Dispensing system, nozzle and flexible bag assembly for a flexible bag

Abstract

A dispensing system for a flexible bag (12) includes a nozzle (14) having a body, a plug, and first and second flexible couplers. The body includes a central bore extending therethrough, a lower annular wall at a lower end. The plug has a cavity and a plug annular wall attachable to the lower annular wall in sealing engagement. The first and second flexible couplers are each formed by a base web and extend from the lower end of the body. A first arm is coupled to the base web at a first hinge. A second arm is coupled to the first arm opposite the base web at a central hinge. A third arm is coupled to the second arm opposite the first arm at a plug hinge. A flexible bag assembly (10) is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] not applicable Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to the dispensing of flowable materials, and more specifically to a dispensing system for flexible bags. Additionally, a flexible bag assembly having a nozzle of this disclosure for use with a probe is disclosed. Background Technology

[0004] The use of connector assemblies with plugs is known in the art, the plugs being releasably detachable (e.g., via a probe) from a nozzle inside a flexible pouch and then reattached after filling or dispensing. Such nozzles allow for filling or dispensing and closing of the nozzle before the probe is removed.

[0005] One such solution is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,126,045, entitled "Connector Assembly For AFluid Connection," which was licensed to Laurens Last and assigned to ITSAC NV. Another such solution is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,871,679, entitled "Bag And Dispensing System Comprising Such ABag," which was licensed to Laurens Last and assigned to IPN IP BV. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Each of these solutions utilizes a probe inserted into a nozzle, which then engages with a plug, allowing the plug to be removed from the nozzle to allow dispensing or filling via the probe. Upon completion, the probe reattaches the plug to the nozzle to seal it, allowing the nozzle to be detached from the plug and removed.

[0006] While this solution has been successful, improvements are still possible. For example, in some cases during the dispensing process, such a solution could be positioned where a vacuum has sealed the nozzle, thus stopping further dispensing. In other cases, the connector used between the nozzle body and the plug applies a force to the plug, which can inadvertently remove the plug from the probe during use. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a dispensing system for a flexible bag, the dispensing system comprising a nozzle. The nozzle comprises a body, a plug, a first flexible coupler, and a second flexible coupler. The body is sealable to a flexible bag. The body comprises a central aperture extending therethrough, a lower annular wall at a lower end of the body. The plug has a cavity and a plug annular wall. The plug annular wall is attachable to the lower annular wall in sealing engagement. The first and second flexible couplers are each formed from a base web and extend from the lower end of the body. A first arm is coupled to the base web at a body hinge. A second arm is coupled to the first arm opposite the base web at a central hinge. The plug is coupled to the second arm opposite the first arm at a plug hinge.

[0008] In some configurations, the plug is positionable between a first closed position and a second open position. In the closed position, each of the first and second arms are canted from one another. Each of the body hinge, the central hinge, and the plug hinge are hinged in this configuration.

[0009] In some configurations, the base web comprises a right triangle that terminates proximate the body hinge and a distal end of the first arm.

[0010] In some configurations, in the second open position, the first arm of the first flexible coupler is parallel to the first arm of the second flexible coupler.

[0011] In some configurations, at least one of the first and second arms of at least one of the flexible couplers further comprises an opposing protrusion extending from at least one side of the arm, the opposing protrusion defining a flow channel.

[0012] In some configurations, each second arm of each flexible coupler comprises an opposing protrusion extending from opposite sides of the second arm.

[0013] In some configurations, the plug is defined by an upstanding side, at least one outer rib extending longitudinally along an outer surface of the upstanding side.

[0014] In some configurations, the upstanding side terminates at a circumferential rib. The circumferential rib comprises at least one transverse channel positioned in correspondence with the at least one outer rib.

[0015] In some configurations, the at least one outer rib comprises at least four outer ribs spaced apart from one another around the outer surface of the upstanding side.

[0016] In some configurations, the plug hinge of the first flexible coupler and the plug hinge of the second flexible coupler couple a circumferential edge to a respective one of the second arms.

[0017] In some configurations, the at least one rib terminates proximate the plug hinge of each of the first and second flexible couplers.

