Patent Description:
This disclosure generally relates to a fluid transfer assembly for use with containers for flowable materials, and more particularly relates to a new design for a probe for use with a dispensing component for dispensing flowable material from a source.

Rigid or flexible containers are extensively used throughout the food service industry for storing and dispensing soft drink syrups and other such beverages, as well as wine, dairy products, enteral feeding solutions, fruit juices, tea and coffee concentrates, puddings, cheese sauces, and many other flowable materials, including those that must be filled aseptically. The containers may have inlets and/or spouts for filling and dispensing the container contents. The containers are often placed within a corrugated paper box. Such packaging systems are commonly referred to as "bag-in-box" systems wherein the spout extends through an opening in the box to dispense the contents. Bag-in-box packaging systems are often used in restaurants, institutional food service centers, and convenience stores to facilitate service of liquid food products such as syrups, toppings, condiments, beverages and dairy products. These containers typically have a capacity of <NUM> to <NUM> gallons.

The containers are connected to a dispensing mechanism, such as a spout, cap, tube, or faucet. In order to properly place the various dispensing components and containers in fluid communication together, it is necessary to connect them to prevent accidental disconnects and leaks. The dispensing mechanism must be reliable such that dispensing of the contents is achieved without wasting the dispensed materials through leakage or uncontrolled opening of the connection component and the like. A dispensing system comprising a probe inserted in a container is shown in <CIT>.

There are shortcomings with conventional connection adapters used to connect components as described above. First, existing adapters are difficult to connect and require excessive force. Furthermore, many existing options are not sufficiently secured and can be removed or reused improperly. Moreover, poor connections often lead to leaks, spills, and delays in production. Therefore, there is a need for an improved adapter probe that can be used with a container to facilitate better dispensing of the materials therein.

The foregoing needs are met by a probe comprising the features of claim <NUM>, connected following the method of claim <NUM>. A probe for dispensing a flowable material from a source includes a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The body defines a passage extending therethrough between the first end and the second end. The probe further has a first engagement portion configured to have an undeformed state and a deformed state, the first engagement portion being in the deformed state when the first end of the body is in contact with a dispensing component. The probe has a channel having a floor and two walls opposite each other, the channel being disposed on the first engagement portion. The probe further has a second engagement portion configured to frictionally fit within the dispensing component and to form a seal between the probe and the dispensing component. The probe further has a locking groove configured to prevent movement of the probe relative to the dispensing component. When the first engagement portion is in the undeformed state, the two walls of the channel are spaced apart at a first distance, and when the first engagement portion is in the deformed state, the two walls are spaced apart at a second distance smaller than the first distance.

The present application is further understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the subject matter, there are shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments of the subject matter; however, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to the specific methods, devices, and systems disclosed. In the drawings:.

Aspects of the disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout, unless specified otherwise.

Disclosed are aspects of probes that can be used with one or more dispensing components to connect the various dispensing components and to dispense a material therethrough. Methods of connecting and using the probes and dispensing material are also disclosed herein.

Referring to <FIG>, a probe <NUM> includes a body <NUM> that is configured to engage with a dispensing component. The body <NUM> may be substantially cylindrical, at least in part. The body <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> opposite the first end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> defines a first opening <NUM>, and the second end <NUM> defines a second opening <NUM>. The body <NUM> is hollow and has an interior surface <NUM>, which defines a passage <NUM> that extends through the body <NUM> between the first end <NUM>, fluidly communicating with the first opening <NUM>, and the second end <NUM>, fluidly communicating with the second opening <NUM>. The passage <NUM> is configured to receive the dispensing material from a source (not shown), for example, at the first end <NUM> through the first opening <NUM>. The material may pass within the passage <NUM> through the body <NUM> and be dispensed through the second opening <NUM> at the second end <NUM>. It will be appreciated that, in some aspects, the direction of dispensing may be reversed, such that the material enters the passage <NUM> at the second end <NUM> and passes through the body <NUM> and out at the first end <NUM>. In some aspects, the first end <NUM> and/or the second end <NUM> may include one or more other dispensing components configured to receive or discharge the dispensed material.

