Container fitment with rotatable dispensing restrictor including self-return to restricted state

Abstract

Implementations relate to a container fitment that includes a rotatable restrictor. In some implementations, a fitment for a container includes a plug and a collar. The plug is coupled to an aperture of the container and includes one or more plug dispensing apertures and a plug air aperture. The collar is rotatably coupled to the plug and includes one or more collar dispensing apertures and a collar air aperture. A spring is positioned between the plug and the collar. The collar is rotatable to a restricted orientation and an unrestricted orientation. In the restricted orientation, the collar dispensing apertures are unaligned with the plug dispensing apertures to prevent product in the container from dispensing through the dispensing apertures. In the unrestricted orientation, the collar and plug dispensing apertures are aligned to allow the product to dispense. The spring provides a spring force that biases the collar toward the restricted orientation.

Description

CONTAINER FITMENT WITH ROTATABLE DISPENSING RESTRICTOR INCLUDING SELF-RETURN TO RESTRICTED STATEBACKGROUND

[0001] Containers, such as bottles, may be fitted with any of a variety of types of fitments to retain and protect the contents of the container. Some fitments can be manipulated by a user to an unrestricted state or a restricted state. The unrestricted state allows the product in the container, such as liquid, to dispense from the container, and the restricted state prevents such dispensing.

[0002] In some cases, the dispensing of products from a container may be limited, e.g., for safety reasons. For example, dispensing can be made more difficult to prevent or resist very young children from easily opening the bottle and dispensing the product. In some examples, if a bottle is fitted with a flow restrictor, children may be prevented from emptying the product in the bottle within a certain time period by impeding access to the contents.Thus, a flow restrictor can function to impede access to contents in a bottle. This can reduce the risk of harm resulting from unintentional, harmful ingestions of products. Bottle fitments for such a purpose can include child-resistant flow restrictors such as close-flow restrictors (e.g., self-closing valves that open when a dosing device is inserted and reseal after removal of the device) and open-flow restrictors (e.g., restrictors that do not reseal after a dosing device is removed). However, a number of criteria are important to flow restrictors, including functionality, usability, and commercialization criteria, and many flow restrictors do not sufficiently meet these criteria.SUMMARY

[0003] Implementations of the present application relate to a container fitment that includes a rotatable dispensing restrictor. In some implementations, a fitment for a container includes a plug and a collar. The plug can be coupled to a container and covers an aperture of the container. The plug includes one or more plug dispensing apertures extending through the plug and a plug air aperture extending through the plug. The collar is rotatably coupled to the plug and includes one or more collar dispensing apertures extending through the collar and a collar air aperture extending through the collar. In some implementations, a spring is positioned between the plug and the collar. The collar is rotatable with respect to the plug toone of multiple orientations including a restricted orientation and an unrestricted orientation. In the restricted orientation, the one or more collar dispensing apertures are unaligned with the one or more plug dispensing apertures to prevent product in the container from dispensing through the one or more collar dispensing apertures. In the unrestricted orientation, the one or more collar dispensing apertures are aligned with the one or more plug dispensing apertures to allow the product in the container to dispense through the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the one or more collar dispensing apertures. The spring provides a spring force that biases the collar toward the restricted orientation.

[0004] Various implementations and examples of the fitment are described herein. For example, in some implementations, in the restricted orientation, the one or more collar dispensing apertures and the collar air aperture are unaligned with the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the plug air aperture, respectively, to prevent the product in the container from dispensing through the one or more collar dispensing apertures, and in the unrestricted orientation, the one or more collar dispensing apertures and the collar air aperture are aligned with the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the plug air aperture, respectively, to allow the product in the container to dispense through the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the one or more collar dispensing apertures.

[0005] In some implementations, the fitment further includes a compressible layer positioned between the plug and the collar, such as a gasket or an overmolded material on the plug. The compressible layer includes one or more layer dispensing apertures extending through the compressible layer and a layer air aperture extending through the compressible layer, the collar rotatable with respect to the compressible layer, and wherein in the restricted orientation, the one or more layer dispensing apertures and the layer air aperture are unaligned with the collar dispensing apertures and the collar air aperture, respectively, and in the unrestricted orientation, the one or more layer dispensing apertures are aligned with the one or more collar dispensing apertures and the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the layer air aperture is aligned with the collar air aperture and the plug air aperture. In some implementations, the compressible layer is made of a material that is more flexible than a material of the collar and a material of the plug. In some implementations, the compressible layer (e.g., gasket) covers an empty cavity in the plug in which the spring moves in response to the collar being moved between the restricted orientation and the unrestricted orientation. In some implementations, the fitment further includes a compressible layer positioned between the plug and the collar, such as a gasket or an overmolded material on the collar.The compressible layer includes one or more layer dispensing apertures and a layer air aperture extending through the compressible layer, wherein the collar and the compressible layer are rotatable with respect to the plug; in the restricted orientation, the one or more layer dispensing apertures and the layer air aperture are unaligned with the plug dispensing apertures and the plug air aperture, respectively, and in the unrestricted orientation, the one or more layer dispensing apertures are aligned with the one or more collar dispensing apertures and the one or more plug dispensing apertures, and the layer air aperture is aligned with the collar air aperture and the plug air aperture. In some implementations, the plug is rigidly attached to the container.

[0006] In some implementations, the plug air aperture is positioned approximately on an opposite side of a center of the plug relative to the plug dispensing apertures. In some implementations, the plug includes an empty cavity in which the spring moves in response to the collar being moved between the restricted orientation and the unrestricted orientation. In some implementations, the collar includes a collar protrusion that extends into an empty cavity in the plug, and the collar protrusion contacts and moves a portion of the spring in opposition to the spring force when the collar is moved from the restricted orientation to the unrestricted orientation.

[0007] In various implementations, the spring is molded as a unitary part of the plug, or the spring is a metal torsion spring that is separate from the plug and is held by one or more physical features of the plug. In some implementations, the plug includes one or more stops that limit the rotation of the collar to a particular angular range that is equal to or less than 45 degrees. In some implementations, the one or more plug dispensing apertures are a plurality of plug dispensing apertures and the one or more collar dispensing apertures are a plurality of collar dispensing apertures. In some implementations, the plug dispensing apertures are wedge-shaped and spaced around a center of the plug by wedge-shaped portions of the plug provided between the plug dispensing apertures. In some implementations, the plug is coupled to the container by a portion of the plug that couples to the neck of the container via friction. In some implementations, the collar is coupled to the plug by a portion of the collar that couples to the plug via friction. In some implementations, the fitment further includes a cap removably coupled to the collar. In various implementations, the cap includes a safety mechanism that requires an additional user action to allow the collar to be rotated with respect to the plug, and / or the cap can act as a serving container to hold a particular amount of product from the container.

[0008] In some implementations, a container assembly includes a container having a neck, the neck having a neck aperture, and a fitment coupled to the neck of the container and covering the neck aperture. The fitment can include one or more features similar to those described above.

[0009] In some implementations, a method for enabling retaining and dispensing of product in a container, the method includes providing a container and a fitment that includes a collar and a plug, wherein the plug is coupled to the container and the collar is rotatably coupled to the plug, wherein the collar includes one or more collar dispensing apertures and a collar air aperture, and the plug includes one or more plug dispensing apertures and a plug air aperture. The method includes, in response to the collar being rotated, relative to the plug, from a restricted orientation of the collar to an unrestricted orientation of the collar based on a rotational force applied to the collar, enabling the product to be dispensed from the container through the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the one or more collar dispensing apertures, wherein the unrestricted orientation aligns the collar dispensing apertures with the one or more plug dispensing apertures. The method includes, in response to a particular reduction of the rotational force applied to the collar in the unrestricted orientation, causing the collar to rotate from the unrestricted orientation to the restricted orientation using a spring force provided by a spring positioned between the plug and the collar, wherein the restricted orientation causes the collar dispensing apertures to be unaligned with the one or more plug dispensing apertures such that the product is prevented from dispensing through the one or more collar dispensing apertures.

[0010] Various implementations and examples of the method are described herein. For example, in some implementations, the unrestricted orientation aligns the collar dispensing apertures and the collar air aperture with the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the plug air aperture, respectively, and the restricted orientation causes the collar dispensing apertures and the collar air aperture to be unaligned with the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the plug air aperture, respectively. In some implementations, the fitment further includes a compressible layer positioned between the plug and the collar, such as a gasket or overmolded material on the plug and / or collar. The compressible layer includes one or more layer dispensing apertures and a layer air aperture. In various implementations, in the restricted orientation, the one or more layer dispensing apertures and the layer air aperture are unaligned with the one or more collar dispensing apertures and the collar air aperture, respectively, or are unaligned with the one or more plug dispensing apertures andthe plug air aperture, respectively; and in the unrestricted orientation, the one or more layer dispensing apertures are aligned with the one or more collar dispensing apertures and the one or more plug dispensing apertures, and the layer air aperture is aligned with the collar air aperture and the plug air aperture. In some implementations, the collar includes a collar protrusion that extends into an empty cavity in the plug, the spring is compressed to bias the collar toward the restricted orientation, and the collar protrusion contacts and moves a portion of the spring when the collar is moved from the restricted orientation to the unrestricted orientation. In some implementations, the plug includes multiple stops that limit the rotation of the collar to a particular angular range that is equal to or less than 45 degrees.