[0018] In some configurations, the plug ring wall further includes an outer sealing rim extending around the plug ring wall. The at least one ring wall groove is located in the plug ring wall between the sealing rim and an upper end face of the plug ring wall.

[0019] In some configurations, the at least one ring wall groove further includes a pair of opposing ring grooves.

[0020] In some configurations, a plane defined by the pair of opposing ring grooves is perpendicular to a plane defined by the first and second flexible couplers.

[0021] In some configurations, the probe is insertable through the central bore and releasably attachable to the plug.

[0022] In some configurations, the probe further includes a cavity. The cavity terminates at a conical lower end. The volume of the cavity is less than the volume of the cavity of the plug such that when the cavity is inserted into the cavity of the plug, a volume is left at the lower end of the plug due to the cavity being spaced apart from the lower end wall of the plug.

[0023] In another aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure relates to a nozzle. The nozzle includes a body, a plug, a first flexible coupler, and a second flexible coupler. The body is sealable to a flexible bag. The body includes a central bore extending through the body, a lower ring wall at a lower end of the body. The plug has a cavity and a plug ring wall. The plug ring wall is attachable to the lower ring wall in a sealingly engaged manner. The first and second flexible couplers are each formed from a base web and extend from the lower end of the body. A first arm is coupled to the base web at a body hinge. A second arm is coupled to the first arm opposite the base web at a central hinge. The plug is coupled to the second arm opposite the first arm at a plug hinge.

[0024] In yet another aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure relates to a flexible bag assembly including a flexible bag and a nozzle. The flexible bag is defined by a first panel and a second panel, a plurality of seals coupling the first and second panels to form a cavity. The nozzle includes a body, a plug, a first flexible coupler, and a second flexible coupler. The body is sealable to the flexible bag. The body includes a central bore extending through the body, a lower ring wall at a lower end of the body. The plug has a cavity and a plug ring wall. The plug ring wall is attachable to the lower ring wall in a sealingly engaged manner. The first and second flexible couplers are each formed from a base web and extend from the lower end of the body. A first arm is coupled to the base web at a body hinge. A second arm is coupled to the first arm opposite the base web at a central hinge. The plug is coupled to the second arm opposite the first arm at a plug hinge.

[0025] In some configurations, the probe is insertable through the central bore and releasably attachable to the plug.

[0026] Methods of dispensing or filling with the probe are likewise disclosed as other aspects of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0028] In the drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of a flexible bag assembly of the present disclosure;

[0029] In the drawings Figure 2 is a perspective view of a probe for use with the nozzle and flexible bag of the present disclosure;

[0030] In the drawings Figure 3 is a perspective view of a nozzle of the flexible bag assembly of the present disclosure;

[0031] In the drawings Figure 4 is a perspective cutaway view of a nozzle of the flexible bag assembly of the present disclosure;

[0032] In the drawings Figure 5 is a cutaway view of a nozzle of the flexible bag assembly of the present disclosure;

[0033] In the drawings Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of a nozzle of the flexible bag assembly of the present disclosure;

[0034] In the drawings Figure 7A is a cutaway view of a probe inserted into the nozzle, configured to fill the flexible bag through the probe;

[0035] In the drawings Figure 7B is a cutaway view of a probe inserted into the nozzle, configured to dispense from the flexible bag through the probe;

[0036] In the drawings Figure 8A is a side view of the nozzle in a second, open configuration; and

[0037] In the drawings Figure 8B is a side view of the nozzle in a first, closed configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail herein. It should be understood that the disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosure and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments illustrated.

[0039] It should be understood that like or similar elements and / or components, referred to herein, can be indicated throughout the specification by like reference numerals. Furthermore, it should be understood that the drawings are only schematic representations of the application and are not to scale, some of the components being exaggerated in thickness or width to facilitate explanation of the principles of the application.

