Abstract:
The disclosed subject matter pertains to dispensing assemblies and containers fitted with the same. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter there is disclosed a connector for connecting to a spout attachable to a container, the connector is configured with a spout engaging portion and a cover engaging portion, the cover engaging portion is configured to engage with a re-closable cover. One of the spout engaging portion and the spout comprising an arresting portion, and the other of the spout engaging portion and the spout comprising a first radial locking projection and a second radial locking projection, both configured for engaging with the arresting portion in a first coupling stage where the first radial locking projection detachably engages the arresting portion, and a second coupling stage where the second radial locking projection fixedly engages the arresting portion.

Description:
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The presently disclosed subject matter is in the field of dispensing assemblies and more specifically in the field of containers with dispensing assemblies suitable for flowable substances such as liquids, viscous fluids, semi-solids, powders, particulates and the like. 
       PRIOR ART 
       [0002]    Selected references considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below:
       JP2003291991   U.S. Pat. No. 7,798,379   US2007/158295       
 
         [0006]    Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0007]    Dispensing assemblies for flexible containers such as Bag-in-Box are in use for different purposes, and at different configurations. Such containers are used for storing various types of flowable materials; most commonly materials relating to the food industry, though not restricted thereto, and often require an aseptic closure from early manufacture stages of the container, through the filling process of the container, until being opened by the end user. 
         [0008]    The dispensing assembly disclosed herein is most suitable for flexible containers such as a bag of Bag-in-Box. 
         [0009]    Examples of such dispensing assemblies and containers are described for example in JP2003291991, directed to a pour-out port assembly, thermally adhered to a bag of a Bag-in-Box, to serve as a pouring port for contents and comprises three members including a pour-out port body, an intermediate member and a screw cap. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,798,379 is directed to a fitment, for use on a flexible container, comprising a spout member having a first end and a second end and defining a passageway between the two and a plug member which is sized to be received in the passageway. The plug member also has a leading end that lies in sealing engagement with the first end of the spout member when the plug member is received in the passageway. 
         [0011]    US2007/158295 is directed to a tamper-evidencing container and closure structures for preventing or for signaling unauthorized access to packaging. These structures provide tamper-evidencing improvements that add to the security and reliability of packaged contents. 
         [0012]    US4353488A is directed to a connector apparatus for use with various types of disposable flexible foodstuff containers, such as polymeric bags containing soft drink syrups, of the type having a fitment attached to a wall of the container. 
       GENERAL DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    The presently disclosed subject matter is directed, according to a first aspect thereof, to a multi stage dispensing closure for a container. Further aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to containers fitted with multi stage dispensing closures. 
         [0014]    According to one aspect of the present subject matter there is disclosed a connector for connecting to a spout attachable to a container, the connector is configured with a spout engaging portion and a cover engaging portion, said cover engaging portion is configured to engage with a re-closable cover. One of said spout engaging portion and said spout comprising an arresting portion, and the other of said spout engaging portion and said spout comprising a first radial locking projection and a second radial locking projection, both configured for engaging with said arresting portion in a first coupling stage wherein the first radial locking projection detachably engages the arresting portion, and a second coupling stage wherein the second radial locking projection fixedly engages the arresting portion. 
         [0015]    According to yet and aspect, there is disclosed a dispensing assembly attachable to a container, the dispensing assembly comprising:
       a spout having a container engaging portion and a connector engaging portion, with a flow path extending between the two, the spout being configured for fixedly attaching to the container;   a connector, configured with a spout engaging portion and a cover engaging portion, said cover engaging portion is configured to engage with a re-closable cover;   a re-closable cover mounted over said connector;   one of said spout engaging portion and said spout comprising an arresting portion and the other of said spout engaging portion and said spout comprising a lateral projection and a locking member with an intermediate, middle portion extending therebetween, the locking member comprising a first radial locking projection and a second radial locking projection, configured for engaging with said arresting portion, in a first coupling stage wherein the lateral projection detachably engages the arresting portion and is displaced thereover so as to obtain contact therebetween and the middle portion such that the locking member prevents further displacement, and a second coupling stage wherein the locking member fixedly engages the arresting portion in a non openable manner, whereby the second radial locking projection is interlocked over the arresting portion; and wherein the second radial locking projection protrudes laterally beyond the first radial locking projection, and wherein the locking member protrudes laterally beyond the lateral projection.       
