MXPA06004753A

MXPA06004753A - Dispenser/closure for flexible product containers.

Info

Publication number: MXPA06004753A
Application number: MXPA06004753A
Authority: MX
Inventors: David Todjar Hengami
Original assignee: David Todjar Hengami
Priority date: 2003-10-30
Filing date: 2003-10-30
Publication date: 2006-07-05
Also published as: EP1678044A4; WO2005051790A1; AU2003284367A1; CA2542862C; EP1678044A1; CA2542862A1

Abstract

A dispenser adapter assembly for bags includes a bag having a line of weakness defining an opening, and a dispenser adapter mounted to the bag. The dispenser adapter is formed of a first main base portion having an opening and a second slider retention base portion having an opening, with the two base portions being folded together with the openings substantially aligned with the bag opening. In addition a slide actuator is mounted between the two portions of the base for movement between a closed position blocking the openings and an open position permitting product flow through all of the openings. Mating movable and fixed stops are also provided to limit outward movement of the slide actuator.

Description

CLOSURE / DISTRIBUTOR FOR CONTAINERS OF FLEXIBLE PRODUCTS FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to arrangements to allow the distribution of products of flexible products containing such as bags and to provide a closure for the bag followed by the distribution of a portion of the contents therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many products such as candy, dry cereal and certain types of cookies and crackers are sold in flexible bags. Once the bags have been opened, however, the bags do not easily close again, having concurrent product spills, loss of freshness, contamination and similar problems. A product that has been proposed to overcome this problem is described in US Pat. No. 6,273,332 B1. In this arrangement, a bag is secured inside a box, with a line of weakness in the bag defining an opening of the bag aligned with an opening in the bag. In addition, the opening of the box can be selectively closed or opened to distribute the product.

While this arrangement is satisfactory for products in bag-mounted bags, such as a dry cereal, it is not applicable to products sold in bagged bags that are closed boxes and require special manufacturing arrangements to secure the bag within the box.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is a primary object of the inventor to provide a simple closure / dispenser for products in flexible bags, which solves the problems outlined above.

In accordance with a specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, a dispensing adapter for the containers of products that are poured flexible, such as bags, includes a flexible bag with lines of weakness defining a bag opening, preferably close to one end of the bag and a distribution base having a first main base portion and a second sliding retainer portion, both with openings and with two portions being bent together to provide aligned distribution openings and a guide. The distribution base is mounted to the bag with the opening of the bag aligned with the distributor openings. A sliding actuator is mounted between the first and second portions of the base and this actuator is movable between a closed position by blocking the openings and closing the bag and an open position allowing the product to flow through the openings in the bag and the base.