[0040] Reference will now be made to the drawings, and specifically to Figure 1A flexible pouch assembly is generally shown at 10. The flexible pouch assembly includes a pouch 112 and a spout 14. The pouch 112 can include a flexible pouch of a variety of different sizes and configurations. In the configuration shown, the flexible pouch includes a sachet (typically up to 2.5 liters in size, although other sizes are contemplated). The flexible pouch is configured to provide a fluid-tight configuration that can receive and dispense a flowable material, such as a liquid, syrup, suspension, emulsion, paste, food, oil, beverage, condiment, spice, etc. There is no limitation on the particular flowable material that can be placed in the flexible pouch.

[0041] The flexible pouch 12 includes a first panel 20 and a second panel 22 that are attached together by a plurality of seals 23. In some configurations, the flexible pouch can be lined, where an additional panel is utilized and sealed together to form a fluid-tight cavity. The flexible pouch panels can be made from a variety of different materials, including but not limited to laminated and / or co-extruded polymer-based films, biofilms, single material films that can be coated or metallized. The seals can be formed by heat sealing, RF welding, IR welding, adhesives, etc. In the configuration shown, the plug is configured for a fin seal. It is contemplated that in other configurations, the plug can be coupled to a single wall of the flexible pouch, rather than sandwiched between two opposing panels and forming a seal therebetween.

[0042] The spout 14 (generally referred to as the female member of the spout and plug dispensing system of the present disclosure) is shown in Figures 3 to 6 including a body 24, a plug 26, and opposing flexible couplers 28, 28'. In the configuration shown, the spout is integrally molded from a polymer, such as a polyethylene material (but not limited thereto).

[0043] The body 24 includes a first fin surface 30 and a second fin surface 32 opposite the first fin surface. As understood by those skilled in the art, such fin surfaces cooperate with the panels and form part of the seals 23 that provide the fluid-tight cavity of the flexible pouch. In the configuration shown, each fin surface has three parallel and spaced apart fin seal flanges that seal to the seals 23. The body of the spout is defined by an upper surface 24 and a lower end 36, with a central aperture 40 extending through the upper surface 24 and the lower end 36. Opposing lateral channels 38 can be formed near the upper surface to facilitate retention in channels of a frame or cradle that is connected with a filler. The channels 38 are generally parallel to the upper surface 24 and / or perpendicular to a central axis of the central aperture 40, and are located on opposite sides of the central aperture 40.

[0044] The central bore 40 is defined by an inner surface 46 extending from a first end 42 to a second end 44. Near the second end is a lower annular wall 48, which forms the end of the central bore 40. The lower annular wall 48 includes an outer surface 50, an inner surface 52, and an axial end face 54. The inner surface 52 includes an upper seat surface 56 and a shoulder surface 58. The upper seat surface 56 is inclined inwards such that, in a cross-sectional view, its diameter decreases away from the axial end face 54, while the shoulder surface forms an outwardly projecting flange from the end of the upper seat surface.

[0045] Plug 26 Figures 4 to 6 The configuration shown includes a lower end wall 60, an upright side 62, a circumferential edge 70, and a plug annular wall 74. The end wall and the upright side define a cavity 91. The upright side 62, which defines a cylindrical structure in the illustrated configuration, includes an outer surface 64 and an inner surface 66. A plurality of outer ribs 68 extend longitudinally on the sides of the outer surface 64 and taper as they extend radially inward at the lower end wall 60. In the illustrated configuration, four outer ribs are shown as a configuration spaced apart around the outer surface of the upright side (and taper radially inward toward each other at the lower end wall). Additionally, in the illustrated configuration, one pair of outer ribs is aligned with the first flexible connector 28 and the second flexible connector 28', and another pair of outer ribs is spaced 90° from the first flexible connector 28 and the second flexible connector 28' and is substantially perpendicular to the plane bisecting the surfaces of the first and second fins. In other configurations, more or fewer ribs are conceivable, and a variety of different configurations are conceivable.

[0046] In the illustrated configuration, the outer rib terminates at the circumferential edge 70. Furthermore, in the illustrated configuration, the transverse channels 72 are aligned with the corresponding ribs in the outer rib on opposite sides.

