Outlet for pouch

Abstract

An outlet (20) for hermetically closing a flexible pouch (10) comprises an adaptor base (22), a spout (24) and a tamper-proof closure (26). The adaptor base is arranged to be sealingly connected to the pouch and defines a filling opening (40) extending between an inner rim (42) and an outer rim (44). The spout is irreversibly connectable to the adaptor base and has a first end (30), a second end (32) and a hub (28) therebetween. A lumen (35) communicates between the first end and the second end through the hub. Once connected, the spout and adaptor base are secured against mutual rotation and the lumen extends at least partially through the filling opening. The tamper-proof closure is connected to the second end of the spout and is removable to provide access to the pouch through the filling opening and the lumen.

Description

Outlet for PouchBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to containers in the form of flexible pouches for packaging and dispensing of products, in particular liquid or fluid products for enteral feeding purposes. The invention relates in particular to an outlet for closing and accessing such containers. The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing and filling such containers.Description of the Related Art

[0002] Packaging for liquid products can take many forms, depending on the particular product and its intended use. Familiar packages include bottles, pouches, cartons, syringes and tubes. Each of the above may be constructed from different materials and can be provided with a range of different possible closures. Although the technology surrounding most such packages is relatively mature, there is nevertheless, constant development due to shifting requirements e.g. concerning recycling, safety and user acceptance.

[0003] Pouches are popular and convenient for many reasons. In particular, due to their flexibility, they can dispense their contents without the entry of air. This makes them particularly suitable for sterile products, where sterility should be maintained as much as possible after partial use. High standards of sterility are particularly important for enteral feeding solutions, which may be required for vulnerable patients with reduced resistance to infections. For such solutions, various routes for administration may be applicable. For patients that require tube feeding through a stoma or naso-gastric tube, various standard outlet connectors may be applicable. These can vary, depending on local medical regulations and the specific tubing set that will be connected. Other patients may suck contents directly from an outlet of the pouch, while some may desire to have the solution dispensed into a cup.

[0004] For manufacturers or suppliers of enteral feeding solutions, the existing challenges of producing sterile packages are further complicated by the need to provide alternative outlets. Existing outlets may be provided either in a seam or at a face of the pouch during manufacture. These outlets are then used for initial fillingof the package and are hermetically closed on completion of the packaging procedure. The filling process may also include a retorting step, requiring the filled but not yet sealed package to be subjected to high temperature in an autoclave or the like. It will be understood that the size of the outlet for filling purposes should be as large as possible for speed and convenience of filling. For delivery, a significantly smaller outlet will be required, depending on the form of delivery.

[0005] Existing flexible pouch packages used for enteral solutions use a number of adaptors, that allow a filling spout to be converted into various forms of dispensing outlet. These systems however require significant plastic material, which is undesirable from a waste perspective. Additionally, the filling spout is relatively narrow and is a limiting factor governing the speed of filling. An example of a pouch provided with various outlets for child feeding is shown in WO2015079371. In this case, the outlets are all arranged to fit over an outside of a fitment connected to the pouch. The pouch is a fill-through-fitment package and any increase in the opening of the fitment to improve filling requires an increase size of the outlet leading to relatively more usage of plastic material.

[0006] It would be desirable to provide an alternative and more versatile outlet for a flexible pouch that would allow easy filling and sealing of the package and be readily adaptable to the delivery requirements of individual recipients.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an outlet for hermetically closing a flexible pouch comprising the features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are provided according to the appended dependent claims.

[0008] The outlet, comprises an adaptor base, a spout and a tamper-proof closure. The adaptor base is arranged to be sealingly connected to the pouch and defines a filling opening extending between an inner rim and an outer rim. The spout is irreversibly connectable to the adaptor base and has a first end engaged within the filling opening, a second end and a hub therebetween. A lumen communicates between the first end and the second end through the hub. Once connected, the spout and adaptor base are secured against mutual rotation and the lumen extends at least partially through the filling opening. The tamper-proof closure is connected to the second end of the spoutand is removable to provide access to the pouch through the filling opening and the lumen.

