Two-part plug assembly for a spout

Abstract

A two-part plug assembly is disclosed for a drip-proof spout on an aseptic flexible container for flowable materials. The two-part plug assembly may include a plug and a plug insert, wherein the plug insert may include a flow inhibitor such as a baffle or valve. In a first step, the plug assembly is removably placed in a first position on a spout prior to aseptic filling. During filling, the plug assembly is removed. After filling, the plug insert assembly is replaced in a second position further down the spout wherein the plug insert fixedly engages the spout. When fixedly engaged to the spout, the plug insert remains inside the spout when the plug is removed prior to a user dispensing the flowable material. The flow inhibitor in the plug insert provides protection from leaking when the flexible container is inverted or inadvertently squeezed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus, comprising:
 a plug assembly attached to a fitment;   wherein the plug assembly is removable from the fitment;   wherein the plug assembly is hermetically sealed to the fitment;   wherein the plug assembly comprises a plug and a plug insert; and   wherein the plug is removably attached to the plug insert.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plug insert is hermetically sealed to the fitment. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plug insert is hermetically sealed to a spout. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plug is hermetically sealed to the plug insert. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plug is comprised of a flexible material. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plug insert and the fitment comprise a means for engaging in order to retain the plug insert in the fitment when the plug is separated from the plug insert. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plug insert comprises a plug insert body and a means for inhibiting a flow of a flowable material through a spout. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the plug insert body comprises,
 a distal plug insert portion,   a central plug insert portion,   and a proximal plug insert portion; and   where the central plug insert portion extends in a vertical plane between the inner plug wall and at least one plug insert recess.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the distal plug insert portion is in sealable contact with an inner plug wall; and
 wherein the central plug insert portion extends in a vertical plane between the inner plug wall and at least one plug insert recess.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the proximal plug insert portion comprises the at least one plug insert recess and at least one plug insert tab; and
 wherein the at least one plug insert tab is adapted to engage at least one internal spout tab when the at least one internal spout tab is situated within the at least one plug insert recess.