[0047] The plug ring wall 74 shown includes an outer surface 76 and an inner surface 78, both terminating at an upper end face 80. The plug ring wall is structurally configured to engage both sealingly with a lower ring wall and with a probe (e.g., probe 16). The outer surface of the plug ring wall 74 also includes an outer sealing edge 82, an outer seat surface 84, and an outer hook surface 86. The outer seat surface slopes outward from the upper end face 80 and terminates at the hook surface 86, which points inward at its end on the outer seat surface. The outer sealing edge is spaced apart from the hook surface 86.

[0048] The inner surface 78 of the plug ring wall 74 includes an inner seat surface 88, an inner shoulder 90, and an inner guide surface 92. The inner seat surface 88 slopes inwardly from the upper end surface 80. The inner shoulder 90 is located at the end of the inner seat surface and extends outwardly therefrom. The inner guide surface slopes inwardly toward the lower end wall to provide a narrowing of the cavity 91 and also to guide the probe further into the cavity 91. A pair of opposing ring wall slots 94 extend on opposite sides of the plug ring wall and bisect the ring wall into two arcuate structures. The pair of opposing ring wall slots are positioned to define a plane that extends through the central aperture and also bisects the first fin surface and the second fin surface (the plane is perpendicular to the plane that extends between the fin surfaces).

[0049] The first and second flexible couplings 28, 28' extend from opposite sides of the lower end 36 of the body 24 of the nozzle 14 and to the plug 26 to connect the plug 26 with the body 24 of the nozzle. The flexible couplings are in a plane that bisects the central aperture between the first fin surface 30 and the second fin surface 32, although other configurations are also possible. The first flexible coupling 28 will be described in detail, with the understanding that the second flexible coupling 28' is substantially a mirror image thereof.

[0050] The flexible coupling 28 includes a base web 96 and an arm assembly 98. The base web has a proximal end 100 and a distal end 102, with opposite sides, a first side 104 and a second side 106. The base web extends from the lower end 36 of the body 24. In the illustrated configuration, the base web defines a right triangle with a hypotenuse that extends outwardly from the lower end of the body 24. The arm assembly 98 includes a first arm 108 and a second arm 110. The first arm 108 includes an inner surface 118 and an outer surface 120. The second arm includes an inner surface 122 and an outer surface 124. The first arm 108 extends from the distal end 102 of the base web 96 to the second arm 110. The second arm extends to the plug 26 and is connected to the plug 26 near the circumferential edge 70.

[0051] The first arm is attached to the distal end 102 of the base web by a body hinge 112, which includes a notch on the inner surface 118 of the first arm. The first and second arms are connected together at a center hinge 114, which includes notches on the outer surface 120 of the first arm and the outer surface 124 of the second arm. The second arm 110 is connected to the circumferential edge 70 at a plug hinge 116, which includes a notch on the inner surface 122 of the second arm 110.

[0052] Opposing protrusions 126 are defined to extend from both sides of the second arm 110. These opposing protrusions define a flow passage 128 therebetween. In the illustrated configuration, there are two protrusions on each side, defining a flow passage therebetween. Also, each of the opposing protrusions is substantially uniform and mirror images of one another on opposing sides, although variations are contemplated. The opposing protrusions include a pair of side-by-side spaced undulations or waves defined by peaks having curved surfaces on either side thereof. The opposing protrusions can be on only one side of one or both of the first and second arms, or on both sides of one or both of the first and second arms. In the illustrated configuration, the opposing protrusions are on both sides of the second arms of both flexible couplings. It is also contemplated that only one flexible coupling can include opposing protrusions.

[0053] The probe 16 is shown in Figure 2 extending between a proximal end 130 and a distal end 132. A probe bore 134 extends through the probe 16. Annular protrusions 144 and a stop ridge 146 are spaced apart from one another to form a groove 148, each including a substantially flat surface. The annular protrusions and the stop ridge divide the probe into an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes the hose nipple portion 136. The hose nipple portion 136 includes an outer surface 140 and barbs 142. The hose nipple portion is configured to sealingly engage a hose coupled thereto.

