WO2000063080A2

WO2000063080A2 - Fluid dispensing apparatus with fitment spout

Info

Publication number: WO2000063080A2
Application number: PCT/US2000/010718
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adam P. Morrison
Original assignee: The Testor Corporation
Priority date: 1999-04-21
Filing date: 2000-04-20
Publication date: 2000-10-26
Also published as: WO2000063080A3; AU4477100A

Abstract

A fluid dispensing system includes a pouch (A) and a dispensing fitment (10, 10', 110, 110', 210, 210', 310). The fitment has a neck portion (14), a base portion (12), a bore (20) and a selectively removable plug (30) to block fluid flow through the bore. The plug is connected to the neck or base by a weakened or frangible zone of material (40). The frangible zone is broken by lateral forces acting on a projection portion (34) of the plug. The plug may act as a flapper valve if the frangible zone is not completely broken. One fitment includes a deformable neck portion (314) which acts as a valve.

Description

FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS WITH FITMENT SPOUT Background of the Invention

The present invention pertains to the art of fluid dispensing apparatus, and more particularly to a collapsible pouch or bag including a dispensing fitment for effectively and conveniently dispensing fluid from the pouch. The fluid dispensing fitments involved are particularly suited for dispensing fluid directly for human consumption if desired, i.e., in the manner of a drinking "straw" or spout. Although the invention will be described with particular reference to the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that the invention has broader application and may be advantageously employed in other environments and applications, and to dispense any of a wide variety of fluids both for human consumption and otherwise.

It is generally known to utilize a flexible or collapsible bag or pouch to retain and dispense fluids and other viscous materials. However, prior pouch arrangements have included large, complex and/or expensive outlet fittings and/or valve structures not suitable for dispensing fluid for convenient direct human consumption. Other prior designs have required use of a separate drinking straw that must be pushed or inserted into the pouch, an operation often resulting in a stream of fluid being accidentally forced under pressure from the drinking straw onto those nearby. Furthermore, such prior systems have not included easily openable outlet fittings or so called "fitments" particularly adapted to facilitate human consumption directly from the associated fluid retaining pouch.

Some prior fitments have included exposed, removable portions by which the fitment is opened to facilitate fluid flow therethrough. While these have been found to be generally effective, they are somewhat inconvenient due to the need to dispose of the removable portion. Also, the exposed removable portion may be easily damaged during shipping and handling. Furthermore, if the fitment is opened improperly, e.g., using one's teeth, the removable portion may present a choking hazard.

Another deficiency associated with prior fitments is their inability to be resealed in a convenient and effective manner once opened. Therefore, once these prior fitments are opened to dispense the contents of an associated pouch, the entire contents of the pouch must be consumed to avoid spillage or spoilage. Accordingly, it is deemed desirable to develop fluid dispensing apparatus with fitment spouts for use in association with fluid containing pouches that are convenient and easy to open and use, resistant to damage, safe, and inexpensive manufacture. Also, a need has been found for a reclosable fitment spout.

Summary of the Invention

The present development relates to a fluid dispensing system including a fluid retaining pouch and an associated dispensing fitment. The dispensing fitment includes a base for attachment to the pouch and a spout or neck extending outwardly therefrom away from the pouch. The neck and base include a bore formed therethrough in fluid communication with the pouch interior. A selectively removable plug portion is sealingly positioned in the bore to block fluid flow. The plug portion is joined to the neck and/or to the base by a weakened or frangible zone of material. The plug portion also includes an extension that projects into an interior portion of the pouch. To open the fitment, a user of the pouch exerts lateral or other stress through the walls of the pouch onto the plug extension so that the plug is at least partially separated from the neck portion and, if completely separated, will fall into the pouch interior where it is trapped.

The entire fitment, including the base, neck, and plug, is preferably formed as a one-piece construction from conventional plastic in a molding operation. The plug portion can be separated from the neck and/or base portion by selective application of bending or torsional stress, or the like thereto. The application of stress results in partial or complete disconnection of the plug portion from the neck/base along the weakened zone. The weakened zone may be provided or defined by an area of reduced material thickness or by scoring, or other fluid-tight means.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a dispensing fitment for an associated pouch includes a base adapted for attachment to the pouch and a spout or neck projecting outwardly therefrom away from the pouch. The neck and base include a bore therethrough in fluid communication with the pouch interior. The neck is resiliently deformable from a normally closed state to a deformed, open state for dispensing liquid from the pouch. The outermost end of the neck includes a membrane sealingly covering the bore. The membrane comprises a frangible zone so that, upon application of deforming stress to the neck for placing it in its deformed, open state, the frangible zone ruptures and an outlet orifice is defined in the membrane in communication with the bore. Release of the deforming stress on the neck allows the neck to return to its normally closed state wherein the outlet orifice substantially closes to inhibit leakage of fluid from the pouch.