 
         [0020]    According to another aspect of the present subject matter there is disclosed a cover assembly, comprising:
       a connector for connecting to a spout attachable to a container, the connector is configured with a spout engaging portion and a cover engaging portion, said cover engaging portion is configured to engage with a re-closable cover. One of said spout engaging portion and said spout comprising an arresting portion, and the other of said spout engaging portion and said spout comprising a first radial locking projection and a second radial locking projection, both configured for engaging with said arresting portion in a first coupling stage wherein the first radial locking projection detachably engages the arresting portion, and a second coupling stage wherein the second radial locking projection fixedly engages the arresting portion; and   a re-closable cover mounted over said connector.       
 
         [0023]    According to yet another aspect of the present subject matter there is disclosed a dispensing assembly attachable to a container, the dispensing assembly comprising:
       a spout having a container engaging portion and a connector engaging portion, with a flow path extending between the two, the spout being configured for fixedly attaching to the container;   a connector, configured with a spout engaging portion and a cover engaging portion, said cover engaging portion is configured to engage with a re-closable cover. One of said spout engaging portion and said spout comprising an arresting portion and the other of said spout engaging portion and said spout comprising a first radial locking projection and a second radial locking projection, both configured for engaging with said arresting portion in a first coupling stage wherein the first radial locking projection detachably engages the arresting portion, and a second coupling stage wherein the second radial locking projection fixedly engages the arresting portion; and   a re-closable cover mounted over said connector.       
 
         [0027]    According to yet another aspect of the present subject matter there is disclosed a container assembly, comprising:
       a container having at least one wall comprising an aperture therein, the at least one wall defining a space;   a spout having a container engaging portion and a connector engaging portion with a flow path extending between the two, the spout being configured for sealingly engaging the at least one wall over said aperture, the spout being in fluid flow communication with the space defined by the at least one wall of the container;   a connector, configured with a spout engaging portion and a cover engaging portion, said cover engaging portion is configured to engage with a re-closable cover. One of said spout engaging portion and said spout comprising an arresting portion and the other of said spout engaging portion and said spout comprising a first radial locking projection and a second radial locking projection, both configured for engaging with said arresting portion in a first coupling stage wherein the first radial locking projection detachably engages the arresting portion, and a second coupling stage wherein the second radial locking projection fixedly engages the arresting portion; and   a re-closable cover mounted over said connector.       
 
         [0032]    According to yet another aspect of the present subject matter there is disclosed a method of assembling a dispensing assembly to a container, said method comprising:
       providing a container;   providing a spout having a container engaging portion and a connector engaging portion with a flow path extending between the two, the spout being configured for fixedly attaching to a wall of the container;   providing a connector, configured with a spout engaging portion and a cover engaging portion, said cover engaging portion is configured to engage with a re-closable cover. One of said spout engaging portion and said spout comprising an arresting portion and the other of said spout engaging portion and said spout comprising a first radial locking projection and a second radial locking projection, both configured for engaging with said arresting portion in a first coupling stage wherein the first radial locking projection detachably engages the arresting portion, and a second coupling stage wherein the second radial locking projection fixedly engages the arresting portion;   coupling the connector with the spout in a first coupling stage, wherein the first radial locking projection detachably engages, by means of interference fit, with the corresponding arresting portion, and   coupling the connector with the spout in a second coupling stage, wherein the second radial locking projection fixedly engages with the corresponding arresting portion, by displacing the second radial locking projection over the arresting portion.       
