The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 26, 2001
Filed:
Mar. 03, 2000
Wendy Geiger, Bethelem, CT (US);
William Overbaugh, Lakeside, CT (US);
Larry Bartoletti, Northfield, CT (US);
Nestec S.A., Vevey, CH;
Abstract
The invention relates to a dispensing device for dispensing a flowable substance to form a beverage. The device includes a removable container which in a filled state has a main flexible pouch into which is stored the flowable substance and a fitment located at the bottom of the pouch and tightly attached thereto. The fitment is shaped so as to include a pair of side flanges at least one passage for allowing the flowable substance to pass therethrough by gravity. The device also has a dispensing base adapter that includes a pair of side channel-type guides shaped to guide in slidable arrangement the flanges and a bottom bearing surface for supporting the fitment. In addition, the device has an elastic member for maintaining a downwardly oriented pressure of the flanges onto the bottom bearing surface effective to create a substantially tight seal arrangement and prevent the flowable substance from entering the space between the flanges and the bottom bearing surface.