One advantage of the present invention resides in the provision of a new and improved fluid dispensing apparatus with an associated fitment spout. Another advantage of the invention is found in the provision of a fluid dispensing apparatus with an easily and conveniently opened fitment spout.

A further advantage of the invention is the provision of a fluid dispensing apparatus with a fitment particularly adapted for dispensing fluid for direct human consumption in a safe and convenient manner, without requiring the user to dispose of a removable plug portion of the fitment.

A still further advantage of the present invention is found in the provision of a fluid dispensing apparatus with fitment spout that is resistant to damage and inadvertent opening during shipping and handling.

Another advantage of the invention resides in the ease of manufacturing an effective fluid dispensing apparatus at relatively low cost.

Still other benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification .

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, preferred embodiments of which are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1A is a perspective view of a fitment spout formed in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE IB is a perspective view of the fitment spout of FIGURE 1A in its inverted position;

FIGURE 1C is a perspective view of a fluid dispensing apparatus that includes the fitment spout of FIGURE 1A in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE ID is a cross-sectional view of the fitment spout of FIGURE 1A in its sealed or closed condition;

FIGURE IE is a cross-sectional view of the fitment spout of FIGURE 1A in its open or partially opened state;

FIGURE 2A is a perspective view of a fitment spout formed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 2B is a perspective view of the fitment spout of FIGURE 2A in its inverted position;

FIGURE 2C is a cross-sectional view of the fitment spout of FIGURE 2A in its sealed or closed condition;

FIGURE 2D is a cross-sectional view of the fitment spout of FIGURE 2A in its open or partially opened condition;

FIGURE 3A is a perspective view of a fitment spout formed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 3B is a perspective view of the fitment spout of FIGURE 3A in its inverted position;

FIGURE 3C is a cross-sectional view of the fitment spout of FIGURE 3A in its sealed or closed condition; FIGURE 3D is a cross-sectional view of the fitment spout of FIGURE 3A in its open or partially opened condition;

FIGURE 4A is a perspective view of a fitment spout formed m accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 4B is a perspective view of the fitment spout of FIGURE 4A in its inverted position; FIGURE 4C is a cross-sectional view of the fitment spout of FIGURE 4A in its sealed or closed condition;

FIGURE 4D is a cross-sectional view of the fitment spout of FIGURE 4A m its open or partially opened condition;

FIGURE 5A is a rear perspective view of a fitment spout formed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 5B is a front perspective view of the fitment spout of FIGURE 5A;

FIGURE 5C is a perspective view of a fluid dispensing apparatus that includes the fitment spout of FIGURE 5A in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 5D is a cross-sectional view taken along a portion of lines 5D-5D of FIGURE 5C with the fitment spout in its sealed or closed condition;

FIGURE 5E is a view similar to FIGURE 5D but showing the fitment spout in ts open or partially opened condition; FIGURE 6A is a rear perspective view of a fitment spout formed m accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 6B is a front perspective view of the fitment spout of FIGURE 6A; FIGURE 6C is a cross-sectional view taken along a portion of lines 6C-6C of FIGURE 6A and showing the fitment spout in its sealed or closed condition installed in an associated pouch; FIGURE 6D is a view similar to FIGURE 6C but showing the fitment spout in its open or partially opened condition;

FIGURE 7A is a perspective view of a fitment spout formed in accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention in its sealed condition;

FIGURES 7B and 7C are perspective and top plan views, respectively, of the fitment spout of FIGURE 7A in its open condition; and, FIGURE 7D is a plan view of the fitment spout of

FIGURE 7A in its re-closed condition.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting same, FIGURE 1C shows a fluid dispensing apparatus with fitment spout formed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention including a collapsible pouch A adapted for retaining fluid. Pouch A is fabricated from any of a wide variety of suitable thin, flexible, and fluid impervious materials such as polyethylene or other suitable polymers, papers, cardboards, films, and metallized or coated versions of same.