 
         [0038]    Any one or more of the following features, designs and configurations can be incorporated in any one or more of the aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter, independently or in combinations thereof:
       The first radial locking projection and the second radial locking projection can be coextensive (it is suggested that they extend continuously one above the other without any axial interruptions).   The first radial locking projection and the second radial locking projection can be identical or differ in dimensions and\or in shape.   The arresting portion can protrude inwardly or outwardly in the radial direction.   The first radial locking projection and the second radial locking projection can protrude inwardly or outwardly in the radial direction, in the direction opposite to the direction of the arresting portion.   The spout and the connector can have a tubular shape.   Any one or more of the first radial locking projection and\or the second radial locking projection and\or the arresting portion can be annularly continuous.   Any one or more of the first radial locking projection and\or the second radial locking projection and\or the arresting portion can be annularly segmented.   The spout engaging portion of the connector can comprise an additional projection, the projection being configured for enhancing at least one or more of coupling friction, sealing, enhancing structural strength or baring loads, in any combination thereof.   The cover and the connector can be manufactured as a unitary, integrated system, however configured for detaching one from the other.   The cover and the connector can be two separate parts, assembled to form a unitary detachably attachable system.   The cover can be assembled with the connector by screw type engagement, snap-lock arrangement, interference fit etc.   The cover can comprise a temper evident arrangement.   The container can be a bag configured to be used as a Bag-in-Box container.   The connector and the spout can be concentric.   The dispensing assembly can be fluid tight.   The displacement of the connector relative to the spout in both the first and the second coupling stages can be press fit and configured for axial introduction into one another.   The closure of the first and\or the second coupling stage can be aseptic.   The spout and the connector can comprise outwardly extending portions adapted for receiving corresponding portions of a filling machine, configured for opening and closing the first coupling engagement. Such portions are for example annularly extending projections or segments configured to be gripped by gripping arrangements of machinery associated with the filling machine.   Any one of the spout, the connector and the cover can be made of polymeric material.       
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0058]    In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0059]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are exploded perspective view and an exploded side view, respectively, of a dispensing assembly in accordance with an example of the presently disclosed subject matter; 
           [0060]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a container configured with the dispensing assembly of Fig. IA; 
           [0061]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are a side view and a longitudinal cross section view taken along the line I-I in  FIG. 3A , respectively; 
           [0062]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of the arresting portion of the spout seen in  FIG. 3B , marked II; 
           [0063]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are a side view and a longitudinal cross section view taken along the line III-III in  FIG. 5A , respectively; 
           [0064]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are a side view and a longitudinal cross section view taken along the line IV-IV in  FIG. 6A , respectively, with a tamper evident strip intact; 
           [0065]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are a side view and a longitudinal cross section view taken along the line V-V, of the cover mounted over the connector seen in  FIG. 7A , respectively; 
           [0066]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged view of the portion marked VI in  FIG. 7B ; 
           [0067]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are a side view and a longitudinal cross section view taken along the line VII-VII, of the connector and the cover made as a unitary article, respectively, in accordance with another example of the presently disclosed subject matter; 
           [0068]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged detailed view marked VIII in  FIG. 9B ; 
           [0069]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  are a side view and a longitudinal cross section view taken along the line IX-IX, of the first coupling stage in accordance with an example of the presently disclosed subject matter; 
           [0070]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged detailed view of a portion marked X in  FIGS. 11A ; 
           [0071]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  are a side view and a longitudinal cross section view, taken along the line XI-XI of the second coupling stage, respectively, in accordance with an example of the presently disclosed subject matter; and 
           [0072]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged detailed view of a portion marked XII in  FIG. 13B . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0073]    The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a connector, to a cover assembly, a dispensing assembly, a container assembly comprising the connector and to a method of assembling a dispensing assembly comprising the connector. 
         [0074]    As will be apparent from the following description, the presently disclosed subject matter is advantageous for a multi stage coupling, configured for at least two closing stages of the container, from the attachment of the dispensing assembly to the container, through the filling process of the container, until opened for use by the end user, in a reclosable fashion. 
         [0075]    Attention is first directed to  FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrating a dispensing assembly generally designated  10 . The dispensing assembly according to this example comprises a spout generally designated  20 , a connector generally designated  40 , and a cover generally designated  60 . The dispensing assembly  10  is configured for attaching to a wall W of a container generally designated C as seen in  FIG. 2 . In accordance with the illustrated example, the container is flexible. 
         [0076]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  show a side view and a cross-section view, respectively, of one example of the spout  20 . The spout  20  of the illustrated example has a main body generally designated  22  shaped as an annular tube, and having an inner diameter D 1 , configured to extend from the container C outwardly through an opening H in the wall W of the container, shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0077]    A laterally extending skirt like container engaging flange  24  (seen in  FIG. 3B  and super imposed in  FIG. 3A ) is extending from the main body  22  at a container engaging portion  26  of the spout  20  and having a larger outer diameter than the inner diameter of the hole H. The container engaging flange  24  is configured to be adhered or welded to the wall W, adjacent to the hole H, in a sealed fashion. 
