Patent Publication Number: US-11643257-B2

Title: Dispensing system

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16/879,958, filed May 21, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/851,866, filed May 23, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to dispensing fitment assemblies for selectively dispensing fluid from a fluid container as related methods. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Dispensing systems are often used for dispensing fluids such as cleaning solutions (e.g., detergent, disinfectant, sanitizers, etc.), medical products (e.g., fluids administered intravenously during a medical procedure) and the like from a container (e.g., a bottle) with a connector. The connector may be connected to tubing and allow for passage of fluid stored in the container during use of the dispensing system. A dispensing probe, a hand pump and/or a nozzle can be connected to the connector for dispensing a quantity of chemical fluid (e.g., hand sanitizer). Such dispensing systems may be closed loop dispensing systems, wherein the dispensing system prevents a user from being exposed to the fluid contained in the container when the user is removing the lid or cap of the container to clean and/or dispose the container or refill fluids therein. Closed loop dispensing systems offer improved compliance to chemical safety guidelines and promote ease of use, disposal and refilling chemical products such as cleaning solutions. Such closed loop systems can often be shaped and sized to suit a variety of operations. For instance, dispensing systems can be generally rigidly shaped as bottles made of hard plastic (such as high or low density polyethylene), or can be generally flexibly shaped such as bags (e.g., “bag-and-box” dispensing system) made of polymeric materials flexible relative to the rigidly shaped bottle. In addition, the containers may be positioned upright or inverted to enhance ease of fluid delivery in a variety of operations. The dispensing systems may also include a vent (e.g., an opening on a bottle cap) to allow trapped air or other gases to escape from the container during storage or shipment of the chemical fluid. 
     The connectors of closed loop systems can dispense a predetermined dosage of the fluid. Such systems may include a spring-loaded valve for dispensing the predetermined dosage of chemical fluid out of the container. The connectors are typically sized and shaped according to the specific type of container in use. For instance, a connector intended to be used with a rigid bottle may not be interchangeably used with those for a flexible bag, and a connector intended for an inverted container may not be suitable for an upright container. Lack of a universal design for connectors may result in logistical difficulties when a user attempts to switch from one type of container (e.g., upright container) to a different type of container (e.g., inverted container) to allow for more effective dispensing. Connectors that include metal springs and valves also are not environmentally friendly because such components may not be recycled. For example, a user may not be able to disengage the dispensing system to separate the recyclable components of the dispensing system from the non-recyclable components, ultimately not recycling the dispensing system at all. Additionally, the user may not follow safety procedures during filling, using, storing, and disposing chemicals (e.g., corrosive chemicals such as disinfectants) due to the complexity involved in assembling and disassembling dispensing systems that include a number of different components. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments disclosed herein include dispensing fitment assemblies, fitment assemblies, and related methods that can provide a user-friendly configuration and allow for use in a wide variety of dispensing applications. Moreover, embodiments disclosed herein can provide dispensing fitment assemblies, fitment assemblies, and related methods that can be environmentally friendly while at the same time reduce the likelihood that a user is exposed to a fluid within the container. 
     One embodiment includes a dispensing fitment assembly for selectively dispensing fluid from a fluid container. This dispensing fitment assembly embodiment includes a fitment assembly and a dispensing probe. The fitment assembly includes a fitment housing and a plug. The fitment housing is configured to operatively couple to a container opening of the fluid container. The fitment housing has an interior portion defined therein. The plug is positioned within the interior portion of the fitment housing. The plug is slidingly movable between an open position and a closed position. The dispensing probe is engageable with at least an interior surface of the plug, and the engagement between the dispensing probe and the interior surface of the plug is configured to move the plug from the closed position to the open position. The dispensing probe is disengageable from the interior surface of the plug, and the disengagement between the dispensing probe and the interior surface of the plug configured to move the plug from the open position to the closed position. When the plug is in the closed position, the dispensing probe is configured to be fluidly isolated from the fluid container to restrict flow of fluid from or to the fluid container. When the plug is in the open position, the dispensing probe is configured to be in fluid communication with the fluid container to permit flow of fluid from or to the fluid container. 
     In a further embodiment of the dispensing fitment assembly, the fitment housing comprises a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite to the first end. An entirety of the plug can be disposed proximal to the second end of the fitment housing and longitudinally away from the first end of the fitment housing. 
