are unhygienic and subject to tampering. 
     One important aspect of a closure is maintaining seal integrity in the face of changes in environmental conditions, i.e. altitude, temperature, physical pressure (e.g., a truck driving from Arizona in the summer over the Rocky Mountains, which encounters extreme changes in temperature and altitude) create varying pressures on the inside of a container and tremendous stress on the closure, which must maintain an airtight seal in order to not allow ingress of microbiological contaminants or the egress of the product from the container. Either condition results in spoilage. Also, the physical nature of the liquid packaged can put stress on the closure. 
     For example, hot-fill pasteurized liquids are normally filled at 190° F. (˜95° C.) or higher. This heat can cause distortion of the materials used to create the closure. Currently, this problem is solved using compression molded liners on the top of flat caps, foil liners, etc., which all help ensure an airtight seal is maintained. Also, for example, the gas released by carbonated beverages puts pressure on the closure. 
     Most (if not all) dispensing mechanisms, such as push pull spouts, twist up spouts, flip top caps, etc. are not airtight, which is why push pull spouts, for example, are common on bottled water and not on any other sort of beverage, certainly not a high quality, preservative free, beverage. This is also why beverages such as Propel™ and Gatorade™ have the foil liner on bottles that have the twist up dispenser but not on the bottles with the flat caps. 
     The amount of torque necessary (i.e., difficult for children and seniors) to open a screw cap on a bottle is a concern in the beverage industry. There are industry groups actively trying to figure out how to make screw caps more consumer friendly. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for a container closure assembly that overcomes the disadvantages described above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a two piece container closure assembly that includes a sleeve and a cap member. The cap member includes a cap that has a piercer extending downwardly from a top surface thereof that when twisted pierces a membrane in the nozzle of the cap, thereby allowing liquid to be dispensed from the container. The membrane preferably has a plurality of score lines defined therein that provide a plurality of flaps once the membrane has been pierced. The flaps cooperate to act as a flow control mechanism. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of dispensing a product from a container. The method includes the steps of providing a container having a container closure assembly associated therewith that includes a cap and a spout that is spanned by a membrane that includes at least one score line defined therein, moving the cap downwardly, puncturing the membrane to create an opening, removing the cap from the spout, and dispensing the product through the opening. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a container closure assembly that includes a base that is adapted to be connected to a container, a spout extending upwardly from the base, and a cap removably secured on the spout. The spout defines an interior and includes a nozzle, the interior of which is spanned by a membrane that includes at least one score line defined therein. The cap includes a ring depending from and frangibly connected thereto, and includes a puncturing mechanism depending downwardly from a top thereof. Rotation of the cap in a first direction breaks the frangible connection between the cap and ring and causes the puncturing mechanism to puncture the membrane. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane includes a pair of intersecting score lines that tear when the membrane is punctured. In another preferred embodiment, the container closure assembly includes a leash that connects the cap and ring and that has a thickness and a width. The leash includes a hinge that comprises a portion of the leash that has a thinner thickness than the remainder of the leash, thereby allowing the leash to bend at the hinge. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a container closure assembly that includes a base that is adapted to be connected to a container, but which is a separate component before being connected to the container, a spout extending upwardly from the base, and a cap removably secured on the spout. The spout defines an interior and includes a nozzle, the interior of which is spanned by a membrane. The cap includes a ring depending from and frangibly connected thereto, and includes a puncturing mechanism depending downwardly from a top thereof. Rotation of the cap in a first direction breaks the frangible connection between the cap and ring and causes the puncturing mechanism to puncture the membrane. In preferred embodiments, the base has a canoe-like shape and is connected to the interior of a pouch such that the spout extends upwardly from the pouch or the base comprises a flange that is adhered to a container such that the spout extends outwardly from the container. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a container closure assembly that includes a base that is adapted to be connected to a container, a spout extending upwardly from the base, and a cap removably secured on the spout. The spout defines an interior and includes a nozzle, the interior of which is spanned by a membrane that includes at least one slit defined therein. The cap includes a ring depending from and frangibly connected thereto, and includes a puncturing mechanism depending downwardly from a top thereof. Rotation of the cap in a first direction breaks the frangible connection between the cap and ring and causes the puncturing mechanism to puncture the membrane. In preferred embodiments, the membrane includes a plurality of intersecting slits defined therein or includes a plurality of slits defined therein that meet at a common point. Preferably, the plurality of slits are defined by a plurality of wedge shaped flaps. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a container that includes a container portion that contains a liquid therein, a spout extending outwardly from the container portion, and a cap removably secured on the spout. The spout defines an interior and includes a nozzle, the interior of which is spanned by a membrane that includes a plurality of flaps that cooperate to define a plurality of slits therein. The cap includes a ring depending from and frangibly connected thereto and a puncturing mechanism depending downwardly from a top thereof. The liquid in the container can only be dispensed through the slits by positive or negative pressure placed on the container portion. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a container that includes a container portion, a spout extending upwardly from the container portion, and a cap removably secured on the spout. The spout defines an interior and includes a nozzle, the interior of which is spanned by a membrane that includes at least one score line defined therein. The cap includes a puncturing mechanism depending downwardly from a top thereof. Rotation of the cap in a first direction causes the puncturing mechanism to puncture the membrane. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a container that includes a container portion, a spout extending upwardly from the container portion, a cap with a ring depending from and frangibly connected thereto removably secured on the spout, and a leash having a first end connected to the cap and a second end connected to the ring. The leash includes at least one hinge thereon. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of dispensing a product from a container, the method including the steps of providing a container having a cap removably secured on a spout, moving the cap downwardly, breaking a score line defined in a membrane that spans the interior of the spout to create an opening, removing the cap from the spout, and dispensing the product through the opening. In a preferred embodiment, the opening is a slit and the product is a liquid and the method further includes the step of tipping the container so that it is parallel to the ground. In this position, no liquid escapes from the opening. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a container closure assembly with the cap member on the sleeve in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is perspective cross-sectional view of the container closure assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional side elevational view of the container closure assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the cap member of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is perspective cross-sectional view of the cap member of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional side elevational view of the cap member of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the sleeve of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is perspective cross-sectional view of the sleeve of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional side elevational view of the sleeve of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the container closure assembly of  FIG. 1  with a portion of the cap member in section; 
         FIG. 10   a  is a detailed view showing how the protrusion on the sleeve abuts the tooth on the ring; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the container closure assembly of  FIG. 1  with a portion of the cap member in section; 
         FIG. 11   a  is a detailed view showing how the tooth on the ring engages the guide on the sleeve; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the container closure assembly of  FIG. 1  showing the cap member after it has been slightly rotated and the tear tabs are about to break; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the container closure assembly of  FIG. 1  with a portion of the cap member and sleeve in section showing the cap member after it has been rotated, the tear tabs are broken and the membrane has been pierced; 
         FIG. 14  is a sectional side elevation of the container closure assembly of  FIG. 1  showing the cap member after it has been rotated, the tear tabs are broken and the membrane has been pierced; 
         FIG. 15  is a sectional side elevational view of a container closure assembly that is non-threaded in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the sleeve of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17   a - 17   e  are a series of top plan views of the membrane and welds in accordance with a number of preferred embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a sectional side elevational view of the sleeve of  FIG. 1  with the flaps oriented upwardly as a result of pressure and liquid flowing therefrom; 
         FIG. 19  is a sectional side elevational view of the sleeve of  FIG. 1  with the flaps closed, thereby preventing liquid therein from being dispensed; 
         FIG. 20  is a side elevational view of a container with the sleeve of  FIG. 1  thereon, showing no pressure being applied to the container; 
         FIG. 21  is a side elevational view of a container with the sleeve of  FIG. 1  thereon, showing pressure being applied to the container and liquid being dispensed therefrom; 
         FIG. 22  is a sectional side elevational view of a portion of the spout showing the membrane in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  is a sectional side elevational view of a portion of the spout showing the membrane in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 24  is a sectional side elevational view of a portion of the spout showing the membrane in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the container closure assembly of  FIG. 1  with the cap removed from the spout prior to horizontal engagement of the tab with the post; 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the container closure assembly of  FIG. 1  with the cap removed from the spout prior to vertical engagement of the tab with the post; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the container closure assembly of  FIG. 1  with the cap removed from the spout after engagement of the tab with the post; 
         FIG. 28  is a sectional perspective view of a cap member in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 29  is a top plan view of the cap member of  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a sectional side elevational view of the cap member of  FIG. 28  taken along line  30 - 30  of  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIGS. 31   a - 31   d  are a series of sectional side elevational views of a cap member and nozzle showing the puncturing mechanism puncturing the membrane when the membrane is located at a first position within the nozzle; 
         FIGS. 32   a - 32   d  are a series of sectional side elevational views of a cap member and nozzle showing the puncturing mechanism puncturing the membrane when the membrane is located at a second position within the nozzle; 
         FIGS. 33   a - 33   d  are a series of sectional side elevational views of a cap member and nozzle showing the puncturing mechanism puncturing the membrane when the puncturing mechanism is a first length; 
         FIGS. 34   a - 34   d  are a series of sectional side elevational views of a cap member and nozzle showing the puncturing mechanism puncturing the membrane when the puncturing mechanism is a second length; 