[0011] In some implementations, a method for providing a fitment for a container includes providing a fitment that includes a collar and a plug, wherein the plug is coupled to the container and the collar is rotatably coupled to the plug, wherein the collar includes one or more collar dispensing apertures and a collar air aperture, and the plug includes one or more plug dispensing apertures and a plug air aperture. In response to the collar being rotated, relative to the plug, from a restricted orientation of the collar to an unrestricted orientation of the collar based on a rotational force applied to the collar, the product is enabled to be dispensed from the container through the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the one or more collar dispensing apertures, wherein the unrestricted orientation aligns the collar dispensing apertures with the one or more plug dispensing apertures. In response to a reduction of the rotational force applied to the collar in the unrestricted orientation, the collar is caused to rotate from the unrestricted orientation to the restricted orientation using a spring force provided by a spring positioned between the plug and the collar, wherein the restricted orientation causes the collar dispensing apertures to be unaligned with the one or more plug dispensing apertures such that the product is prevented from dispensing through the one or more collar dispensing apertures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an example counterbalance mechanism that can include one or more features of the present disclosure, in accordance with some implementations .

[0013] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a container assembly, in accordance with some implementations.

[0014] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of another implementation of a fitment for a container assembly, in accordance with some implementations.

[0015] Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a fitment for a container assembly, in accordance with some implementations.

[0016] Figures 5A and 5B are top plan views of the fitment of Figs. 2-4 in restricted and unrestricted states, in accordance with some implementations.

[0017] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of another implementation of a container assembly including a fitment, in accordance with some implementations.

[0018] Figure 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method to enable retaining and dispensing of a product from a container with a fitment, in accordance with some implementations .DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Implementations described herein relate to a container fitment that includes a rotatable dispensing restrictor including self-return to a restricted state from an unrestricted state. A fitment is attached to a container and has a restricted state and an unrestricted state for dispensing a product (such as a fluid, powder, or other substance) from the container. In a default restricted state, dispensing apertures in the fitment are closed and prevent the product from being dispensed. In the unrestricted state, the apertures are open and the product may be dispensed, e.g., when the container is inverted by a user. To change the container assembly to the unrestricted state, a collar of the fitment is rotated and held in place (e.g., by a user) to allow passage of the product through the dispensing apertures in the fitment. The fitment returns to the restricted state when the collar is released.

[0020] In various implementations, the fitment includes a plug and a collar, the plug rigidly coupled to the container and the fitment rotatably coupled to the plug. The plug and collar each include one or more dispensing apertures through which the product dispenses from the container. The plug and collar also each include an air aperture through which air is allowed to enter the container and provide an equalized pressure to facilitate flow or movement of the product through the dispensing apertures.

[0021] The collar has a default restricted orientation in which the dispensing apertures in collar and plug are unaligned and (in some implementations) the air apertures in the collarand plug are unaligned, thus preventing the product from dispensing through the fitment via the dispensing apertures and air apertures. The collar can be rotated relative to the plug to an unrestricted orientation, in which the dispensing apertures in collar and plug are aligned and the air apertures in the collar and plug are aligned, allowing the product to dispense through the dispensing apertures. A spring is positioned between the plug and the collar (e.g., as a separate component or molded in the plug or the collar) to bias the collar toward the restricted orientation. For example, a protrusion from the collar engages the spring when the collar is rotated. The spring and protrusion can move within a cavity in the plug as the collar is rotated.

[0022] A user can apply sufficient rotational force (torque) on the collar to rotate the collar and dispense product from the container, e.g., rotational force at or above a threshold rotational force. In some implementations, the threshold rotational force can be, for example, in the range of about 0.09 Newton-meters (Nm) to about 0.42 Nm, e.g., to restrict rotation of the collar by small children. In some implementations, the threshold rotational force can be about 0.27 Nm. The user can remove or reduce the rotational force on the collar such that spring force from the spring causes the collar to rotate back to the restricted orientation. In some implementations, multiple dispensing apertures are provided in the plug and collar and can be of various shapes, e.g., wedge-shaped apertures in a fan configuration. In some implementations, a gasket can be provided between the plug and the collar. For example, the gasket can be rigidly coupled to the plug and can include gasket dispensing apertures that are similar to and aligned with the dispensing apertures in the plug. Alternatively, the gasket can be rigidly coupled to the collar and the gasket dispensing apertures are aligned with the dispensing apertures in the collar. The gasket can be made of a material (e.g., silicone) more flexible than the material of the plug and collar (e.g., hard plastic). The gasket can be used to provide a seal over a cavity in which the spring and collar protrusion move, thus preventing product from entering the cavity. In various implementations, the gasket can be a separate piece from collar and plug, or the gasket can be an overmolded material on the plug and / or collar that is molded over the more rigid material of plug or collar.

[0023] The described implementations enable a container fitment to provide increased functionality, usability, and commercialization compared to other container fitments. For example, in some previous implementations, products such as product may evacuate from a fitment due to shaking of the container, e.g., if the fitment can remain in an unrestricted state and / or through an air inlet. The features described herein provide a self-closing restrictor thatautomatically closes to a restricted state and prevents product evacuation unless a user specifically rotates and holds open the collar of the fitment that allows product from the container to be dispensed. Thus, the fitment is not left unintentionally in an unsafe state. For example, a spring can be used for the self-return to the restricted state, which is low cost and effective. In addition, the air inlet to the container can be closed in the restricted state, preventing any dispensing or leakage from the dispensing apertures or the inlet of the fitment in that state.

[0024] The self-closing feature can also prevent or resist children from accessing the product in the container even when a cap is not present on the container. A user must rotate a collar against a spring force and hold the collar in the unrestricted orientation to dispense the product from the container, thus providing sufficient restrictiveness to reduce the ability of small children to access the product for at least a period of time, enabling greater safety from harmful products. Also, in some implementations, the fitment is difficult to remove from the container due to friction-fit connections and stops that prevent the collar from rotating more than an allowed angular range.

[0025] Furthermore, previous fitments may have leak paths through which products can evacuate. The fitment features described herein can include a mechanism that has no leak paths when the fitment is closed, e.g., by using a compressible gasket to block any such leak paths and / or providing overmolded material on the sides of the fitment that hold it in the container neck with friction. In addition, in some previous containers with fitments, various orientations of the container during handling may cause cavities in the fitment to fill with product which, for example, may block an air inlet to the container, thus reducing or preventing dispensing of product. Described features can include a cavity that is sealed by gasket and does not fill with product in the restricted state, and the gasket can eliminate any space that product can fill where components rotate against each other. Furthermore, the air inlet passage can be extended with a tube into the container and can be provided without any cavities or void space that may fill with liquid product. In addition, flow rate of the dispensed product can be easily adjusted by adjusting dispensing apertures in the gasket without having to adjust dispensing apertures in the plug and collar.

[0026] Furthermore, the described fitment provides a straightforward and reliable rotating collar mechanism that enables intuitive use of the fitment by users (e.g., adult users including dexterity-compromised users), thus reducing potential discouragement of using the product. In addition, some implementations of the described fitment include multiple dispensingapertures that are spaced apart by collar portions that are about the same size and / or shape as the dispensing apertures. This configuration reduces the required angle of rotation of the collar to a small angle to fully open the apertures to dispense product. For example, the dispensing outlet can be split into three wedge-shaped orifices in a fan configuration, which allows the outlet area to be fully covered and uncovered within about 32° of rotation of the collar. Furthermore, the reduced angle of rotation allows a small spring to provide the return rotation to the restricted state, and the spring can be positioned or integrated within a small internal cavity of the fitment.

[0027] In some implementations, the fitment provides commercial utility and compatibility with current manufacturing processes. For example, the components are easily manufactured with simple part tooling. A friction fit of the plug and the container allows the fitment to be used with various types of existing containers with similar necks. The collar does not have significantly increased dimensions compared to existing fitments and thus is compatible with and adaptable to differently- sized caps that can be placed on the fitment.The components of the fitment can clip together into a single push-fit sub-assembly that may be attached to the container regardless of the orientation of the sub-assembly.

[0028] Described features thus enable a fitment for a container to provide reliable retainment of product, ease of use for dispensing product with safe restrictions, and commercial viability.

[0029] As used herein, the term "orientation" refers to the rotational placement of an object or a portion of an object.

[0030] Fig. 1 is a view of an example container assembly 100 that can include one or more features of the present disclosure, in accordance with some implementations. Container assembly 100 can be used to retain and to dispense a product, e.g., a liquid, powder, semisolids, tablets or pills, or other product. Container assembly 100 includes a container 102 and a fitment 104.

[0031] Container 102 can be any type of enclosure that can retain a product. For example, container can be a bottle, jar, tin, tube, or other type of container, and can be rigid or flexible. Container 102 can be fully or partly cylindrical, rectangular, or otherwise shaped, and can be symmetrically or asymmetrically shaped. Container 102 can be made of any suitable material, e.g., plastic of any of various types, glass, metal, etc. In some implementations, container 102 (e.g., body 105) can include one or more features that mayassist a user in holding the container while rotating the fitment 104, e.g., flat portions, ridges, etc., that allow a stronger grip on container 102.

[0032] In the example of Fig. 1, container 102 includes a body 105 and a neck 106 that can attach to fitment 104. For example, neck 106 can be narrower than body 105 of container 202 as shown in Fig. 1. In other implementations, the container does not have a neck, e.g., the fitment can attach to an aperture in the housing of the container. In some implementations, neck 106 can be the same (or about the same) width, size, or diameter as body 105. In some implementations, neck 106 can be made of a rigid material and body 105 can be made of a flexible material.

