Patent Description:
The packaging industry has seen advances in both packaging media and devices that facilitate dispensing and/or provide resealability of a package. For some types of product, especially flowable materials, a trend in packaging media has shifted from the use of rigid materials to more flexible materials. Flexible packaging provides a number of advantages, including handling and shipping advantages.

Another shift has been to the use of plastic spouts or fitments to provide access to the product inside the flexible package. Such fitments generally permit ready access to the product and may also provide resealability of the package to reduce or prevent contamination of the product, leakage, spillage, and so forth.

Fitments include a flange and a rigid, upstanding, tubular spout. Some have a cap or closure attached thereto, or a thread or other connection for receiving the same. Fitments can be formed of a rigid material so that the fitment retains its shape for accessing the interior of the package, receiving the closure, maintaining the closure engaged with the fitment, and so forth. The fitment is mounted to the flexible package by means of the flange. For example, the flange, or a portion thereof, may extend through an opening of the flexible package into the interior thereof, in a manner that maintains the opening in an open configuration, to allow product to move through the fitment.

One challenge with flowable materials such as fluids, particulate solids, and so forth, is that the material may resist flowing from the interior of the flexible package through the fitment, for example when a user attempts to dispense the product. This may be due to factors such as the flowable material blocking the opening, or the nature of the flowable material itself. Powders and other particulate solids, for example, may clump together and/or adhere to interior surfaces of the fitment. Other flowable materials may possess or exhibit non-Newtonian characteristics.

The following description provides several examples that relate to fitments suitable for use with packaging that contains a flowable material. Of course, the fitments provided in these examples may find use with both rigid and flexible packaging, and transcends any material type contained in such packaging. In that regard, in one or more embodiments described below, the fitment generally includes a flange, a spout, and a dispersion member associated with the spout. In some embodiments, the dispersion member acts upon the flowable material as it is exiting the package to break apart any clumps and provide a smooth flow out of the container.

In order to solve these problems the present invention provides a fitment according to independent claim <NUM> and a package according to independent claim <NUM>. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments.

<FIG> is an isometric view of a representative packaging system <NUM> in accordance with the present disclosure. The package system <NUM> includes a package <NUM> with an interior compartment <NUM> for holding a flowable material (not shown). The flowable material may consist of a liquid, powder, solids, particulate solids, or a combination thereof. The package system <NUM> may also include a fitment <NUM> which may be coupled to the package <NUM>. In one embodiment, the fitment <NUM> may be removably coupled to the package <NUM> or, in an alternative embodiment, the fitment <NUM> may be fixed to the package <NUM>. The fitment <NUM> may fluidly communicate with the interior compartment <NUM> to allow the flowable material to exit the package <NUM>. When the package system <NUM> is tilted, the flowable material may exit the package <NUM> through the fitment <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, there is shown an isometric view of the fitment <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. The fitment <NUM> may have a base <NUM> enclosed within the package <NUM> when the fitment <NUM> is assembled as part of the package system <NUM>. The fitment <NUM> may further include a flange <NUM> to position the fitment <NUM> on the package <NUM> and a spout <NUM> extending upward from the flange <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the base <NUM> may comprise a symmetrical shape. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM> may be generally canoe shaped, football shaped, or the like. Referencing again <FIG>, the base <NUM> may be formed of solid material or may include honeycomb or ridges <NUM> to maintain the shape of the base <NUM>. Ridges <NUM> may use less material and comprise a cost and/or weight savings. When assembled, the base <NUM> may rest inside the package <NUM> and connect the spout <NUM> to the interior compartment <NUM>. In addition, the base <NUM> may provide a foundation for the spout <NUM> to maintain a position of the spout <NUM> relative to the package <NUM>.