Other features or aspects of the mounting of the distributor adapter may include the following: 1. The base and the sliding actuator may have inter-connected stops to limit outward movement of the actuator. 2. The detections may involve movable stopping tabs extending outwardly on the inner end of the actuator and equalizing the fixed detents at the base near the base mouth where the sliding actuator exits (a. 3. A first portion of the base may have lateral fins that can be bent over the second portion of the base to hold the two base portions together and to provide a guide for the sliding actuator. 4. The base can be secured to the bag with the second portion in engagement with the bag, whereby the smooth surface of the first portion of the dispenser / closure is exposed. 5. The bag and the dispensing adapter can be mounted in a box, with the box being cut or having an opening to provide access to the side actuator and to allow product flow. 6. This side actuator can be provided with an extension to be secured to the top of the box with the extension flat against the top of the box when the sliding part is closed and is raised angularly when the sliding part is open. 7. The sliding actuator has an extended portion to be held by the user. 8. An easy weakness breaking line, preferably in the form of a tie or perforations can be provided between the sliding actuator and the base to hold the sliding part in place before starting the unit distribution mode. This easily breakable line of weakness may be at the end of the sliding or sliding actuator. 9. Fixed stops for assembly may involve, for example, bending lines, bent material or adhesive stops.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, an adapter for the dispenser for containers of pourable products, such as bags, includes a flexible bag with lines of weakness defining a bag opening, preferably near one end of the bag. the bag and a dispensing base having at least one opening and with a portion of the base being bent to provide a distributor opening aligned with the opening of the bag and a guide. A sliding actuator is mounted on the base with movement limited by the guide and this sliding actuator is movable between a closed position which locks said openings and closing the bag and an open position allowing the product to flow through the openings in the bag and base.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a dispensing adapter illustrating one embodiment of the invention in an open configuration for distributing the poured product; Figure 2 shows a target from which a distributor adapter can be formed; Figure 3 shows an initial step of bending down the sliding actuator, in the course of forming the complete assembly; Figure 4 shows the second step of bending of the sliding actuator and a part of the base on the other portion of the base; Figure 5 shows the assembled adapter mounted in a bag, with the sliding actuator closed; Figure 6 is a similar view of Figure 5 but with the sliding actuator open; Figure 7 is a cross section taken along line 7-7 of Figure 5; Figure 7A is a prolonged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of Figure 7; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 6; Figure 8A is a prolonged cross-sectional view of a part of Figure 8; Figure 9 illustrates the application of the distributor adapter to a bag and a kha assembly in an open view; Figure 10 shows the assembled configuration of the parts shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 shows an assembly with an extension provided for the sliding actuator and with the extension secured to the top of the box and Figures 12, 13 and 14 show a further embodiment of the invention, with Figure 12 showing a blank, Figure 3 showing the partial formation and Figure 14 showing the assembly of the complete distributor adapter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Now with reference to Figure 1 of the drawings, the product 12 of a bag 14 is being distributed from the bag 14 using the distributor adapter 16 with the sliding actuator 18 in its open position. As will be further developed, the sliding actuator 18 can slide into the distributor adapter 16 to close the bag 14.

In Figure 1, a portion 20 of the bag 14 comes free of the bag 14 and can be removed to provide a hole aligned with the holes in the adapter. In the course of the manufacturing step, the material 20 of the bag is indicated by a line of weakness, which may take the form of a series of perforations or by partially cutting the die through the material of the bag. As another manufacturing step, the distributor adapter assembly can be mounted to the film or sheet material from which the bag is formed before finishing the bag or filling it with the product.

The following figures show the steps in the formation of the distributor adapter, such as shown in reference number 16 in Figure 1.

Figure 2 shows a target 16 from which the complete distributor adapter can be formed. In Figure 2 the base is formed of a first portion 24 and a second portion 26, separated by a bent line 28. The openings 30 and 32 are aligned where the two parts 24, 26 are folded along the line 28. .

The sliding actuator 34 is secured to the base portion 24 only by means of the fastener 36 so that it can be quickly separated from the base portion 24 when the dispensing adapter is put into use. The fold line 38 extending through the sliding actuator 34 can be noticed and allows for easy gripping of the tongue of the actuator 40 which is used to move the position of the sliding actuator 34.

The equalization detections 40 in the sliding actuator and 44 in the base part 24 serve to limit the outer movement of the sliding actuator 34 as clear as shown in the later figures.

The adhesive spots 46 on the base portion 24 engage the areas 48 on the base portion 26 to firmly secure the detection tabs 44 in place. Adhesive strips 50 on the outer edges of the base portion 26 hold the base portions 24 and 26 together, following the bend along the line 28 and subsequently overcoating the fold of the side fins 52 inwardly along of the fold lines 54.

Figure 3 shows the first stage in the blank formation of Figure 2 in the complete distributor adapter. More specifically, in Figure 3, the sliding actuator 34 has been bent down along the line 38, with the rest of the assembly being as shown in Figure 2. It can also be noted that, in the sample of the Figure 3, the tab of the actuator 40 has been bent back, so that it is only shown in dotted lines.