The probe <NUM> can be connected to one or more dispensing components. The body <NUM> is shaped such that it is insertable into a dispensing component, for example, into a cap <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the probe <NUM> can be used with, and connect to, a variety of dispensing components, such as caps, spouts, faucets, tubes, adapters, or other components commonly used in the dispensing field. Although exemplary aspects in this disclosure may refer to specific dispensing components, such as a cap <NUM>, it will be understood that such examples are for illustrative purposes only, and that this disclosure is not limited to only a particular dispensing component. It will be further appreciated that the body <NUM> may be sized, shaped, and dimensioned in accordance with the specific desired dispensing component used, and that the probe <NUM> can be manufactured to various scales, shapes, and measurements.

The probe <NUM> may be designed to be removably or releasably coupled to the cap <NUM> or another dispensing component. In the context of this disclosure, a probe is designed to be removable or releasable from the dispensing component if a user can apply nominal force to disconnect the probe from the dispensing component. For example, the force can be the same or substantially similar to the force that was applied to the probe to connect the probe to the dispensing component. While it is understood that many components can physically be separated upon application of high forces, for the purposes of this disclosure, the probe <NUM> would not be considered "removable" or "releasable" if the user would have to apply excessive force to disconnect the probe from the dispensing component or if the user would require tools to facilitate the disconnect. The probe is also not considered "removable" or "releasable" if the probe cannot be disconnected without sustaining damage or deformation, or if the probe is otherwise unfit for use after being disconnected.

In some aspects of this disclosure, it is preferable that the probe <NUM> be designed to not be easily removable or releasable from the dispensing component once connected. This prevents accidental disconnection of components, which can lead to leaks or spills. In such aspects, the probe <NUM> is not designed or intended to be reused. Reusing probes requires proper cleaning of the probe and the related components and can require longer preparation times, delay manufacturing processes, and lead to unsanitary conditions. Easy removal and reuse could also increase risk of intentional tampering with the probe, the dispensing component, or the material being dispensed. Aspects where the probe <NUM> is not designed to be removable, the probe can be engaged with the dispensing component by a user, but the user cannot disengage the probe from the dispensing component without applying excessive force (for example, substantially more force than was necessary to engage the probe with the dispensing component) and/or without the use of tools.

When the probe <NUM> is connected to the dispensing component, for example the cap <NUM>, the body <NUM> is configured to contact and engage with a complementary surface of the cap <NUM> to create a fluid connection between the cap <NUM> and the probe <NUM>. The probe <NUM> may be inserted into an opening <NUM> of the cap <NUM>. As the probe <NUM> is inserted further into the opening <NUM>, the body <NUM> contacts the walls <NUM> that define the opening <NUM>. The probe <NUM> can be inserted a predetermined distance such that the body <NUM> and the walls <NUM> create a friction fit between the probe <NUM> and the cap <NUM>. The opening <NUM> and the passage <NUM> are in fluid communication, such that the dispensed material (not shown) can pass from the cap <NUM> into and through the probe <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, in some aspects, the body <NUM> defines a first engagement portion <NUM> and a second engagement portion <NUM>. The first engagement portion <NUM> may be adjacent to the first end <NUM>, and the second engagement portion <NUM> may be adjacent to the second end <NUM>. The first and second engagement portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be directly adjacent to each other or they may be separated by one or more sections of the body <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first engagement portion <NUM> and the second engagement portion <NUM> are configured to contact the walls <NUM> when the probe <NUM> is inserted into the cap <NUM>. The first engagement portion <NUM> may be more pliable or elastic than the second engagement portion <NUM>. In some aspects, the first engagement portion <NUM> may have a body thickness that is smaller than the thickness of the second engagement portion <NUM>, each thickness being measured from the exterior of the body <NUM> to the interior surface <NUM>. When the probe <NUM> is inserted into the cap <NUM>, the first engagement portion <NUM> contacts the walls <NUM> before the second engagement portion <NUM>. In some aspects, a taper <NUM> may be defined on the first engagement portion <NUM>, for example at the first end <NUM>, to help orient and position the probe <NUM> relative to the cap opening <NUM>.

As the probe <NUM> is inserted into the opening <NUM> (for example, along an insertion axis A), the first engagement portion <NUM> slidably contacts the walls <NUM>. As the user applies more force, the probe <NUM> moves deeper into the opening <NUM>. The contact between the first engagement portion <NUM> and the walls <NUM> creates a friction fit between the probe <NUM> and the cap <NUM>. As the probe <NUM> is moved further into the cap <NUM>, the first engagement portion <NUM> may deform due to the reactionary forces between the walls <NUM> and the body <NUM>. In an undeformed state (i.e. when force from the walls <NUM> is not acting on the body <NUM>), the first engagement portion <NUM> may have a first diameter, and in a deformed state (i.e. when force from the walls <NUM> acts on the body <NUM> and the body <NUM> is deformed), the first engagement portion <NUM> may have a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. The first and second diameters are measured in a plane orthogonal to the insertion axis A.

