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

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

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

<CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> disclose systems for evacuating fluid from a flexible container.

The invention relates to a system for evacuating fluid from a flexible container according to claim <NUM>.

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

The invention also relates to a system for evacuating fluid from a flexible container according to claim <NUM>.

The bridges define at least one gap through which fluid can flow into the spout.

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

<FIG> illustrates a cutaway side view of a spout or fitment <NUM> in fluid communication with a flexible container <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention. The spout <NUM> and container <NUM> are both made of polymeric materials. The spout <NUM> is connected to the container <NUM> by, by way of example, heat sealing. The spout <NUM> may be attached near the bottom of the container but may also be attached at any number of other locations on the container <NUM>. The spout <NUM> includes a base <NUM> and a passageway <NUM> extending between an inlet <NUM> at a bottom end of the spout <NUM> and an outlet <NUM> at a top end of the spout <NUM>. The passageway <NUM> is defined by a cylindrical wall <NUM> that extends upwardly from the base <NUM>.

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

With reference to <FIG>, an arced circular cage or grill <NUM> is detachably connected to the spout <NUM>. The cage <NUM> includes four gaps <NUM>. The cage <NUM> includes a circular rim <NUM> that is mounted in the base <NUM> of the spout <NUM> proximate the inlet <NUM>. The cage <NUM> includes a pair of arced bars <NUM> that extend inward from the rim <NUM> and that intersect each other and define the gaps <NUM>. The sizes and shapes of the gaps <NUM> and bars <NUM> can vary from those shown in <FIG>. The arced bars <NUM> extend below the base <NUM> of the spout <NUM>. The cage <NUM> is made of, by way of example, plastic and can be detachable from the spout <NUM>. By way of example, the cage <NUM> can be press fitted in or snapably connected to an annular ledge or groove <NUM> located in or near the base <NUM> or inlet <NUM> of the spout <NUM>. The cage <NUM> can be more rigid or more flexible depending on the properties of the fluid that is in the container <NUM> and the amount of suction needed to evacuate the fluid.

With reference to <FIG>, initially the flexible container or bag <NUM> is filled with fluid through the outlet <NUM> of the spout <NUM>. The spout <NUM> is then capped (not shown) to seal the flexible container <NUM> and fluid protect the contents from contamination. When it is time for the end user to empty the container <NUM>, a dispensing connector (not shown) that is connected to a hose is connected to the spout <NUM>. The hose is connected to a pump or vacuum device (not shown) that is used to suck the fluid out of the container <NUM>. As fluid is sucked out of the container <NUM> and through the spout <NUM>, a vacuum is created in the flexible container <NUM>, and the container <NUM> collapses. The bars <NUM> of the cage <NUM> extending below the base <NUM> of the spout <NUM> help prevent the flexible walls <NUM> of the collapsing container <NUM> from becoming lodged in, or blocking, the inlet <NUM> of the spout <NUM> or entering the passageway <NUM> of the spout <NUM>. At the same time, the gaps <NUM> of the cage <NUM> allow fluid to pass through the inlet <NUM> into the spout <NUM>. In this way, the cage <NUM> helps prevent blockage by the flexible walls <NUM> while at the same time allowing fluid to evacuate through the cage <NUM> and spout <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the cage <NUM> of <FIG> may be "flat" - and not arced - like the cage <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate an alternative embodiment that is not part of the present invention. The embodiment includes a spout <NUM> and an arced circular cage or grill <NUM>. The cage <NUM> and spout <NUM> are similar to those shown in <FIG> except that the cage <NUM> is integrally formed with the spout <NUM> and is not detachable from the spout <NUM>. The cage <NUM> operates to help prevent blockage in the same way the cage <NUM> shown in <FIG> does.