     In a further embodiment of the dispensing fitment assembly, the plug includes a plurality of flanges, each flange having a tapered leading portion. The dispensing probe has an end portion, the end portion has a flared portion, and the flared portion of the end portion abuts the tapered leading portion of at least a first flange of the plurality of flanges to disengage the plug from the interior portion and thereby move the plug from the closed position to the open position. The plug can include a recess, and the end portion of the dispensing probe can terminate in a distal end surface. When the flared portion of the end portion abuts the tapered leading portion of at least the first flange of the plurality of flanges, the distal end surface of the end portion of the dispensing probe is received within the recess of the plug. The end portion of the dispensing probe can include a distal portion and a proximal portion, and a cross-sectional area of the flared portion can be greater than a cross-sectional area of the distal portion or a cross-sectional area of the proximal portion. 
     In the above further embodiment of the dispensing fitment assembly, the interior portion of the fitment housing can include a first portion and a second portion, and the second portion can be proximal to the second end of the fitment housing, and a first cross-sectional area of the first portion can be greater than a second cross-sectional area of the second portion. The plug can include an exterior surface defining a lip, and the lip can engage against the second portion of the fitment housing when the plug is in the closed position. Engagement between the dispensing probe and the interior surface of the plug can detach the engagement between the lip and the second end of the fitment housing to move the plug from the closed position to the open position. 
     In a further embodiment of the dispensing fitment assembly, the fitment housing includes one or more vent passages defined proximal to the first end of the fitment housing. The one or more vent passages can be configured to place the fluid container in fluid communication with an exterior of the fluid container so as to maintain the fluid container at a pressure greater than vacuum during dispensing of fluids out of the fluid container and, optionally, at atmospheric pressure during periods of not dispensing of fluids out of the fluid container. 
     Another embodiment includes a dispensing fitment assembly for selectively dispensing fluid from a fluid container. This dispensing fitment assembly includes a fitment assembly and a dispensing probe. The fitment assembly includes a fitment housing and a plug. The fitment housing is coupled to a container opening of the fluid container. The fitment housing has an interior portion defined therein, and the interior portion extends between a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite to the first end. The plug is positioned within the interior portion of the fitment housing, with an entirety of the plug being disposed proximal to the second end of the fitment housing and longitudinally away from the first end of the fitment housing. The plug is slidingly movable relative to the interior portion between an open position and a closed position. The dispensing probe is engageable with the plug, with the engagement between the dispensing probe and the plug configured to move the plug from the closed position to the open position. The dispensing probe is disengageable from the plug, with the disengagement between the dispensing probe and the plug configured to move the plug from the open position to the closed position. When the plug is in the closed position, the dispensing probe is fluidly isolated from the fluid container to restrict flow of fluid from or to the fluid container. When the plug is in the open position, the dispensing probe is in fluid communication with the fluid container to permit flow of fluid from or to the fluid container. 
     In a further embodiment of the dispensing fitment assembly, the dispensing probe engages with the fitment housing proximal to the first end of the fitment housing. 
     A further embodiment of the dispensing fitment assembly can also include a one-way flow control valve positioned within the dispensing probe. The one-way flow control valve can be configured to permit passage of fluids in a dispensing direction and restrict passage of fluids in directions other than the dispensing direction. 
     A further embodiment of the dispensing fitment assembly can also include a fitment connector coupled to the fitment housing. The fitment connector can include a first end, a second end opposite to the first end and an internal passage extending between the first end of the fitment connector and the second end of the fitment connector. The second end of the fitment connector can be disposed longitudinally away from the plug when the plug is in the closed position. A cross-sectional area of the second end of the fitment connector can be less than a cross-sectional area of the plug, such that the second end of the fitment connector captures the plug within the internal passage of the fitment connector when the plug is disengaged from the fitment housing, thereby restricting further displacement of the plug into the fluid container when the plug moves from the closed position to the open position. 
     In a further embodiment of the dispensing fitment assembly, the dispensing probe is supported by a cap, the cap being removably connectable to an opening in the fluid container. The connection of the cap, while supporting the dispensing probe, to the opening in the fluid container can move the plug from the closed position to the open position. The plug can remain in the open position when the cap, while supporting the dispensing probe, remains connected to the opening in the fluid container. 