The first engagement portion <NUM> includes one or a plurality of channels <NUM> defined in the body <NUM>. Each channel <NUM> has two walls <NUM> and a floor <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, each of the walls <NUM> may extend from the interior surface <NUM> toward the floor <NUM> in a radially outward direction away from the insertion axis A. The walls <NUM> may be orthogonal to the floor <NUM> or at a different angle between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees relative to the floor <NUM>. The walls <NUM> may be linearly sloped or curved, and each wall <NUM> of the channel <NUM> may be shaped the same as the other wall or may have a different shape, slope, or dimension. The floor <NUM> may be flat or it may be curved. In some aspects, the floor <NUM> may be a single point of juncture where the two walls <NUM> come together (i.e. if the channel <NUM> is "V" shaped). The thickness of the wall of the first engagement portion <NUM> thus differs depending on the radial location on the body <NUM> it is measured. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a first thickness T1 is measured between the interior surface <NUM> and the exterior of the body <NUM>, while a second thickness T2 is measured between the floor <NUM> and the exterior of the body <NUM>. The smaller second thickness T2 of the channels <NUM> is due to less material being present between the interior surface <NUM> of the body and the exterior of the body <NUM>. This thinner portion is thus more flexible than the thicker portion having the first thickness T1, which increases flexibility of the first engagement portion <NUM> and allows for deformation when the probe <NUM> is inserted into the cap <NUM> and the reactionary forces from the wall <NUM> act on the body <NUM>.

The first engagement portion <NUM> may include <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>,. , <NUM>, or another suitable number of channels <NUM>. It will be understood that the quantity of channels <NUM>, as well as the specific dimensions and shapes of the walls <NUM> and floor <NUM> will depend on the desired application of the probe <NUM>, on the desired forces that it would take a user to insert the probe <NUM> into a dispensing component, for example into a cap <NUM>, and on manufacturing parameters or constraints. The channels <NUM> are preferably sufficiently disposed such that the first engagement portion <NUM> is flexible enough to deform to the desired state upon insertion into the cap <NUM> while simultaneously being rigid enough to maintain the shape of the probe <NUM> without sustaining damage, such as cracking, bending, kinking, or collapsing.

The second engagement portion <NUM> does not have channels <NUM>. The thickness of the body at the second engagement portion <NUM> may be the same or greater than the first thickness T1 of the first engagement portion <NUM>. The cross-sectional diameter of the second engagement portion <NUM> (measured in a plane orthogonal to the insertion axis A) is the same as or greater than the largest diameter of the first engagement portion <NUM>. When the probe <NUM> is inserted into the cap <NUM> and the second engagement portion <NUM> contacts the walls <NUM>, the second engagement portion <NUM> is not designed to substantially deform to the same extent as the first engagement portion <NUM>. As the probe <NUM> is moved further into the opening <NUM>, the interaction between the second engagement portion <NUM> and the walls <NUM> creates a friction fit between the probe <NUM> and the cap <NUM>. The fit at the second engagement portion <NUM> preferably creates a seal between the probe <NUM> and the cap <NUM> such that dispensing material cannot pass between the walls <NUM> of the cap and the exterior of the body <NUM> of the probe <NUM>. In some aspects, the seal created between the second engagement portion <NUM> and the cap <NUM> is more fluid-tight than the seal created between the first engagement portion <NUM> and the cap <NUM>. In some further aspects, the engagement created between the first engagement portion <NUM> and the walls <NUM> is not a fluid-tight seal, while the engagement between the second engagement portion <NUM> and the walls <NUM> is a fluid-tight seal. It will be appreciated that the walls <NUM>, the opening <NUM>, and the shape, size, dimensions, and materials of the cap <NUM> (or a different dispensing component being used) would be manufactured to complement the size, shape, dimensions, and materials of the probe <NUM> to create the necessary fit and seal.

The first engagement portion <NUM> and the second engagement portion <NUM> may be separated by a locking groove <NUM> that is configured to engage with one or more locking beads or ridges <NUM> on the cap <NUM> to retain the probe <NUM> within the cap <NUM>. The locking groove <NUM> can extend radially around the body <NUM>. In some aspects, the locking groove <NUM> may extend only partially around the circumference of the body <NUM>, and the body <NUM> may define a plurality of locking grooves <NUM>.