[0033] Fitment 104 is coupled to the container 102. In this example, fitment 104 is attached to neck 106 by any of a variety of attachment mechanisms. For example, a threaded connection, push-fit connection, snap-fit connection, etc. can be used.

[0034] Fitment 104 has a restricted state and an unrestricted state. The restricted state prevents dispensing of the product from the container 102, and the unrestricted state allows evacuation and dispensing of the product from the container 102. The restricted state is a default state of fitment 104 that occurs when container assembly 100 is not specifically manipulated to change fitment 104 to the unrestricted state. The restricted and unrestricted states are described in greater detail below with respect to Figs. 2-5B.

[0035] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a container assembly 200, in accordance with some implementations. Container assembly 200 includes a container 202 and a fitment 204.

[0036] Container 202 includes at least one aperture that allows the product in the container to be dispensed from the container. In some implementations, container 202 can be similar to container 102 of Fig. 1. For example, container 202 can include a neck 203 that includes the aperture. Neck 203 can be similar to neck 106 of Fig. 1. Other types of containers can be used in other implementations, as described for Fig. 1.

[0037] In some implementations, fitment 204 can include a plug 206, a gasket 208, and a collar 210. The components of fitment 204 as well as a portion of container 202 are shown in a vertically-exploded view. These components are positioned adjacent or within each other when the fitment 204 is assembled and attached to container 202 to provide selectable restricted and unrestricted states. In some implementations, plug 206, gasket 208, and collar210 can be assembled and atached to container 202 without using any adhesives (glue, etc.), e.g., by using friction fit and / or snap-fit attachments.

[0038] Plug 206 includes an engagement portion 209 that can be attached to neck 203 of container 202, e.g., by being inserted into and engaged with the interior of neck 203 such that plug 206 is rigidly attached to the container 202. For example, the engagement portion 209 can attach to neck 203 by a friction fit (e.g., push fit) in which engagement portion 209 has a slightly wider diameter than neck 203, and / or ridges 212 on the inside of neck 203 engage with ridges 214 on the engagement portion 209 after the engagement portion 209 is forced into the neck 203. In some implementations, an overmolded material can be molded on the sides of the fitment that is at least partially flexible and is compressed when engagement portion 209 is inserted in neck 203, thus causing the plug to be held in the container neck with friction, and also reducing or preventing leakage of the product (e.g., liquid) held by the container via this connection. Other attachment mechanisms can be used for plug 206 and container 202 in other implementations. For example, screw threads can be positioned on engagement portion 209 and the inside of neck 203 such that the plug 206 can be rotated to engage the screw threads and secure plug 206 to container 202. In some implementations, material can be added to the plug to press fit the sides of neck 203 from the outside of the neck as well as the inside of the neck, e.g., to reduce slippage of the plug with respect to the container. In some implementations, O-ring bore seals can be added between ridges 212 and 214 (or other atachment features) to provide a more secure seal between plug and container. In some implementations, a flexible gasket can be included between the top of neck 203 and a contacted botom portion of plug 206 to provide a more secure seal between plug and container.

[0039] Plug 206 includes an upper portion 220 that is rigidly attached to the engagement portion 209. Upper portion 220 includes a plug air aperture 222 that is routed via tube 224 to the inside of the container 202 when the fitment 204 is attached to the container 202. Plug air aperture 222 and tube 224 allow air to flow from outside the container 202 and fitment 204 to the inside of the container 202. Tube 224 can channel the air to container 202 while reducing the ability of the contained product from leaking into void spaces in fitment 204.

[0040] Upper portion 220 of plug 206 includes one or more dispensing apertures 226. Dispensing apertures 226 extend through the upper portion 220 and engagement portion 209 of plug 206 and can receive a product in container 202. In this example, three dispensing apertures 226 are shown arranged in a fan or arc arrangement, e.g., about 180 degrees or lessaround a center post 228 at the center of upper portion 220. In some implementations, a portion of plug 206 is positioned between each pair of dispensing apertures 226 that is approximately the same size and shape as an aperture 226. This configuration allows collar 210, which has the same size and configuration of apertures, to block all of the apertures 226 with a small amount of rotation, since the portions of the collar between the apertures block the apertures 226. In other implementations, fewer or greater number of dispensing apertures 226 can be provided. For example, one (e.g., large) aperture, two apertures, four apertures, etc. can be used. In some implementations, sufficiently large dispensing aperture(s) can allow air to ingress during dispensing of the product, such that a separate air aperture is omitted from fitment 200.

[0041] In some implementations, as shown, dispensing apertures 226 can be wedge- shaped (e.g., pie-piece shaped), and are spaced apart by wedge-shaped portions of plug 206 between apertures 226. In other implementations, dispensing apertures 226 (and plug portions therebetween) can have other shapes (e.g., rectangles, ovals, etc.). In some implementations, dispensing apertures 226 can be provided with shape(s) that enable efficient dispensing (e.g., flow, movement, or passage) therethrough of the particular contents of container 202.

[0042] In some implementations, plug air aperture 222 can be positioned on upper portion 220 spaced apart from dispensing apertures 226, e.g., approximately on an opposite side of center post 228 of the plug relative to the plug dispensing apertures 226. In the unrestricted state of fitment 204, plug air aperture 222 forms an air inlet or passage with air apertures of the gasket 208 and collar 210 to allow air to enter the container.

[0043] Upper portion 220 of plug 206 includes a spring 230. Spring 230 is positioned between plug 206 and collar 210 in the assembled fitment 200. Spring 230 can be any mechanical element that can provide a spring force in a particular direction when compressed or stretched from its resting position. For example, spring 230 can have any conventional or unconventional shape and / or be made of any conventional or unconventional material (e.g., metal, plastic, etc.). In this example, spring 230 can be a torsion spring (e.g., torsion bar) that is a separate piece attached at one end to upper portion 220 of plug 206. In some implementations, spring 230 can be held by one or more physical features of the plug, such as a post and / or channel. For example, a circular or helical portion of spring 230 can be positioned on or over (e.g., held by) a post 232 of the upper portion 220. Spring 230 includes a first extension 234 that may engage a protrusion 258 of the collar 210 as described below.A second extension (not shown) of spring 230, e.g., the other end of the spring from first extension 234, can be held within a channel 233 to allow the helical portion of the spring to stay fixed while first extension 234 is moved. In some implementations, spring 230 can be prewound. First extension 234 can be biased toward a stop 236 that is attached to upper portion 220 of plug 206 (e.g., formed as part of upper portion 220).

[0044] In some implementations, spring 230 can be rigidly coupled to plug 206. In some implementations, spring 230 can be included as part of plug 206, e.g., a spring that is inmolded or otherwise formed as part of plug 206. For example, a unitary piece can include upper portion 220 and spring 230. In some examples, spring 230 can be a flexible extension piece that extends from upper portion 220 similarly to first extension 234. In some implementations, spring 230 can have a different diameter, e.g., the helical portion can have an outer diameter closer to the diameter of the plug or collar. In some implementations, spring 230 can be a different type, e.g., a linear spring. In some implementations, spring 230 can be held by one or more physical features of collar 210, or rigidly coupled to collar 210 instead of being held by or rigidly coupled to plug 206.

[0045] A cavity 238 can be included in the surface of upper portion 220 of plug 206, which can allow movement of first extension 234 and protrusion 258 of collar 210 when collar 210 is rotated. For example, cavity 238 can include a wall 239 and a wall 241 that are stops for the rotation of protrusion 258 as described below with reference to Figs. 5A and 5B.

[0046] Upper portion 220 of plug 206 can include center post 228 that can fit into an aperture in gasket 208 to assist in aligning and holding gasket 208 in place against upper portion 220. Upper portion 220 of plug 206 can include teeth 240 that are arranged around the outer edge of upper portion 220 and can engage with slots in gasket 208 and assist in aligning and securing gasket 208 within upper portion 220.

[0047] Gasket 208 is positioned between plug 206 and collar 210, and can be used to seal potential leakage channels (e.g., gaps or other spaces) between plug 206 and collar 210 for the product in container 202 (e.g., a liquid). Gasket 208 can be made of a flexible, elastic, or compressible material, such as silicone, rubber, or other materials with similar elastic properties. For example, gasket 208 can be compressed between collar 210 and plug 206 by pressure caused by fastening collar 210 to plug 206. In some implementations, gasket 208 is made of a material that is more flexible than a material of plug 206 and a material of collar 210. In some implementations, gasket 208 can be a separate piece from collar and plug asshown in Fig. 2. In some implementations, gasket 208 is not a separate piece and can be an overmolded material (e.g., flexible material) on the plug and / or collar that is molded over the more rigid material of plug or collar.

[0048] In some implementations as shown in Fig. 2, gasket 208 can be rigidly coupled to plug 206. For example, gasket 208 can include a central aperture 244 that can receive the center post 228 of the plug 206. Gasket 208 can include slots 245 that are arranged around the outer edge of gasket 208 which can engage with teeth 240 of plug 206 and assist in securing gasket 208 within upper portion 220 and in aligning gasket 208 with plug 206 (e.g., aligning dispensing apertures and air apertures of gasket and plug and aligning aperture 250 in gasket 208 with cavity 238 of plug 206). During change between the restricted state and the unrestricted state of fitment 204, gasket 208 remains stationary with respect to plug 206 while collar 210 is rotated.

[0049] Gasket 208 includes an air aperture 246 that is aligned with air aperture 222. Gasket air aperture 246 forms an air inlet or passage with air apertures of the plug 206 and collar 210 to allow air to flow from outside the container 202 and fitment 204 to the inside of the container 202 in the unrestricted state of fitment 204.