         [0078]    The container engaging portion  26  and a connector engaging portion  28  of the spout  20  define a passageway  30  therebetween (best seen in  FIG. 3B ), which is in flow communication with the inside of the container, through the hole H. 
         [0079]    An annular arresting portion  32 , shown in an enlarged view in  FIG. 4 , is protruding from the main body  22  at the connector engaging portion  28  of the spout  20 . In the configuration demonstrated in  FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4 , the arresting portion  32  protrudes inwardly, having an inner diameter D 0 . The arresting portion of the illustrated example is continuous annular but can also be segmented. 
         [0080]    The spout illustrated in the drawings further comprising a flange  21 , seen in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , configured for gripping by a corresponding gripping portion of a filling machine, for the purpose of attaching and detaching the connector  40  from the spout  20 , in the filling process of the container. 
         [0081]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  show, respectively, a side view and a cross section view of one example of the connector  40 . The illustrated example of the connector  40  is generally shaped as an annular tube having a cover engaging portion generally designated  42  and a spout engaging portion generally designated  44 . 
         [0082]    The cover engaging portion  42  of the connector  40  is configured to arrest the corresponding cover  60 , while the spout engaging portion  44  of the connector is configured to be attached to the spout  20 . 
         [0083]    As seen e.g. in  FIG. 5A , the connector  40  is configured with an outwardly projecting locking member  46 . The locking member  46  according to the illustrated example comprises two annular locking projections, a first radial locking projection  48  and a second radial locking projection  50  which protrude outwardly at the spout engaging portion  44 , seen in  FIG. 5A , and are configured to engage with the arresting portion  32  of the spout  20 . In the illustrated example the second radial locking projection  50  protrudes laterally beyond the first radial locking projection  48  as best seen in  FIG. 5B , i.e. the two projections  48  and  50  differ from each other by diameter: the second radial locking projection  50  has an outer diameter D 4  and the first radial locking projection  48  has an outer diameter D 3 , with the following relation: D 4 &gt;D 3 . 
         [0084]    The spout engaging portion  44  further comprise a chamfered bottom portion  47  with an additional projection  43  extending thereabove, having an outer diameter D 2 , as can be seen in  FIG. 5B . A middle portion  45  is located between the additional projection  43  and the locking member  46 , having an outer diameter D 8 , and the following relations are maintained: D 2 &gt;D 8 &gt;D 0 . 
         [0085]    The following relations are maintained as well: D 4 &gt;D 3 &gt;D 2 &gt;D 1 &gt;D 0 . 
         [0086]    In the illustrated example the two locking projections  48  and  50  are coextensive and extend continuously one above the other without any axial interruptions and together are generally designated  46 . 
         [0087]    In another configuration, not shown in the drawings, the first radial locking projection  48  and the second radial locking projection  50  can be separate, spaced apart projections, located adjacently, and having the diameters D 4  and D 3  following the same dimensions and relations as discussed above. 
         [0088]    The locking projections  48  and  50  of the illustrated example are continuous annular but as can be appreciated these can be annularly segmented. 
         [0089]    The first radial locking projection  48  and the second radial locking projection  50  can be of different shapes, for example, in the example demonstrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the wall of the first radial locking projection  48  is flat and parallel to a longitudinal axis X of the spout while the wall of the second radial locking projection  50  extends at an angle with respect to axis X. 
         [0090]    According to another configuration, not shown in the drawings, the arresting portion  32  of the spout can protrude outwardly from the spout  20  and the locking projections  48  and  50  of the connector  40 , respectively, can protrude inwardly from the inner wall of the connector  40 . In such a configuration (not shown), the outer diameter of the body  22  will be referred as D 1 ′, the outer diameter of the arresting portion  32  will be referred as D 0 &#39;, the inner diameter of the additional projection  43  will be referred as D 2 ′, the inner diameter of the first radial locking projection  48  will referred as D 3 ′ and the inner diameter of the second radial locking projection  50  will be referred as D 4 ′, and the relations between them will be as follows: D 0 ′&gt;D 1 °&gt;D 2 ′&gt;D 3 ′&gt;D 4 ′. 
         [0091]    In yet another configuration, not shown in the drawings, the arresting portion  32  can be located on the spout engaging portion  44  of the connector, and the corresponding locking projections can be located on the spout with the diameters of the projections and the arresting portion being configured accordingly, mutatis mutandis. 