In Figure 4, the upper portion of the partial assembly of Figure 3 has been folded down along the fold line 28, so that the sliding actuator 34 is between the base portions 24 and 26. In addition, the equalization stops 42 on the sliding actuator and 44 on part 24 can be observed in their operating relationships. In Figure 4, the side wings 52 have not yet been bent to complete the assembly.

Figures 5 and 6 show the dispensing adapter 16 mounted in a bag 14, with Figure 5 showing the side actuator 34 in the closed position and Figure 6 showing the sliding actuator 34 in the open position.

In Figure 5, the slide 34 and the tongue 40 are still secured to the base part 24 by the tie 36. This tie 36 is merely a very short connection between the two cuts so that it breaks easily to operate the sliding actuator. and open the distributor adapter as shown in Figure 6. Incidentally, instead of a single tie-down 36, perforations or several ties or simply a line of weakness of partially die cut along the line can be employed, including the fastening 36 Figure 6 shows the detents 42 in the sliding actuator engaging the detents 44 in the base portion 24 to limit external movement of the sliding actuator 34.

In both Figures 5 and 6, the side flaps 52 on the base part 26 have been bent and adhesively secured to the base part 24. The sliding actuator 34 is now limited to the line moving in and out as the detentions 42 couple the resulting fold and the reduced width upper part of the sliding actuator 34 is limited in its lateral movement by the detentions 44.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Figure 5 and Figure 7A is a prolonged view of a part of Figure 7. Relative to Figures 7 and 7A it can be noted that the slider 34 it closes and that the bag member 20 is partially loosened from the bag 11. Further, note that in Figures 7 and 7A are side aves 52 which hold the lower base part 26 for the upper base part 24.

Returning now to the cross-sectional views of Figure 8 and 8A, note that the cross section is taken along lines 8-8 of Figure 6, showing the slide 34 in the open configuration. In Figures 8 and 8A, the top layer is the side flap 52 that holds! upper base member 24 for the lower base member 26. The detents 42 at the lower end of the slide 34 are conducted in the space between the two base members 24 and 26. The adhesive 46 could be thinner than that shown in FIG. Figure 8A, and holds the tabs 44 near the lower base member 26 so that the stop tabs 42 on the slider 34 limit the upward movement of the slider to the point where the stop tabs 42 engage detents 44 on the member of upper base 24. The adhesive 53 connects the distributor assembly to the bag 14.

Figures 9 and 10 show another embodiment of the invention in which a bag 62 is mounted in a box 64. The bag 62 can be provided with a distribution adapter assembly 66 of the type described herein. The box 64 is a generally conventional box-type tube with lower closing flaps 68 and upper closing flaps 70. The box has an opening or is cut out of the area 72 so that the assembly of the distributing adapter 66 is accessible, as indicated in Figure 10.

Figure 11 shows a bag and a box configuration that is similar to that shown in Figures 9 and 10. However, the embodiment of Figure 11 includes a distributor adapter 82 with an extended side actuator 84 which is secured in the top of the case 86 in the area 88 located on the side of the upper part of the case 88 outside the side of the box 86 wherein the main distributor adapter assembly 82 is located. The sliding actuator 84 can be provided with a tongue or cut 90 to facilitate raising and lowering the sliding actuator 84 and opening and closing the product package. As in the case of the arrangements of Figures 9 and 10, the case 86 can be cut apart in the area 92 to provide access to the distributor adapter assembly 82.

Figures 12, 13 and 14 show a further embodiment of the invention, with Figure 12 showing a blank that can be bent and joined to perform the invention, Figure 13 showing a partially assembled configuration and Figure 14 showing the complete assembly.

Figure 2 includes the main base portion 102 with a central opening 04 through which the product can be distributed. Also shown in Figure 12 is the sliding actuator or slide 106 and the sliding retainer member 108 that forms part of the fixed base portion of the assembly. The side flaps 110 on the side of the main base member 102 are provided with strips of adhesive 12 for subsequent bonding to the side portions of the slide retention member 108.