[0050] Gasket 208 includes dispensing apertures 248. Dispensing apertures 248 extend through the gasket 208 and are aligned with dispensing apertures 226 of plug 206. Apertures 248 can receive a product that moves from container 202 through the apertures 226 of plug 206 such that the product can dispense through the collar 210 if fitment 204 is in the unrestricted state. Similarly to plug 206, three apertures 248 can be provided as shown, or a different number of apertures 248 can be provided. Apertures 248 can be wedge-shaped (e.g., pie-piece shaped) as shown, or can have any of other shapes.

[0051] Gasket 208 includes an aperture 250 that provides an empty cavity that allows movement of spring 230 (e.g., first extension 234) of plug 206 and protrusion 258 of collar 210 when collar 210 is rotated between the restricted and unrestricted states as described below.

[0052] In some implementations, gasket 208 can be rigidly coupled to collar 210 instead of being rigidly coupled to plug 206. In some examples of these implementations, during change between the restricted state and the unrestricted state of fitment 204, gasket 208 remains stationary with respect to collar 210 and rotates in conjunction with collar 210, such that gasket 208 and collar 210 are rotated with respect to plug 206. For example, gasketdispensing apertures 248 can be aligned with the dispensing apertures 256 in collar 210 and the gasket air aperture 246 can be aligned with the collar air aperture 252 (described below). In some of these implementations, gasket 208 can be similar as described above, except that central aperture 244 can instead receive a center post of the collar 210 that may extend down from the collar (e.g., similarly to center post 228 of plug 206 extending upward from the plug). In some of these implementations, gasket slots 245 can instead engage with teeth of collar 210 that extend down from the collar (similarly to teeth 240 of plug 206), to secure gasket 208 to collar 210 and align gasket 208 with collar 210 (e.g., aligning the dispensing apertures and air apertures of gasket and collar, and aligning aperture 250 in gasket 208 with cavity 238 of plug 206).

[0053] In some implementations, gasket 208 can be movable by a user between multiple different positions that provide different states to the fitment. In some examples, a first state can provide a more secure seal in the restricted orientation of the fitment than the second state by positioning the dispensing apertures of the gasket at least partially out of alignment with the plug apertures and / or collar apertures, while the second state positions the gasket apertures more in alignment with the plug or collar apertures. In further examples, a first state can cause the fitment to be rotatable to the unrestricted state with a lower torque required on the collar than a second state. For example, to allow a user to move the gasket between the different positions, a feature, such as a post or protrusion (not shown), that is part of or attached to the gasket can be extended up through a particular wide aperture in the top of collar 210 (not shown), and the post can be contacted and moved by the user to either of two positions within the wide aperture to move the gasket between two different positions (e.g., different rotational positions about the center axis of the gasket).

[0054] In some implementations, no gasket 208 is provided and fitment 204 includes collar 210 attached to plug 206. For example, plug 206 and / or collar 210 can include material that fills the portion that is filled by gasket 208 in Fig. 2.

[0055] Collar 210 is positioned over gasket 208 and plug 206 when fitment 204 is assembled. Collar 210 is rotatable with respect to the gasket 208 and the plug 206, e.g., about a vertical axis of rotation through a center of collar 210 in the view of Fig. 2. Collar 210 can be attached to plug 206 by an attachment mechanism that allows rotation of collar 210 with reference to plug 206 and gasket 208. For example, collar 210 can be attached to the upper portion 220 of plug 206 by friction via a screw attachment mechanism or a snap-fit mechanism, in which ridges on the inside of collar 210 engage with the upper portion 220 ofplug 206, as described below with reference to Fig. 4. The attachment mechanism allows rotation of collar 210 with respect to the plug 206. Other attachment mechanisms can be used in various implementations.

[0056] Collar 210 can include a grip portion 254 that extends below the plug 206 and can overlap neck 203 of container 202 when fitment 204 is assembled. Grip portion 254 can be grasped by a user to rotate collar 210, and in some implementations may include ridges (e.g., as shown in Figs. 1 and 3), one or more protrusions or extensions, and / or other textures to assist a hand to grip the collar 210.

[0057] Collar 210 includes an air aperture 252 that is aligned with air aperture 222 of plug 206 and air aperture 246 of gasket 208 when collar 210 is in an unrestricted orientation. Air aperture 252 is unaligned with air apertures 222 and 246 when collar 210 is in a restricted orientation. When air apertures 252, 246, and 222 are aligned, an air passage is created between the exterior environment to fitment and container 202 and the interior of container 202. The air passage allows air to flow from outside the container 202 and fitment 204 to the inside of the container 202, promoting the dispensing of product (e.g., flow of liquid) from inside to outside the container through dispensing apertures. For example, the air passage equalizes pressure in container 202 to allow product to flow from inside container 202 through dispensing apertures 222, 246, and 252 by tilting container 202, e.g., without having to squeeze the container 202.

[0058] When air aperture 252 of collar 210 is not aligned with air apertures 222 and 246, the air passage is blocked and air does not flow through the air apertures into the container. This reduces or prevents the movement of the product in container 202 to exit the container through any apertures or passages in fitment 204 (e.g., via leakage).

[0059] Collar 210 includes one or more openings in its top surface to allow the product in container 202 to exit the container through fitment 204. In this example, the openings are dispensing apertures 256 which extend through the top surface of collar 210 and are aligned with dispensing apertures 226 of plug 206 and dispensing apertures 246 of gasket 208 when the collar 210 is in an unrestricted orientation. Dispensing apertures 256 can receive a product that moves from container 202 through the apertures 226 of plug 206 and apertures 248 of gasket 208 such that the product can exit through apertures 256. Similarly to plug 206 and gasket 208, three apertures 256 can be provided, or a different number of apertures 256. In some implementations, apertures 256 can be the same shape as apertures 226 of plug 206and apertures 248 of gasket 208, e.g., wedge-shaped (e.g., pie-piece shaped) as shown, or any of other shapes.

[0060] Collar 210 can include a protrusion 258 that can be attached to or formed as part of the underside of the top surface of collar 210. When collar 210 is attached to plug 206, protrusion 258 extends through aperture 250 and into cavity 238 where it can engage spring first extension 234. Protrusion 258 moves between walls 239 and 241 of cavity 238 when collar 210 is rotated. Spring 230 biases protrusion 258 toward wall 239 as described with reference to Figs. 5 A and 5B.

[0061] Collar 210 can include a spout 260 to assist liquid or other product to dispense out of the container 202 and fitment 204. In some implementations, spout 260 and / or other portions of collar 210 can interface with a cap that is attached to the top of collar 210, e.g., a standard safety cap that can provide additional restriction to dispensing the product in container 202 (some examples described below with respect to Figs. 4 and 6).

[0062] In various implementations, the dispensing apertures 256, 248, and 226 can be configured in size and / or shape to dispense a liquid product of a particular viscosity. In some implementations, only the dispensing apertures 248 of gasket 208 can be configured in size and / or shape to dispense a liquid product of a particular viscosity, allowing efficient configuration of fitment 204.

[0063] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of another implementation of a fitment 300 for a container assembly, in accordance with some implementations.

[0064] Fitment 300 can be attached to a container (not shown in Fig. 3), such as container 202 or 102 as described above with respect to Fig. 2.

[0065] In some implementations, fitment 300 can include a plug 306, a gasket 308, and a collar 310. The components of fitment 300 are shown in a vertically-exploded view similar to the view shown in Fig. 2. In some implementations, plug 306, gasket 308, and collar 310 can be assembled and attached to the container without using any adhesive, e.g., using friction fit and / or snap-fit attachment. Features of fitment 200 of Fig. 2 that are not explicitly described below can be included in fitment 300 and other fitment implementations described herein.

[0066] Plug 306 includes an engagement portion 309 that can be attached to a container similarly to engagement portion 209 of plug 206 of Fig. 2. Plug 306 includes an upper portion 320 that is rigidly attached to the engagement portion 309. Upper portion 320includes an air aperture 322 that is routed via tube 324 to the inside of the container when the fitment 300 is attached to the container. Air aperture 322 and tube 324 allow air to flow from outside the container and fitment 300 to the inside of the container in the unrestricted state of fitment 300.

[0067] Upper portion 320 of plug 306 includes one or more dispensing apertures 326. Dispensing apertures 326 extend through the upper portion 320 and engagement portion 309 of plug 306 and can receive a product from the container. In this example, three dispensing apertures 326 are shown, e.g., arranged in an arc of 180 degrees or less about a center post 328 at the center of upper portion 320. In other implementations, fewer or greater number of dispensing apertures 326 can be provided. In this example, wedge-shaped (e.g., pie-piece shaped) apertures 326 are shown, which are spaced apart by wedge-shaped portions of plug 306 between apertures 326. In other implementations, dispensing apertures 326 can have other shapes and sizes similarly as plug 206.

[0068] In some implementations, plug air aperture 322 can be positioned on upper portion 320 spaced apart from dispensing apertures 326, e.g., approximately on an opposite side of center post 328 of the plug relative to the plug dispensing apertures 326.

[0069] Upper portion 320 of plug 306 includes a spring 330 (shown in dashed lines). Spring 330 is positioned between plug 306 and collar 310 in the assembled fitment 300. In some implementations, spring 330 can be any type of spring similar to spring 230 of Fig. 2. For example, spring 330 can be a torsion spring that is a separate piece that is held by one or more physical features of, and / or attached to, upper portion 320 of plug 306. For example, a helical or circular portion of the spring 330 can be positioned on or over a post 332 of the upper portion 320. Spring 330 includes a first extension 334 that engages a protrusion 358 of the collar 310 as described below. Spring 330 can be prewound. First extension 334 can be biased toward a stop 336 that is attached to upper portion 320 of plug 306 (e.g., formed as part of upper portion 320). In some implementations, second extension (not shown) of spring 330 can be held by a channel 333 in plug 306 similarly to spring 230 to hold a helical or circular portion of spring 330 during movement of first extension 334.