Pouch A is formed, for example, from a single piece of suitable material folded upon and sealed to itself at desired locations. As shown herein, pouch A is a one- piece construction defined by first and second opposite lateral side walls B,C sealed to each other along peripheral regions or margins D,E,F by heat fusion, adhesives, a mechanical seal, or the like. Lower region G of the pouch is formed by one or more folds. Accordingly, pouch A includes an interior cavity H adapted to retain fluid such as a beverage or the like. The thin, flexible side walls B,C expand outwardly away from each other to accommodate fluid, and contract inwardly toward each other to dispense fluid under pressure (or upon fluid being dispensed by suction or pouring) from the interior cavity H.

Referring now to all of FIGURES 1A-1E, a fluid outlet fitting or "fitment" 10 is secured to the pouch A. Fitment 10 preferably comprises a one-piece construction of plastic such as polyester or the like and comprises a base portion 12 and a spout or neck portion 14 projecting outwardly therefrom. As shown, the base portion 12 is conformed with wide central region 12a, tapered opposite ends 12b, 12c, and smoothly tapered sidewalls 12e,12f. With this double-ended and tapered "canoe" shape, the base 12 is well-suited for fluid-tight connection to the pouch A by being positioned and sealed by convenient adhesive or other means into one of the peripheral regions D,E,F, e.g., region F as shown herein.

The neck 14 is preferably cylindrical and a bore 20 is formed through both the base 12 and neck 14. When the fitment 10 is installed in an associated pouch A, the bore 20 is disposed in fluid communication with the pouch interior H through the base 12. At an outer, exposed end 16 of the neck 14, the bore 20 is sealed by a plug 30. Until removed, the plug 30 blocks the bore 20 to prevent the escape of fluid from the pouch via the bore.

The plug 30 is itself conical, frusto-conical, or otherwise tapered in overall shape and, thus, includes a first-end 32 having a relatively larger cross-sectional dimension and a second or distal end 34 that is narrowed or tapered. More particularly, the first end 32 preferably is minimally smaller in cross-sectional dimension compared to the size of the bore 20. As illustrated, the plug 30 is thin-walled and includes a recess 36.

The first end 32 of the plug 30 is positioned in the bore 20 and sealingly connected to the surrounding neck 12, preferably in the region of the neck first end 16, by a weakened or frangible zone 40 of plastic, adhesive or like material. Preferably, the zone 40 is defined by a section of the fitment 10 having a reduced wall thickness. The second end 34 of the plug 30 depends into the bore 20 and projects therefrom into the interior H of an associated pouch A. Other than at the weakened zone 40, the plug 30 is spaced from the surrounding neck 14 and base 12 in the bore 20 so as to define an annulus . Accordingly, the second end 34 of the plug 30 is adapted for deflection or movement (e.g., as indicated by the arrows I in FIGURE ID) by application of manual pressure thereon. More particularly, one desiring to open a fitment 10 is required to exert lateral or other stress on the distal end 34 of the plug 30, through the flexible walls B, C of the pouch A. Upon movement of the plug distal end 34, the weakened zone 40 ruptures (FIGURE IE) , and the plug 30 falls into the pouch interior H so that fluid can exit the pouch through the bore 20. The plug 30 is trapped in the pouch interior H so it does not present a potential choking hazard.

FIGURES 2A-2D illustrate a fitment 10' formed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. Except as illustrated and described, the fitment 10' is similar in all respects to the fitment 10. Consequently, corresponding components of the fitment 10' relative to the fitment 10 are identified with like numerals including a primed (') suffix. In this embodiment, the plug 30' is solid throughout. Accordingly, the plug 30' does not include a recess as found in the plug 30. The fitment 10 ' is opened in the same manner as the fitment 10.

A fitment 110 formed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGURES 3A-3D. The fitment 110 is similar to the fitment 10 in most respects and, therefore, like components relative to the fitment 10 are identified with like reference numerals 100 greater than those used to identify components of the fitment 10. The fitment 110 is identical to the fitment 10 except that the plug 130 is conformed differently and attached to the fitment 110 at a different location to facilitate selective separation. As shown in FIGURES 3A-3D, the plug 130 is defined to have a thin- walled cylindrical or slightly tapered shape. A first end 132 of the plug 130 is connected to the fitment base 112, preferably to a lower surface 118 of the base 112, and surrounds a mouth or entrance 122 of the bore 120. The plug 130 is connected to the base 112 by way of a weakened or frangible zone 140 of plastic, adhesive or other material. The weakened zone is preferably defined in the fitment 110 by a wall of reduced thickness relative to the remainder of the fitment. A second or distal end 134 of the plug 130 depends into the interior H of an associated pouch A.