<FIG> illustrate an alternative embodiment that is not part of the present invention. The system includes a spout <NUM> and an insertable dispensing member <NUM>. The spout <NUM> and dispensing member <NUM> can be used with the container <NUM> shown in <FIG> or similar other kind of flexible container. Extending from underneath the base <NUM> of the spout <NUM> and around the inlet <NUM> are a number of prongs or legs <NUM>. By way of example, the spout <NUM> includes eight legs <NUM>, but the spout <NUM> may include any number of legs <NUM>. Moreover, the legs <NUM> may have different sizes, shapes, heights, and/or widths than those shown in <FIG>. Furthermore, the legs <NUM> may extend from different locations along the bottom of the base <NUM> than as shown in <FIG>. In operation, and as with the spout <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the flexible container or bag <NUM> is filled - with the dispensing member <NUM> removed - with fluid through the outlet <NUM> of the spout <NUM> of <FIG>. The spout <NUM> is then capped (not shown) to seal the flexible container <NUM> and protect the contents from contamination. When it is time for an end user to evacuate the fluid from the container <NUM>, the cap is removed and a dispensing member <NUM> is inserted into the passageway <NUM> of the spout <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the dispensing member <NUM> in a "transit" or first position as it is being inserted into the spout <NUM>, and <FIG> shows the dispensing member <NUM> fully inserted into the spout <NUM> to a "home" or second position. The dispensing member <NUM> includes a first cylindrical body <NUM> and a second cylindrical body <NUM>. The first cylindrical body <NUM> has a greater diameter than the second cylindrical body <NUM>, and the two bodies <NUM> and <NUM> are connected to opposite sides of a flange <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a portion of the first cylindrical body <NUM> is inserted into the passageway <NUM> of the spout <NUM>. The second cylindrical body <NUM> of the dispensing member <NUM> may be connected via a tube or line to a pump or vacuum device (not shown) that is used to suck the fluid out of the container <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the dispensing member <NUM> can be pushed into the spout <NUM> until the flange <NUM> is resistibly engaged by the wall <NUM> of the spout <NUM>, i.e., the "home" position. When the dispensing member <NUM> is in home position, a portion of the first cylindrical body <NUM> of the dispensing member <NUM> extends below the base <NUM> of the spout <NUM> and is encircled by the legs <NUM>.