Referring now to the embodiment of <FIG>, the flange <NUM> is integrally formed or otherwise connected to the base. In some embodiments, the flange <NUM> may provide structural stability for the spout <NUM>. For example, the flange <NUM> may position the spout <NUM> on an external surface of the package <NUM>. In some embodiments, the flange <NUM> may provide a stable foundation to support the positioning of the spout <NUM>. A lower surface <NUM> of the flange <NUM> may rest on the external surface of the package <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The flange comprises a generally cylindrical shape. However, the flange <NUM> may comprise any polygonal or curved shape providing a solid foundation to the spout <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the fitment <NUM> may include an outer wall <NUM> forming a body <NUM> of the spout <NUM>. The body <NUM> may extend perpendicularly or orthogonally the flange <NUM>. In some embodiments, a top surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> may define a first plane which may intersect with a plane defined by the flange <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Therefore, in some embodiments, the top surface <NUM> of the spout <NUM> and the flange <NUM> may form an angular relationship, as will be described in more detail below. Of course, the top surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> may be parallel to the flange <NUM> in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, the body <NUM> of the spout <NUM> may form a cylinder. The cylinder may be circular, or as shown, may have a somewhat oval circumference. In alternative embodiments, the body <NUM> may be any rounded or polygonal tubular shape. In some embodiments, the top surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> that forms the spout outlet. In some instances, the opening <NUM> may be at least partially blocked or covered by a baffle <NUM> formed in the top surface <NUM>. In other embodiments, the baffle <NUM> may not be coplanar with the top surface <NUM> and instead may be positioned within the body <NUM> of the spout <NUM>.

As shown in the cross-sectional view of <FIG>, taken along lines <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>, the baffle <NUM>, in this instance, is co-planar with the top surface <NUM> of the spout <NUM>. The cross-sectional view in this example shows an integrally formed fitment <NUM> comprised of the base <NUM>, the flange <NUM>, and the spout <NUM>.

Referring again to the cross-sectional view of <FIG>, taken along lines <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>, the base <NUM> in some embodiments may include a wall <NUM> with an inner surface <NUM> defining a lower passageway <NUM> there though. The wall <NUM> may have a polygonal or rounded shape. In the embodiment shown, the wall <NUM> comprises a cylindrical inner surface <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the inner surface <NUM> at the lower end of the base <NUM> forms a lower opening <NUM>, which can function as the fitment inlet.

In one embodiment, the outer surface <NUM> of the wall <NUM> may be cylindrically shaped or, in alternative embodiments, the outer surface <NUM> may incorporate one or more features such as the canoe-shaped ridges <NUM> as shown in the embodiment of <FIG>. In some embodiments, the base <NUM> may include a flange <NUM>, which is shown spaced from and below the flange <NUM>. The flange <NUM> may extend the entire circumference of the wall <NUM> or sections thereof. In some embodiments, the flange <NUM> may have a constant thickness and width. In some embodiments, the flange <NUM> may have a varying thickness and width. In some embodiments, the flange <NUM> may position the fitment <NUM> on the package <NUM>.

For example, in some embodiments, the flange <NUM> includes a body <NUM> that defines the lower surface <NUM> of the flange <NUM> spaced a distance above the flange <NUM>. The body <NUM> may be substantially planar or may include a variety of shapes and contours. In some embodiments, he body <NUM> and the flange <NUM> may aid in the positioning and attachment of the fitment <NUM> on the package <NUM>. For example, a surface of the package <NUM> may fit between the flange <NUM> and the body <NUM>. This may position the fitment <NUM> on the package <NUM> and retain the fitment <NUM> in a fixed position. The fixed position may be an upright position as shown in <FIG> or, in alternative embodiments, may be an angled or rotated position.

In some embodiments, a wall <NUM> may be coupled to the upper surface <NUM> of the flange body <NUM>. The wall <NUM> may be configured to removably couple a cap to the fitment <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the wall <NUM> is orthogonal to the upper surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the flange. In alternative embodiments, the wall <NUM> may have a concave or convex inner surface <NUM> such that the inner surface <NUM> and the flange <NUM> form either an obtuse or oblique angle. In some embodiments, the wall <NUM> may have a series of threads <NUM> on an outer surface <NUM>. The threads <NUM> could also be positioned on an inner surface <NUM> or on the flange body <NUM> itself. In alternative embodiments, the outer surface <NUM> could incorporate a groove, lip, or other feature. These features, or threads <NUM>, may be configured to mate with a cooperating feature of the cap (see cap <NUM> in <FIG>).