     An additional embodiment includes a dispensing fitment assembly for selectively dispensing fluid from a fluid container. This dispensing fitment assembly embodiment includes a fitment housing and a plug. The fitment housing is configured to be operatively coupled to a container opening of the fluid container. The fitment housing has an interior portion defined therein, and the fitment housing includes a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite to the first end. The plug is positioned within the interior portion of the fitment housing, with an entirety of the plug being disposed proximal to the second end of the fitment housing, and longitudinally away from the first end of the fitment housing. The plug is slidingly movable between an open position and a closed position. The plug includes a surface defining a lip. The lip engages against the second portion of the fitment housing when the plug is in the closed position, and the engagement of the lip against the second portion of the fitment housing is detachable by a dispensing probe inserted in the fitment housing. The detachment of the engagement moves the plug from the closed position to the open position. When the plug is in the closed position, the dispensing fitment assembly restricts flow of fluid from or to the fluid container. And, when the plug is in the open position, the dispensing fitment assembly permits flow of fluid from or to the fluid container. 
     In a further embodiment of the dispensing fitment assembly, the fitment housing includes one or more vent passages defined proximal to the first end of the fitment housing. The one or more vent passages are configured to place the fluid container in fluid communication with an exterior of the fluid container so as to maintain the fluid container at a pressure greater than vacuum during dispensing of fluids out of the fluid container and, optionally, at atmospheric pressure during periods of not dispensing of fluids out of the fluid container. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present invention therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following description. Embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, though certain embodiments can include one or more components at the scale shown. 
         FIG.  1    is a sectional perspective view of a container with a dispensing fitment assembly according to certain embodiments; 
         FIG.  2    is a front view of the dispensing fitment assembly of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is an exploded perspective view of the dispensing fitment assembly of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a sectional front view of the dispensing fitment assembly of  FIG.  1    with the plug in the closed position; 
         FIG.  5    is a sectional perspective view of the dispensing fitment assembly of  FIG.  1    illustrated to show the plug in the closed position; 
         FIG.  6    is an enlarged sectional view of the dispensing fitment assembly of  FIG.  1    illustrated to show the plug in the closed position; 
         FIG.  7    is an enlarged sectional view of the dispensing fitment assembly of  FIG.  1    illustrated to show the plug and the end portion of the dispensing probe during engagement/disengagement with the plug; 
         FIG.  8    is sectional perspective view of the dispensing fitment assembly of  FIG.  1    illustrated to show the plug in the open position; 
         FIG.  9    is an enlarged sectional perspective view of the dispensing fitment assembly of  FIG.  1    illustrated to show the plug in the open position; and 
         FIG.  10    is an enlarged perspective view illustrated to show the plug and the end portion of the dispensing probe during engagement with the plug. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides some practical illustrations for implementing embodiments of the present invention. Examples of constructions, materials, and/or dimensions are provided for selected elements. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the noted examples have a variety of suitable alternatives. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a dispensing system  10  according to some embodiments. The dispensing system  10  comprises a container  20  for storing fluids and a dispensing fitment assembly  30  (aka dispensing fitment and adaptor assembly) for selectively dispensing fluids out of the container  20 . As described previously, such containers can store fluids such as cleaning solution, disinfectant, sanitizer, and/or medical fluids while the container  20  is shown in an upright orientation. Other orientations (e.g., inverted with respect to the orientation in  FIG.  1   , laterally sideways with respect to the orientation in  FIG.  1   ) are also contemplated. As seen in  FIG.  1   , the container  20  can be a bottle. Alternatively, the container  20  can be a bag, box, or other known containers. 
     A dispensing fitment assembly  30  can prevent a user from inadvertently contacting the fluid when the user disposes, dispenses, cleans or refills fluids or replenishes container  20 . The dispensing fitment assembly  30  therefore can be closed or opened to selectively dispense fluids from the container  20 . The dispensing fitment assembly  30  can selectively dispense fluid form the container  20  via a dispensing probe  22 . Alternatively, fluids can be dispensed by other methods known in the art (e.g., pumping, pouring and the like). The container  20  may also include a dosing element (e.g., flow meter) to control flow rate of fluids. 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  1   , the container  20  comprises a container opening  34 . In certain embodiments, the container opening  34  is operatively coupled to a cap  36 , for instance, by a frictional connection (e.g., threads as illustrated, or by snap or push fit). The cap  36  may be removably connectable with the container opening  34 , and connection of the cap  36  with the container opening  34  may allow for dispensing (e.g., fill the fluid container  20  or discharge fluid from the fluid container  20 ), as will be described further below. 