         FIG. 35   a - 35   b  are a series of sectional side elevational views of a sleeve filled with liquid and showing how the punctured membrane can act as a flow control valve; 
         FIG. 36   a - 36   b  are a series of sectional side elevational views of a sleeve filled with liquid and showing how the punctured membrane can act as a flow control valve; 
         FIG. 37  is a perspective view of a container closure assembly with the cap member on the sleeve in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 38  is a perspective view of the sleeve of  FIG. 37 ; 
         FIG. 39  is a top plan view of the container closure assembly of  FIG. 37 ; 
         FIG. 40  is a sectional side elevational view of the container closure assembly of  FIG. 37  taken along line  40 / 41 - 40 / 41  of  FIG. 39  showing a long puncturing mechanism; 
         FIG. 41  is a sectional side elevational view of the container closure assembly of  FIG. 37  taken along line  40 / 41 - 40 / 41  of  FIG. 39  showing a short puncturing mechanism; 
         FIG. 42  is a side elevational view of a container with a container closure assembly thereon, where the flange is attached to the outside of the container; 
         FIG. 43  is a side elevational view of a container with a container closure assembly thereon, where the flange is attached to or sealed to the inside of the container; 
         FIG. 44  is a side elevational view of a cap member having a bumper thereon; 
         FIG. 45  is a detailed view of the bumper of  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIG. 46  is a perspective view of a container closure assembly with the cap member on the sleeve where the leash includes hinges in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 47  is a top plan view of the cap member of  FIG. 46 ; 
         FIG. 48  is a sectional side elevational view of the cap member of  FIG. 46  taken along line  48 - 48  of  FIG. 47 ; 
         FIG. 48   a  is a detailed view taken from the circle marked  48   a  in  FIG. 48 ; 
         FIG. 48   b  is a detailed view taken from the circle marked  48   b  in  FIG. 48 ; 
         FIG. 49  is a side elevation view of the cap member and sleeve of  FIG. 46  with the cap removed to show the action of the hinges; 
         FIG. 50  is a perspective view of a container closure assembly with the cap member on the sleeve where the leash includes a hinge in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 51  is a top plan view of the cap member of  FIG. 50 ; 
         FIG. 52  is a sectional side elevational view of the cap member of  FIG. 50  taken along line  52 - 52  of  FIG. 51 ; 
         FIG. 52   a  is a detailed view taken from the circle marked  52   a  in  FIG. 52 ; and 
         FIG. 53  is a side elevation view of the cap member and sleeve of  FIG. 50  with the cap removed to show the action of the hinge. 
     
    
    
     Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As shown in the drawings, for purposes of illustration, a preferred embodiment of the invention is a two piece container closure assembly for a beverage container. 
     For exemplary purposes only, described hereinbelow is a preferred embodiment wherein the container closure assembly is used with a flexible drinking container. However, this is not a limitation on the present invention. It will be understood that the container closure assembly can be used on other types of containers. 
     It will be appreciated that terms such as “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “short,” “long,” “up,” “down,” and “below” used herein are merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the container closure assembly, and the components thereof described herein is within the scope of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-9 , the invention is embodied in a container closure assembly  10  for containers (sometimes referred to herein as container portion)  100  that include liquids or other products therein. The type of container  100  is not a limitation on the present invention. For example, the container can be plastic, paper or any other type of material that holds any product from water to juices to ketchup to health and beauty products, such as lotions, creams and pastes or industrial products, such as cleaning supplies, etc. 
     In a preferred embodiment, container  100  is flexible, and container closure assembly  10  is secured or welded in place at the top of container  100 , as is shown in  FIGS. 20-21 . It will be understood that the container closure assembly  10  can be located anywhere on the container  100 , e.g., a corner, on the side, etc (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 42-43 ). 
     Container closure assembly  10  generally includes two interconnected parts, cap member  12  and sleeve  14 . In a preferred embodiment, sleeve  14  is sealed to container  100  hermetically. This provides a unitary and hermetic package with no loose pieces. A hermetic seal is achieved when two materials are welded together to form a bond, eliminating the possible ingress or egress of gases into or out of the container through the seals. Methods of sealing are well known in the art and will be omitted here. However, as an example, sleeve  14  can be sealed to container  100  by heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing. In another embodiment, container closure assembly  10  can be secured in place in a potentially non-hermetic fashion, such as by gluing or the like. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4-6 , in a preferred embodiment, cap member  12  includes an upper portion or cap  16  connected by tear tabs  18  and a tether  20  to a lower portion or ring  22 . Tear tabs  18  are frangible, which allows upper portion  16  to be separated from lower portion  22 , as will be described more fully below. In the illustrated embodiment, cap  16  is generally cylindrical and the exterior surface thereof optionally includes a plurality of serrations or grooves which facilitate gripping of the cap  16 . Other configurations of gripping assists are within the scope of the invention as well. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7-9 , sleeve  14  includes a lower portion or fitment base  24  that is shaped and adapted to be sealed to container  100 . As shown in the figures, fitment base  24  can have a canoe-type shape when viewed from the top or the bottom. This shape is advantageous for sealing to a flexible pouch or container. For example, the exterior surface of base  24  can be adhered to the interior surface of a flexible pouch near its top such that the spout  26  extends upwardly therefrom. However, this shape is not a limitation on the present invention. For example, fitment base  24  can be round, flat or oval shaped, etc (see, e.g.,  FIG. 37 ). 