As fluid is sucked out of the container <NUM> and through the spout <NUM> and a fluid passageway in the dispensing member <NUM> by the pump, the legs <NUM> and/or the portion of the first cylindrical body <NUM> of the dispensing member <NUM> extending below the base <NUM> of the spout <NUM> help prevent the flexible walls <NUM> of the collapsing container <NUM> from becoming lodged in, or blocking, the inlet <NUM> of the spout <NUM> or entering the passageway <NUM> of the spout <NUM>. In this way, the legs <NUM> and dispensing member <NUM> help facilitate evacuation of fluid from the container <NUM> and prevent blockage at the spout <NUM> during evacuation. Alternatively, the spout <NUM> of <FIG> could be used without the dispensing member <NUM> such that the legs <NUM> of the spout <NUM> serve to prevent blockage of the spout inlet <NUM> and passageway <NUM>. Or, alternatively, the spout <NUM> may not include the legs <NUM>, and the dispensing member <NUM> can be used with the spout <NUM> such that the first cylindrical body <NUM> of the dispensing member <NUM> serves to prevent blockage of the spout inlet <NUM> and passageway <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The dispensing member <NUM> is the same as the one shown in <FIG>, and the spout <NUM> is similar to the one shown in <FIG>. The spout <NUM> in <FIG> differs in that it includes bridges or bars <NUM> extending between pairs of oppositely aligned legs <NUM>. The bridges <NUM> intersect around the center point between all the legs <NUM>. The bridges <NUM> are thin and flexible and are generally perpendicular to the legs <NUM> they connect. The bridges <NUM>, however, may include sizes, shapes, and/or thicknesses that differ from those shown in <FIG>. The bridges <NUM> also may extend from the legs <NUM> at different angles than those shown in <FIG> or may be arced. Furthermore, while there are four intersecting bridges <NUM> shown in <FIG>, it will be appreciated that more or fewer bridges <NUM> may be used, depending on the number and orientation of the legs <NUM>, among other things. In operation, the bridges <NUM> help, along with the legs <NUM> and the first cylindrical body <NUM> of the dispensing member <NUM>, to prevent the flexible walls of the container <NUM> from blocking the spout inlet <NUM> and passageway <NUM> during evacuation. Alternatively, the spout <NUM> of <FIG> could be used without the dispensing member <NUM> such that the legs <NUM> and bridges <NUM> serve to prevent blockage of the spout inlet <NUM> and passageway <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an alternative embodiment that is not part of the present invention. The spout <NUM> is generally like the one shown in <FIG> but does not include the legs <NUM>. The dispensing member <NUM> is similar to the one shown in <FIG> but has a series of arched, open apertures or cutouts <NUM> along the bottom of the first cylindrical body <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, when the dispensing member <NUM> is in the home position, a lower portion of the first cylindrical body <NUM> extends below the base <NUM> of the spout <NUM>. That portion helps prevent the flexible container walls from entering or blocking the spout inlet <NUM> and passageway <NUM> during fluid evacuation. The cutouts <NUM> allow fluid to pass through the first cylindrical body <NUM> while the body <NUM> is still preventing blockage. In this way, the first cylindrical body <NUM> of the embodiment shown in <FIG> helps prevent blockage by the flexible walls while at the same time allowing fluid to flow to the spout passageway <NUM>. The number, shape, and size of the cutouts <NUM> may vary from those shown in <FIG>. In addition, as an alternative, the dispensing member <NUM> of <FIG> may be used with the spout <NUM> shown in <FIG> or the spout <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate an alternative embodiment that is not part of the present invention. The spout <NUM> is generally like the one shown in <FIG>. The dispensing member <NUM> is similar to the one shown in <FIG> but has a series of enclosed slots <NUM> along the bottom of the first cylindrical body <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, when the dispensing member <NUM> is in the home position, a lower portion of the first cylindrical body <NUM> extends below the base <NUM> of the spout <NUM>. That portion helps prevent the flexible bag walls from entering or blocking the spout inlet <NUM> and passageway <NUM> during fluid evacuation. The slots <NUM> allow fluid to pass through the first cylindrical body <NUM> while the body <NUM> is still preventing blockage. In this way, the first cylindrical body <NUM> of the embodiment shown in <FIG> helps prevent blockage by the flexible walls while at the same time allowing fluid to flow to the spout passageway <NUM>. The number, shape, and size of the slots <NUM> may vary from those shown in <FIG>. In addition, as an alternative, the dispensing member <NUM> of <FIG> may be used with the spout <NUM> shown in <FIG> or the spout <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate another alternative embodiment that is not part of the present invention that can be used with the container <NUM> of <FIG>. The embodiment includes a spout <NUM>, an insertable member or insert <NUM>, and a cap <NUM>. The insert <NUM> is generally cylindrical has a passageway extending therethrough and is slidably and telecopingly received in the passageway <NUM> of the spout <NUM>. The insert <NUM> includes enclosed apertures, cutouts or slots <NUM> positioned near the bottom thereof. Alternatively, the cutouts <NUM> may not be enclosed but may be open at the bottom. At its bottom end, the insert <NUM> includes a circular cage or grill <NUM> that includes gaps <NUM>. The sizes and shapes of the cutouts <NUM> and gaps <NUM> can vary from those shown in <FIG>. The cap <NUM> includes inner and outer cylindrical portions <NUM> and <NUM> that are separated by an annular channel <NUM>. The inner cylindrical portion <NUM> is configured to be slidably received in the passageway <NUM> of the spout <NUM> while the channel <NUM> slidably receives a portion of the spout wall <NUM>.

<FIG> show the system in a "transit" or first position with the cap <NUM> partially inserted into the spout <NUM> and the insert <NUM> positioned entirely or almost entirely in the passageway <NUM> of the spout <NUM>. The cap <NUM> and the insert <NUM> may be held in the transit position in the spout <NUM> by, for example, a press fit, or a snapable connection to the spout <NUM> via, for example, a tab and groove arrangement. In the transit position, the cap <NUM> and insert <NUM> are in contact or are close to being in contact with each other in the passageway <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the cap <NUM> removed so that the container <NUM> can be filled with fluid through the spout <NUM>. During that process, the insert <NUM> may stay in the transit position.