Still referring to <FIG>, the spout <NUM> in some embodiments may extend from the body <NUM> of the flange <NUM>. In some embodiments, the spout <NUM> may be substantially orthogonal to the upper surface <NUM> of the flange <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the spout <NUM> may extend at an angle from the upper surface <NUM> or have an irregular shape. The outer wall <NUM> of the spout body <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM> defining an upper passageway <NUM>. The upper passageway <NUM> and lower passageway <NUM> may define a larger passageway <NUM> interconnecting the upper opening <NUM> and the lower opening <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the wall <NUM> may form a substantially cylindrical shape with an inner diameter along the inner surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, a dispersion member <NUM> may be positioned in the passageway <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The dispersion member <NUM> aims to disperse clumps or modules formed within the flowable material and enable the material to easily flow from the interior compartment <NUM> of the package <NUM>.

The dispersion member <NUM> may intersect at least a portion of the passageway <NUM>. For example, a length of the dispersion member <NUM> may vary. In some embodiments, the length of the dispersion member <NUM> may be equivalent to a diameter of the passageway <NUM>. In other embodiments, the length of the dispersion member <NUM> may be a ratio or percentage of the diameter of the passageway <NUM> such that the dispersion member <NUM> is cantilevered into the passageway <NUM>. In some embodiments, the dispersion member <NUM> may intersect a middle of the passageway <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the dispersion member <NUM> may be offset from a centerline of the passageway <NUM>. In still further embodiments, multiple dispersion members <NUM> may be positioned in the passageway.

As shown in <FIG>, the dispersion member <NUM> may have a body <NUM> with a height h and a width w. In some embodiments, the height h and width w of the body <NUM> may be constant. In alternative embodiments, either the height h or the width w may remain constant while the other varies. For example, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the width w of the dispersion member is constant, but as shown in <FIG>, the height h of the dispersion member <NUM> varies. Similarly, in some embodiments, the width w of the dispersion member <NUM> may vary but the profile of the dispersion member <NUM> may remain constant. For example, the dispersion member <NUM> may have a knife-edge, a triangular cross-section, a trapezoidal cross-section, or another cross-section which may aid in the breakup of clumping material. A pointed or narrow end of the cross-section may face the bottom opening <NUM>.

As briefly stated above, the top surface <NUM> of the spout <NUM> and the flange <NUM> may form an angular relationship. In that regard, the top opening <NUM> may form a first plane <NUM> which may extend at an angle α from the upper surface <NUM> of the flange <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The position of the first plane <NUM> may also be described with reference to the cylindrical wall <NUM> of the spout <NUM>. For example, the first plane <NUM> may form an angle β with a portion of the cylindrical body of the spout <NUM>. In some embodiments, angle α may be between about <NUM>-<NUM> degrees. In other embodiments, angles α may be approximately <NUM> degrees. In other embodiments, angle β may be between about <NUM>-<NUM> degrees. In other embodiments, angles β may be approximately <NUM> degrees. The angle α may also be a factor in predicting material flow. For example, in some embodiments, the opening <NUM> may increase or decrease as either angle α or angle β increases or decreases. The size of the opening <NUM> may help determine the viscosity and flow characteristics of the material.

As also briefly stated above, a baffle <NUM> is formed in the top surface <NUM> of the spout <NUM>. In that regard, the baffle <NUM> according to the invention has a body <NUM> which is co-planar with the first plane <NUM>. In other embodiments, the baffle <NUM> may protrude from the inner surface <NUM> and into the passageway <NUM>. The baffle <NUM> may extend a portion into the passageway <NUM>. For example, the baffle <NUM> may extend a quarter, halfway, three quarters, or some variation thereof into the passageway <NUM>. The baffle <NUM> may limit a size of the opening <NUM>. The baffle <NUM> may also direct a flow of the material held within the interior compartment <NUM> of the package <NUM>.

The dispersion member <NUM> may also affect material flow. In some embodiments, the material may clump or congeal into larger lumps which may hinder the flow of the material. In some embodiments, the dispersion member <NUM> may interrupt the flow of the material and break up the lumps and alter the material from a non-Newtonian flow to Newtonian flow characteristics. The dispersion member <NUM> may also change the flow of the material. For example, the dispersion member <NUM> may change the flow from laminar to turbulent to cause the material to break apart and ease into a better flow viscosity and characteristics.

Various parameters of the dispersion member may affect material flow. In some embodiments, the width w of the dispersion member <NUM> as well as the height h may affect the flow of the material. For example, the width w may be wide enough to disrupt the lumps that form in the material. In some embodiments, the width w may be a ratio of the total area of the passageway <NUM>. In some embodiments, multiple dispersions members <NUM> may be used to achieve or increase the ratio. In some embodiments, the multiple dispersion members <NUM> may be parallel, skewed, or orthogonal to each other. The various arrangements of the dispersion members <NUM> may be based at least in part on the type of material being stored in the packaging system <NUM>.