The locking groove <NUM> defines two walls <NUM> and a floor <NUM> between the walls <NUM>. In some aspects, the walls <NUM> may have different angles and/or slopes from each other to either facilitate or prevent movement of the locking beads or ridges <NUM> into or out of the locking groove <NUM>, respectively. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the locking groove <NUM> may include a first wall 154a having a first wall portion 155a and a second wall portion 155b adjacent to the first wall portion 155a. The first wall portion 155a may be sloped at a first angle α1 relative to the floor <NUM>, while the second wall portion 155b may be sloped at a second angle α2 relative to the floor <NUM> that is different from the first angle α1. The second angle α2 may be higher than the first angle α1, such that the second wall portion 155b is steeper than the first wall portion 155a relative to the floor <NUM>. Such an arrangement may facilitate the locking beads or ridges <NUM> entering the locking groove <NUM> in a first direction (for example, toward the second engagement portion <NUM>), while impeding movement of the locking beads or ridges <NUM> out of the locking groove <NUM> in a second direction opposite the first direction when the locking beads or ridges <NUM> are already in the locking groove <NUM>. Thus, when the probe <NUM> is moved into the cap <NUM> and the locking beads or ridges <NUM> are in the locking groove <NUM>, the probe <NUM> becomes difficult to disconnect and remove from the cap <NUM> without applying excessive force, using tools, or damaging the probe <NUM> or the cap <NUM>.

In some aspects, the cap <NUM> may include multiple layers or sets of locking beads or ridges <NUM>, and as the probe <NUM> is moved further into the opening <NUM> of the cap <NUM>, one or more successive layers or sets of locking beads or ridges <NUM> pass, in the first direction, into the locking groove <NUM> and out of the locking groove <NUM> (also in the first direction). In such aspects, the locking groove <NUM> may have a differently shaped or dimensioned second wall 154b opposite the first wall 154a. the second wall 154b may be sloped at a third angle α3 relative to the floor <NUM>. The third angle α3 may be lower than the first and/or second angles α1, α2, and is low enough to allow the locking beads or ridges <NUM> to move out of the locking groove <NUM> in the first direction and toward the second engagement portion <NUM>. Multiple layers or sets of locking beads or ridges <NUM> can allow for different stages of insertion of the probe <NUM> into the cap <NUM> while successfully retaining the probe <NUM> within the opening <NUM> without the risk of unwanted disengagement.

The second end <NUM> of the probe <NUM> may include a connection interface <NUM> that is configured to attach to one or more dispensing components, such as, but not limited to, caps, spouts, faucets, tubes, adapters, or other components commonly used in the dispensing field. The probe <NUM> may be used as an adapter that facilitates connection between two or more components.

A flange <NUM> may be disposed on the probe <NUM>. The flange <NUM> provides a hand-grip for pushing or pulling the probe <NUM>. The flange <NUM> may also act as a physical backstop by contacting the cap <NUM> to prevent the probe <NUM> from being moved into the opening <NUM> beyond a desired predetermined distance.

The probe <NUM> can be used to dispense a variety of different materials, for example, soft drink syrups, wine, dairy products, enteral feeding solutions, fruit juices, tea and coffee concentrates, puddings, cheese sauces, condiments, and other flowable materials, including those that must be filled aseptically.

The disclosed embodiments facilitate engagement between the probe <NUM> and the dispensing component being connected to the probe <NUM>. Existing devices have rigid side walls, and as the device is inserted into the dispensing component, the rigid side walls contact the respective walls of the dispensing component and removably secure the probe to the dispensing component via friction fit. However, due to the rigidity of existing devices, there are often difficulties in inserting them the desired distance into the dispensing component. The friction fit created between the existing device and the dispensing component makes it difficult to gauge how far the device should be inserted. Additionally, excessive force is often required to fully insert it, and not all users are capable of exerting the necessary force without injury or damage to the components.

In other alternative existing options, the insertable devices include a smaller diameter to ease the insertion and friction fit problems described above. However, due to the decreased diameter and less-tight friction fit, such embodiments are prone to leaking, which generates waste, requires more dispensing materials, necessitates increased costs associated with cleaning and manpower, and can cause unsafe slippery environments.

