HK1136811A

HK1136811A - A piercing fitment assembly

Info

Publication number: HK1136811A
Application number: HK10100553.7A
Authority: HK
Inventors: James Johnson
Original assignee: Liqui-Box Canada, Inc.
Priority date: 2006-07-31
Filing date: 2007-07-30
Publication date: 2010-07-09

Description

Perforating equipment assembly

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 60/834,458, entitled "a piercing tool assembly", filed 2006, month 7, 31, to James w. The entire teachings of the above application are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a piercing fitment assembly for use with flexible containers for flowable materials such as liquids, including aseptically packaged flexible containers.

Background

Flexible polymeric containers are widely used throughout the food industry to store and dispense soft serve 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 aseptically filled. Flexible polymeric containers typically have walls made from polymeric films in single or multi-layer structures. The particular polymer comprising the container film layer will vary depending on the type of material to be placed in the container. The film layer may also include a layer of oxygen barrier material to prevent such materials from coming into contact with oxygen-sensitive or other gas-sensitive contents. The container walls may be metallized or coated with a metal layer, such as aluminum, to prevent the ingress of oxygen or other gases.

The flexible polymeric container may have an inlet and/or a nozzle for filling and dispensing the contents of the container. Containers are also often placed in corrugated boxes. Such packaging systems are commonly referred to as "bag-in-box" systems, wherein a nozzle 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 the serving of liquid foods such as syrups, toppings, condiments, beverages, and dairy products. These containers typically have a capacity of 1 to 6 gallons.

Once the container is filled with the desired flowable material, the nozzle is capped to seal the container and protect the contents from contamination. Depending on the type of contents, the container, nozzle and cap may be filled with steam, hydrogen peroxide (H), before, during and after filling₂O₂) Radiation, or other suitable sterilization methods. In order to maximize the shelf life of such products, it is critical that the fitment assembly provide a seal throughout the life of the container.

One convenient way of dispensing the contents of a flexible container is to open the container by perforating a cap used to seal the container or by perforating the container directly using a fluid transfer device. Examples of dispensing systems using perforations are disclosed in the following U.S. patents: 4,325,496, 6,971,548 and 6,378,730.

Because flexible containers are typically intended for single use and are discarded once the contents of such containers are fully dispensed, the fitment assembly must be made of inexpensive materials, be easy to produce, respond quickly to the market, and preferably be recyclable. It is also desirable that the fitment assembly for such packaging systems also simplify access to the container contents while minimizing the possibility of contamination of the contents. Preferably, the contents of the flexible container can be easily dispensed without tools or the like. It is also desirable that the fitment assembly can be adapted to standard and widely used nozzle configurations and can be easily adapted to flexible hoses or tubes. The dispensing mechanism must be reliable so that dispensing of the contents is achieved without wasting liquid due to leakage or uncontrolled opening of the connecting assembly and the like.

Disclosure of Invention

Accordingly, the present invention provides an fitment assembly that can be mounted to a flexible container, whereby the contents of the container are dispensed by piercing a portion of the cap using a fluid transfer device. The piercing fitment assembly is easy to use because relatively little force is required to pierce and establish fluid transfer. It also has a lock system that locks the fluid transfer device in the dispensing state and also forms a reliable seal between the lid and the fluid transfer device, which minimizes the risk of unwanted spillage.

The piercing fitment assembly may be used, for example, with flexible containers that are filled or formed and filled using suitable commercial packaging systems known in the art. Such packaging systems may include vertical film sealing filling machines (vertical form filling machines) sold under the trademarks PREPAC, IMPACO and ELECSTER, and Liqui-Box^TMModel 2000C1T-a filler for filling flexible containers used in bag-in-box systems. The fitment assembly may also be used with aseptically filled flexible containers.

According to one broad aspect, the present invention provides a fluid transfer device for dispensing a flowable material from a container through perforations. The fluid transfer device includes a hollow body having a longitudinal axis, an internal through passage, a piercing end, and a dispensing end. The piercing end has a peripheral extremity which tapers along the longitudinal axis of the hollow body; the piercing end also has a leading tooth located distally of the peripheral extremity to initiate piercing of a cap secured to the container spout.

In another embodiment of the invention, the leading tooth may include an outer surface substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow body, and an inner surface inclined inwardly and at an angle of 10 ° to 45 ° to the outer surface.