Similarly, the height h of the dispersion member <NUM> may affect the flow of the material. As shown in <FIG>, the height h of the dispersion member <NUM> changes along a length of the dispersion member <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the dispersion member <NUM> has a first height h<NUM> along a first distance d<NUM> and a second height h<NUM> along a second distance d<NUM>. In some embodiments, the height may be variable across a length of the dispersion member <NUM> or along the entire dispersion member <NUM>. In other embodiments, the dispersion member <NUM> may have a fixed height h<NUM> along a first portion of a length d<NUM> of the dispersion member <NUM> and a variable height h<NUM> along the second portion of the length d<NUM> of the dispersion member <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the variable height h<NUM> may increase along a length of the dispersion member <NUM>. In some embodiments, the dispersion member <NUM> may extend from a bottom surface <NUM> of the dispersion member <NUM> to the baffle member <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the dispersion member <NUM> may have a first triangular shape <NUM> coupled to a substantially rectangular member <NUM> projecting across an inner diameter of the spout <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view through the fitment <NUM> with a cap <NUM> affixed thereto. In some embodiments, the he cap <NUM> may have a series of threads <NUM> that mate with a series of threads <NUM> on the fitment <NUM>. The threads <NUM> may be on an inner wall <NUM> of the cap <NUM> or may be on a flange <NUM> which may accept the wall <NUM> and screw into the threads <NUM> of the fitment <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the cap <NUM> may snap or otherwise removably affix to the fitment <NUM>.

<FIG> are exemplary alternative embodiments of the dispersion member <NUM> positioned in the passageway <NUM>. <FIG> shows two parallel dispersion members <NUM> cantilevered into the passageway <NUM>. <FIG> shows two dispersion members <NUM> perpendicular to each other. <FIG> shows a hatched pattern of dispersion members <NUM>. <FIG> shows an alternative hatched pattern of the dispersion members <NUM>.

In each embodiment, the dispersion members <NUM> may be co-planar, and in some instances, intersect. In alternative embodiments, the dispersion members <NUM> may be positioned in different planes within the passageway <NUM> and may not intersect. In still further embodiments, the dispersion members <NUM> may not be perpendicular to the inner surface <NUM> of the passageway <NUM>. For example, the dispersion member <NUM> may angularly span the passageway <NUM>.

In some embodiments, multiple dispersion members <NUM> may be present in different planes. For example, the patterns shown in <FIG>, or alternative patterns, may repeat in different planes such that from a top down perspective you would only see the number of dispersion members <NUM> shown, but the actual number may be a multiple of that. For example, <FIG> may have four dispersion members <NUM> wherein two sets of dispersions members <NUM> are stacked.

Claim 1:
A fitment (<NUM>) for a package (<NUM>) with an interior compartment (<NUM>) for containment of a flowable material, the fitment (<NUM>) comprising:
a body (<NUM>) having an exterior wall (<NUM>) and an interior wall (<NUM>; <NUM>), the interior wall (<NUM>; <NUM>) defining a passageway (<NUM>) extending through the body (<NUM>) from a top opening (<NUM>) to a bottom opening (<NUM>);
at least a first dispersion member (<NUM>) having an edge extending into the passageway (<NUM>), the edge dividing at least a portion of a width of the passageway (<NUM>) extending between the interior wall (<NUM>; <NUM>);
a baffle member (<NUM>) having a surface extending into, and at least partially obstructing, the passageway (<NUM>), and
a flange (<NUM>) portion associated with the exterior wall (<NUM>), the flange (<NUM>) portion positioned to interface the fitment (<NUM>) with the package (<NUM>),
wherein
a first plane (<NUM>) is defined by the top opening (<NUM>); and
wherein the baffle member (<NUM>) includes a planar surface, the planar surface of the baffle member (<NUM>) being co-planar with the first plane (<NUM>) defined by the top opening (<NUM>) of the passageway (<NUM>), characterised in that a second plane is defined by the bottom opening (<NUM>) that is disposed at an angle (α, β) with respect to the first plane (<NUM>).