Once the container <NUM> is filled with fluid, and as shown in <FIG>, the cap <NUM> is put back on the spout <NUM> and moved to a "home" or second position in which the cap <NUM> is inserted into the spout <NUM> until the outer cylindrical portion <NUM> of the cap <NUM> engages an upper flange <NUM> on the spout <NUM>. The cap <NUM> can be held in the home position by, for example, a press fit or a snapable connection with the spout wall <NUM>. When the cap <NUM> is moved to the "home" or second position, it pushes the insert <NUM> further downward in the passageway <NUM> to a "home" position such that the portion of the insert <NUM> including the cage <NUM> and cutout <NUM> is extended below the base <NUM> of the spout <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, when it is time to evacuate the fluid contents of the container <NUM>, the cap <NUM> is removed from the spout <NUM>. The cage <NUM> and the portion of the insert <NUM> that extends below the base <NUM> of the spout <NUM> help prevent the flexible bag walls from entering or blocking the spout inlet <NUM> and passageway <NUM> during fluid evacuation. The cutouts <NUM> and gaps <NUM> allow fluid to pass through the passageway of the insert <NUM> while the cage <NUM> and the portion of the insert extending below the base <NUM> help prevent blockage. In this way, the insert <NUM> helps prevent blockage by the flexible walls while at the same time allowing fluid to evacuate through the insert <NUM> and spout <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the cage <NUM> may be arced like the cage <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate another embodiment that is not part of the present invention that can be used with the container <NUM> of <FIG>. The embodiment includes a spout <NUM> and a circular cage or grill <NUM> that are detachably connected to each other by a bayonet connection system. The spout <NUM> includes a series of equi-spaced bayonet fittings <NUM> that extend downwardly from the base <NUM> and that are radially arranged around the inlet <NUM>. Each fitting <NUM> includes an L-shaped inwardly extending projection <NUM> defining a channel <NUM>. An upwardly extending retaining projection <NUM> is provided on each L-shaped projection <NUM> to retain items in the channel <NUM>. The fittings <NUM> are separated by gaps <NUM>. The cage <NUM> includes a series of radially extending tabs <NUM>, which tabs <NUM> are of a size to fit between the gaps <NUM> and within the channels <NUM>. The cage <NUM> includes bars <NUM> that define gaps <NUM>. The cage <NUM> can be connected to the spout <NUM> by aligning the tabs <NUM> with the gaps <NUM> and rotating the cage <NUM> such that each tab <NUM> rotates and slides into a respective channel <NUM> of a fitting <NUM>. The tabs <NUM> can be snapably locked into place by the retaining projections <NUM>. The cage <NUM> can be detached from the spout <NUM> by rotating it the opposite direction to snapably remove the tabs <NUM> from the channels <NUM> and into the gaps <NUM>, at which point the cage <NUM> can be pulled downwardly away from the spout base <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the cage <NUM> may be integrally formed with the spout <NUM> and/or the cage may be arced - and not "flat" - like the cage <NUM> of <FIG>. It will be understood that the gaps <NUM> of the cage <NUM> may have different sizes and shapes than those shown in <FIG>. In addition, the cage <NUM> may alternatively be detachably connected to the spout <NUM> by different means.

In operation, the cage <NUM> helps prevent the flexible bag walls from entering or blocking the spout inlet <NUM> and passageway <NUM> during fluid evacuation. The gaps <NUM> allow fluid to pass into the spout <NUM> while the bars <NUM> of the cage <NUM> help prevent blockage.