[0070] In some implementations, spring 330 can be rigidly coupled to plug 306. In some implementations, spring 330 can be included as part of plug 306, e.g., a spring that is inmolded or otherwise formed as unitary part of plug 306. For example, a unitary piece can include upper portion 320 and spring 330. For example, spring 330 can be a flexibleextension piece that extends from upper portion 320 similarly to first extension 334. In some implementations, spring 330 can be held by one or more physical features of collar 210, or rigidly coupled to collar 310 instead of being held by or rigidly coupled to plug 306.

[0071] A first cavity 338 at a first depth can be included in the surface of upper portion 320 of plug 306, which can allow movement of the first extension 334 and protrusion 358 of collar 310 when collar 310 is rotated. A second cavity 339 at a second, lower depth can be included in the first cavity 338, where the second cavity 339 can be allow and guide movement of the protrusion 358 of the collar 310. For example, second cavity 339a can include a wall 341 and a wall 342 that are stops for the rotation of protrusion 358 as described below with reference to Figs. 5A and 5B.

[0072] Upper portion 320 of plug 306 can include center post 328 that can fit into an aperture in gasket 308 to assist in aligning and holding gasket 308 in place against upper portion 320. Upper portion 320 of plug 306 can include teeth 340 that are arranged around the outer edge of upper portion 320 of plug 306 and can engage with slots in gasket 308 and assist in aligning and securing gasket 308 within upper portion 320.

[0073] Gasket 308 is positioned between plug 306 and collar 310, and can be used to seal potential leakage channels (e.g., gaps or other spaces) between plug 206 and collar 210 for the product in container 202. Gasket 308 can be made of a flexible, elastic, or compressible material similar to gasket 208. For example, gasket 308 can be compressed between collar 310 and plug 306 by pressure caused by fastening collar 310 to plug 306, or can be overmolded on plug or collar. In some implementations, gasket 308 is made of a material that is more flexible than a material of plug 306 and a material of collar 310.

[0074] In some implementations as shown in Fig. 3, gasket 308 can be rigidly coupled to plug 306. For example, gasket 308 can include a central aperture 344 that can receive the center post 328 of the plug 306. Gasket 308 can include slots 345 that are arranged around the outer edge of gasket 308 and can engage with teeth 340 of plug 306 and assist in securing gasket 308 within upper portion 320 and in aligning gasket 308 with plug 306 (e.g., aligning dispensing apertures and air apertures of gasket and plug and aligning aperture 350 of the gasket with cavity 339 of plug 306). During change between the restricted state and the unrestricted state of fitment 300, gasket 308 remains stationary with respect to plug 306 while collar 310 is rotated.

[0075] Gasket 308 includes an air aperture 346 that is aligned with air aperture 322 of plug 306. Gasket air aperture 346 forms an air inlet or passage with air apertures of the plug 306 and collar 310 to allow air to flow from outside the container and fitment 300 to the inside of the container in the unrestricted state of fitment 300.

[0076] Gasket 308 includes dispensing apertures 348. Dispending apertures 348 extend through the gasket 308 and are aligned with dispending apertures 326 of plug 306. Apertures 348 can receive a product that moves from the container through the apertures 326 of plug 306 such that the product can dispense through the collar 310 if fitment 300 is in the unrestricted state. Similarly to plug 306, three apertures 348 can be provided as shown, or a different number of apertures 348 can be provided. Apertures 348 can be wedge-shaped (e.g., pie-piece shaped) as shown, or can have any of other shapes.

[0077] Gasket 308 covers first cavity 338 in plug 306 in which spring 330 moves in response to the collar 310 being moved between the restricted orientation and the unrestricted orientation. First cavity 338 is unobstructed by gasket 308 to allow spring 330 to move.

[0078] Gasket 308 includes an aperture 350 that allows movement of protrusion 358 of collar 310 when collar 310 is rotated between the restricted and unrestricted states as described below. Gasket 308 may differ from gasket 208 of Fig. 2 in that aperture 350 can be smaller than aperture 250 of gasket 208 since plug 306 includes first cavity 338 in which the first extension 334 of spring 330 can move. In contrast, plug 206 does not include the first cavity such that gasket 208 has a larger aperture 250 to allow movement of the first extension 234 of spring 230.

[0079] In some implementations, gasket 308 can be rigidly coupled to collar 310 instead of being rigidly coupled to plug 306, similarly as described above for fitment 200 of Fig, 2. In some examples of these implementations, during change between the restricted state and the unrestricted state of fitment 304, gasket 308 remains stationary with respect to collar 310 and rotates in conjunction with collar 310, such that gasket 308 and collar 310 are rotated with respect to plug 306.

[0080] In some implementations, no gasket 308 is provided and fitment 300 includes collar 310 attached to plug 306. For example, plug 306 and / or collar 310 can include material that fills the portion that is filled by gasket 308 in Fig. 3.

[0081] Collar 310 is positioned over gasket 308 and plug 306 when fitment 300 is assembled. Collar 310 is rotatable with respect to the gasket 308 and the plug 306 about avertical axis of rotation of collar 310. Collar 310 can be attached to plug 306 by an attachment mechanism that allows rotation of collar 310 with reference to plug 306 and gasket 308. For example, collar 310 can be attached to the upper portion 320 of plug 306 by a screw attachment mechanism or a snap-fit mechanism as described for fitment 204 of Fig. 2. Other attachment mechanisms can be used in various implementations.

[0082] Collar 310 can include a grip portion 354 that extends below the plug 306 and can overlap the neck of the container. Grip portion 354 can be grasped by a user when rotating collar 310, and in some implementations may include ridges as shown, and / or other textures to assist a hand to grip the collar 310.

[0083] Collar 310 includes an air aperture 352 that is aligned with air aperture 322 of plug 306 and air aperture 346 of gasket 308 when collar 210 is an unrestricted orientation. Air aperture 352 is unaligned with air apertures 322 and 346 when collar 310 is in a restricted orientation. Aligned air apertures 352, 346, and 322 allow air to flow from outside the container and fitment 300 to the inside of the container, promoting the dispensing of product similarly to air apertures of fitment 204 of Fig. 2. When air aperture 352 of collar 310 is not aligned with air apertures 322 and 346, the air passage is blocked and air does not flow through the air apertures into the container, reducing or preventing dispensing of product similarly as described for fitment 204 of Fig. 2.

[0084] Collar 310 includes one or more openings in its top surface to allow the product in the container to exit by dispensing through the fitment 300. In this example, the openings are dispensing apertures 356 which extend through the top surface of collar 310 and are aligned with dispensing apertures 326 of plug 306 and dispensing apertures 346 of gasket 308 when the collar 310 is in an unrestricted orientation. Aligned dispensing apertures 356 allow the product to dispense through the fitment 300. Similarly to plug 306 and gasket 308, three dispensing apertures 356 can be provided, or a different number of apertures 356 can be provided. In some implementations, dispensing apertures 356 can be the same shape as apertures 326 of plug 306 and apertures 348 of gasket 308, e.g., wedge-shaped (e.g., piepiece shaped) as shown, or any of other shapes.

[0085] Collar 310 includes protrusion 358 that can be attached to or formed as part of the underside of the top surface of collar 310. When collar 310 is attached to plug 306, protrusion 358 extends through aperture 350 and into cavities 338 and 339 where it can engage first extension 334. Protrusion 358 moves between walls 341 and 342 of cavity 339when collar 310 is rotated. Spring 330 biases protrusion 358 toward wall 341 as described with reference to Figs. 5 A and 5B.

[0086] Collar 310 can include a spout 360 to assist liquid or other product to dispense out of the container and fitment 300, similarly as collar 210 of Fig. 2. In some implementations, spout 360 and / or other portions of collar 310 can interface with a cap similarly as described for Figs. 2, 4, and 6. Dispensing apertures 356, 348, and / or 320 can be configured to dispense a liquid product having a particular viscosity as described for fitment 204 of Fig. 2.

[0087] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a fitment 400 for a container assembly, in accordance with some implementations. For example, fitment 400 can be fitment 204 of Fig. 2 or fitment 300 of Fig. 3. In the example of Fig. 4, fitment 400 is attached to a container having a neck 404. In some implementations, the container can be container 102 or 202.

[0088] Fitment 400 includes a plug 406, a gasket 408, and a collar 410. These components, and the elements included in these components, can be similar to corresponding components and elements of Fig. 2 and / or Fig. 3. For example, plug 406 can be plug 206 or plug 306; gasket 408 can be gasket 208 or gasket 308; and collar 410 can be collar 210 or collar 310. In Fig. 4, collar 410 is shown with a grip portion 411 that can be included in some implementations as described above (e.g., grip portion 254 or 354). These components have been assembled and attached to neck 404.

[0089] Plug 406 can be attached to neck 404 by a friction-fit (e.g., push-fit) attachment mechanism. In this example, ridges 412 on the sides of neck 404 can engage slots 414 between ridges 416 or other features on plug 406. This attachment mechanism can be engaged by pushing fitment 400 into neck 404 to cause the engagement. No alignment between plug 406 and neck 404 is required to attach the fitment 400 to the neck 404.