       FIGS.  2 - 4    illustrate various views of the dispensing probe  22  according to exemplary embodiments. The dispensing probe  22  may be supported by and/or extend from a surface  38  of the cap  36  as seen in  FIG.  1   . Referring again to  FIGS.  2  and  4   , the dispensing probe  22  includes a body  40  and an end portion  42 . The body  40  may include an interior passage  46  that may be in selective fluid communication with the container  20 . For instance, the interior passage  46  of the dispensing probe  22  may be in fluid communication with the container  20  when it is desired to dispense (e.g., fill the fluid container  20  or discharge fluid from the fluid container  20 ). The interior passage  46  of the dispensing probe  22  may be fluidly isolated from the fluid container  20  at other instances, to reduce the chances of leakage, or inadvertent contact of fluids (e.g., corrosive fluids) by a user during use. 
     The end portion  42  may be shaped and contoured to selectively engage with portions of a fitment assembly, as will be described further below. The end portion  42  includes a distal portion  48 , a flared portion  50 , and a proximal portion  52 . The distal portion  48  may be closer than the flared portion  50  and the proximal portion  52  to portions of the fitment assembly. The proximal portion  52  may be closer than the distal portion  48  and the flared portion  50  to the body  40  of the dispensing probe  22 . A cross-sectional area of the distal portion  48  may be less than a cross-sectional area of the flared portion  50 . Further, a cross-sectional area of the proximal portion  52  may be less than a cross-sectional area of the flared portion  50 . The distal portion  48  may terminate in a distal end surface  54 . 
     The body  40  and the end portion  42  of the dispensing probe  22  may be attached to each other by an attachment portion  56 . The attachment portion  56  may facilitate placing the interior passage  46  of the body  40  in selective fluid communication with the fluid container  20 , and for permitting passage of fluids via the interior passage  46  into or out of the fluid container  20 . 
     The dispensing fitment assembly  30  includes, in addition to the dispensing probe  22 , a fitment assembly, various views of which are illustrated in  FIGS.  2 - 4   . Referencing  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the fitment assembly comprises a fitment housing  60  supported on the container opening  34 . In certain advantageous aspects, the fitment housing  60  may be induction sealed to the container opening  34  to reduce inadvertent chances of fluid ingress or egress from the fluid container  20 . The fitment housing  60  can be made of a polymer suitable induction sealing with a polymer of the container  20  (e.g., thermoplastics). Other recyclables and/or biocompatible materials are also contemplated. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a sectional view of the dispensing fitment assembly  30 . As seen in  FIG.  4   , the fitment housing  60  has a first end  62  and a second end  64  longitudinally opposite to the first end  62 . An interior portion  66  extends between the first end  62  and the second end  64 . As seen in  FIG.  4   , the dispensing probe  22  engages with the fitment housing  60  proximal to the first end  62  of the fitment housing  60 . 
     In certain advantageous embodiments, the interior portion  66  may be contoured to permit selective fluid communication between the container  20  and the dispensing probe  22 , as will be described further below. In one such example illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the interior portion  66  of the fitment housing  60  includes a first portion  68  and a second portion  70 . The first portion  68  and the second portion  70  may each have either constant cross-sectional area or variable cross-sectional area. For instance, the first portion  68  may have a first cross-sectional area  72  and the second portion  70  may have a second cross-sectional area  74 . As seen in  FIG.  4   , the first cross-sectional area  72  of the first portion  68  is greater than the second cross-sectional area  74  of the second portion  70 . In some such embodiments, the first portion  68  may extend a substantial length of the fitment housing  60  from the first portion  68 . In such embodiments, the second portion  70  may be confined to being proximal to the second end  64  of the fitment housing  60 . Alternatively, in other embodiments, the first portion  68  and the second portion  70  may extend over different lengths of the fitment housing  60  than those illustrated. Still further, the fitment housing  60  may be contoured such that the cross-sectional area of the interior portion  66  in the proximity of the second end  64  is less than the cross-sectional area of the interior portion  66  at other longitudinal locations of the fitment housing  60 . Such embodiments may advantageously place the dispensing probe  22  in selective fluid communication with the container  20 , as will be described further below. 