Advantageously, the piercing end of the fluid transfer device may further comprise a plurality of additional teeth arranged around the peripheral extremity. The additional teeth facilitate piercing as they may reduce the force required to pierce the pierceable portion of the cap of the container nozzle and cause the circular membrane within the pierceable portion to be peeled back to establish fluid transfer.

According to another aspect, the present invention also provides a cap for securing to a spout of a container. The cap comprises a spout receiving side adapted to secure the cap to a spout of a container, and a pierceable portion adapted to be pierced by a fluid transfer device. The pierceable portion of the cap comprises an indentation defining a circular membrane surrounded by a plurality of petaloid elements. Advantageously, the pierceable portion may be located within a central opening of the cap and a barrier may be used to cover the central opening and thus the pierceable portion, thereby maintaining the pierceable portion in a substantially sterile condition prior to dispensing.

According to yet another aspect, the invention also provides an apparatus assembly for a container. The equipment assembly comprises: a nozzle in fluid communication with the container; a cap to close off the dispensing end of the spout, the cap having a pierceable portion; and a fluid transfer device comprising a piercing end and a dispensing end. The fluid transfer device has a longitudinal axis and an internal through passage for piercing the cap at the pierceable portion to allow fluid communication from the container through the spout and the fluid transfer device. The piercing end of the fluid transfer device comprises a leading tooth to initiate piercing of the pierceable portion of the cap.

The piercing end of the fluid transfer device may have a peripheral extremity that is tapered along the longitudinal axis of the fluid transfer device, wherein the leading tooth is located distal to the tapered peripheral extremity to initiate piercing of the pierceable portion of the cap during piercing. Advantageously, the piercing end may further comprise additional teeth arranged around the peripheral extremity of the piercing end for subsequent progressive piercing of the pierceable portion of the cap during piercing.

Preferably, the pierceable portion of the cap also comprises an imprint defining a circular membrane surrounded by a plurality of petaloid elements. Advantageously, the pierceable portion is further adapted to cooperate with the fluid transfer device such that the circular membrane remains attached to the cap by a hinge-like connection formed during piercing.

The fitment assembly may further comprise a locking mechanism adapted to secure the fluid transfer device to the cap as a result of a pushing force exerted on the fluid transfer device substantially axially within the spout, such that the piercing end is in piercing engagement with the cap. The locking mechanism may comprise an annular recess on the piercing end of the fluid transfer device adapted to cooperate with petaloid elements of the pierceable portion of the cap to prevent removal of the fluid transfer device from the cap once the piercing fitment assembly is in the dispensing state and thereby prevent unwanted spillage.

According to another aspect, the present invention also provides a pierceable port for a flexible container, the pierceable port comprising a pierceable portion adapted to be pierced by a fluid transfer device. The pierceable portion comprises an indentation defining a circular membrane surrounded by a plurality of petaloid elements. The pierceable port can be secured to the flexible container. The pierceable port can further comprise a skirt extending outwardly from a container side of the pierceable port and surrounding the pierceable port. The skirt acts as a spacer to keep any portion of any adjacent container wall away from the pierceable port, thereby preventing the container wall from being pierced by the fluid transfer device.

According to yet another aspect, the present invention also provides a flexible container comprising the pierceable port described above. The pierceable port may be secured to the flexible container by a flange secured to a wall surface of the flexible container. The pierceable port can also be secured to the flexible container such that the pierceable portion is aligned with an opening in the flexible container. Alternatively, if the pierceable portion is not aligned with an opening on the flexible container and the flange is secured to an outer wall surface of the container, a portion of the pierceable portion may also be secured to the outer wall surface. This prevents the container material in the region of the pierceable portion from being overstretched during piercing and allows the container to be more easily pierced by the fluid transfer device.

According to yet another aspect, the present invention also provides an apparatus assembly for a container comprising a pierceable port and a fluid transfer device. The pierceable port is secured to the container wall and includes a pierceable portion. The pierceable port may comprise a flange by means of which the pierceable port may be secured to the container. The fluid transfer device includes a through-passage therein to allow fluid communication from the container through the fluid transfer device. The fluid transfer device may be of the type previously described.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of a piercing fitment assembly in a disassembled state according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the fluid transfer device of the piercing fitment assembly of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of a piercing end of the fluid transfer device of the piercing fitment assembly of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 shows a top view of the lid of the piercing fitment assembly of fig. 1 without a baffle.

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of the piercing fitment assembly of figure 1 in a pre-piercing state.