[0090] An upper portion 420 of plug 406 extends over the top surface 422 of neck 404, such that plug 406 sits on surface 422. Gasket 408 is seated within the upper portion 420 of plug 406, e.g., engaging center post 421 and teeth of the plug 406 similarly as described above for Figs. 2 and 3. Collar 410 is positioned over gasket 408 and plug 406 and is attached to plug 406 by an attachment mechanism that allows collar 410 to rotate relative to plug 406, such as a screw mechanism or snap-fit connector. For example, screw threads 426 on the exterior of the neck 404 can engage grooves of collar 410. The attachment mechanism between plug 406 and neck 404 is tighter than the attachment mechanism between collar 410and plug 406, allowing collar 410 to rotate relative to plug 406 without causing plug 406 to rotate relative to neck 404.

[0091] Dispensing apertures 430 can extend from the top of collar 410, through gasket 408, and through plug 406 such that the product in container 402 can be dispensed through these apertures in the unrestricted state of fitment 400. Air inlet 434 is formed of air apertures through plug 406, gasket 408, and collar 410 as described with respect to Figs. 2 and 3. Air inlet 434 allows air to flow into container 402 to allow the product in the container to dispense through apertures 430 in the unrestricted state of fitment 400.

[0092] In some implementations, one or more cavities such as cavity 436 can be located in plug 406 and / or gasket 408 as described above. For example, gasket 408 can cover cavity 436 as shown. Cavity 436 provides space for a spring and protrusion of collar 410 to move, allowing rotation of collar 410 with respect to plug 406, where the spring provides a spring force to bias collar 410 to a restricted orientation.

[0093] In some implementations, a separate cap 440 can be affixed to the top of the fitment 500. For example, cap 440 can be attached to the top of collar 410 by any of various attachment mechanisms. In some examples, a safety mechanism or feature (e.g., child resistant feature) can be included in the cap attachment mechanism to require additional user action to enable the cap to be removed or to allow the collar to be rotated, thus reducing easy access to the fitment 400. For example, safety mechanisms such as press safety mechanisms (e.g., a user is required to press the cap, or press a tab or sides of the cap to unlock the cap, before it can be rotated and / or removed from fitment 400) can be used.

[0094] In some implementations, cap 440 can be a separate piece that is attached on top of fitment and is removed to allow rotation of the collar to the unrestricted orientation. In some of these implementations, cap 440 can be used as a dosing container or cup (e.g., and may or may not include safety mechanisms). For example, cap 440 can be sized to hold a particular dosage or amount of product that is poured into the cap through fitment 400 from the container, and / or the cap 440 can include markings or other indicators on its sides that indicate particular dosages or amounts within the cap for use. In some implementations, the cap can be removed from fitment 400 and receive the product from the container. In some implementations, the cap can receive the product while still attached to fitment 400 and the container is inverted, so that when the cap is subsequently removed from fitment 400, the product is held therein.

[0095] In some implementations, a cap can be integrated into fitment 400 such that a safety access feature of the cap (e.g., cap press or tab unlock) must be bypassed before collar 410 can be rotated to the unrestricted orientation.

[0096] FIGS. 5A and 5B are top plan views of an example fitment 500 for a container assembly, in accordance with some implementations. Fig. 5A shows fitment 500 in a restricted state and Fig. 5B shows fitment 500 in an unrestricted state. Fitment 500 and its components can be similar to the fitments and corresponding components described above in Figs. 2-4.

[0097] In Fig. 5 A, a restricted state of fitment 500 is shown. Plug 506 is shown in dashed lines and collar 510 is shown in solid lines. Collar 510 is in a default rotational orientation about a central axis 512 such that collar dispensing apertures 516 are fully unaligned with plug dispensing apertures 514, thus blocking a clear passage through these apertures from the exterior of the container assembly to the interior volume of the attached container. In addition, air aperture 518 of plug 506 (and the air aperture of gasket 508) are unaligned with air aperture 520 of collar 510, thus blocking clear passage through the air inlet from the exterior to the interior volume of the container.

[0098] In some implementations, the restricted orientation of Fig. 5A can be provided by a spring 522, such as spring 230 or spring 330 described above, that biases protrusion 526 of collar 510 toward stop 522 (e.g., in a clockwise direction in the view of Fig. 5 A). The restricted orientation of collar 510 prevents the product contained in the container from exiting through dispensing apertures 514 and 516 and through air apertures 518 and 520.

[0099] In Fig. 5B, an unrestricted state of fitment 500 is shown. Plug 506 is shown in dashed lines and collar 510 is shown in solid lines. Collar 510 has been rotated in a direction 530 by an angle A relative to its orientation shown in Fig. 5A, which is a counterclockwise direction in the view of Fig. 5B. For example, a user can grasp the grip portion of collar 510 to rotate the collar 510. The rotation of collar 510 can be provided against (in opposition to) the spring force that is exerted by first spring extension 524 of spring 522 in the clockwise direction. The user exerts a rotational force (torque) on collar 510 that is at or greater than a threshold rotational force (torque) to overcome the spring force provided by spring 522. In some examples in any of the implementations described herein, the threshold rotational force can be in the range of about 0.09 Nm to about 0.42 Nm, e.g., to restrict rotation of the collarby small children. In some implementations, the threshold rotational force can be about 0.27 Nm.

[0100] The rotation of collar 510 in the counterclockwise direction can be limited to the angle A and orientation shown by one or more stops that block collar 510 from rotating further in the counterclockwise direction. For example, the limit can be provided by wall 532 of a cavity 534 in plug 506 against which protrusion 526 moves. Alternatively or additionally, the limit can be provided by wall 536 of cavity 540 in which spring extension 524 moves. For example, wall 536 can be provided by gasket 508 (as in the implementation of Fig. 2) or by plug 506 (as in the implementation of Fig. 3). In some implementations, the maximum angular range of the collar rotation (angle A) can be about 45 degrees. In some implementations, the maximum angular range of the collar rotation can be about 32 degrees as in the example shown in Fig. 5B.

[0101] In the unrestricted state of fitment 500 as shown in Fig. 5B, collar 510 has a rotational orientation about central axis 512 such that collar apertures 516 are fully aligned with plug apertures 514, thus providing a clear passage through these apertures from the exterior of the container assembly to the interior volume of the attached container. In addition, air aperture 518 of plug 506 (and the air aperture of gasket 508) are fully aligned with air aperture 520 of collar 510, thus providing clear passage through the air inlet from the exterior to the interior volume of the container. In some implementations, the unrestricted orientation of collar 510 is maintained while the rotational force on the collar (e.g., provided by a user) is greater than the spring force provided by spring 522 in the opposite rotational direction. For example, the user may be required to hold the collar 510 in the unrestricted orientation to dispense the product from the container, thus providing a safety feature to prevent undesired dispensing of the product in other conditions.

[0102] In some implementations, if rotational force on collar 510 reduces below a threshold force in the counterclockwise direction such that the force is lower than the spring force provided by spring 516 in the clockwise direction, the collar moves toward the restricted orientation shown in Fig. 5A. For example, removal of all force in the counterclockwise direction causes the collar 510 to return to the restricted orientation shown in Fig. 5A, which prevents the product in the container from exiting through apertures 512 and 514 and through air apertures 518 and 520.

[0103] In some implementations, spring 522 can be held by or coupled to other portions of the fitment. For example, in some implementations, spring 522 can be held by or rigidly coupled to collar 510, and protrusion 526 can be coupled to plug 506. In some examples, spring 522 can be positioned on or over a post 542 that is rigidly coupled to collar 510, and protrusion 526 can be rigidly coupled to plug 506. In these implementations, the spring held by or connected to collar 510 provides spring force against protrusion 526 to bias the collar 510 to the restricted orientation, and rotational force against the spring force can rotate the collar 510 to an unrestricted orientation similarly as described above.

[0104] Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of another implementation of a fitment 600 for a container assembly, in accordance with some implementations. Fitment 600 can be attached to a container 602, which can be similar to container 202 or 102 as described above.

[0105] In some implementations, fitment 600 can include a plug 606, a gasket 608, a collar 610, and a cap 612. The components of fitment 600 are shown in a vertically-exploded view similar to the views shown in Figs. 2 and 3. In some implementations, plug 606, gasket 608, collar 610, and cap 612 can be assembled and attached to container 602 without using any adhesive, e.g., using friction fit and / or snap-fit attachment.

[0106] Plug 606 can include an engagement portion 620 that can be attached to container 602 (e.g., a neck of the container) similarly to engagement portion 209 of plug 206 of Fig. 2. Plug 606 includes an upper portion 622 that is rigidly attached to engagement portion 620, which includes an air aperture, a tube, dispensing apertures, and a spring that can be similar to any of the implementations described herein.

[0107] Plug 606 can include an additional safety feature that requires a user to perform one or more additional tasks or actions to allow collar 610 to rotate with respect to plug 606. In this example, a blocking member 624 can be provided (e.g., molded) on the outer surface of upper portion 622. Blocking member 624 can engage with stops of collar 610 to block rotation of collar 610 with respect to plug 606, as described below. Other blocking or safety features can be provided on plug 606 in other implementations.

[0108] Gasket 608 can be positioned between plug 606 and collar 610, and can be used to seal potential leakage channels (e.g., gaps or other spaces) between plug 606 and collar 610. Gasket 608 can be similar to any of the gaskets in implementations described herein. In some implementations, no gasket 608 is provided and collar 610 can be directly attached to plug606. In some examples, plug 606 and / or collar 610 can include material that fills the portion that is filled by gasket 608 in Fig. 6.