     An exterior surface of the fitment housing  60  may engage with a fitment connector  120 , as will be described further below. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the exterior surface of the fitment housing  60  may include threads  76 , grooves, or other types of frictional connectors to permit connection to a fitment connector  120 . 
     Referencing  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the fitment housing  60  also has one or more vent passages  82  defined proximal to the first end  62  of the fitment housing  60 . In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of evenly-spaced vent passages  82  are distributed around the perimeter of the fitment housing  60 , however, additional or fewer vent passages  82  can be provided. The vent passages  82  may place the fluid container  20  in fluid communication with an exterior of the fluid container  20  so as to maintain the fluid container  20  at a pressure greater than vacuum during dispensing of fluids out of the fluid container  20 . Such pressure in the fluid container  20  may be equal to atmospheric pressure during static periods when fluids are not being dispensed out of the fluid container. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , in some embodiments, the fitment housing  60  may include one or more keyed protrusions  84  at the first end  62 . In  FIG.  5   , keyed protrusions  84  are illustrated as being evenly distributed throughout a perimeter of the fitment housing  60 . However, a single keyed protrusion may also be provided. The keyed protrusion(s) may facilitate aligning the dispensing probe  22  with the cap  36  such that the end portion  42  of the dispensing probe  22  may be generally coaxial with the interior portion  66  of the fitment housing  60  and/or with the plug  90 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  2 - 5   , the connector comprises a plug  90 . The plug  90  can be moved between a closed position and an open position.  FIGS.  4 - 6    illustrate the plug  90  in the closed position, while  FIGS.  8 - 10    illustrate the plug  90  in the open position. Referring again to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the plug  90  may advantageously be positioned within the interior portion  66  of the fitment housing  60 , and may facilitate placing the dispensing probe  22  in selective fluid communication with the fluid container  20 . As seen in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , an entirety of the plug  90  may be disposed proximal to the second end  64  of the fitment housing  60 , and longitudinally away from the first end  62  of the fitment housing  60 . Such embodiments may offer ease of engagement and disengagement between the fitment housing  60  and the plug  90  and more easily establish selective fluid communication between the dispensing probe  22  and the fluid container  20 . 
     In an embodiment, the plug  90  may be slidingly movable relative to the interior portion  66  between the open position and the closed position. When the plug  90  is in the closed position, the dispensing probe  22  is fluidly isolated from the fluid container  20  to restrict flow of fluid from or to the fluid container  20 . When the plug  90  is in the open position, the dispensing probe  22  is in fluid communication with the fluid container  20  to permit flow of fluid from or to the fluid container  20 . 
       FIGS.  6  and  7    illustrate enlarged views of the plug  90 . According to certain examples, the plug  90  may include a plurality of flanges  92 . The flanges  92  extend toward the dispensing probe  22 , and may be contoured to have frictional engagement with portions of the dispensing probe  22 . In advantageous aspects, frictional engagement between the flanges  92  and portions of the dispensing probe  22  may be useful for disengaging the plug  90  from the second end  64  of the fitment housing  60 , or engaging the plug  90  with the second end  64  of the fitment housing  60 . Thus, frictional engagement/disengagement between the flanges  92  and portions of the dispensing probe  22  may facilitate frictional disengagement/engagement respectively between the plug  90  and the second end  64  of the fitment housing  60 , thereby moving the plug  90  between the closed and the open positions. 
     Referencing  FIGS.  6  and  7   , each flange includes a tapered leading portion  94  that may face and/or encounter an end portion  42  of the dispensing probe  22 , as the dispensing probe  22  is being brought into proximity with the plug  90 . The tapered leading portion  94  may taper radially inward to form a generally frustoconical shape to guide the end portion  42  of the dispensing probe  22 . The flange may also include an upright portion  96  positioned in the vicinity of the tapered leading portion  94 . For instance, in an illustrative aspect, an outermost edge  98  of the tapered leading portion  94  may abut an outermost edge  100  of the upright portion  96  such that the tapered leading portion  94  and the upright portion  96  are directly adjacent to each other. A cross-sectional area  102  of the upright portion  96  may, advantageously be greater than a smallest cross-sectional area  104  of the tapered leading portion  94 , as illustrated in  FIG.  7   . As will be described further below, such shapes and profiles may facilitate ease of engagement and disengagement of the plug  90  relative to the fitment housing  60 . 
