Package

Abstract

A package to facilitate the use of squeeze bottles and other dispensers, particularly in the food service industry. The invention is directed to, in particular, a combined bottle liner and food product which includes a liner pouch, a liner fitment, preferably a fitment closure, and a food product contained within the liner pouch. The product of the invention facilitates the use of squeeze bottles for products such as mayonnaise and other dressings in food service by permitting sale of a combined bottle liner and food product to the busy eating establishment. The eating establishment can simply insert the liner into the squeeze bottle or other dispenser and open the closure. A closure is placed on the squeeze bottle and releasably secured to the fitment and the squeeze bottle, after which the squeeze bottle is ready to dispense the product. The invention also concerns the process of using the package in food service.

1 . A liner for a bottle, which liner comprises:
 (a) a liner pouch, and   (b) a fitment attached to one end of said pouch, said fitment being suitable to be fastened, directly or indirectly, to a bottle, said fitment not being permanently connected to a dispensing spout, the interior of said fitment being in fluid communication with the interior of said liner pouch whereby product contained within said pouch can flow out of said pouch through the interior of said fitment.   
   
   
       2 . The liner according to  claim 1  wherein the pouch is heat sealed on four sides. 
   
   
       3 . The liner according to  claim 1  wherein the pouch is heat sealed on two sides. 
   
   
       4 . The liner according to  claim 1  wherein said pouch has a second end and the pouch is crimped with a clamp at said second end. 
   
   
       5 . The liner according to  claim 4  wherein said clamp is made from metal. 
   
   
       6 . The liner according to  claim 1  wherein said pouch is self supporting so that it can stand on a second end of said pouch. 
   
   
       7 . The liner according to  claim 6  wherein said self-supporting pouch includes a gusseted bottom at said second end. 
   
   
       8 . The liner according to  claim 1  in combination with a bottle and a bottle closure, said liner being contained within said bottle, said bottle closure including a dispensing spout in fluid communication with said fitment and said pouch interior, said closure being releasably fastened to said fitment and to said bottle. 
   
   
       9 . The combined liner, bottle and bottle closure according to  claim 8  wherein said dispensing spout includes a one way dispensing nozzle. 
   
   
       10 . The combined liner, bottle and bottle closure according to  claim 8  wherein said closure is releasably fastened to said fitment with screw threads. 
   
   
       11 . The combined liner, bottle and bottle closure according to  claim 8  wherein said closure is releasably fastened to said fitment with a lug and detent. 
   
   
       12 . The combined liner, bottle and bottle closure according to  claim 8  wherein said closure is releasably fastened by a snap fit. 
   
   
       13 . The combined liner, bottle and bottle closure according to  claim 8  wherein said closure includes a male member received within said fitment when said closure is releasably fastened to said fitment. 
   
   
       14 . The combined liner, bottle and bottle closure according to  claim 9  wherein said bottle includes a one way valve permitting air to enter the bottle as product is dispensed through the dispensing nozzle. 
   
   
       15 . The liner, bottle and bottle closure according to  claim 8  in combination with an edible material contained within said liner.