         [0092]    The cover engaging portion  42  of the connector  40  is configured to receive the cover  60 . 
         [0093]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  show an example of one embodiment of a cover generally designated as  60  from a side view and from a cross section view, respectively. The cover  60  is configured for cooperation with the connector  40  which in the example of  5 A and  5 B comprise  3  annular projections  52 ,  54  and  56 , protruding outwardly. These projections are configured for snap engage with two projections,  62  and  64  of the cover  60 , shown in  FIG. 6B . An example of such engagement is demonstrated in  FIGS. 7A, 7B and 8 . 
         [0094]    The cover  60  illustrated in the drawings comprises a tamper evident band  66  fitted with a pulling tab  69 , which provides a proof that the cover hasn&#39;t been opened. The cover  60  is tightly attached to the connector  40  sealing it hermetically and is configured to allow re-closable opening of the dispensing assembly once the tamper evident band  66  is removed. 
         [0095]    In another example, demonstrated in  FIGS. 9A, 9B and 10 , the cover  160  and the connector  140  can be manufactured as a unitary, integrated system, however configured for detaching one from the other, upon ripping off the tamper evident band  66 . 
         [0096]    As can be seen in  FIG. 9B  the connector  140  and the cover  160  are integrally formed as a single part. In the illustrated example, removing the tamper evident band  66  will allow the opening of the dispensing assembly. The enlarged view of  FIG. 10  illustrates the engaging portion  68  which is common for both the cover  160  and the connector  140 . 
         [0097]    The cover  60 , according to any of the embodiments, can be integrated with the connector by screw type arrangement, snap-lock arrangement, interference fit or by other mechanical arrangement. 
         [0098]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11-14 , there are illustrated steps of assembling the dispensing assembly  10 , according to the examples illustrated in the drawings. 
         [0099]    It is appreciated that the parts of the assembly, i.e. the spout  20 , the connector  40  and the cover  60 , are made from polymeric material, which has features allowing the deformation necessary for the assembly process. 
         [0100]    The steps of assembling are as follows: 
         [0101]    First, a spout  20  and a connector  40  according to the presently disclosed subject matter are provided. The spout  20  is configured for attaching to the container C by welding, adhering, etc, the container engaging flange  24  of the spout to the wall W. Each one of the attachment of the spout  20  to the container C and the engagement of the connector  40  with the cover  60  can be performed at this point, prior to the following steps of assembling, or after the assembling is completed. 
         [0102]    A first stage of coupling is performed during the manufacture of the container, and configured to ensure closure of the container prior to the filling process. The first coupling stage is a detachable coupling, and can be opened for the purpose of filling the container.  FIGS. 11A-12  illustrate the steps of coupling at the first coupling stage. 
         [0103]    The first coupling stage, in the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, is performed by placing the spout  20  and the connector  40  in a concentric manner relative to axis X, and pressing connector  40  towards the spout  20  in the axial direction by applying axial force in order to displace the arresting portion  32  over the additional projection  43 , so as to obtain contact between the arresting portion  32  and the middle portion  45 . The displacement of the arresting portion  32  over the additional projection  43  is achievable due to the features of the material forming the spout  20  and the connector  40 , allowing deformation of any one or both of the arresting portion  32  and the additional projection  43  and providing a sealing arrangement therebetween. As mentioned, the relation between the inner diameter D 0  of the arresting portion  32  and the outer diameter D 8  of the middle portion  45  is as follows: D 8 &gt;D 0 , and therefore, the arresting portion  32  and the middle portion  45  are pressed against each other, and an interference fit between them is achieved. Such arrangement of interference fit forms friction between the middle portion  45  and the arresting portion  32  and constituts the coupling of the first stage. The arrangement of the first coupling stage is demonstrated in  FIGS. 11A, 11B  and in detail view in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0104]    The first radial locking projection  48 , in the first stage, is located adjacent to the arresting portion  32 , and is configured to prevent unintentional further displacement of the connector towards the spout, and integration of the un-openable second stage, prior to the filling process. As mentioned, the following relation is held: D 3 &gt;D 8 &gt;D 0 , and therefore further movement of the connector towards the spout can be obtained only by applying intentional force. 
         [0105]    In another configuration (not shown), the first radial locking projection  48  can operate as the member in contact with the arresting portion  32 . In such a configuration, the arresting portion  32  of the spout  20  is introduced to the first radial locking projection  48  of the connector  40  in such manner that the first radial locking projection  48  and the arresting portion  32  co-extend, and are pressed against each other by means of interference fit. 
