Sealed Container Outlet With Detachable Member

Abstract

An outlet assembly for a carton is provided, comprising a flanged member sealably attached to an interior side of the carton, the flanged member having an outlet formation that projects through an outlet hole in the carton, and a cap member mounted on an exterior side of the carton, the cap member having a cover formation that generally fits over the outlet formation. The outlet formation has a detachable member. An inner surface of the cover formation is sealed to the detachable member, such that when the cap member is lifted from the outlet formation, it tears away the detachable portion from the remainder of the outlet formation, thereby forming an outlet opening for the carton.

1 . An outlet assembly for a carton comprising:
 a flanged member sealably attached to an interior side of the carton, the flanged member having an outlet formation that projects through an outlet hole in the carton; and   a cap member mounted on an exterior side of the carton, the cap member having a cover formation that generally fits over the outlet formation of the flanged member;   wherein the outlet formation on the flanged member has a fault line defining a detachable member;   wherein an inner surface of the cover formation is sealed to the detachable member; and   wherein lifting the cap member from the outlet formation tears away the detachable portion from the remainder of the outlet formation, thereby forming an outlet opening for the carton.   
   
   
       2 . An outlet assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the flanged member comprises a flange surrounding the outlet formation, wherein the flange is sealed to the interior side of the carton. 
   
   
       3 . An outlet assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the cap member has a lifting flap extending from the cover formation. 
   
   
       4 . An outlet assembly as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the lifting flap is substantially flat and is designed to lie substantially flat against the outer surface of the carton when the outlet assembly is closed. 
   
   
       5 . An outlet assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the outlet assembly is adapted to be mounted on a gable top carton. 
   
   
       6 . An outlet assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the outlet assembly is adapted to be mounted on a flat top carton. 
   
   
       7 . An outlet assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the cap member is mounted to the carton in a hinged manner. 
   
   
       8 . An outlet assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the cap member comprises a lifting flap, a tab member, and a hinge line between the lifting flap and the tab member. 
   
   
       9 . An outlet assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the inner surface of the cover formation is sealed to the detachable member by heat sealing. 
   
   
       10 . An outlet assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the inner surface of the cover formation is sealed to the detachable member by an adhesive. 
   
   
       11 . A method of manufacturing a carton with an outlet assembly comprising:
 preparing a carton blank having a series of panels, fold lines, and an outlet hole;   providing a flanged member having an outlet formation and a flange, wherein the outlet formation on the flanged member has a fault line defining a detachable member;   inserting the outlet formation of the flanged member into the outlet hole of the blank from a side of the blank that will be the inside surface of the carton, such that the outlet formation projects through the outlet hole in the carton;   sealing the flange of the flanged member to the side of the blank that will be the inside surface of the carton;   mounting a cap member to a side of the blank that will be the exterior side of the carton, the cap member having a cover formation that generally fits over the outlet formation of the flanged member;   sealing an inner surface of the cover formation to the detachable member;   folding the blank into the carton shape;   sealing edges of the blank to provide the carton to be filled, leaving an opening at the top;   filling the carton with liquid to be contained and dispensed; and   sealing edges of the carton at the top to seal the container;   wherein lifting the cap member from the outlet formation tears away the detachable portion from the remainder of the outlet formation, thereby forming an outlet opening for the carton.   
   
   
       12 . A method as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the cap member has a lifting flap extending from the cover formation. 
   
   
       13 . A method as claimed in  claim 12  wherein the lifting flap is substantially flat and is designed to lie substantially flat against the outer surface of the carton when the outlet assembly is closed. 
   
   
       14 . A method as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the outlet assembly is mounted on a gable top carton. 
   
   
       15 . A method as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the outlet assembly is mounted on a flat top carton. 
   
   
       16 . A method as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the cap member is mounted to the carton in a hinged manner. 
   
   
       17 . A method as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the cap member comprises a lifting flap, a tab member, and a hinge line between the lifting flap and the tab member. 
   
   
       18 . A method as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the inner surface of the cover formation is sealed to the detachable member by heat sealing. 
   
   
       19 . A method as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the inner surface of the cover formation is sealed to the detachable member by an adhesive. 
   
   
       20 . A method as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the carton blank comprises paperboard and the flanged member and cap member are plastic. 
   
   
       21 . A method as claimed in  claim 20  wherein the flanged member and cap member are made by thermoforming.