[0054] The lower portion of the probe 16 includes an upper insert body portion 150, a dispensing body portion 158, and a head portion 164. The upper insert body portion 150 includes an outer surface 152 and a recess 154 having a stop flange 156 at a lower end thereof. The outer surface is substantially cylindrical, and the stop flange 156 can be axially outward from the outer surface 152.

[0055] The dispensing body portion 158 depends from the stop flange 156 and defines an outer surface 160 that is axially inward of (i.e., has a diameter less than) the stop flange 156. In addition, the dispensing body portion 158 includes a transverse passage 162 that is generally perpendicular to the probe bore 134 and through the outer surface 160.

[0056] The head portion 164 includes a circumferential groove 166, a locking rim 168, and a cavity 176. The circumferential groove 166 is below the dispensing body portion. The locking rim 168 defines an upper shoulder 170, an interface surface 172, and a discharge passage 174. The upper shoulder spans between the circumferential groove and the interface surface 172. The discharge passage 178 is defined in the interface surface and the upper shoulder and is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the probe bore 134.

[0057] The cavity 176 includes a conical lower end 178, which in the illustrated configuration includes a frustoconical configuration. As will be explained, the cavity is configured to extend into the cavity of the plug. It is contemplated that if the probe is configured to fill a flexible pouch, the cavity can substantially match the configuration of the cavity 91. Whereas in the case of a probe for dispensing flowable material from a flexible pouch, the cavity of the probe can be smaller than the configuration of the cavity.

[0058] In operation, it will be appreciated that the plug can be in at least different positions (as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 2): an open position, in which the plug 26 is separated from the lower annular wall 48; and a closed position, in which the plug is releasably and sealingly attached to the lower annular wall 48. When in the open position, the plug is spaced apart from the body and is held in such a separated orientation by the flexible couplers 28, 28'. In the closed position, the plug and the body are fully and sealingly engaged such that the plug provides a seal for the central aperture at the lower end of the central aperture. Figure 8A and Figure 8B In the open position, the plug is spaced apart from the body and is held in such a separated orientation by the flexible couplers 28, 28'. In the closed position, the plug and the body are fully and sealingly engaged such that the plug provides a seal for the central aperture at the lower end of the central aperture.

[0059] In the open position, preferably, the first arms 108 and 108' of each arm assembly of the flexible couplers 28, 28' are substantially parallel to each other, while the second arms are angled to the first arms 108 and 108'. In the closed configuration, the articulation of each of the body hinge, the central hinge, and the plug hinge causes the first and second arms to be angled to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the central aperture.

[0060] In the closed position, the outer hook surface 86 of the plug engages against the shoulder surface 58 of the body 24 to releasably lock the plug to the body. Additionally, in the closed position, the outer sealing rim 82 seals the upper seating surface 56 of the lower annular wall 48.

[0061] When a probe, such as the probe 16, is inserted into the central aperture 40, the probe is guided into contact with the plug 26. In particular, the cavity 176 of the probe is guided into the cavity 91. As the probe continues, the interface surface 172 pushes against the inner seating surface 88 of the probe, causing the seating surface to flare outward, thereby maintaining engagement between the outer hook surface 86 of the plug 26 and the shoulder surface 58 of the body. Continued movement of the probe in the direction of insertion eventually guides the probe past the inner shoulder 90 of the plug annular wall, such that the upper shoulder 170 of the head of the probe lockingly engages the inner shoulder 90. In the case where flowable material is retained within the cavity of the plug, insertion of the probe can direct the flowable material through the discharge passage 174 and out of the cavity. In the case of a dispensing probe (as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 3), the volume and shape of the cavity is smaller than the cavity of the plug, thereby leaving some space for fluid within the cavity near the lower end wall of the plug. Figure 7B As illustrated, for example, in FIG. 3, the probe 16 is configured to dispense flowable material from a flexible pouch. In this case, the cavity 176 of the probe is smaller than the cavity 91 of the plug 26. In particular, the volume of the cavity 176 is less than the volume of the cavity 91, and the shape of the cavity 176 is different than the shape of the cavity 91. In particular, the lower end wall 178 of the cavity 176 is closer to the interface surface 172 than the lower end wall 92 of the cavity 91. In this case, the interface surface 172 of the cavity 176 is configured to engage the inner seating surface 88 of the probe 16, and the upper shoulder 170 of the head of the probe is configured to engage the inner shoulder 90 of the plug 26.