         [0106]    As mentioned before, the following relation is held: D 3 &gt;D 0 , and as a result interference fit between the arresting portion  32  and the first radial locking projection  48  is allowed. Such an arrangement of interference fit forms friction between the first radial locking projection  48  and the arresting portion  32 , which constitute the coupling of the spout  20  and the connector  40 , in the first coupling stage. 
         [0107]    In both examples, the first coupling stage doesn&#39;t include a snap-lock arrangement, and is detachable. 
         [0108]    Further illustrated in  FIGS. 11B and 12  is the operation of the additional projection  43  in the first coupling stage. As can be seen best in  FIG. 12 , the additional projection  43  is in contact with the inner surface  34  of the connector  40 . As mentioned before, the following relation is held: D 2 &gt;D 1 , and therefore the contact between the additional projection  43  and the inner surface  34  of the connector  40  is achieved. This contact can enhance the sealing arrangement of the dispensing assembly, bearing pressure loads together with the locking member  46 , providing additional coupling point and to function as a point of support for strengthen the structural arrangement of the first coupling stage. 
         [0109]    Referring now to  FIGS. 13A-14 , there is illustrated a second coupling stage. The second coupling stage is performed after the filling process of the container is finished, and is configured to provide a permanent, non-openable closure before providing the filled container to the end user. In this manner an aseptic closure of the container is established. 
         [0110]    The first coupling stage is performed as a preliminary step before the second coupling stage. Then, pushing the connector  40  further towards the spout  20  so as to interlock the second radial locking projection  50  of the connector over the arresting portion  32  of the spout, in a snap-lock arrangement. The displacement of the second radial locking projection  50  over the arresting portion  32  is achievable due to the features of the material forming the spout  20  and the connector  40 , allowing slight deformation of any one of the arresting portion  32  and the second radial locking projection  50 . The second coupling stage is demonstrated in a side view and in a cross section view in  FIGS. 13A and 13B , respectively, and in  FIG. 14  in an enlarged detail view. This deformation results in tight contact between the second locking projection and the spout, such that the projection is pressed between the connector and the spout by the virtue of the forces exhibited thereupon. As best seen in  FIG. 5B , the locking member  46  comprises the first radial locking projection  48  and the second radial locking projection  50 . The outer wall of the first locking projection  48  extends in parallel to the corresponding portion of the inner surface  34  of the spout. The second locking projection  50  as indicated above extends at an angle to the axis X and in the exemplified projection it extends at about 90 0 , projecting beyond the locking projection  48 . It will be appreciated that the angle may vary. As seen in  FIG. 14  this configuration ensures the substantially full contact of the projection  48  (extending at a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the spout) with surface  34  when in the second locked position, and the exertion of pressure by the inner surface over the projection  48 . As the locking projection  50  extends at a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the spout and the locking projection  48 , pressure is further exerted thereon, causing its deformation and full arrestment within the spout abutted by the inner surface  34  and the arresting portion  32 . 
         [0111]    Due to the relations between the diameters, i.e. D 4 &gt;D 1  and D 2 &gt;D 1 , both second radial locking projection  50  and the additional projection  43  are in contact with the inner surface  34  of the spout  20 , so as to provide interference fit between both the projections,  43  and  50 , and the inner surface  34 , and as a result, together, taking part in sealing the second coupling stage and in the coupling between the spout  20  and the connector  40 . The contact of the additional projection  43  further enhancing, as in the first coupling stage, the load bearing, and functioning as a point of support for strengthening the structural arrangement of the second coupling stage. The presence of the arresting portion  32  will further prevent the disengagement of the connector from the spout. 
         [0112]    The displacement of the connector relative to the spout in both the first and the second coupling stages is in an axial direction, and can be obtained by applying axial force pushing the spout and the connector towards each other or by spiral displacement, such as screwing, of the connector relative to the spout. 
         [0113]    In both the first and the second coupling stages, the dispensing assembly can be fluid tight, and can provide aseptic closure of the container, especially if used for the food industry. 
         [0114]    Once the second engagement stage is performed, the connector and the spout are sealed and the access to the content of the container is done by removing the tamper evident band  66 , and through the re-closable opening of the cover  60 .