<FIG> illustrate another embodiment that is not part of the present invention that can be used with the container <NUM> of <FIG>. The embodiment includes a spout <NUM>, a flexible cage <NUM>, and a fitment <NUM>. The flexible cage <NUM> is generally circular and is installed in the base <NUM> of the spout <NUM> within a snap fit groove <NUM>. The flexible cage <NUM> includes an outer portion <NUM>, an inner portion <NUM>, and flexible arms <NUM> that connect the outer and inner portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The flexible arms <NUM> allow the inner portion <NUM> to move downward relative to the spout <NUM> and the outer portion <NUM>. The inner portion <NUM> includes bottom stand-off protrusions <NUM> and top stand-off protrusions <NUM> with corresponding bottom gaps <NUM> and top gaps <NUM> between. The outer portion <NUM> also includes outer stand-off protrusions <NUM> with corresponding outer gaps <NUM>. The number, sizes, and shapes of the bottom, top, and outer stand off protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> as well as the bottom, top, and outer gaps <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can vary from those shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows the fitment <NUM> and inner portion <NUM> of the flexible cage <NUM> in a "transit" or first position within the spout <NUM>. The flexible arms <NUM> hold the inner portion <NUM> in the transit position within the spout <NUM>. The flexible arms <NUM> have an inner segment <NUM> and an outer segment <NUM>. In the transit position, the bottom stand-off protrusions <NUM> extend just below the outer stand-off protrusions <NUM> and the spout base <NUM>. A space <NUM> exists between the top stand-off protrusions <NUM> and a bottom surface <NUM> of the fitment <NUM> allowing for some upward movement of the inner portion <NUM> without the top stand-off protrusions <NUM> contacting the fitment bottom surface <NUM> while in the transit position. The inner segment <NUM> of the flexible arms <NUM> can partially enter the passageway <NUM> of the spout <NUM> during this upward movement of the inner portion <NUM>. Once the force pushing the inner portion <NUM> is removed, the flexible arms <NUM> return the inner portion <NUM> to the transit position. The spout base <NUM> retains a flange <NUM> of the outer portion <NUM> within the snap fit groove <NUM> using a snap fit type connection. In other embodiments, a press fit connection or other similar method may be used to secure the outer portion <NUM> within the spout base <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show the spout <NUM> and flexible cage <NUM> with the fitment <NUM> removed from the spout <NUM> to allow the container <NUM> to be filled with fluid through the spout <NUM>. Before the filling process begins, the flexible arms <NUM> hold the inner portion <NUM> in the transit position of <FIG>. During the filling process, fluid enters the spout passageway <NUM>, flows past the flexible cage <NUM>, and into the container <NUM>. During the filling process, the fluid flows through a central bore <NUM> of the inner portion <NUM>. The filling process also provides a downward force on the flexible cage inner portion <NUM> resulting in the inner portion <NUM> and flexible arms <NUM> deflecting downward. This deflection further increases the size of an opening <NUM> between the outer portion <NUM> and inner portion <NUM> and fluid can flow through that opening <NUM>. The deflection and expanded opening <NUM> may reduce the turbulence and aeration of the fluid flowing into the container as well as may reduce splashing of the liquid out of the container. Once the filling is complete, the downward force from the fluid flowing through the spout <NUM> is removed from the inner portion <NUM> of the flexible cage <NUM>, allowing the flexible arms <NUM> to return the flexible cage inner portion <NUM> to the transit position.

<FIG> shows the fitment <NUM> fully inserted into the spout <NUM> to a "home" or second position. A plug or cap (not shown) may be used to cover and/or seal a fitment inner cavity <NUM>. The plug allows the fitment <NUM> to seal the container <NUM> after the container <NUM> is filled with fluid. The fitment bottom surface <NUM> pushes the top stand-off protrusions <NUM> of the inner portion <NUM> downward, moving the entire inner portion <NUM> downward as well. The bottom stand-off protrusions <NUM> move downward to a point where they extend fully below the outer stand-off protrusions <NUM> and the spout base <NUM>. The flexible arms <NUM> keep the top stand-off protrusions <NUM> engaged against the fitment bottom surface <NUM> while also helping keep the inner portion <NUM> centered relative to the passageway <NUM> of the spout <NUM>.