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of the piercing fitment assembly of figure 1 in a dispensing state.

Fig. 7 shows a top view of a lid of a piercing fitment assembly according to another embodiment.

Fig. 8 shows a side view of a fluid transfer device of a piercing fitment assembly according to another embodiment.

Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a fluid transfer device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a fluid transfer device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a piercing fitment assembly according to another embodiment of the invention in a disassembled state.

Figure 12A shows a cross-sectional side view of a piercing fitment assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 12B shows a cross-sectional side view of the piercing fitment assembly of fig. 12A in a dispensing state.

Figure 13A shows a cross-sectional side view of a piercing fitment assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 13B shows a cross-sectional side view of the piercing fitment assembly of figure 13A in a dispensing state.

Figure 14A shows a cross-sectional side view of a piercing fitment assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14B shows a cross-sectional side view of the piercing fitment assembly of FIG. 14A in a dispensing state.

Figure 15A shows a cross-sectional side view of a piercing fitment assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 15B shows a cross-sectional side view of the piercing fitment assembly of figure 15A in a dispensing state.

Figure 16A shows a cross-sectional side view of a piercing fitment assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 16B shows a cross-sectional side view of the piercing fitment assembly of figure 16A in a dispensing state.

Detailed Description

Referring specifically to the drawings, the figures are for the purpose of illustrating the invention only and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

Referring now to fig. 1, there is illustrated a piercing fitment assembly, shown generally at 1, in accordance with the present invention for use with flexible containers for flowable materials such as liquids, particularly flexible containers for aseptic packaging. The piercing fitment assembly 1 includes a spout, shown generally at 10, mounted to a flexible container 2, a cap, shown generally at 20, and a fluid transfer device, shown generally at 40.

The configuration of the nozzle 10 shown in fig. 1 is widely used, commercially available, and generally suitable for mounting to flexible containers, such as bag-in-box containers, i.e., bags. However, it should be understood that the piercing fitment assembly of the present invention can be readily modified to include other configurations of nozzles. The nozzle 10 is generally cylindrical and has a central opening 14 therethrough. The central opening 14 of the nozzle 10 communicates with the container 2 (the upper part of which is shown) via the opening 3 in the container 2. At the base, the nozzle 10 also has a relatively thin outwardly projecting flange 11 which serves to secure the nozzle 10 to the inner wall surface 4 of the vessel 2. The upper surface 12 of the flange 11 is bonded by known means such as heat sealing, adhesive or similar means to form a sealed connection with the inner wall surface 4 of the container 2.

The cap 20 is generally cylindrical, but may be made to fit nozzles of other shapes, such as oval or polygonal. The lid 20 has a central opening 22 with an inner circumferential surface 30. Within the central opening 22, the cap 20 also has a pierceable portion 31 having an indentation (indentation) comprising a circular portion 33 and several radial portions 34, as shown in fig. 4. The indentation formed by the portions 33 and 34 is an area of reduced material thickness within the pierceable portion 31 that defines a circular membrane 27 within the pierceable portion 31 surrounded by a plurality of petaloid elements 29. The cap 20 also has an annular opening 26 adapted to receive the spout 10 and sealingly secure the cap 20 to the spout 10. Located within the annular opening 26 is an inner surface 25 and an annular rim 24. The lid 20 may also include a flap 21 for sealing the central opening 22, which is secured to an upper surface 23 of the lid 20.

The fluid transfer device 40 is also generally cylindrical and includes a dispensing end, generally indicated at 41, a piercing end, generally indicated at 42, an internal through passage 43, and a handle 44 between the dispensing end 41 and the piercing end 42. The handle 44 includes an outwardly projecting flange and has a lower surface 45. The dispensing end 41 has a ribbed exterior 51 adapted to be secured to a dispensing tube (not shown). The piercing end 42 has an outer cylindrical surface 52 and an annular recess 50, the annular recess 50 being part of a snap-fitting locking mechanism (mechanism). The piercing end 42 also includes a guide surface 49 having an inwardly extending conical profile leading to the peripheral end 46, the peripheral end 46 tapering along the longitudinal axis of the fluid transfer device 40.