The plug 130 is selectively removed from the fitment 110 to open the bore 120 as described above. Lateral or other stress (as indicated by the arrows I in FIGURE 3C) is applied to the plug 130 through the walls B, C of an associated pouch A. As illustrated in FIGURE 3D, this force I causes the frangible zone 140 to break so that the plug 130 is at least partially detached from the fitment 110, thus allowing fluid to enter the bore through entrance 122. Because the plug 130 is located entirely outside of the fitment bore 120, lateral movement of the plug 130 is not restricted by the confines of the bore. This, then, facilitates separation of the plug 130 from the base 112.

The fitment 110' illustrated in FIGURES 4A-4D is identical to the fitment 110, except that the plug 130' is solid and conformed somewhat differently. Accordingly, like components relative to the fitment 110 are identified by like reference numerals including a primed (') suffix. The plug 130' is tapered, converging toward its distal end 134', and is lengthened relative to the plug 130 to facilitate selective separation from the fitment 110'.

FIGURES 5A-5E illustrate a fitment spout 210 and associated pouch A' formed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The pouch A' is similar to the pouch A, but is adapted to have the fitment spout 210 located to pass through the wall C and along one of the peripheral regions or margins D',E',F'. As shown, the fitment spout 210 is connected to the pouch A' through the wall C at the peripheral region F' .

The fitment 210 comprises a wide, planar, spade- like base 212 having a front face 212a and a rear face 212b. A neck or spout 214 projects outwardly from the base 212 generally parallel to the faces 212a, 212b. The neck includes a bore 220 that opens through a neck first, outermost and exposed end 216 and also through the rear face 212b of the base 212. The peripheral portions of the front face 212a define an attachment flange to which the pouch A' is secured by an adhesive J, a heat seal, or other convenient acceptable means. Likewise, the rear face 212b defines a flange to which the pouch A' is similarly secured. It should be noted that, as shown in FIGURES 5D and 5E, at least a portion of the face 212b is not adhered to the pouch A so that an entrance 222 of the bore 220 through the face 212b is disposed in fluid communication with the interior H of the associated pouch A.

The entrance or mouth 222 of the bore 220 is blocked by a plug 230 to prevent liquid in the associated pouch A' from exiting through the bore 220. The plug 230 comprises a first end 232 positioned in the mouth 222 of the bore in blocking relation therewith. The plug 230 is sealingly and fixedly secured in the mouth 222 by a weakened or frangible zone 240 of plastic, adhesive, or like material. Preferably, the weakened zone 240 is defined directly in the fitment 210 by a region of reduced wall thickness circumscribing the plug end 232. A second or distal end 234 of the plug is bulbous in shape and projects from the plug end 232 into the pouch interior H' .

The fitment 210 is selectively opened to allow fluid flow from the pouch interior H' into the bore 220 through the mouth 222 simply by partially detaching the plug 230 from the surrounding base portion defining the mouth 222. This is accomplished by application of manual pressure on the end 234 of the plug through the wall B' of the pouch A' as indicated by the arrow K in FIGURE 5E. This pressure K causes the frangible zone 240 to rupture so that the plug 230 is at least partially detached from the base 212 and deflected out of the mouth 222. The plug 230 is sufficiently large in relation to the bore 220 so that in the event it becomes completely detached from the base 212, it cannot exit the pouch A' through the bore 220 and present a potential choking hazard. However, deflection of the plug 230 as described allows fluid to exit the pouch freely through the bore 220.