In Figure 13, the slide is shown folded inwardly along the fold line 114. Incidentally the tie 116 indicates a line of weakness 118 along which the slide 106 can be separated from the rest of the assembly. This line of weakness can be implemented by a single tie as indicated or for example by perforations having long cuts and short ties.

An adhesive-coated area 122 of the sliding retainer member 108 adheres to the area 124 by bending along the stopping folds 12b to provide a positive fixed stop for engagement by the movable detents 128 on the slide 106.

Figure 14 shows the assembled assembled dispenser with the partially raised slide to partially open the hole 104 through which the product can be distributed. In Figure 14 the left side flap 110 is shown closed, with the flap being adhesively secured to one of the side legs of the slide stop 108; while the right-hand side flap 110 has not been bent in the other side leg of the side retention member 108. In Figure 14, the tie 116 has been broken to allow the opening of the slide 106.

An advantage of the embodiment of Figures 12-14 is that the fixed stop 126 for limiting the movement of the slide is implemented by a bend in the material, rather than by the adhesive, as in the case of the arrangements of FIGS. -11 of the present description. It should also be noted that both embodiments of Figures 12-14 and Figures 1-11 have a main base portion and a sliding retainer portion. Further, in the embodiment of Figures 2-14, the sliding retention portion 108 has a central rectangular aperture that is much larger than the aperture 04 in the main base portion.

It is also noted that the distributor adapter could, with minor changes, be made only of a sliding or sliding actuator similar to that shown as reference numeral 34 in Figure 2 and a single simple base member such as that shown in FIG. the reference numeral 26 in Figure 2 to provide the limit stops for the slide, the upper ends of the wings 52 can be cut and secured together and the lower end of the part 26 can be extended by the adhesive bonding the bag. Following the adhesive bond of the adapter to the bag, the slide would be located between the hole in the bag and the hole in the simple base member when the slide is in its closed position and the product can be poured out of the bag when the actuator Lateral or sliding is changed to its open position.

In conclusion, the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in the foregoing detailed description and the accompanying drawings. However, it is understood that several Modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, by way of example and without limitation, the side of the distributor adapter can be secured to the bag or other container. Also the upper ends of the fins 52 could be cut to form the base detents 44 and the lower end of the sliding actuator could be provided with a reversely bent tab to form a stop that is equalized with a similarly bent portion of a base member. In addition, the openings in the bag and the base members do not have to be of the same size or configuration, that is, one or two of the holes or the base could be square or triangular if desired or one of the openings in the base it could simply be a box that extends around the hole in the other base member. With respect to the materials, the distributor adapter assembly can be made of heavy paper or lightweight cardboard, aluminum, matenai plastic sheet or any other sheet material, preferably compatible with the bag with which it will be used. With respect to the "fastening" by securing the slide to the base before use, any rapidly breakable coupling such as perforations or partial cutting can be ensured to form a line of weakness. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the precise embodiments that are shown and described in this document.

Claims

1. A flexible bag distribution adapter assembly comprising: a flexible bag having a line of weakness in the bag defining a bag opening located toward one end of said flexible bag; a dispensing base having a first main base portion with an opening and a second sliding retaining portion with an opening, said portions being bent together to provide aligned openings and a guide; said base being mounted to said bag with said distributor openings aligned with said bag opening; and a sliding actuator mounted between said first and second portions of said base, said sliding actuator being moveable between a closed position blocking said openings and an open position allowing flow of the product through said openings in said bag and said base; wherein the assembly further comprises a box containing said bag, said box being cut apart to expose said openings and the upper part of said box having an opening for receiving said extended portion of said actuator, by means of which the contents of said box they can be accessed by raising said actuator.