The fluid transfer device 40 also includes at least a leading tooth 47 at a distal end 53 of the tapered peripheral tip 46. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid transfer device 40 includes a plurality of additional teeth 48 disposed about the peripheral extremity 46 of the piercing end 42. The configuration of the teeth (47 and 48) is shown in detail in figures 2 and 3. The leading tooth 47 includes an outer surface 56 and an inner surface 55, the outer surface 56 being relatively parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid transfer device 40, the inner surface 55 being inclined inwardly and at an angle of 10 to 45 to the outer surface 56. The additional teeth 48 may have the same or different geometric features as the leading teeth 47. The leading tooth 47 and the additional teeth 48 may comprise a total number of teeth of 3, 5, 7, etc. Fig. 9 shows a fluid transfer device having 3 teeth and fig. 10 shows a fluid transfer device having 5 teeth.

Flexible containers, such as those used in bag-in-Box systems, may be filled on any suitable aseptic filler known to those skilled in the art, and are typically used, such as liquid-Box^TMA commercial packaging system such as a model 2000C1T-a filler (not shown). Prior to filling and aseptic packaging, the containers 2 are supplied to the packaging system in the following conditions: the inside of the container has been pre-sterilized using cobalt gamma radiation or other suitable sterilization means. The spout 10, cap 20 and fluid transfer device 40 also use hydrogen peroxide (H)₂O₂) Steam or other suitable means. Once the container 2 has been filled with flowable material via the spout 10, a cap 20 comprising a flap 21 hermetically bonded to an upper surface 23 is secured to the spout 10. The fluid transfer device 40 is provided to the user together with the already filled and capped container in a separate sterile plastic bag (not shown) which is only opened when the contents of the container 2 are to be dispensed.

Fig. 5 shows the cap 20 mounted on the spout 10 of the flexible container 2. The cap 20 is snap-fitted by first positioning the cap 20 and spout 10 such that the spout-receiving annular opening 26 receives the end of the spout 10. An inward axial force is applied to the cap 20 to press the cap 20 toward the spout 10. The annular rim 15 forcefully and resiliently slides against the inner surface 25 and forms a substantially sealed closure between the cap 20 and the spout 10. Once the cap 20 is mounted on the spout 10, the annular rim 24 on the cap 20 cooperates with the outwardly projecting flange 13 on the spout 10 to lock the cap 20 in place.

The baffle 21 maintains the central opening 22 and the pierceable portion 31 of the cap 20 in a substantially sterile condition during transport and storage of the container. Preferably, the baffle 21 may be substantially gas or oxygen impermeable and may comprise any suitable material, such as foil, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene or metalized polyester laminate. The baffle 21 may be attached to the upper surface 23 of the sterilized lid 20 by heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, or other known methods. The baffle 21 may be removed prior to piercing the pierceable portion 31 of the cap 20, or the baffle 21 may be left on the cap 20 and pierced using the fluid transfer device 40.

The container 2 is normally placed in a dispensing position in which the fitment assembly 1 extends outwardly or downwardly from the container to allow gravity assisted dispensing of the contents. The contents of the container 2 are dispensed by first removing the flap 21 from the cap 20. The fluid transfer device 40 is then removed from the sterilized plastic bag (not shown) and the dispensing end 41 may be connected to a dispensing tube (not shown) or other fluid delivery system. The piercing end 42 of the fluid transfer device 40 is inserted into the central opening 22 using the handle 44 and pressed axially inwardly towards the cap 20 to pierce the pierceable portion 31. Fig. 5 shows the fluid transfer device 40 positioned within the central opening 22 of the cap 20 in a position ready for piercing the pierceable portion 31 of the cap 20. Fig. 6 shows the fluid transfer device 40 in a dispensing position within the cap 20, wherein the pierceable portion 31 has been fully pierced. Alternatively, depending on the type of material used for the barrier 21, the barrier 21 may be left in place and perforated using the fluid transfer device 40 before perforating the pierceable portion 31 of the cap 20.

The leading tooth 47 and the additional tooth 48 allow piercing of the pierceable portion with relatively little effort by concentrating the force at a specific point on the pierceable portion 31 thereby facilitating the piercing process. The leading tooth 47 first pierces the stamped circular portion 33 and the additional tooth 48 subsequently contacts and progressively pierces the circular portion 33 as the piercing end 42 of the fluid transfer device 40 is further inserted to hingedly attach the circular diaphragm 27 to the cap 20. The additional teeth 48 need not have the same geometric configuration as the leading teeth 47. In the present embodiment, the leading tooth 47 and the additional tooth 48 are shown as being generally of a conical geometry, however, any other suitable geometric configuration that minimizes the force required to pierce the pierceable portion may be used.