     Extending upwardly from fitment base  24  is an upper portion or spout  26 . Spout  26  is generally tubular in shape and defines an interior  28 . The spout  26  generally includes a base portion  26   a , an intermediate portion  26   b  and terminates in a unitary tapered nozzle  26   c  with a lip  32 . However, nozzle  26   c  does not have to be tapered, it can be cylindrical, oval, or any other desired shape. External threads  34   a  are formed and extend circumferentially outwardly about the intermediate portion  26   b  of spout  26 . Threads  34   a  can be left-handed or right-handed, as desired. Extending radially transversely across spout  26  is a membrane  30 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , membrane  30  is preferably located in nozzle  26   c , however this is not a limitation on the present invention. Membrane  30  can be located anywhere along spout  26  (the advantages of different membrane placements is described below). Membrane  30  preferably blocks the interior  28  of spout  26 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, sleeve  14  and cap member  12  are made of high density polyethylene and/or polypropylene. In an exemplary embodiment, sleeve  14  is made of high density polyethylene and cap member  12  is made of polypropylene. However, neither of these are a limitation on the present invention. It will be understood that the components of the container closure assembly  10  can be made of any desired material, such as other plastics, rubbers, silicones, and other natural and synthetic materials, etc. 
     As discussed above, in a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the exterior of spout  26  is provided with threads  34   a  (they do not necessarily have to be located on intermediate portion  26   b ) Likewise, at least a portion of the interior of cap  16  is provided with threads  34   b . With this arrangement, cap member  12  can be threadingly engaged with spout  26 . In a preferred embodiment, threads  34   a  and  34   b  are loose fitting threads because a tight fit to ensure a quality airtight seal is not necessary. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 10-11   a , in a preferred embodiment, base  26   a  of spout  26  is provided with at least one and preferably a plurality of protrusions or vertically oriented blockers  38  on an exterior surface thereof that correspond to protrusions or teeth  39  on an interior surface of ring  22 . In another embodiment, the teeth may be located on the top or bottom of ring  22 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, vertically oriented blockers  38  are part of a protrusive ring  42  that extends around the circumference of base  26 . As can best be seen in  FIGS. 7 and 10 , the protrusive ring  42  includes a plurality of vertically oriented blockers  38  and at least one horizontally oriented blocker  44 . As best shown in  FIG. 10   a , the horizontally oriented blocker  44  abuts the upper surface of teeth  39  and prevents ring  22 , and therefore cap member  12 , from moving upwardly and coming off of spout  26  before tear tabs  18  have been broken. 
     Vertically oriented blockers  38  and teeth  39  are arranged such that when cap member  12  is twisted in either direction, at least one vertically oriented blocker  38  will abut and engage at least one tooth  39 , thereby stopping the motion of the ring  22 , breaking the frangible connection of the tear tabs  18  and separating the cap  16  from the ring  22 . This provides a tamper evident mechanism. It will be appreciated that vertically oriented blockers  38  can be located anywhere on sleeve  14  or spout  26 . Any tamper evident mechanism that provides a cap that is separated from a ring via a frangible connection is within the scope of the present invention. 
     In another embodiment, either of the vertically oriented blockers  38  and/or teeth  39  can be omitted. In this embodiment, the tear tabs  18  are broken by the twisting of cap  16  and the angular movement of cap  16  on the threads. For example, the vertically oriented blocker  38  for removing the cap  16  can be omitted. 
     It will be understood that tether  20  is provided to maintain cap  16  attached to ring  22 , which remains on sleeve  14  when cap  16  is removed for dispensing the liquid or beverage from container  100 . After tear tabs  18  have been broken, ring  22  preferably drops down and rests against fitment base  24 . In this position, the teeth  39  are not in the circumferential path of the vertically oriented blockers  38 . This allows the ring to twist freely about the base  26   a  of spout  26 , thereby allowing tether  20  to twist with it. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , cap  16  includes a spike, piercer or puncturing mechanism  36  extending downwardly from the top of cap  16 . As will be described more fully below, piercer  36  is adapted to pierce or puncture membrane  30 . It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the piercer does not need to be sharp to pierce the membrane. In another embodiment (described below) it can be blunt or flat. With reference to  FIGS. 12-14 , in operation, to pierce membrane  30 , cap  16  is twisted so that threads  34   a  and  34   b  cause cap  16  to travel downwardly. In a preferred embodiment, the cap  16  is initially positioned on threads  34   a  and  34   b  so that it is has the ability to travel downwardly or upwardly. This is evidenced by gap G in  FIG. 3 .  FIGS. 12-14  show cap  16  after it has been twisted. As can be seen in  FIG. 12 , at this point, the top portion of tether  20  is no longer aligned with the bottom portion of tether  20 . When twisted, as cap  16  moves downwardly, piercer  36  contacts and pierces membrane  30 , thereby causing an opening  40  to be formed therein. As can be seen in  FIG. 14 , at this point, gap G is no longer visible. Accordingly, before piercing of membrane  30 , the liquid in the container  100  remains hermetically sealed therein. After piercing, the liquid can then be dispensed through opening  40 . 
     Cap  16  preferably includes a pair of sealing rings  35   a  and  35   b  that cooperate with nozzle  26   c  and, in particular, lip  32 , to provide a seal that prevents liquid from escaping from interior  28 . This provides a resealable container. For example, in  FIG. 3 , after the cap  16  is opened the package can be resealed. Outer sealing ring  35   b  and inner sealing ring  35   a  form a leakproof seal when screwed down on spout  26  and lip  32 . Gap G is eliminated as spout  26  is sandwiched between sealing rings  35   a  and  35   b.    