Once the container <NUM> is at the location for use, the plug is removed from the fitment <NUM>, and the dispensing connector (not shown) that is connector to a pump or other device that creates a vacuum is inserted into the fitment inner cavity <NUM> in order to suck the fluid from the container <NUM>. Once connected, the dispensing connector creates a flow path <NUM> from the container <NUM>, past the flexible cage <NUM>, past a through hole <NUM> of the fitment <NUM>, and into the dispensing connector and into a tube or line connected to the dispensing connector to a final dispensing device. For the fitment <NUM> as shown, the flow path <NUM> may include going past the flexible cage <NUM> through the opening <NUM> between the outer and inner portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the flexible cage <NUM>. As the fluid in the container <NUM> is evacuated, the bottom stand-off protrusions <NUM>, outer stand-off protrusions <NUM>, and the flexible arms <NUM> prevent the flexible bag walls of the container <NUM> from entering, blocking, or sealing off the spout <NUM>. As the flexible bag walls collapse, a secondary flow path <NUM> allows fluid to flow between the bottom stand-off protrusions <NUM> and through the bottom gaps <NUM>, through the central bore <NUM>, between the top stand-off protrusions <NUM> and through the top gaps <NUM> before joining the main flow path <NUM> as the main flow path <NUM> goes through the through hole <NUM> of the fitment <NUM>. The outer gaps <NUM> between the outer stand-off protrusions <NUM> further prevent the flexible bag walls from creating a seal against the spout base <NUM>.

In other embodiments, alternative fitments (not shown) may have the through hole located in the bottom surface <NUM> of the fitment <NUM>. In those embodiments, an alternate first flow path would be between the bottom stand-off protrusions <NUM> and through the bottom gaps <NUM>, through the central bore <NUM>, and through the alternative through hole. The alternate secondary flow path would be through the opening <NUM> between the outer and inner portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the flexible cage <NUM>, between the top stand-off protrusions <NUM> and through the top gaps <NUM> before joining the alternative first flow path through the alternative through hole. Similarly, in some embodiments, the fitment <NUM> may be omitted, and a dispenser connector may directly be inserted into the spout <NUM> in place of the fitment <NUM> shown of <FIG>. In these embodiments, the dispenser may contact the top stand-off protrusions <NUM> and place the flexible cage <NUM> in the home position.

<FIG> shows the spout <NUM> and flexible cage <NUM> of <FIG> along with an example slidable valve <NUM> inserted into the fitment <NUM> in a closed position. In the closed position, the slidable valve <NUM> creates a seal <NUM> against the fitment <NUM> isolating the through hole <NUM> and preventing fluid from flowing from the container <NUM> to the fitment inner cavity <NUM>, replacing the need for a separate plug as described above. Once the container <NUM> is at the location for use, the dispensing connector (not shown) is inserted into the fitment inner cavity <NUM> in order to suck the fluid from the container <NUM>. As the dispensing connecter enters the fitment inner cavity <NUM>, the dispensing connector pushes the slidable valve <NUM> downward into an open position (not shown). In the open position, slidable valve <NUM> moves downward into the bottom of the fitment <NUM> thereby breaking the seal <NUM> between the fitment <NUM> and slidable valve <NUM>. This allows the fluid to flow past the through hole <NUM>, through the slidable valve <NUM>, into the fitment inner cavity <NUM>, and into the dispensing connector. Similarly, other fitment designs with alternative slidable valves could be adopted to use the spout <NUM> and flexible cage <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> show various perspectives of the flexible cage <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> is a bottom view of the flexible cage <NUM>. <FIG> is a top view of the flexible cage <NUM>. <FIG> is a side view of the flexible cage <NUM>. <FIG> is an upper perspective view of the flexible cage <NUM>. As described above, the outer portion <NUM> is connected to the inner portion <NUM> by the flexible arms <NUM>. The flexible arms <NUM> include inner segments <NUM> and outer segments <NUM>. The flexible arms <NUM> may further include an inner tab <NUM> to connect the inner segment <NUM> to the inner portion <NUM> and an outer tab <NUM> to connect the outer segment <NUM> to the outer portion <NUM> of the flexible cage <NUM>. The inner segments <NUM> and outer segments <NUM> extend from two sides of the inner tab <NUM> and outer tab <NUM> respectively. The opening <NUM> for the fluid flow path <NUM> between the outer portion <NUM> and inner portion <NUM> of the flexible cage <NUM> includes both the area between the inner segments <NUM> and outer segments <NUM> of a given set of flexible arms <NUM> as well as the area between the individual sets of flexible arms <NUM>. The present embodiment has three sets of flexible arms <NUM>. Other embodiments could include additional segments of the flexible arms <NUM>, could extend from only a single side of the inner tab <NUM> and outer tab <NUM>, could omit the inner tab <NUM> and outer tab <NUM>, and/or could have a different number of sets of flexible arms and/or flexible arms having different shapes.