In other existing embodiments, the insertable devices can be easily removed from the dispensing component. This can lead to spills, accidental removal, or unsanitary conditions due to unintended reuse of probes. Easy removal and reuse could also increase risk of intentional tampering with the probe, the dispensing component, or the material being dispensed.

In operation, a user may prepare the dispensing component to which the probe <NUM> would be connected. For example, if the dispensing component is a cap <NUM>, the cap may be opened or otherwise primed to receive a probe <NUM>. In some aspects that require aseptic conditions, additional steps may be taken to ensure the sterility and sufficient cleanliness necessary to utilize an aseptic cap.

The probe <NUM> is then inserted into the opening <NUM> of the cap <NUM> with nominal force by the user. As the probe <NUM> is inserted and the first engaging portion <NUM> contacts the walls <NUM>, the user may apply more force than the initial nominal force in order to overcome the reactionary force of the walls <NUM> pushing inwardly on the first engagement portion <NUM>, as well as any existing friction forces between the probe <NUM> and the cap <NUM>. During this step, the first engagement portion <NUM> may begin to deform, such that the channels <NUM> collapse and the two walls <NUM> of each channel <NUM> are moved closer to each other.

The user may continue to apply force to the probe <NUM> to further move it deeper into the cap <NUM>. One or more locking beads or ridges <NUM> on the cap <NUM> slidably move along the first engagement portion <NUM> in a first direction (opposite the direction of insertion) until they move past the first and second wall portions 155a, 155b and enter the locking groove <NUM>. The locking beads or ridges <NUM> may contact the floor <NUM> when in the locking groove <NUM>.

At this stage, the user would not be able to easily reverse the insertion of the probe <NUM> into the cap <NUM> due to the locking beads or ridges <NUM> being within the locking groove <NUM>. The locking beads or ridges <NUM> would be prevented from moving opposite the first direction by at least the second wall portion 155b, which would act as a physical backstop when the beads or ridges <NUM> contact it.

If the probe <NUM> is to be moved further into the cap <NUM>, the locking beads or ridges <NUM> may exit the locking groove <NUM> by slidably moving along the second wall 154b that is opposite the first wall 154a. If another layer or set of locking beads or ridges <NUM> is disposed on the cap <NUM>, this other layer or set can enter the locking groove <NUM> in a similar manner as the previous set did.

The user can continue to insert the probe <NUM> further into the cap <NUM> such that the second engagement portion <NUM> contacts the walls <NUM>. This contact forms a tight seal that prevents any dispensing material from moving between the walls <NUM> and the exterior surface of the body <NUM>. This prevents leaks or spills.

Finally, the user may connect one or more dispensing components to the probe <NUM> at the second end <NUM>. Once the probe <NUM> is in place and any other desired components are connected, the flowable material may be moved through the probe <NUM> either from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM> or vice versa.

Optionally, when the desired dispensing actions have ceased, the user may remove the probe <NUM> from the cap <NUM>. In aspects where the probe <NUM> is designed not to be easily removable, the user may need to apply excessive force to remove the probe <NUM>. This may damage the probe <NUM>, the cap <NUM>, or another connected component, thus rendering the probe <NUM> not re-usable. In some aspects, it is preferred that the probe <NUM> not be re-usable and instead be considered "disposable" or "single use. " The user may also remove the probe <NUM> with a specific tool (not shown).

Claim 1:
A probe (<NUM>) for dispensing a flowable material from a source, the probe (<NUM>) comprising:
a body (<NUM>) having a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>) opposite the first end (<NUM>), the body (<NUM>) defining a passage (<NUM>) extending therethrough between the first end (<NUM>) and the second end (<NUM>);
a first engagement portion (<NUM>) configured to have an undeformed state and a deformed state, the first engagement portion (<NUM>) being in the deformed state when the first end (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>) is in contact with a dispensing component;
a channel (<NUM>) having a floor (<NUM>) and two walls (<NUM>) opposite each other, the channel (<NUM>) being disposed on the first engagement portion (<NUM>);
a second engagement portion (<NUM>) configured to frictionally fit within the dispensing component and to form a seal between the probe (<NUM>) and the dispensing component; and
a locking groove (<NUM>) configured to prevent movement of the probe (<NUM>) relative to the dispensing component,
wherein when the first engagement portion (<NUM>) is in the undeformed state, the two walls (<NUM>) of the channel (<NUM>) are spaced apart at a first distance, and when the first engagement portion (<NUM>) is in the deformed state, the two walls (<NUM>) are spaced apart at a second distance smaller than the first distance.