Referring now to FIGURES 6A-6D, the fitment 210' is identical in all respects to the fitment 210 except for the configuration and operation of the plug 230'. Like components relative to the fitment 210 are identified with like reference numerals including a primed (') suffix. The plug 230' comprises a first end 232' secured in the mouth 222' of the bore 220' by a frangible zone 240'. However, the plug 230' includes an elongated lever arm 236' projecting outwardly therefrom and terminating in a plug second or distal end 234' . The plug end 234' depends into the interior H¹ of an associated pouch A'. To open the fitment 210' and allow fluid flow from the pouch A' into the bore 220', manual pressure is applied on the lever arm 236' through the pouch wall B' as indicated at K' in FIGURE 6D, so that the lever arm 236' moves toward the fitment base 212'. This lever movement causes the frangible zone 240' to partially rupture so that first end 232' of the plug pivots or deflects out of the mouth 222'. This, then, allows fluid flow from the pouch A' into the bore 220'. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the plug 230' will act as a type of flapper-valve. That is, fluid escaping the pouch A' through the mouth 222' of the bore 220' will tend to urge the plug end 232' back into partial sealing relation with the mouth 222' if the pressure K' is not maintained on the lever arm 236'. As such, the potential for undesired spillage of the pouch contents is minimized.

FIGURE 7 illustrates a reclosable fitment 310 formed in accordance with the present invention. There, the fitment comprises a canoe-like base 312 adapted for connection to an associated pouch A along one of the peripheral regions or margins D,E,F as described above in relation to the fitment 10. A spout or neck 314 projects from the base 312 and outside of the associated pouch, and a bore 320 is formed through the neck 314 and base 312 so as to be in communication with the interior H of the associated pouch. The base and neck 312,314 are preferably formed as a one-piece construction from conventional molded plastic, and at least the neck 314 is resiliently deformable upon application of pressure thereto. The outermost or distal end 316 of the neck 314 is sealingly covered by a membrane 330 to prevent escape of fluid from the pouch A through the bore 320. A weakened or frangible zone or slit 340 is defined in the member 330, preferably by a region of reduced material thickness, although an adhesive, film or the like may also be used to advantage. To open the fitment 310 for purposes of dispensing fluid from pouch A, inwardly directed pressure or stress is applied to opposite lateral sides of the neck 314 as indicated by the arrows L in FIGURE 7B. This causes the neck 314 to be deformed into an open condition (FIGURE 7C) from its normally closed condition and results in the rupturing of the frangible zone 340 as shown in FIGURE 7B,7C. When the zone 340 is ruptured, it is pulled open and defines an outlet opening 342 in the membrane 330 that communicates with a bore 320. To ensure rupturing of the zone 340 as desired upon application of the deforming stress to the neck 314, the bore 320 is preferably defined in the neck to have a substantially rectangular cross- section (FIGURE 7D) with two corners thereof aligned with the opposite ends of the frangible slit 340. The neck 314 can include indicia (not shown) to mark the preferred location for application of the deforming stress L.

Referring to FIGURE 7D, when the deforming stress L is released, the neck 314 resumes its original shape due to its inherent resilience. This results in substantial closure of the outlet opening 342 so that fluid flow from the bore 320 is inhibited.

The invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding specification. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications .

Claims

Having thus described the preferred embodiments, what is claimed is:

1. A fluid dispensing system comprising: a fluid retaining pouch including an interior portion adapted to retain fluid; and, an associated dispensing fitment including a base connected to the pouch and a neck extending outwardly away from the pouch, said neck and base defining a bore having an inlet in fluid communication with the pouch interior and an outlet located outside of said pouch, said fitment further comprising a plug portion sealingly joined to at least one of the neck and base by a frangible zone of material to block fluid flow through the bore, said plug including a portion that projects therefrom into the interior portion of the pouch, whereby said plug is at least partially separated from said at least one of the neck and base at said frangible zone upon application of at least lateral stress to the projecting portion thereof through the pouch.

2. The fluid dispensing system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said base, neck, and plug are formed as a one-piece construction from a plastic material.

3. The fluid dispensing system as set forth in claim 2, wherein said frangible zone of material is defined by an area of reduced material thickness relative to a surrounding portion of said at least one of the neck and base .

4. The fluid dispensing system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said plug portion is connected to said neck and partially located within said bore with said projecting portion of said plug projecting through said bore inlet into the pouch interior.

5. The fluid dispensing system as set forth in claim 4, wherein said plug portion is connected to said neck in the region of said bore outlet.

6. The fluid dispensing system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said plug portion is located in said pouch interior and connected to said base in covering relation with said bore inlet.

7. The fluid dispensing system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said neck is conformed as a drinking spout adapted to dispense fluid from the pouch for direct human consumption.