     In a preferred embodiment, cap  16  is twisted downwardly such that tear tabs  18  are broken at approximately the same time as membrane  30  is pierced. This single motion is convenient for users of the container closure assembly  10 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , cap  16  can include markings  41  thereon that show the proper way to open container  100 . As shown, the markings  41  can include an arrow with “1” (as in “step 1”) to show that the cap  16  should be turned clockwise initially to break the tear tabs  18  and pierce the membrane  30  and then another arrow with a “2” (as in “step 2”) to show that cap  16  should then be twisted counter-clockwise to remove cap  16  from spout  26  so that the liquid can be dispensed. 
     In an alternative embodiment, as is shown in  FIGS. 15-16 , a container closure assembly  80  can be provided in which the threads are omitted. In this embodiment, the cap  16  can have a press fit or similar arrangement with the spout  26 . For example, spout  26  can include ribs that are engaged with corresponding ribs or the like on cap  16  to keep cap  16  in place as desired. To pierce membrane  30 , the cap  16  is pressed downwardly. 
     In a preferred embodiment, container  100  is a flexible pouch with non-rigid walls that collapse under pressure and do not provide a counter displacement pressure (i.e., container  100  does not return to its original shape after dispensing). This type of container causes liquid to flow freely at a high flow rate. This high flow rate creates the need for some type of flow control in some instances. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 17   a - 21 , in a preferred embodiment, membrane  30  is designed such that after piercing, membrane  30  becomes a flow control mechanism. As best shown in  FIGS. 17   a - 17   e , in a preferred embodiment, membrane  30  includes a plurality of welds or score lines  46  therein. The score lines  46  can be molded into membrane  30  during manufacture or can be formed in membrane  30  after manufacture. A flow control mechanism provides many advantages. For example, it can prevent spillage if the container is upturned. Membrane  30  can be designed to provide high, moderate or low flow rates as desired. For example, in a children&#39;s beverage container it may be desirable to provide a check valve so that when container  100  is tipped there is no or little flow through spout  26  unless pressure is exerted on the contents. The pressure can be applied by squeezing container  100  (positive pressure) or sucking the contents out of container  100  (vacuum pressure or negative pressure)  FIGS. 18-21  illustrate the action of membrane  30  and flaps  31  when pressure is applied to container  100  or the liquid therein.  FIGS. 20-21  show a container  100  that includes container closure assembly  10 . In  FIG. 20 , membrane  30  has been pierced, however, the flaps  31  of membrane  30  are closed. In  FIG. 21 , pressure is being applied to container  100 , thereby causing the flaps  31  to open upwardly, and allowing the liquid in container  100  to be dispensed. This action of the flaps  31  can be achieved by the selection of an appropriate membrane material. For example, silicone, such as medical grade silicon, may achieve this. 
     The configuration of score lines  46  help determine the desired flow rate. Welds or score lines  46  are preferably quite thin. Therefore, in operation, when piercer  36  punctures membrane  30 , it tears score lines  46 , thereby creating a plurality of flaps  31 . For example, in  FIG. 17   a , membrane  30  includes three score lines  46  that, after being torn, create three flaps  31 . In use, score lines  46  will likely also be torn more completely by squeezing or sucking pressure during drinking. In a preferred embodiment, piercer  36  has a generally triangular shape which expands the tearing of score lines  46  as it moves downwardly, thereby creating flaps  31 . 
       FIGS. 17   a - 17   e  show a number of exemplary embodiments of membrane  30  and welds  46  thereon. Score lines  46  can meet at their ends or at a common point, as shown in  FIG. 17   a . Score lines  46  can intersect, as shown in  FIGS. 17   b  and  17   c  (of course, this could also be considered meeting at a common point). A single score lines  46  can be used, as shown in  FIG. 17   d . It will be understood that after membrane  30  has been punctured, the score lines  46  become slits that are defined by the flaps  31 . 
       FIG. 17   e  shows a round weld  46  that works similar to a flapper valve on inflatable balls or rafts. It will be understood that any configuration of score lines  46  is within the scope of the present invention. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that a number of different factors determine the flow rate. For example, the thickness of membrane  30 , and therefore flaps  31 , helps determine flow rate. The surface tension of the subject liquid also helps determine flow rate. For example, a viscous liquid like a drinkable yogurt or smoothie has a higher surface tension than water or lemonade. 