As the guide tooth 47 pierces the embossed rounded portion 33, the guide tooth 47 continues to tear the rounded portion 33 as the inner surface 55 presses radially downwardly and inwardly against the rounded membrane 27 to peel the rounded membrane 27 rearwardly from the pierceable portion 31. As the guide surface 49 continues to enter the pierceable portion 31, the petal-shaped elements 29 are pushed and deflected downwardly, causing the material within the embossed radial portions 34 to be stretched. This therefore creates a tight fit between the piercing end 42 and the pierceable portion 31 of the cap 20, thereby preventing unwanted leakage. In fig. 4, the petaloid elements 29 are shown having a generally square profile, but a more rounded profile as shown in fig. 7 may also be used.

Once the fluid transfer device 40 is fully inserted, the lower surface 45 of the handle 44 contacts the upper surface 23 of the cap 20 and the fluid transfer device 40 is locked within the cap 20 in the dispensing position via the snap-in mechanism. The embossed petaloid elements 29 and stretched radial portions 34 engage with the annular recess 50 of the fluid transfer device 40, as shown in fig. 6. This prevents the fluid transfer device 40 from being pulled out of the cap 20 once the piercing fitment assembly 1 is in the dispensing state, and also maintains a tight fit between the cap 20 and the fluid transfer device 40 to prevent unwanted spillage.

Fig. 6 clearly shows how the circular diaphragm 27 remains connected to the lid 20 via the hinge 32. The hinge 32 is automatically formed upon piercing by cooperation of the piercing end 42 of the fluid transfer device 40 and the pierceable portion 31 of the cap 20, and the hinge 32 comprises a portion of the pierceable portion 31 which remains intact once the fluid transfer device 40 has been fully inserted and locked in the dispensing position. Thereby, the circular diaphragm 27 is prevented from loosening and potentially blocking flow or being dispensed with the contents.

Because the hinge 32 is automatically formed at a location adjacent the proximal end 54 of the peripheral extremity 46, the location of the hinge 32 within the pierceable portion 31 is dependent on the orientation of the fluid transfer device 40 when piercing occurs. Thus, it is not necessary to insert the piercing end 42 of the fluid transfer device 40 into the cap 20 in any particular orientation to form the hinge 32.

The ribbed exterior 51 of the dispensing end 41 shown in the preferred embodiment is adapted to receive a dispensing tube (not shown). Obviously, other types of adapters may be used to connect the fluid transfer device 40 to the transfer system. The dispensing end 41 can also be in fluid communication with a dispensing tap that can be used to regulate the flow of the flowable material. In another embodiment, the dispensing end 41 may also include a dispensing tap 57 integrated into the fluid transfer device 40 as shown in FIG. 8.

Fig. 11 shows a piercing fitment assembly according to another embodiment, primarily for dairy applications. In this case, the cap 20 has a slightly different geometric configuration, but still comprises a pierceable portion 31 adapted to be pierced by the fluid transfer device 40.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention also provides a piercing fitment assembly wherein the pierceable port is secured directly to a wall of a flexible container. An example of such a pierceable port is shown generally at 80 in fig. 12A-16B. This type of pierceable port can be used, for example, on containers that are filled on a vertical film seal filling machine, where no nozzle is required to fill the container. The pierceable port 80 comprises a flange 81 adapted to secure the pierceable port 80 to an outer wall surface 5 (shown in fig. 12A-15B) or an inner wall surface 4 (shown in fig. 16A and 16B) of the container 2. The pierceable port also comprises an outer side, generally indicated at 83, a container side, generally indicated at 84, and a pierceable portion 31, the pierceable portion 31 being adapted to be pierced by a fluid transfer device 40 as described hereinbefore. Similarly, the pierceable port may also comprise a baffle 21 secured to the outer side 83 to maintain the pierceable portion 31 in a substantially sterile condition before dispensing the contents of the container 2.

Fig. 14A and 14B illustrate a perforable port 80 including a skirt 82 according to another embodiment. The skirt extends outwardly from the container side 84 of the pierceable port 80 and surrounds the pierceable portion 31. The skirt 82 acts as a spacer or shield to keep any portion of any adjacent container wall away from the pierceable portion 31, thereby preventing the container 2 from being pierced by the fluid transfer device 40.