     In certain advantageous aspects of the present disclosure, the plug  90  includes additional contoured portions to further facilitate disengagement or engagement of the plug  90  with the fitment housing  60 . For instance, with continued reference to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the plug  90  includes a generally planar surface  106  on which a recess  108  is defined centrally therein. The recess  108  may be located adjacent to (or in the) upright portion  96 . The recess  108  may receive portions of the dispensing probe  22  during disengagement or engagement of the plug  90  with the fitment housing  60 . The plug  90  may also include an exterior surface  110  defining a lip  112 . The lip  112  may be directly adjacent to the upright portion  96 . The lip  112  may have an exterior cross-sectional area  114  greater than an exterior cross-sectional area  115  of the upright portion  96 . As seen in  FIG.  6   , the lip  112  may engage against the second portion  70  of the fitment housing  60 , to maintain the plug  90  is in the closed position. An outermost edge  116  of the second portion  70  may be in contact with the lip  112  when the plug  90  is in the closed position. Accordingly, the exterior cross-sectional area  114  of the lip  112  in the vicinity of the outermost edge  116  may be greater than an interior cross-sectional area (e.g., second cross-sectional area  74 ) of the second portion  70 . 
     Referring back to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the fitment assembly includes a fitment connector  120 . The fitment connector  120  may be coupled to the fitment housing  60 . In the illustrated embodiment, the fitment connector  120  includes internal threads  121  that engage with external threads  76  of the fitment housing  60 . However, other types of connections between the fitment housing  60  and the fitment connector  120  are contemplated. The fitment connector  120  may be generally elongate and include a first end  122 , a second end  124  opposite to the first end  122  and an internal passage  126  extending between the first end  122  and the second end  124 . The coupling between the fitment connector  120  and the fitment housing  60  may position the first end  62  of the fitment connector  120  near the first end  122  of the fitment housing  60 , and the second end  64  of the fitment connector  120  extending further longitudinally away from the second end  124  of the fitment housing  60 . Accordingly, the second end  64  of the fitment housing  60  may be captured within and/or surrounded by the second end  124  of the fitment housing  60 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  4   , the second end  124  of the fitment connector  120  is disposed longitudinally away from the plug  90 . Further, as seen from  FIG.  4   , in advantageous aspects, a cross-sectional area  128  of the second end  124  of the fitment connector  120  may be less than a cross-sectional area of the plug  90 . As described previously, the plug  90  may be contoured to have variable cross-section. In such cases, a cross-sectional area of at least a portion of the plug  90  (e.g., exterior cross-sectional area  114  or  115  illustrated in  FIG.  7   ) may be greater than a cross-sectional area  128  (shown in  FIG.  4   ) of the second end  124  of the fitment connector  120 . In such embodiments, the second end  124  of the fitment connector  120  captures the plug  90  within the internal passage  126  of the fitment connector  120  when the plug  90  is disengaged from the fitment housing  60 . Such embodiments may advantageously restrict further displacement of the plug  90  into the fluid container  20  when the plug  90  moves from the closed position to the open position. 
     As described previously, the container  20  may be induction sealed with the fitment housing  60 . The induction sealing may be performed after the fitment housing  60 , fitment connector  120  and plug  90  are assembled such that the plug  90  is in the closed position. To dispense fluid (e.g., to fill into or discharge from) the cap  36  along with the dispensing probe  22  may be brought into proximity with the container opening  34 , and attached therewith. For instance, the cap  36  may include internal threads  132  that may engage with corresponding threads on the container opening  34 . As the cap  36  is frictionally engaged with the container opening  34 , the dispensing probe  22  may advance into the interior portion  66  of the fitment housing  60 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  4 - 7   , the plug  90  may be seated at the second end  64  of the fitment housing  60 , and the lip  112  may abut an outermost edge  116  of the second end  64  of the fitment housing  60 . The interior portion  66  of the fitment housing  60  may be fluidly isolated from the container  20  at this position. As the dispensing probe  22  is being brought into the interior portion  66  of the fitment housing  60 , the distal portion  48  of the dispensing probe  22  may approach the tapered leading portion  94  of the plug  90 , and may be moved toward the upright portion  96  of the plug  90 . As the dispensing probe  22  is further brought into proximity (e.g., by screw-threaded engagement of the cap  36  with the container opening  34 ), the flared portion  50  of the dispensing probe  22  may frictionally engage against one or more flanges  92 . The frictional engagement of the flared portion  50  of the dispensing probe  22  may bear against the flange, and thereby unseat and/or detach the plug  90  from the second end  64  of the fitment housing  60 . Further movement of the dispensing probe  22  relative to the plug  90  may result in the distal portion  48  being received within the recess  108  of the plug  90 , the flared portion  50  being received at least partially in the upright portion  96  of the plug  90 , and the flange(s) at least partially surrounding the proximal portion  52 , as illustrated in  FIG.  10   . 