     Membrane  30  can be configured in any number of different ways. As show in  FIGS. 18-19 , membrane  30  can have a constant thickness. However, as shown in  FIGS. 22-24 , in other embodiments, membrane  30  can have a varying thickness. For example, in  FIG. 22 , membrane  30  has a top surface  30   a  that is generally concave and a bottom surface  30   b  that is generally concave. In  FIG. 23 , membrane  30  has a top surface  30   a  that is generally flat and a bottom surface  30   b  that is generally concave. In  FIG. 24 , membrane  30  has a top surface  30   a  that is generally concave and a bottom surface  30   b  that is generally flat. All such variations are within the scope of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 25-27 , in a preferred embodiment, container closure assembly  10  includes the capability of securing the removed cap  16  on sleeve  14 . This keeps cap  16  out of the way while drinking. In an exemplary embodiment, the cap includes a tab  60  extending therefrom that has a slot  62  and opening  64  arrangement defined in the distal end thereof. Fitment base  24  includes a post  66  that extends upwardly from its upper surface. Post  66  has a ball  68  formed on its distal end. Opening  64  is sized to receive post  66 . Preferably, because of the flexible nature of the materials from which tab  60  and post  66  are made, tab  60  can be secured on or engaged with post  66  either horizontally or vertically. 
     With reference to  FIG. 25 , slot  62  has a width that is smaller than the diameter of post  66 . Accordingly, to horizontally engage tab  60  with post  66 , post  66  is pressed through slot  62  until post  66  comes to rest in opening  64 , as is shown in  FIG. 27 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 26 , ball  68  preferably has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of opening  64 . Accordingly, to vertically engage tab  60  with post  66 , ball  68  is pressed through opening  64  until post  66  comes to rest in opening  64 , as is shown in  FIG. 27 . In an alternative, an opening can defined in leash  20  that can be placed on post  66 . 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other methods for temporarily securing cap  16  on sleeve  14  are within the scope of the present invention. For example, snaps, VELCRO™, other press fits (e.g., a post on the cap that is press fit into an opening or depression in the neck), hooks and the like are all within the scope of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 28-43  show another preferred embodiment of a container closure assembly  70  that includes a piercer or puncturing mechanism  72  that is not as pointed as the piercer  36  described above.  FIGS. 28-36   b  show the container closure assembly  70  with a fitment base  24  similar to that described above and  FIGS. 37-44  show the container closure assembly with a fitment base that comprises a flange  74  for sealing the container closure assembly  70  to a container  100 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the shape of puncturing mechanism  72  allows for a controlled puncture of membrane  30 . Preferably, puncturing mechanism  72  has a generally cylindrical shape (it may include a slight frustoconical shape to it). The shape allows almost the entire puncturing surface (referred to herein as contact cone  72   a  and contact surface  72   b ) to contact membrane  30 . As more force is applied membrane  30  will start to deform and then the score lines  46  will tear essentially simultaneously. This is in contrast to piercer  36  described above, where the tip pierces membrane  30  and then slowly opens up the score lines  46  as the piercer  36  moves downwardly. 
     Puncturing mechanism  72  can be manufactured in two different ways: solid and hollow. For example, in  FIG. 48 , puncturing mechanism  72  is solid, which is better for aseptic processing because the cap  16  is filled in and the top of the cap  16  is flat; sanitizing solution will easily run off the cap when washing. Moreover, in  FIG. 52 , puncture mechanism  72  is hollow. This is advantageous because it requires less material and is easier to mold. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 30 , which shows a vertically cut cross section of cap member  12 , contact cone  72   a  includes a contact surface  72   b  that forms an angle θ with the vertical axis of puncturing mechanism  72 . In a preferred embodiment θ is between about 40 degrees and about 89 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment θ is between about 65 degrees and about 75 degrees and in the most preferred embodiment θ is about 70 degrees. It will be understood that these angles allow the contact cone  72   a  as a whole to comprise a preferably obtuse angle that actually contacts membrane  30 . This shape of contact cone  72   a  allows a large surface area to contact membrane  30  as it is pressed downwardly to be punctured. This allows score lines  46  to break and helps the flaps  31  retain their memory, thus creating the flow control or check valve, as described more fully below. In a preferred embodiment, contact cone  72   a  contacts between 20% and 70% of the surface area of the upper surface of membrane  30 . It will be understood that the area of membrane  30  that will come in contact with the puncturing mechanism  72  depends on the length of the puncturing mechanism and/or the vertical placement of the membrane  30 . The more puncturing mechanism  72  travels downward, the more of membrane  30  it contacts, this is because, in a preferred embodiment, it is angled and grows wider as it travels downward. 
     In a preferred embodiment, puncturing mechanism  72  first hits membrane  30  at the point of contact cone  72   a  and then hits at least 50% of membrane  30 , and then, possibly as much as 90% after full travel downward of the standard length puncturing mechanism  72  (described below). 
     It should be understood that in this embodiment, sealing ring  35   a  is unitary with or a part of puncturing mechanism  72 . As described above, membrane  30  preferably acts as a flow control mechanism. As shown in  FIGS. 31   a - 34   d , two different ways to control the puncture of membrane  30  are vertical placement of membrane  30  within nozzle  26   c  and the length of puncturing mechanism  72 .  FIGS. 31   a - 31   d  and  FIGS. 32   a - 32   d  show membrane  30  in two different positions within nozzle  26   c.    