Fig. 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B, 16A, 16B show an embodiment of a pierceable port 80, the pierceable port 80 being secured to an outer wall surface 5 or an inner wall surface 4 of the container 2 in a position in which the pierceable portion 31 is aligned with the opening 3 on the container 2. However, as shown in fig. 12A, 12B, 15A, 15B, if the flange 81 is secured to the outer wall surface 5, the pierceable portion need not be aligned with the opening 3 in the container 2. In such a case, preferably, at least a part of the pierceable portion 31 is also fixed to the outer wall surface 5. This prevents the container material in the area of the pierceable portion from being overstretched during piercing and allows the container 2 to be more easily pierced by the fluid transfer device 40.

Because these containers are typically intended for a single use and are discarded once the contents have been fully dispensed, it is preferred that the equipment set used in such systems be easy to produce, inexpensive, easy to install and use, and recyclable. It is also important that the parts have sufficient quality and robustness. Accordingly, the construction of the components required to produce the piercing fitment assembly of the present invention is relatively simple and economical. The spout 10, cap 20, pierceable port 80 and fluid transfer device 40 can all be produced from common and recyclable thermoplastic materials and formed using conventional plastic injection molding processes. For example, the lid 20 and pierceable port 80 can preferably be made using a blend of 85% medium density linear Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and 15% High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). The fluid transfer device 40 may be produced using High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP). Alternatively, the fluid transfer device 40 may be made using commercially available low density polyethylene. It was found that the use of a softer low density polyethylene for the fluid transfer device 40, as compared to HDPE, results in a reduction in the force required to perforate the cap 20 or pierceable port 80. It is believed that using a softer material for the fluid transfer device 40 allows the piercing end 42 of the fluid transfer device 40 to be more adapted to the rupture path in the pierceable portion 31, which results in less resistance during piercing. The reduction of the piercing force is more pronounced on the cap 20 and the pierceable port 80 of the pierceable portion 31 having a smaller diameter.

The thinner regions of injection molded parts typically present challenges with respect to proper mold and process design for injection molding. Accordingly, a separate punch (not shown) may be used to form the thinner circular portion 33 and the radial portion 34 of the pierceable portion 31 for scoring or stamping the cap 20 or pierceable port 80 once it is molded to a thicker dimension. Preferably, the stamp may be integrated into the mould, wherein the formation of the thinner regions may be performed before or at the same time as ejecting the part from the mould.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present invention comprises a piercing fitment assembly for a flexible container. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described in the foregoing without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications of those embodiments which are obvious and within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fluid transfer device for dispensing flowable material from a container through perforations, comprising:

a hollow body having a longitudinal axis, an internal through passage, a piercing end, and a dispensing end; wherein

The piercing end has a peripheral extremity which tapers along the longitudinal axis of the hollow body; and

the piercing end also has a leading tooth distal to the peripheral tip to initiate piercing.

2. A fluid transfer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the piercing end further comprises a plurality of additional teeth arranged around the peripheral extremity.

3. A fluid transfer device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the total number of teeth comprises 3, 5 or 7.

4. A fluid transfer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dispensing end is adapted to receive a dispensing tube.

5. A fluid transfer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dispensing end comprises a tap.

6. A fluid transfer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the leading tooth comprises an outer surface substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow body, and an inner surface inclined inwardly and at an angle of from 10 ° to 45 ° to the outer surface.

7. A fluid transfer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the piercing end of the hollow body comprises an annular recess for locking the fluid transfer device in the dispensing position in cooperation with the cap of the container.

8. A fluid transfer device for dispensing a flowable material from a container by piercing a pierceable portion of a cap secured to a spout of the container, comprising:

The piercing end has a peripheral extremity which tapers along the longitudinal axis of the hollow body;

the piercing end also has a leading tooth located distal to the peripheral extremity to initiate piercing of the pierceable portion of the cap and an additional tooth arranged around the peripheral extremity to subsequently progressively pierce the pierceable portion of the cap;

the piercing end of the hollow body also has an annular recess for locking the fluid transfer device in piercing engagement with the cap;

the leading tooth includes an outer surface substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow body, and an inner surface inclined inwardly and at an angle of 10 ° to 45 ° to the outer surface; and

the dispensing end of the hollow body is adapted to receive a dispensing tube.

9. A cap for securing to a spout of a container, comprising:

a spout receiving side adapted to secure a cap to a spout of a container;

a pierceable portion adapted to be pierced by a fluid transfer device; wherein

The pierceable portion comprises an indentation defining a circular membrane surrounded by a plurality of petaloid elements.

