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 . A method, comprising:
 removably inserting a plug assembly into a spout;   wherein the plug assembly comprises a plug and a plug insert;   removing the plug assembly from the spout;   filling a container with a flowable material through the spout;   irremovably inserting the plug assembly into the spout; and   removing a plug from the spout while the plug insert remains in the spout.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the plug assembly is inserted a first time into a pre-filling position wherein at least one plug insert tab does not engage at least one internal spout tab; and
 wherein the plug assembly is inserted a second time into a post-filling position where the at least one plug insert tab engages the at least one internal spout tab.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising guiding positioning of the plug assembly into the pre-filling position by including at least one short recess in an outer plug wall;
 guiding positioning of the plug assembly into the post-filling position by including at least one long recess in the outer plug wall; and   wherein the at least one short recess and the at least one long recess are adapted to engage at least one fitment bar on a fitment.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the plug insert includes at least one of a baffle and a valve. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising capping the plug prior to removing the plug from the spout. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the method is aseptic.