     In  FIGS. 31   a - 31   d , membrane  30  is located in a first or upper position in the nozzle  26   c . As shown, in this position, puncturing mechanism  72  contacts membrane  30  earlier than it does in the position shown in  FIGS. 32   a - 32   d . As a result, puncturing mechanism  72  tears the score lines  46  almost completely and biases the flaps  31  downwardly (see  FIG. 31   c ). As a result, after puncturing mechanism  72  is pulled back away from the torn membrane  30 , the flaps  31  have been stretched and stressed enough that they do not go back to their original shape (see  FIG. 31   d ). This allows liquid to flow freely through the resulting opening  40 . 
     In  FIGS. 32   a - 32   d , membrane  30  is located in a second or lower position in nozzle  26   c . As shown, in this position, puncturing mechanism  72  contacts membrane  30  later than it does in the position shown in  FIGS. 31   a - 31   d . As a result, puncturing mechanism  72  does not place as much force on membrane  30  and only tears the score lines  46  slightly and does not bias the flaps  31  downwardly very much (see  FIG. 32   c ). As a result, after puncturing mechanism  72  is pulled back away from the torn membrane  30 , the memory of the material that comprises the flaps  31  causes the flaps to retain or almost retain their original shape (see  FIG. 32   d ). At this point, the opening is essentially gone and there are only slits where the former score lines  46  existed. This essentially creates a check valve and prevents fluid from flowing freely through the slits without positive or negative pressure (as discussed above) exerted on the container. It will be understood that the first and second membrane positions shown in the figures are only exemplary, and that membrane  30  can be positioned at any point along the length of nozzle  26   c . In a preferred embodiment the flaps  31  are wedge shaped, however this is not a limitation on the invention. It will be understood that the flaps&#39; shape is determined by the score lines  46 . 
       FIGS. 33   a - 33   d  and  FIGS. 34   a - 34   d  show two different length puncturing mechanisms  72  (short and standard). For example, in a preferred embodiment, the standard length of puncturing mechanism  72  is about 0.265″, and the shorter length is about 0.235″. However, these lengths are not a limitation on the present invention. 
     In  FIGS. 33   a - 33   d , puncturing mechanism  72  is shorter. As shown, in this position, puncturing mechanism  72  contacts membrane  30  later than it does in the position shown in  FIGS. 34   a - 34   d . As a result, puncturing mechanism  72  does not place as much force on membrane  30  and only tears the score lines  46  slightly and does not bias the flaps  31  downwardly very much (see  FIG. 33   c ). As a result, after the shorter puncturing mechanism  72  is pulled back away from the torn membrane  30 , the memory of the material that comprises the flaps  31  causes the flaps to retain or almost retain their original shape (see  FIG. 33   d ). At this point, the opening is essentially gone and there are only slits where the former score lines  46  existed. This essentially creates a check valve, just like the lower positioned membrane  30  described above. 
     In  FIGS. 34   a - 34   d , puncturing mechanism  72  is longer or standard length. As shown, in this position, because of its length, puncturing mechanism  72  contacts membrane  30  earlier than it does in the position shown in  FIGS. 33   a - 33   d . As a result, puncturing mechanism  72  tears the score lines  46  almost completely and biases the flaps  31  downwardly (see  FIG. 33   c ). As a result, after puncturing mechanism  72  is pulled back away from the torn membrane  30 , the flaps  31  have been stretched and stressed enough that they do not go back to their original shape (see  FIG. 33   d ) This allows liquid to flow freely through the resulting opening  40 , similar to the upper positioned membrane  30  described above. It will be understood that the length of puncturing mechanisms  72  shown in the figures are only exemplary, and that puncturing mechanism  72  can be any desired length. 
       FIGS. 35   a - 36   b  show an example of how a punctured membrane works to control flow (a check valve) when the membrane has been punctured, for example, as shown in  FIGS. 32   a - 32   d  and  33   a - 33   d . As can be seen in  FIGS. 35   a  and  36   a , when the container and sleeve are held horizontally the membrane prevents liquid from flowing through the opening. And, when the container and sleeve are tilted passed horizontal, only a small amount of liquid gets through the opening.  FIGS. 35   a - 35   b  show the membrane  30  when it is made of a material such as high density polyethylene or polypropylene of various melt rates, and  FIGS. 36   a - 36   b  show the membrane  30  when it is made of a material such as medical grade silicon. 
     As is shown in  FIG. 37 , in a preferred embodiment, ring  22  can include a rib  80  on its outside surface at a location adjacent to where tooth  39  is on the inside of ring  22 . This helps strengthen this portion of ring  22  (which is thinner than the remainder of ring  22 ) and prevent it from breaking either during assembly, when cap member  12  is pushed onto sleeve  14 , or during use. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 42-43 , flange  70  can be sealed to either the outside ( FIG. 42 ) or the inside ( FIG. 43 ) of a container  100 . Similar sealing mechanisms to those described above with respect to fitment base  24  can be used. In a preferred embodiment, flange  70  includes grooves or ridges thereon to help with the seal between flange  70  and container  100 . 