[0109] Collar 610 is positioned over gasket 608 and plug 606 when fitment 600 is assembled. Collar 610 is rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation with respect to the gasket 608 and the plug 606, similar to various implementations described herein. Collar 610 can include an upper portion 626 and a lower portion 628 that extends over plug 606 and can overlap the neck of container 602. Upper portion 626 can includes one or more apertures similarly as described in implementations herein, including an air aperture and one or more dispensing apertures that are aligned with dispensing apertures of plug 606 and gasket 608 when the collar 610 is in an unrestricted orientation about its axis of rotation. Collar 610 and / or plug 606 can include a spring return mechanism similarly as in implementations described herein.

[0110] Lower portion 628 can be grasped by a user when rotating collar 610, and in some implementations may include ridges and / or other textures to assist a hand to grip the collar 610 as in implementations described herein.

[0111] Collar 610 can include the additional safety feature that requires a user to perform one or more tasks or actions to allow the collar 610 to rotate with respect to plug 606. In this example, the safety feature includes a pinch / tum feature, in which the user pinches a portion of the collar 610 to enable the collar to rotate. For example, lower portion 628 can be compressible, e.g., made of a semi-flexible material such as a thin wall of plastic or other material. The user can pinch lower portion 628 by simultaneously pressing on opposite sides of lower portion 628 to compress these sides toward each other. This changes the lower portion 628 from having a circular cross section (without such pressure) to an oval-shaped cross section. For example, finger placement locations 630 can be provided (e.g., molded) into lower portion 628 to indicate two opposite locations at which the user can pinch and can provide greater surface friction to facilitate a grip of the user on the lower portion at these locations.

[0112] As part of the additional safety feature, in some implementations, collar 610 can also include one or more stops 634, which can be molded or otherwise attached to the inside surface of lower portion 628. For example, two stops 634 can be provided at opposite sides of lower portion 628 as shown. When lower portion 628 is pinched at locations 630 to move stops 634 sufficiently outward from the central axis of rotation of collar 610 to be clear ofblocking member 624 of plug 606, collar 610 may be rotated to allow its dispensing apertures to align with the dispensing apertures of plug 606, thus allowing the product in container 602 to be dispensed. When lower portion 628 is not pinched to move stops 634 sufficiently outward from the axis of rotation, one of stops 634 engages with blocking member 624 of plug 606, preventing rotation of collar 610. This prevents the dispensing apertures of collar 610 from aligning with the dispensing apertures of plug 606 and prevents dispensing of the product from container 602. In some implementations, blocking member 624 can be provided with a circumferential length that (when lower portion 628 is not sufficiently pinched) enables a particular amount of rotation of collar 610 before the stops engage blocking member 624 to stop the rotation, and this amount of rotation can influence the amount of torque required to hold collar 610 in an unrestricted orientation, based on the amount of deflection of the spring (e.g., spring extension) in plug 606.

[0113] In other implementations, blocking member 624 can be integrated into the neck of container 602 instead of being provided on the plug 606 (e.g., on the outside of the neck similarly as shown for plug 606), which can reduce the height dimension of plug 606 in some implementations .

[0114] In some implementations, cap 612 can be affixed to the top of the fitment 600. Cap 612 can be similar to cap 440 of Fig 4 in some implementations. For example, cap 612 can be attached to the top of collar 610 by any of various attachment mechanisms. In some examples, a safety feature (e.g., child resistant feature) can be included in the cap attachment mechanism, such as press safety mechanisms (e.g., a user is required to press the cap, or press a tab or sides of the cap to unlock the cap, before it can be rotated and / or removed from the remainder of fitment 600). In some implementations, cap 612 can be a separate piece as shown, that is attached on top of fitment 600 and is removed to allow rotation of the collar to the unrestricted orientation. In some implementations, cap 612 can be a piece that is coupled to the fitment (not shown) towards the top of fitment 600 and can be flipped to allow dispensing of product through the collar in the unrestricted orientation. In some of these implementations, cap 612 can also act as a dosing container as described above.Alternatively, cap 612 can be integrated into fitment 600 such that the safety access feature of the cap (e.g., cap press or tab unlock) must be bypassed before the collar can be rotated to the unrestricted orientation. In some implementations, screwing the cap on to the collar 610 can axially compress the component stack of fitment 600, and this increase in contact pressure at the sealing interfaces can provide an airtight seal during storage. In some implementations,when affixed to the top of collar 610, cap 612 can extend down further over collar 610 than shown in Fig. 6, e.g., to at least partially cover and / or physically block pinch locations 630 from user access to reduce unintentional pinching and rotating of the collar by a user.

[0115] In some implementations, cap 612 can include partial threads 640 that are located on the inside of cap 612 and spaced around its circumference. Collar 610 can include apertures 642 that are sized and spaced around the circumference of collar 610 to align with partial threads 640 when cap 612 is affixed to collar 610. Plug 606 can include plug threads 644. Partial threads 640 of cap 612 can extend through apertures 642 of collar 610 toward the center axis of rotation of collar 610 such that the partial threads can engage with plug threads 644 of plug 606 (e.g., collar 610 can rotate with cap 612). This engagement enables cap 612 to be engaged and secured to plug 606, and enables the cap to axially compress the entire fitment assembly. In some implementations, guide protrusions (not shown) of cap 612 and / or collar 610 can be provided to guide partial thread 640 to align with apertures 642.

[0116] In some implementations, a compression surface 650 (e.g., gasket or other component) can be provided inside the top of cap 612, e.g., as a separate piece or integrated with cap 650 as an overmolded material on the cap inner surface. When cap 612 is engaged with collar 610 (e.g., partial threads 640 engaged with plug threads 644), gasket 650 is compressed, thus providing a seal to prevent leakage of the product in container 602 during storage or transport of the container. In some implementations, a vertically compliant top surface of collar 610 can be included to provide a greater seal, e.g., instead of compression surface 650 and with or without inclusion of the partial thread mechanism in fitment 600.

[0117] Fig. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method 700 to enable retaining and dispensing of a product from a container with a fitment, according to some implementations. Method 700 can, for example, be performed using any of the example container assemblies and fitments described herein or other implementations of container assemblies.

[0118] In block 702, a container assembly is provided. The container assembly includes a fitment attached to a container that holds a product, e.g., a liquid or other form of product. The fitment is in a restricted state. For example, the fitment can include a collar that is in a restricted orientation as described herein. The fitment can include a spring that provides spring force that biases the collar to the restricted orientation as described herein. The method continues to block 704.

[0119] In block 704, the method determines whether the collar has been rotated from the restricted orientation to an unrestricted orientation (including a partially restricted orientation, in some implementations). If the collar is not rotated to an unrestricted orientation, the method continues to block 702 in which the fitment continues in the restricted state. If the collar is rotated to an unrestricted orientation, the method continues to block 706. For example, the rotation can be caused by rotational force (e.g., torque) on the collar provided by a user (e.g., grasping the collar) and rotating the collar in a particular direction against the spring force.

[0120] In block 706, the product in the container is enabled to be dispensed from the container through one or more plug dispensing apertures. For example, clear passage through one or more apertures in the fitment is provided in the unrestricted orientation determined in block 704. The clear passage enables the product to move from the interior of the container, through one or more dispensing apertures in the fitment (e.g., the plug dispensing apertures and other apertures in the fitment such as gasket dispensing apertures and collar dispensing apertures), and out of the fitment, e.g., when the container assembly is tilted sufficiently. In some implementations, a cap may be included as part of or attached to the fitment, and in some implementations, the cap is removed to allow the product to be dispensed. The method continues to block 708.

[0121] In block 708, the method determines whether a threshold reduction of rotational force has occurred while the collar is in the unrestricted orientation determined in block 704. The threshold reduction of rotational force can be a reduction of force such that the force opposing the spring force is lower than the spring force. If the threshold reduction of rotational force has not occurred, the method continues to block 706 to continue to enable the product to be dispensed. If the threshold reduction of rotational force has occurred, the method continues to block 710.

[0122] In block 710, the collar is caused to rotate from the unrestricted orientation to the restricted orientation using the spring force from the spring in the fitment. The unrestricted orientation causes the dispensing apertures in the fitment to be misaligned, thus blocking the dispensing path therethrough and preventing the product from being dispensed from the container through the fitment.

[0123] It should be noted that the blocks described in the methods disclosed herein can be performed in a different order than shown and / or simultaneously (partially or completely)with other blocks, where appropriate. Further, not all of the described blocks need be performed in various implementations. In some implementations, blocks can be performed multiple times, in different orders, and / or at different times in the methods.

[0124] The functional blocks, operations, features, methods, devices, and systems described in the present disclosure may be integrated or divided into different combinations of systems, devices, and functional blocks.

[0125] Although the present implementations have been described in accordance with the examples shown, there can be variations to the implementations and those variations are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A fitment for a container, the fitment comprising: a plug configured to couple to the container and cover an aperture of the container, the plug including: one or more plug dispensing apertures extending through the plug; and a plug air aperture extending through the plug; a collar rotatably coupled to the plug, the collar including: one or more collar dispensing apertures extending through the collar; and a collar air aperture extending through the collar; and a spring positioned between the plug and the collar, wherein the collar is rotatable with respect to the plug to one of multiple orientations including a restricted orientation and an unrestricted orientation, wherein: in the restricted orientation, the one or more collar dispensing apertures are unaligned with the one or more plug dispensing apertures to prevent product in the container from dispensing through the one or more collar dispensing apertures, and in the unrestricted orientation, the one or more collar dispensing apertures are aligned with the one or more plug dispensing apertures to allow the product in the container to dispense through the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the one or more collar dispensing apertures, and wherein the spring provides a spring force that biases the collar toward the restricted orientation.