The flexible cage has eight bottom stand-off protrusions <NUM>, twelve top stand-off protrusions <NUM>, and twelve outer stand-off protrusions <NUM> along with the same number of bottom, top, and outer gaps <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Other embodiments may adjust the size, shape, and number of the stand-off protrusions and corresponding gaps based on the needs of the systems. In yet other embodiments, the top stand-off protrusions may be omitted based on the corresponding fitment or connector creating the required gaps, or the outer stand-off protrusion may be omitted such as in instances when the associated spout has stand-off features. The bottom stand-off protrusions <NUM> and top stand-off protrusions <NUM> surround the central bore <NUM> of the inner portion <NUM>.

<FIG> show the spout <NUM>, flexible cage <NUM>, and fitment <NUM> of <FIG> with an evacuation member <NUM> inserted into the central bore <NUM> of the flexible cage <NUM>. The evacuation member <NUM> extends into the container <NUM> and provides a duct <NUM> that facilitates the extraction of fluid from within the flexible walls of the container <NUM> to the spout <NUM>. The evacuation member <NUM> has a head <NUM> that is inserted into the central bore <NUM> of the flexible cage <NUM> using a snap fit or equivalent connection. The evacuation member <NUM> also includes a body <NUM>. In the present example, the body <NUM> has a helical shape. The helical shape of the body <NUM> results in a helical shaped space <NUM> between the material of the body <NUM>. In other examples, alternate body shapes may be used such as an elongated tube including a plurality of apertures along the length of the tube, or the body could be made of a tubular netting such as Vexar®. The length of the body <NUM> can vary based on the size and length of the container.

The operation of the flexible cage <NUM> of <FIG> is similar to that described with the flexible cage of <FIG> above. However, once the dispensing connector begins to suck the fluid from the container <NUM> and as the flexible bag walls begin to collapse, the body <NUM> of the evacuation member <NUM> provides the duct <NUM> for fluid further into the container (and/or in hard to reach pockets in the container) to reach the spout <NUM>. The fluid enters within the body spaces <NUM> while the body <NUM> prevents the collapse and sealing of the duct as the flexible container walls collapse around the body <NUM>. The inner portion <NUM> and flexible arms <NUM> of the flexible cage <NUM> may deflect further based on the forces applied by the flexible container walls onto the evacuation member body <NUM>. The flexible arms <NUM> will resist those forces and maintain the inner portion <NUM> near the same location, allowing the inner portion <NUM> and flexible arms <NUM> along with the evacuation member body <NUM> to prevent the sealing of the spout <NUM> by container walls and/or the entry of the container walls into the spout <NUM>.

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

The embodiments of the present technology provide evacuation structures that help prevent the walls of the flexible container or bag from entering the inlet and/or passageway of the spout during evacuation. The structures do this while allowing fluid to flow into or out of the container. The present technology disclosed herein can be used in conjunction with bags that include a textured or embossed film on the inside of the flexible containers, such as the bags disclosed in <CIT>.

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

Claim 1:
A system for evacuating fluid from a flexible container, comprising:
a spout (<NUM>) having a base (<NUM>) that is configured to be connected to one of a plurality of walls (<NUM>) of the flexible container (<NUM>) and a passageway (<NUM>) in fluid communication with an interior region of the flexible container, the passageway having an outlet (<NUM>) at a top end and an inlet (<NUM>) at a bottom end; and
a cage (<NUM>) positioned proximate the bottom end of the passageway, the cage being positioned to block a portion of one of the plurality of walls of the flexible container from entering the inlet of the passageway and preventing fluid from evacuating the container via the passageway, characterised in that the cage (<NUM>) includes a circular rim (<NUM>) that is mounted in the base (<NUM>) of the spout proximate the inlet (<NUM>) and in that the cage (<NUM>) includes a pair of arced bars (<NUM>) that extend inward from the rim (<NUM>) and below the base (<NUM>) and that intersect each other.