       FIGS. 44 and 45  show ring  22  with a bumper  82  or bumpers thereon. In a preferred embodiment, when initially assembling the container closure assembly  10  or  70 , to place cap member  12  on sleeve  14 , the loose cap member  12  is placed onto spout  26  and cap member  12  is pushed downwardly and snapped into place. In this embodiment, the components are made of a material that allows threads  34   b  and ring  22  to stretch slightly as they ride over threads  34   a  and protrusive ring  42  as cap member  12  is pressed into place. Tear tabs  18  are constructed so that they tear easily when turned by a user. To prevent the tear tabs  18  from breaking when cap member  12  is pressed into place, bumpers  82  are provided to prevent ring  22  from traveling too far upwardly. This effectively reduces the gap between ring  22  and cap  16 . Therefore, as cap member  12  is pressed into place, cap  16  moves downwardly and contacts the top of bumpers  82 , which helps provide pressure on ring  22  so that it will snap over protrusive ring  42 . 
       FIGS. 46-53  show another preferred embodiment that includes hinges  84  on the leash  20 . After the cap  16  has been removed from the spout  26  it is preferable to keep the cap  16  out of the way to make drinking from the spout  26  easier. However, at the same time, the leash  20  keeps the cap  16  connected to the ring  22  to prevent the cap  16  from being lost and becoming a potential choking hazard. Accordingly, the hinge(s)  84  on the leash are one way to keep the cap  16  away from the spout  26 , while keeping the cap  16  attached to the ring  22 , as shown in  FIGS. 49 and 53 . As can be seen,  FIGS. 46-49  show a leash  20  with two hinges  84  and  FIGS. 50-53  show a leash  20  with a single hinge  84 . Any number of hinges  84  are within the scope of the present invention. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the hinges  84  comprise a section of thinner material or reduced cross-section than the remainder of the leash  20 . As shown in  FIG. 48   a , hinge  84  has a thickness T 1  that is less than that of leash  20 , which has a thickness T 2 . In a more preferred embodiment, the hinge  84  comprises a section of thinner material, but also is wider than the remainder of the leash. As is shown in  FIG. 47 , hinge  84  has a width W 1  that is greater than that of leash  20 , which has a width W 2 . The thinner section allows the leash  20  to bend at that point, and the wider section maintains a higher tension strength and helps prevent the leash from failing at the hinge after repeated stressing. 
     In a preferred embodiment, leash  20  is long enough to allow cap  16  to be twisted in both directions (for puncturing and removing). In particular, this applies to the leash  20  with the dual hinge ( FIG. 53 ), looped configuration. It is easier to twist due to the long leash length, extra break in the thickness of plastic (at hinge  84 ) and that at the loop area, the leash travels on a vertical plane, allowing for easier twisting on a horizontal axis. 
     This is advantageous because cap  16  has to be twisted on an angled (mostly horizontal) axis to puncture the membrane and then on the same axis in the other direction to remove cap  16  from the spout. 
     It will be appreciated that after the container closure assembly is welded in place to the container  100 , the preferable result is a unitary package with no loose parts and no need for straws. The present invention can be used with cold fill, hot fill, aseptic, carbonated, alcohol and dairy filling conditions, among others. It will be appreciated that the present invention provides a high quality airtight seal due to the hermetic quality of the membrane, but the cap is easy to twist on and off due to the lack of airtight seal between the circumference at the top of the spout and the inner surface of the cap. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the cap is easy to twist off because higher torque is necessary to unscrew the cap than to screw it on. Typically, screw caps need to be tightened and screwed down with high torque so that an airtight seal is maintained against varying environmental conditions, such as change in pressure due to liquid cooling, altitude, changes in temperature, etc. They can only be unscrewed with more torque than required to screw down. If the opposite were true, caps would be easier to unscrew but would also be subject to loosening by natural movement and changes in pressure inside the bottle. This would jeopardize the airtight seal between the inner surface of the cap and top rim of the bottle opening, resulting in a loss of the airtight closure. 
     In the present invention, the airtight (and preferably hermetic) closure is obtained by the membrane so no airtight seal between the cap and spout opening is necessary. Therefore, no consideration of torque is necessary. The only torque required on the inventive cap is that which is necessary to break the tamper evident connections between the bottom ring and the bottom portion of the cap. This is preferably much less than is typically necessary to break an airtight seal between cap and bottle opening. 
     Furthermore, with hot fill bottled products, additional torque to unscrew the cap is required because a vacuum is created inside the bottle by the contracting liquid and airspace inside the container. This “pulls” on the cap, creating greater unscrew torque necessary to defeat not only the normal force to unscrew but also the negative pressure. 
     This also explains the necessity for liners (i.e. compression molded liners) on the inside of caps which help to maintain the airtight seal in the face of changing environmental conditions. 
     These liners are not necessary in the present invention. Although, they could be used for after the membrane is punctured. 
     The foregoing embodiments are merely examples of the present invention. Those skilled in the art may make numerous uses of, and departures from, such embodiments without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is not to be limited to or defined by such embodiments in any way, but rather, is defined solely by the following claims.