2. The fitment of claim 1, wherein in the restricted orientation, the one or more collar dispensing apertures and the collar air aperture are unaligned with the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the plug air aperture, respectively, to prevent the product in the container from dispensing through the one or more collar dispensing apertures, and in the unrestricted orientation, the one or more collar dispensing apertures and the collar air aperture are aligned with the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the plug air aperture, respectively, to allow the product in the container to dispense through the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the one or more collar dispensing apertures.

3. The fitment of claim 1, wherein the fitment further comprises a compressible layer positioned between the plug and the collar, the compressible layer including: one or more layer dispensing apertures extending through the compressible layer; and a layer air aperture extending through the compressible layer, wherein the collar is rotatable with respect to the compressible layer, wherein in the restricted orientation, the one or more layer dispensing apertures and the layer air aperture are unaligned with the collar dispensing apertures and the collar air aperture, respectively, and wherein in the unrestricted orientation, the one or more layer dispensing apertures are aligned with the one or more collar dispensing apertures and the one or more plug dispensing apertures, and the layer air aperture is aligned with the collar air aperture and the plug air aperture.

4. The fitment of claim 1, wherein the fitment further comprises a compressible layer positioned between the plug and the collar, the compressible layer including: one or more layer dispensing apertures extending through the compressible layer; and a layer air aperture extending through the compressible layer, wherein the collar and the compressible layer are rotatable with respect to the plug, wherein in the restricted orientation, the one or more layer dispensing apertures and the layer air aperture are unaligned with the plug dispensing apertures and the plug air aperture, respectively, and wherein in the unrestricted orientation, the one or more layer dispensing apertures are aligned with the one or more collar dispensing apertures and the one or more plug dispensing apertures, and the layer air aperture is aligned with the collar air aperture and the plug air aperture.

5. The fitment of any of claims 3 or 4, wherein the compressible layer is a gasket that is made of a material that is more flexible than a material of the collar and a material of the Plug-6. The fitment of any of claims 3 or 4, wherein the compressible layer covers an empty cavity in the plug in which the spring moves in response to the collar being moved between the restricted orientation and the unrestricted orientation.

7. The fitment of claim 1, wherein the plug is rigidly attached to the container.

8. The fitment of claim 1, wherein the plug air aperture is positioned approximately on an opposite side of a center of the plug relative to the plug dispensing apertures.

9. The fitment of claim 1, wherein the plug includes an empty cavity in which the spring moves in response to the collar being moved between the restricted orientation and the unrestricted orientation.

10. The fitment of claim 1, wherein: the collar includes a collar protrusion that extends into an empty cavity in the plug, and the collar protrusion contacts and moves a portion of the spring in opposition to the spring force when the collar is moved from the restricted orientation to the unrestricted orientation.

11. The fitment of claim 1, wherein the spring is molded as a unitary part of the plug.

12. The fitment of claim 1, wherein the spring is a metal torsion spring that is separate from the plug and is held by one or more physical features of the plug.

13. The fitment of claim 1, wherein the plug includes one or more stops that limit rotation of the collar to a particular angular range that is equal to or less than 45 degrees.

14. The fitment of claim 1, wherein the one or more plug dispensing apertures are a plurality of plug dispensing apertures and the one or more collar dispensing apertures are a plurality of collar dispensing apertures.

15. The fitment of claim 14, wherein the plurality of plug dispensing apertures are wedge- shaped and spaced around a center of the plug by wedge-shaped portions of the plug provided between the plug dispensing apertures.

16. The fitment of claim 1, wherein the plug is coupled to the container by a portion of the plug that couples to a neck of the container via friction.

17. The fitment of claim 1, wherein the collar is coupled to the plug by a portion of the collar that couples to the plug via friction.

18. The fitment of claim 1, further comprising a cap removably coupled to the collar, wherein the cap includes a safety mechanism that requires an additional user action to allow the collar to be rotated with respect to the plug.

19. A container assembly comprising: a container having a neck, the neck having a neck aperture; and a fitment coupled to the neck of the container and covering the neck aperture, wherein the fitment includes: a plug coupled to the neck of the container, the plug including: one or more plug dispensing apertures extending through the plug; and a plug air aperture extending through the plug; a collar rotatably coupled to the plug, the collar including: one or more collar dispensing apertures extending through the collar; and a collar air aperture extending through the collar; and a spring positioned between the plug and the collar, wherein the collar is rotatable with respect to the plug to one of multiple orientations including a restricted orientation and an unrestricted orientation, wherein: in the restricted orientation, the one or more collar dispensing apertures are unaligned with the one or more plug dispensing apertures to prevent product in the container from dispensing through the one or more collar dispensing apertures, andin the unrestricted orientation, the one or more collar dispensing apertures are aligned with the one or more plug dispensing apertures to allow the product in the container to dispense through the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the one or more collar dispensing apertures, and wherein the spring provides a spring force that biases the collar toward the restricted orientation.

20. The container assembly of claim 19, wherein in the restricted orientation, the one or more collar dispensing apertures and the collar air aperture are unaligned with the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the plug air aperture, respectively, to prevent the product in the container from dispensing through the one or more collar dispensing apertures, and in the unrestricted orientation, the one or more collar dispensing apertures and the collar air aperture are aligned with the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the plug air aperture, respectively, to allow the product in the container to dispense through the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the one or more collar dispensing apertures.

21. A method for enabling retaining and dispensing of product in a container, the method comprising: providing a container and a fitment that includes a collar and a plug, wherein the plug is coupled to the container and the collar is rotatably coupled to the plug, wherein the collar includes one or more collar dispensing apertures and a collar air aperture, and the plug includes one or more plug dispensing apertures and a plug air aperture; in response to the collar being rotated, relative to the plug, from a restricted orientation of the collar to an unrestricted orientation of the collar based on a rotational force applied to the collar, enabling the product to be dispensed from the container through the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the one or more collar dispensing apertures, wherein the unrestricted orientation aligns the collar dispensing apertures with the one or more plug dispensing apertures; and in response to a particular reduction of the rotational force applied to the collar in the unrestricted orientation, causing the collar to rotate from the unrestricted orientation to the restricted orientation using a spring force provided by a spring positioned between the plug and the collar, wherein the restricted orientation causes the collar dispensing apertures to beunaligned with the one or more plug dispensing apertures such that the product is prevented from dispensing through the one or more collar dispensing apertures.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the unrestricted orientation aligns the collar dispensing apertures and the collar air aperture with the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the plug air aperture, respectively, and wherein the restricted orientation causes the collar dispensing apertures and the collar air aperture to be unaligned with the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the plug air aperture, respectively.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the fitment further comprises a compressible layer positioned between the plug and the collar, the compressible layer including one or more layer dispensing apertures and a layer air aperture, wherein in the restricted orientation, the one or more layer dispensing apertures and the layer air aperture are unaligned with the one or more collar dispensing apertures and the collar air aperture, respectively, or are unaligned with the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the plug air aperture, respectively; and wherein in the unrestricted orientation, the one or more layer dispensing apertures are aligned with the one or more collar dispensing apertures and the one or more plug dispensing apertures, and the layer air aperture is aligned with the collar air aperture and the plug air aperture.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein: the collar includes a collar protrusion that extends into an empty cavity in the plug, the spring is compressed to bias the collar toward the restricted orientation, and the collar protrusion contacts and moves a portion of the spring when the collar is moved from the restricted orientation to the unrestricted orientation.

25. The method of claim 21, wherein the one or more plug dispensing apertures are a plurality of plug dispensing apertures and the one or more collar dispensing apertures are a plurality of collar dispensing apertures, and wherein the plug includes multiple stops that limit rotation of the collar to a particular angular range that is equal to or less than 45 degrees.

26. A method for providing a fitment for a container, the method comprising:providing a fitment that includes a collar and a plug, wherein the plug is coupled to the container and the collar is rotatably coupled to the plug, wherein the collar includes one or more collar dispensing apertures and a collar air aperture, and the plug includes one or more plug dispensing apertures and a plug air aperture, wherein in response to the collar being rotated, relative to the plug, from a restricted orientation of the collar to an unrestricted orientation of the collar based on a rotational force applied to the collar, a product in the container is enabled to be dispensed from the container through the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the one or more collar dispensing apertures, wherein the unrestricted orientation aligns the collar dispensing apertures with the one or more plug dispensing apertures; and wherein in response to a reduction of the rotational force applied to the collar in the unrestricted orientation, the collar is caused to rotate from the unrestricted orientation to the restricted orientation using a spring force provided by a spring positioned between the plug and the collar, wherein the restricted orientation causes the collar dispensing apertures to be unaligned with the one or more plug dispensing apertures such that the product is prevented from dispensing through the one or more collar dispensing apertures.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the unrestricted orientation aligns the collar dispensing apertures and the collar air aperture with the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the plug air aperture, respectively, and wherein the restricted orientation causes the collar dispensing apertures and the collar air aperture to be unaligned with the one or more plug dispensing apertures and the plug air aperture, respectively.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein: the collar includes a collar protrusion that extends into an empty cavity in the plug, the spring is compressed to bias the collar toward the restricted orientation, and the collar protrusion contacts and moves a portion of the spring when the collar is moved from the restricted orientation to the unrestricted orientation.

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