2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein said box has first and second sides and an upper part, wherein said box is cut on one side of said box and wherein the end of the extended portion of said actuator is secured to said box. the upper part of said box adjacent to the second side of said box.

3. An assembly according to claim 1, further comprising side flaps for securing said first and second portions of said base together.

4. A flexible bag distribution adapter assembly comprising: a flexible bag having a line of weakness in the bag defining a bag opening located towards one end of said flexible bag; a dispensing pouch having a first main base portion with an opening and a second sliding retention portion with an opening, said portions being bent together to provide aligned openings and a guide; said base being mounted to said bag with said distribution openings aligned with said bag opening; and a sliding actuator mounted between said first and second portions of said base, said sliding actuator being movable between a closed position blocking said openings and an open position allowing product flow through said openings in said bag and said base; wherein said first portion of said base has lateral fins to be bent over said second portion of said base to secure said first and second portions of said base together and adhesive in said second portion of said base and in said lateral fins for mounting said distributor adapter to said bag.

5. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein said distributor base is mounted to said bag using permanent adhesive.

6. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein said slide actuator has first and second ends, with an actuator tab at the first end for attachment by the user and locking tongues extending outwardly at the other end, said locking tongues being coupled in fixed equalization stops in said base to limit the movement of said actuator after said actuator reaches the open position.

7. The assembly according to claim 6, wherein said fixed detents constitute fold lines between said first and second portions of said base.

8. A dispensing adapter assembly for use with containers, comprising: a dispenser base having a first portion and a second portion bent together to provide aligned openings and a guide, said dispenser base having permanent adhesive thereon for securing said distributor base to a container, said base having a front and rear portion and a sliding actuator mounted between said rear and front portions of said base, said sliding actuator being movable between a closed position blocking said openings and an open position allowing the flow of the product through said openings in said base of the adapter; wherein said sliding actuator has first and second ends, with a tab of the actuator at the first end to be held by the user and holding tabs extending outwardly at the other end, said stopping tabs coupling the fixed equalization stops on said base to limit the movement of said actuator after said actuator reaches the open position and wherein said fixed detents constitute lines bent between said first and second portions of said base.

9. An assembly according to claim 8, wherein said base and said actuator have inter-connected stops to limit movement of the actuator.

10. An assembly according to claim 8, wherein said actuator has an extended portion to be held by the user.

11. An assembly according to claim 8, further comprising side flaps for securing said first and second portions of said base together.

12. An assembly according to claim 8, wherein said side actuator has first and second ends, with an actuator tongue at the first end to be held by the user and stop tabs extending outward at the other end, said stopping tabs engaging equalizing tabs on said base to limit the movement of said actuator after said actuator reaches the open position.

13. An assembly according to claim 8, wherein said lateral actuator is initially secured to a portion of the base by breakable weakened material, by means of which said sliding actuator is fastened to said base before being used and is easily actuated by the breaking of said weakened material when the slider is changed to the open configuration.

14. A distribution adapter assembly for use with containers such as a flexible bag, comprising: a base of the dispensing adapter having at least one opening and having portions thereof bent over to provide guide arrangements; a sliding actuator mounted to said base and in engagement with the guide arrangements; said sliding actuator being movable between a closed position blocking said opening and an open position allowing the flow of the product through said opening in said base; said base and said sliding actuator having equalization stops to limit the movement of said sliding and adhesive actuator to secure said distribution base to a container, wherein said sliding actuator has first and second ends with a tongue of the actuator at the first end for held by the user and stopping tabs extending outwardly at the other end, said stopping tabs equalizing the fixed stops in said base to limit the movement of said actuator after said actuator reaches the open position and wherein said fixed stops constitute lines bent between said first and second portions of said base.

15. An assembly according to claim 14, wherein said sliding actuator is initially secured to said base by the breakable weakened material, by means of which said sliding actuator is held to said base before being used, and is easily actuated by breaking said weakened material when the slide is changed to the open configuration.