10. A cap as claimed in claim 9, wherein the pierceable portion is located within the central opening.

11. A cap as claimed in claim 9, wherein the cap further comprises a barrier covering the pierceable portion.

12. A cap as claimed in claim 11, wherein the barrier comprises a substantially gas impermeable material selected from one of the following: ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol, foil, polyethylene, and metalized polyester laminates.

13. A cap for securing to a spout of a container, comprising:

a spout receiving side adapted to secure the cap to a spout of a container;

a pierceable portion located within the central opening, comprising an indentation defining a circular membrane surrounded by a plurality of petaloid elements; and

a baffle fixed to an outer side of the cover to cover the central opening.

14. An apparatus assembly for a container, comprising:

a nozzle in fluid communication with the container;

a cap to close off one end of the nozzle, the cap having a pierceable portion; and

a fluid transfer device having a longitudinal axis and a through-interior passage for piercing the cap at the pierceable portion to allow fluid communication from the container through the spout and the fluid transfer device; wherein

The fluid transfer device comprises a piercing end and a dispensing end, the piercing end comprising a leading tooth to initiate piercing of the pierceable portion of the cap.

15. A fitment assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the piercing end has a peripheral extremity that tapers along the longitudinal axis of the fluid transfer device, wherein the leading tooth is located distal of the tapered peripheral extremity to initiate piercing of the pierceable portion of the cap during piercing.

16. A fitment assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the piercing end further comprises a plurality of additional teeth arranged around a peripheral extremity of the piercing end for subsequent progressive piercing of the pierceable portion of the cap during piercing.

17. A fitment assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the total number of teeth comprises 3, 5 or 7.

18. An appliance assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the leading tooth comprises an outer surface substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid transfer device, and an inner surface inclined inwardly and at an angle of from 10 ° to 45 ° to the outer surface.

19. The fitment assembly as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a tube fitted to the dispensing end of the fluid transfer device.

20. An appliance assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the dispensing end comprises a dispensing tap.

21. A fitment assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the pierceable portion comprises an indentation defining a circular membrane surrounded by a plurality of petaloid elements.

22. A fitment assembly as claimed in claim 21, wherein the pierceable portion is adapted to cooperate with the fluid transfer device such that the circular membrane is hingedly connected to the cap after piercing.

23. A fitment assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the cap further comprises a flap covering the pierceable portion.

24. The fitment assembly of claim 14, further comprising a locking mechanism adapted to secure the fluid transfer device and the cap together so that the piercing end is in piercing engagement with the cap as a result of a pushing force exerted on the fluid transfer device substantially axially within the spout.

25. A fitment assembly as claimed in claim 24, wherein the locking mechanism comprises an annular recess on the piercing end of the fluid transfer device, the annular recess adapted to cooperate with a petaloid formation of the pierceable portion of the cap.

26. A pierceable port for a flexible container, comprising:

a pierceable portion adapted to be pierced by a fluid transfer device; wherein

27. A pierceable port as claimed in claim 26 wherein the pierceable portion is located within the central opening.

28. A pierceable port as claimed in claim 26 further comprising a barrier on an outside of the pierceable port and covering the pierceable portion.

29. A pierceable port as claimed in claim 26 further comprising a skirt extending outwardly from a container side of the pierceable port and surrounding the pierceable portion.

30. A flexible container comprising the pierceable port of claim 26, wherein the pierceable port is secured to the flexible container and the pierceable portion is aligned with an opening in the flexible container.

31. A flexible container comprising the pierceable port of claim 26, wherein the pierceable port is secured to the flexible container by a flange secured to a wall surface of the flexible container.

32. The flexible container of claim 26, wherein the pierceable port is secured to an outer wall surface of the flexible container, a portion of the pierceable portion also being secured to the outer wall surface.

33. An apparatus assembly for a container, comprising:

a pierceable port secured to the container wall and having a pierceable portion; and

a fluid transfer device having a through internal passage to allow fluid communication from the container through the fluid transfer device.

34. An appliance assembly as claimed in claim 33, wherein the perforable port includes a flange by means of which the perforable port is secured to the container.

35. A fitment assembly as claimed in claim 33, wherein the pierceable portion comprises an indentation defining a circular membrane surrounded by a plurality of petaloid elements.