Spout fitment for collapsible package for food products

Abstract

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a spout fitment for a collapsible food package. The spout fitment includes a flange and a spout extending from the flange. A frangible membrane is disposed internal of the spout. The frangible membrane is configured to tear away from the spout along a tear path that is defined by a reduced thickness of the frangible membrane. A pull ring is coupled to the frangible membrane. The tear path defines at least one stress concentrator curve that is configured to reduce a pull force applied to the pull ring required to create an initial tear of the frangible membrane.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A spout fitment for a food package, comprising:
 a flange;   a cylindrical spout extending from the flange and having threads for coupling with a cap assembly;   a frangible membrane disposed internal of the spout, the frangible membrane configured to tear away from the spout along a tear path defined by a reduced thickness of the frangible membrane;   a pull ring coupled to the frangible membrane; and   wherein the tear path comprises a stress concentrator curve reducing a pull force applied to the pull ring required to create an initial tear of the frangible membrane.   
     
     
         2 . The spout fitment of  claim 1  wherein a junction of the pull ring and the frangible membrane is proximate the stress concentrator curve. 
     
     
         3 . The spout fitment of  claim 2  wherein a center of the junction is aligned with a center of the stress concentrator curve. 
     
     
         4 . The spout fitment of  claim 1  wherein the stress concentrator curve has a radius of between 0.05-0.2 inches. 
     
     
         5 . The spout fitment of  claim 4  wherein the stress concentrator curve has a radius of 0.1 inches. 
     
     
         6 . The spout fitment of  claim 1  wherein a shape of the pull ring generally follows the tear path. 
     
     
         7 . The spout fitment of  claim 1  wherein a shape of the pull ring is circular. 
     
     
         8 . The spout fitment of  claim 1  wherein the stress concentrator curve arcs toward the cylindrical spout. 
     
     
         9 . A collapsible food package, comprising:
 a collapsible pouch defining a cavity to contain a food product therein, the collapsible pouch having a dispensing end and a non-dispensing end;   a spout fitment coupled to the collapsible pouch, comprising:   a cylindrical spout;   a pull ring; and   a frangible membrane coupled to the pull ring and configured to separate along a tear path, the tear path defined by a reduced thickness of the frangible membrane and having a stress concentrator curve reducing a pull force applied to the pull ring required to create an initial tear of the frangible membrane; and   a cap assembly in threaded engagement with the cylindrical spout.   
     
     
         10 . The collapsible food package of  claim 9  wherein the spout fitment comprises a flange secured to an interior surface of the collapsible pouch. 
     
     
         11 . The collapsible food package of  claim 9  wherein a junction of the pull ring and the frangible membrane is proximate the stress concentrator curve. 
     
     
         12 . The collapsible food package of  claim 11  wherein a center of the junction is aligned with an apex of the stress concentrator curve. 
     
     
         13 . The collapsible food package of  claim 9  wherein the stress concentrator curve arcs toward the cylindrical spout. 
     
     
         14 . A collapsible food containment and delivery system for a dairy product, the system comprising:
 a collapsible pouch having a dispensing end and a non-dispensing end, the pouch forming a cavity to contain a dairy product therein;   a spout fitment, comprising:   a flange coupled to the collapsible pouch;   a cylindrical spout extending from the flange and at least partially through an opening proximate the dispensing end of the collapsible pouch;   a frangible membrane disposed internal of the cylindrical spout, the frangible membrane configured to tear away from the cylindrical spout along a tear path;   a pull ring coupled to the frangible membrane;   wherein the tear path is defined by a reduced thickness of the frangible membrane and has a stress concentrator curve reducing a pull force applied to the pull ring required to create an initial tear of the frangible membrane; and   a cap assembly in threaded engagement with the cylindrical spout.   
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14  wherein a junction of the pull ring and the frangible membrane is proximate an apex of the stress concentrator curve. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15  wherein the stress concentrator curve has a radius of between 0.05-0.2 inches. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 14  wherein the stress concentrator curve arcs toward the cylindrical spout.