[0062] Once engaged, further insertion pushes the plug away from the nozzle. Initially, such insertion directs the outer seat surface inward until the outer hook surface 86 is sufficiently moved away from the shoulder surface 58 (and toward and into the circumferential groove 166) so that the plug can be directed out of the central bore of the body of the nozzle. Additionally, such inward movement is facilitated by the annular wall groove 94, which allows the upper portion of the plug annular wall to move inward and reduce the force required to separate the plug from the body of the nozzle by the probe. Figure 7A (For filling probes) and Figure 7B (For dispensing probes) are shown.

[0063] Further insertion directs the plug away from the body of the nozzle (the plug movement is jointly controlled by the probe in conjunction with the first and second flexible couplings). Finally, the stop flange 156 engages the shoulder surface 58 of the central bore 40 to prevent further insertion movement of the probe. The flowable material can then be directed into or out of the flexible package through the transverse passage 162 and the probe bore 134.

[0064] Advantageously, with three separate hinges of each arm assembly, the arm assemblies provide controlled movement and deflection of the arms when in the closed position or the open position, and the biasing force of the arms to direct the plug to or from the closed position can be minimized. Thus, control of the plug can be maintained without exerting a strong biasing force on the plug.

[0065] In the case where fluid is being directed out of the flexible package, the package has a tendency to be pulled against the surfaces of itself and the body, the flexible couplings and the plug. The outer ribs 68 of the plug, in conjunction with the transverse channels 72 of the circumferential edge, maintain fluid passageways and prevent blockage of the outflow from the flexible package due to vacuum forces. Additionally, similarly, the configuration of the opposing protrusions 126, 126' on each second arm of the flexible couplings maintain the open flow channels 128, 128' under such vacuum conditions.

[0066] When complete, it is desirable to remove the probe from within the flexible bag and from within the nozzle. To accomplish this, the probe is retracted from within the central bore. The initial movement pulls the plug back toward and into contact with the lower annular wall 48 of the body 24 of the nozzle. The three hinges and two arms of each arm assembly facilitate articulation at all three hinges to minimize the biasing force exerted on the plug, thereby minimizing the ability of such biasing force to move the plug from the probe.

[0067] The continued retraction movement of the probe directs the outer seating surface 84 against the upper seating surface 56 and directs the outer seating surface of the probe inward. This inward movement keeps the probe within the cavity of the plug as the plug is being inserted into the central bore. Finally, the outer hook surface 86 engages the shoulder surface 58, thereby locking the plug to the body. This insertion also moves the outer sealing edge 82 of the plug into the central bore, thereby sealing (fluidically and airtightly) the central bore from the flexible bag cavity.

[0068] Further retraction movement directs the outer seating surface outward so that the upper shoulder 170 of the head of the probe 16 can be directed past the inner shoulder 90 of the plug, thereby releasing the probe from the plug and allowing the probe to be further and fully removed from within the central bore.

[0069] The foregoing description explains and describes the disclosure and is not limited thereby, unless so defined by the appended claims, as those skilled in the art having the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications, as necessary, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A dispensing system for flexible bags, the dispensing system comprising: The nozzle has: A body capable of being sealed to the flexible bag, the body including a central hole extending through the body and having a lower annular wall at the lower end of the body; A plug having a cavity, the plug having a plug annular wall that can be attached to the lower annular wall in a sealing engagement; as well as A first flexible connector and a second flexible connector, both formed by: a base web extending from the lower end of the body; a first arm connected to the base web at a body hinge; and a second arm connected to the first arm opposite to the base web at a central hinge. The plug is connected to the second arm at a plug hinge, opposite to the first arm; and Wherein, at least one of the first arm and the second arm of at least one of the first flexible connector and the second flexible connector further includes a relative protrusion extending from at least one side of the arm, the relative protrusion defining a flow channel.

2. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein, The plug can be positioned between a first closed position and a second open position, wherein, in the closed position, the first arm and the second arm are both inclined relative to each other, and wherein the main hinge, the central hinge and the plug hinge are all hinged.

3. The distribution system according to claim 2, wherein, The base web includes a right-angled triangle that terminates at a distal end near the main hinge and the first arm.

4. The distribution system according to claim 2, wherein, In the second open position, the first arm of the first flexible connector is parallel to the first arm of the second flexible connector.

5. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein, Each second arm of each flexible connector includes opposing protrusions extending from opposite sides of the second arm.

6. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein, The plug is defined by an upright side, and at least one outer rib extends longitudinally along the outer surface of the upright side.

7. The distribution system according to claim 6, wherein, The upright side terminates at a circumferential rib, the circumferential rib including at least one transverse channel positioned corresponding to the at least one outer rib.

8. The distribution system according to claim 6, wherein, The at least one outer rib includes at least four outer ribs spaced apart from each other around the outer surface of the upright side.

9. The distribution system according to claim 6, wherein, The plug hinge of the first flexible connector and the plug hinge of the second flexible connector connect the circumferential edge of the plug to a corresponding one of the second arms.

10. The distribution system according to claim 9, wherein, At least one rib terminates near the plug hinge of each of the first flexible connector and the second flexible connector.

11. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein, The plug ring wall further includes an outer sealing edge extending around the plug ring wall, and at least one ring wall groove is located in the plug ring wall between the sealing edge and the upper end face of the plug ring wall.

12. The distribution system according to claim 11, wherein, The at least one annular wall groove further includes a pair of opposing annular grooves.

13. The distribution system according to claim 12, wherein, The plane defined by the pair of opposing annular grooves is perpendicular to the plane defined by the first flexible connector and the second flexible connector.

14. The dispensing system of claim 1, further comprising a probe capable of being inserted through the central hole and releasably attached to the plug.

15. The distribution system according to claim 14, wherein, The probe further includes a cavity terminating at a conical lower end. The volume of the cavity is smaller than that of the plug cavity, such that when the cavity is inserted into the plug cavity, a volume is left at the lower end of the plug because the cavity is spaced apart from the lower end wall of the plug.

16. A nozzle having: A body capable of being sealed to a flexible bag, the body including a central hole extending through the body and having a lower annular wall at the lower end of the body; A plug having a cavity, the plug having a plug annular wall that can be attached to a lower annular wall in a sealing engagement; and A first flexible connector and a second flexible connector, both formed by: a base web extending from the lower end of the body; a first arm connected to the base web at a body hinge; and a second arm connected to the first arm opposite to the base web at a central hinge. in, The plug is connected to the second arm opposite to the first arm at the plug hinge; and Wherein, at least one of the first arm and the second arm of at least one of the first flexible connector and the second flexible connector further includes a relative protrusion extending from at least one side of the arm, the relative protrusion defining a flow channel.

17. A flexible bag assembly, the flexible bag assembly comprising: A flexible bag defined by a first panel and a second panel, the flexible bag having a plurality of seals connecting the first panel and the second panel to form a cavity; A nozzle capable of being attached to the flexible bag in a hermetically sealed manner, the nozzle providing selective fluid communication with a cavity of the flexible bag, the nozzle further comprising: A body capable of being sealed to the flexible bag, the body including a central hole extending through the body and having a lower annular wall at the lower end of the body; A plug having a cavity, the plug having a plug annular wall that can be attached to a lower annular wall in a sealing engagement; and A first flexible connector and a second flexible connector, both formed by: a base web extending from the lower end of the body; a first arm connected to the base web at a body hinge; and a second arm connected to the first arm opposite to the base web at a central hinge. The plug is connected to the second arm at a plug hinge, opposite to the first arm; and Wherein, at least one of the first arm and the second arm of at least one of the first flexible connector and the second flexible connector further includes a relative protrusion extending from at least one side of the arm, the relative protrusion defining a flow channel.

18. The flexible bag assembly of claim 17, further comprising a probe capable of being inserted through the central hole and releasably attached to the plug.

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