     Referencing  FIG.  8   , a gap  130  may be created between the plug  90  and the fitment housing  60 , thereby permitting passage of fluids in a dispensing direction (e.g., along the arrows  118  illustrated in  FIG.  8   ). Dispensing may be a filling operation of the container  20 , in which case, the dispensing direction may correspond flow of fluids via the interior passage  46  thereof, and into the fitment connector  120  and to the container  20 . Alternatively, dispensing may be a discharge operation, in which case, the dispensing direction may correspond to the flow of fluids from the container  20 , through the fitment connector  120 , and via the interior passage  46  of the dispensing probe  22 . 
     To move the plug  90  from the open position to the closed position, the cap  36  may be detached from the container opening  34  (e.g., by unscrewing the internal threads  132  of the cap  36  that may engage with corresponding threads on the container opening  34 ). As the cap  36  is frictionally disengaged with the container opening  34 , the dispensing probe  22  may be retracted from the interior portion  66  of the fitment housing  60 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  8 - 10   , the plug  90  may be retracted with the dispensing probe  22  due to engagement between the distal portion  48  and the recess  108  until the lip  112  abuts the outermost edge of the second end  64  of the fitment housing  60 . At this instance, the tapered leading portion  94  may engage with a transition region  136  that separates the first portion  68  and the second portion  70 . As the dispensing probe  22  is further retracted (e.g., by continuing to unscrew the threads  132  of the cap  36 ), the flared portion  50  may be unseated and may retract relative to the upright portion  96  of the plug  90 . Continued retraction of the dispensing probe  22  may result in the travel of the flared portion  50  relative to the tapered leading portion  94  until the dispensing probe  22  is fully retracted relative to the plug  90 , and the flanges  92  seated against the transition region  136 . 
     Referring back to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the fitment assembly includes a flow control valve  140  which may selectively permit or restrict flow of fluid therethrough to facilitate controlled flow of fluid into or out of the container  20 . In certain advantageous aspects, the valve can be a one-way flow control valve  140 . In such embodiments, the one-way flow control valve  140  may permit passage of fluids in a dispensing direction and restrict passage of fluids in directions other than the dispensing direction. In some aspects dispensing may include filling the container  20 . Accordingly, a dispensing direction may be from a fluid source, via the dispensing probe  22  to the container  20 . In other aspects, dispensing may include discharging from the container  20 . Accordingly, a dispensing direction may be from the container  20 , via a dispensing probe  22  to a fluid delivery line. In either aspect, the one-way flow control valve  140  may restrict passage of fluids in directions other than the dispensing direction. In certain aspects, the one-way flow control valve  140  may not be used when the container  20  is being filled and may only be used when fluid is discharged from the container  20 . Accordingly, the one-way flow control valve  140  may restrict flow of fluids in directions other than through the interior passage  46  of the dispensing probe  22  and toward the container  20 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the flow control valve  140  is housed within the dispensing probe  22 . When the dispensing probe  22  engages with the plug  90  and moves the plug  90  to the open position, the flow control valve  140  may be positioned proximal to the first end  62  of the fitment housing  60  and surrounded by the cap  36 . Referencing  FIG.  8   , as fluid is being dispensed in the dispensing direction (e.g., along arrows  118 ), the flow control valve  140  may selectively permit or restrict flow of fluid therethrough to facilitate controlled flow of fluid into or out of the container  20 . 
     Embodiments disclosed herein have one or more advantages. Closed loop connectors such as those described herein can protect the user from inadvertently being exposed to fluids (e.g., chemicals, corrosive reagents and the like) present in the container  20 , thereby offering safe dispensing operation. The connector can be made with recyclable materials and not have any metal components or non-recyclable parts, thereby allowing a user to easily rinse and recycle the container  20  and the connector. Such connectors are also of a universal design, allowing users to easily be connected to containers of different shapes, sizes, and for different applications.