Dispensing spout

Abstract

A dispensing spout for dispensing pourable contents from a package is described. The spout comprises a shaft having a mouth at its distal end and a flange extending radially around an aperture at its proximal end. The spout is characterized by the flange having an adhesive layer upon its underside for retrofitting the spout to an outer surface of the package. Pourable contents are dispensable from the package in a controlled manner after puncturing the surface of the dispensable package through the aperture.

1 . A dispensing spout for dispensing pourable contents from a package, said spout comprising a shaft having a mouth at its distal end and a flange extending radially around an aperture at its proximal end; the spout characterized by said flange having an adhesive layer upon its underside for attachment of the spout to an outer surface of the package such that the pourable contents are dispensable from the package in a controlled manner after puncturing the surface of the dispensable package under said aperture. 
   
   
       2 . The spout according to  claim 1 , further comprising a removable lid for covering said mouth and for sealing the shaft, thereby preventing passage of the pourable contents through the spout. 
   
   
       3 . The spout according to  claim 2 , wherein said lid is selected from the group comprising screw-caps, bungs and hinged elements adapted to stopper said spout. 
   
   
       4 . The spout according to  claim 2 , wherein the shaft is provided with a male screw thread there-around and the lid comprises a screw-cap having a female screw thread around its inside surface. 
   
   
       5 . The spout according to  claim 1 , wherein the dimensions of the flange and composition of said adhesive layer are suitable for attaching the spout to a cardboard surface of a carton. 
   
   
       6 . The spout according to  claim 1 , wherein the dimensions of the flange and composition of said adhesive layer are suitable for attaching the spout to a plastic surface of a carton. 
   
   
       7 . The spout according to  claim 1 , wherein the dimensions of the flange and composition of said adhesive material are suitable for attaching the spout to a polyethylene bag. 
   
   
       8 . The spout according to  claim 1 , wherein the dimensions of the flange and composition of said adhesive material are suitable for attaching the spout to a paper bag. 
   
   
       9 . The spout according to  claim 1 , wherein the dimensions of the flange and composition of said adhesive material are suitable for attaching the spout to a woven fabric. 
   
   
       10 . The spout according to  claim 1 , wherein the adhesive layer is protected by a release layer which is removed before attachment to said package. 
   
   
       11 . The spout according to  claim 10 , wherein said release layer comprises waxed paper. 
   
   
       12 . The spout according to  claim 1 , further comprising a cutter for puncturing said surface of the dispensable package under said aperture. 
   
   
       13 . The spout according to  claim 12  wherein said cutter is configured to puncture said surface by rotating. 
   
   
       14 . An array of connected dispensing spouts as claimed in  claim 1  supplied in an array from which individual spouts are detachable as required. 
   
   
       15 . A method for dispensing pourable contents from a package as claimed in  claim 1 , by:
 a. providing a spout comprising a shaft having a mouth at its distal end and a flange extending radially around an aperture at its proximal end, wherein said flange has an adhesive layer upon its underside;   c. attaching said spout to an outer surface of the package via said adhesive layer;   d. puncturing the surface of the dispensable package within an area encompassed by said flange; and   e. pouring contents through said aperture.   
   
   
       16 . The method for dispensing pourable contents from a package according to  claim 15 , where the adhesive layer is covered by a removable release additionally comprising the optional step between step a and step c, of;
 b. releasing the removable release.   
   
   
       17 . A method for dispensing pourable contents from a package according to  claim 15  wherein said spout further comprises a lid configured to cover said mouth and seal the shaft thus preventing passage of material through the spout and isolating the package contents from the environment.