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EP-3994078-B1 - PROBE

EP3994078B1EP 3994078 B1EP3994078 B1EP 3994078B1EP-3994078-B1

Inventors

  • JOHNSON, JAMES W.

Dates

Publication Date
20260506
Application Date
20200705

Claims (14)

  1. A probe (10) for improved emptying and product flow as a product is dispensed through the probe (10), the probe (10) comprising a hollow body having an exterior surface, an interior surface, a nozzle end (16), a lead-in end (18) that engages a seal or opening, a flange (11) molded to the probe body, and a plurality of flutes (14) on the exterior surface of the probe (10), characterised in that the plurality of flutes (14) are positioned on the exterior surface of the lead-in end (18) and are oriented parallel to each other and to a direction of the product flow through the probe (10).
  2. The probe (10) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of flutes (14) form protrusions (15) and create a non-planar edge geometry at the lead-in end (18) of the probe (10).
  3. The probe (10) of claim 1, wherein the probe (10) comprises from 4 to 20 flutes (14) on the lead-in end (18) of the probe (10).
  4. The probe (10) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of flutes (14) are symmetrically spaced on the exterior surface of the probe (10).
  5. The probe (10) of claim 1, wherein at least two of the plurality of flutes (14) are asymmetrically spaced on the exterior surface of the probe (10).
  6. The probe (10) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of flutes (14) have approximately the same dimensions.
  7. The probe (10) of claim 1, wherein at least two of the plurality of flutes (14) have substantially different dimensions.
  8. The probe (10) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of flutes (14) run along the about 50% of the length of the lead-in end (18) of the probe (10).
  9. The probe (10) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of flutes (14) run along no more than 50% of the length from the tip of the lead-in end (18) to the flange (11).
  10. The probe (10) of claim 1, further comprising a 90 degree junction at the nozzle end (16).
  11. The probe (10) of claim 1, further comprising a check valve (38) positioned on the interior surface of the probe (10), and configured to reduce or eliminate leakage of the product from the probe (10) when in use.
  12. The probe (10) of claim 1, further comprising a lock bead (13) on at least a portion of the exterior surface of the probe (10), and located on the lead-in end (18).
  13. The probe (10) of claim 1, further comprising on the nozzle end (16) a threaded portion, one or more ribs, or a roughened surface configured to provide a secure fit to an attachment.
  14. The probe (10) of claim 2, wherein the non-planar edge geometry comprises rounded, scalloped, squared, pointed, troughed, or serrated shapes.

Description

BACKGROUND Generally, this application relates to devices and related methods suitable for dispensing components from packaged products, including, for example, probes and probe assemblies for flexible packaging adapted to cooperate with equipment to dispense flowable products (e.g., beverages, mixes, dairy products, and syrups, etc.) at restaurants, convenience stores, and other retail locations. Probes and valve assemblies are used in applications that benefit from or require their use in order to access materials, including packaged materials that are sold in sealed boxes, bags, bag-in-box, and/or metal, glass, or plastic containers. For example, conventional probes or valve assemblies are often adapted and configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to be attached securely (e.g., either temporarily or permanently) to a fitment, spout or other type of access point in a packaged product, such as flexible polyethylene liners or bags. While existing probes and valves help to control, meter, or measure the dispensing of packaged products (e.g., flowable products) they often are unable to provide regular and consistent flow when dispensing the product, particularly as the packaging containing the product empties. For example, as the product packaged in a flexible bag is dispensed and the interior volume of the bag empties, the flexible bag can fold-in or crush-in toward its interior and impede or block the flow of the product being dispensed. This can result in incorrect dispensing volumes of product, inaccessible or residual volume of product, and/or time spent accessing and removing the material blocking the access to the product, creating an overall increase in cost and time associated with the use of the product. Documents US 3 599 836 and WO 2008/014605 disclose piercing fitment assemblies. The probe provided by the disclosure can overcome at least one or more of the deficiencies that are associated with existing probes in common use in the industry and can, for example, increase the product yield from packaged product, and/or reduce the time and effort required by the end-user in ensuring proper dispensing of the packaged product. SUMMARY Generally, the aspect and embodiments provided by the disclosure relate to a probe that is adapted and designed for use with dispensing components for packaging such as, for example, flexible packaging, and cooperates with equipment to dispense flowable material (e.g., liquid products). The invention provides a probe for improved emptying and product flow as a product is dispensed through the probe, the probe comprising a hollow body having an exterior surface, an interior surface, a nozzle end, a lead-in end that engages a seal or opening, a flange molded to the probe body, and a plurality of flutes on the exterior surface of the probe, wherein the plurality of flutes are positioned on the exterior surface of the lead-in end and are oriented parallel to each other and to a direction of the product flow through the probe. In some embodiments the plurality of flutes form protrusions and create a non-planar edge geometry at the lead-in end of the probe. In some embodiments, the non-planar edge geometry comprises rounded, scalloped, squared, pointed, troughed, or serrated shapes. The probe comprises from 4 to 20 flutes on the lead-in end of the probe. In some embodiments, the plurality of flutes are symmetrically spaced on the exterior surface of the probe. In some further embodiments, at least two of the plurality of flutes are asymmetrically spaced on the exterior surface of the probe. In some embodiments, the plurality of flutes have approximately the same dimensions. In some further embodiments, at least two of the plurality of flutes have substantially different dimensions. In some embodiments, the plurality of flutes run along the about 50% of the length of the lead-in end of the probe. In some other embodiments, the plurality of flutes run along no more than 50% of the length from the tip of the lead-in end to the flange. In any of the above aspects and embodiments, the probe may further comprise an angled nozzle end. In some further embodiments, the angled nozzle end may comprise an angle from about 10 to about 90 degrees from planar. In yet further embodiments, the angled nozzle end may comprise a 90 degree angle. In any of the above aspects and embodiments, the probe may further comprise a check valve positioned on the interior surface of the probe, and configured to reduce or eliminate leakage of the product from the probe when in use. In any of the above aspects and embodiments, the probe may further comprise a lock bead on at least a portion of the exterior surface of the probe, and located on the lead-in end. In any of the above aspects and embodiments, the probe may further comprise on the nozzle end a threaded portion, one or more ribs, or a roughened surface configured to provide a secure fit to an attachment. Additional aspects and embodiments will be apparent i