8. The fluid dispensing system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said bore and plug are dimensioned relative to each other in a select manner whereby said plug is trapped in said pouch upon being detached from said fitment base.

9. The fluid dispensing system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said pouch comprises first and second flexible sidewalls interconnected at respective peripheral portions thereof to form at least one seam, and wherein said base includes tapered first and second ends and is located between said first and second flexible sidewalls in said at least one seam.

10. The fluid dispensing system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said pouch comprises at least one flexible sidewall, and wherein said base includes a wide planar spade-like flange sealingly connected to said at least one flexible sidewall.

11. A fitment adapted for dispensing fluid from an associated pouch, said fitment comprising: a base adapted for connection to an associated pouch; a neck extending outwardly away from the base, said neck and base defining a bore having an inlet adapted for placement in fluid communication with an interior portion of the associated pouch and an outlet adapted for placement outside said associated pouch; and, a selectively removable plug sealingly joined to at least one of the neck and base by a frangible zone of material to block fluid flow through the bore, said plug including a portion that projects therefrom, said projecting portion of said plug adapted to project into said interior of said associated pouch, whereby said plug is adapted for at least partial separation from said at least one of the neck and base at said frangible zone upon application of at least lateral stress to the projecting portion.

12. The fitment as set forth in claim 11, wherein said base, neck, and plug are formed as a one-piece construction from a plastic material.

13. The fitment as set forth in claim 12, wherein said frangible zone of material is defined by an area of reduced material thickness relative to a surrounding portion of said at least one of the neck and base .

14. The fitment as set forth in claim 11, wherein said plug portion is connected to said neck and partially located within said bore with said projecting portion of said plug projecting through said bore inlet.

15. The fitment as set forth in claim 14, wherein said plug portion is connected to said neck in the region of said bore outlet.

16. The fitment as set forth in claim 11, wherein said plug portion is located outside said bore and connected to said base in covering relation with said bore inlet .

17. The fitment as set forth in claim 11, wherein said neck is conformed as a drinking spout adapted to dispense fluid from the pouch for direct human consumption.

18. The fluid dispensing system as set forth in claim 11, wherein said bore and plug are dimensioned relative to each other in a select manner whereby said plug is trapped in said interior of said associated pouch.

19. The fluid dispensing system as set forth in claim 11, wherein said base includes tapered first and second ends and is adapted for sealing placement in a seam of an associated pouch.

20. The fluid dispensing system as set forth in claim 11, wherein said base includes a wide planar spadelike flange adapted for sealing connection to a flexible sidewall of an associated pouch.

21. A fluid retaining and dispensing apparatus comprising: a container defining an interior region adapted to receive and retain fluid; and, a dispensing fitment connected to the container, said fitment comprising: a base connected to the container; a neck extending outwardly away from the base, said neck and base defining a bore having an inlet in fluid communication with the interior region of the container and an outlet located outside said container; and, a plug sealingly joined to and partially detachable from at least one of the neck and base by a frangible zone of material, said plug positioned to block fluid flow through the bore and including a portion that projects therefrom into the interior region of the container, whereby said plug, when partially detached from said at least one of the neck and base at said frangible zone, defines a flapper valve that moves in response to and restricts fluid flow from said container interior region into said bore.

22. A dispensing fitment for an associated pouch, said fitment comprising: a base adapted for attachment to an associated pouch; a neck projecting outwardly away from the base, said neck and base including a bore defined therethrough in fluid communication with an interior portion of the associated pouch, said neck defined from a resiliently deformable material and adapted for moving between a normally closed state, where said bore is constricted, and an open state, where said bore is open; and, a frangible membrane sealingly blocking fluid flow through said bore, whereby said membrane ruptures upon an initial deformation of said neck into said open state.

23. A method of manufacturing a fluid dispensing apparatus, said method comprising: constructing a flexible pouch that defines a sealed interior portion adapted to retain fluid; sealingly connecting a base of a dispensing fitment to the pouch in a manner so that a neck of the fitment projects outwardly away from the pouch and so that a bore defined through the base and neck communicates with the pouch interior; and, sealingly joining a plug to at least one of the neck and base by way of a frangible zone of material so that said plug blocks fluid flow out of the pouch interior through the bore, said plug including a portion that projects therefrom into the interior portion of the pouch.