[0009] The outlet allows filling of a pouch through the filling opening and subsequent closure of the pouch by insertion of the first end of the spout into the adaptor. The filling opening may be adequately dimensioned for facilitating the filling operation. Since the spout fits at least partially into the filling opening, it may be smaller and require less material. Furthermore, the spout is connectable subsequent to filling and it is thus possible to choose between different types of spout according to the contents and intended use or mode of delivery.

[0010] The outlet is preferably conventional in terms of its connection to the pouch, whereby it may easily replace existing outlets without extensive retooling. Most preferably, the outlet is for integration into the seam of a flexible pouch between layers of pouch material that are being joined together. To this end, the adaptor base may comprise external wings for integration into the seam of the flexible pouch. Such wings may have a lenticular or almond shaped cross-section and may be provided with surfaces facilitating their connection to the pouch material, preferably the wings are by adhesive or by welding.

[0011] The adaptor base may further comprise one or more external flanges surrounding the filling opening. Such flanges are conventionally present for engagement by handling apparatus and by including such flanges it may be ensured that the outlet and adaptor base is compatible with existing handling apparatus. The adaptor base and filling opening may define an outlet axis and the flange or flanges may be perpendicular to the outlet axis. One or more flanges may be provided with an indexing form, allowing the orientation of the outlet and pouch to be determined.

[0012] The adaptor base may distinguish over existing outlets by the size of the filling opening, which may be dimensioned for improved filling of the pouch. Easy filling depends not only on the minimum dimension of the filling opening but also on the inner diameter at the outer rim, since this determines the size of a filling nozzle that can be engaged within the filling opening. The filling opening may have a minimum cross-section that is at least 75mm2 or at least 100 mm2 or even at least 200 mm2. The filling opening may have a cross-sectional area, defined at the outer rim that is at least 150 mm2 or even at least 200 mm2. The size of the filling opening may thus be considerably larger than the lumen through the spout. The filling opening may betwice as large as a minimum flow passage through the lumen, preferably at least three times larger or four times larger.

[0013] The irreversible connection between the spout and the adaptor base may be any suitable connection. It will be understood that permanent connections can be made by welding or gluing the spout to the adaptor base but that these steps may be undesirable during or following a sterile filling operation. Preferably, the connection is a mechanical connection. Suitable connections may be selected from the group comprising, threaded, bayonet, ratchet and snap-fit connections. In the present context, connectable or connected is intended to refer to a mechanical connection, e the irreversible connection is a mechanical connection, preferably selected from the group comprising, threaded, bayonet, ratchet and snap-fit connections.

[0014] In one preferred arrangement, the first end of the spout comprises a spigot that is irreversibly retained within the filling opening. Retention within the filling opening ensures a smaller spout requiring less material that a connection that extends outside of the adaptor base. In an embodiment, the spigot may comprise one or more resilient, barbed segments that engage behind a corresponding rim within the adaptor base. Preferably, two or three barbed segments may be provided with splits or gaps therebetween. The barbed segments may extend fully through the filling opening and engage behind the inner rim.

[0015] In preferred configurations, the adaptor base, the spout and the closure may be arranged co-axially along an outlet axis. As mentioned above, the mechanical connection may include threaded and bayonet connections requiring a relative rotation between spout and adaptor base about the outlet axis. Nevertheless, in preferred embodiments such rotation is to be avoided, and the spout is connectable to the adaptor base by axial movement of the first end into the filling opening. The axial movement may be without rotation or with minimal rotation.

[0016] As noted above, once connected, the spout and adaptor base are secured against mutual rotation. This is important, because removal of the tamper-proof closure may require relative rotation between the closure and the spout. Subsequent connection to a tubing set may also require a user to apply a rotation force to the spout. The spout and adaptor base may be secured against mutual rotation using mechanical engagement such as splines, keyways and other form-fit provisions. Some of such provisions may require careful alignment of the spout with the adaptor base prior to connection. In an embodiment, the hub may engage with the adaptor base adjacentto the outer rim. This engagement may be spaced from the pouch and may also be spaced from portions of the adaptor base close to the pouch, such as the external flanges mentioned above. In particular, such flanges may need to be kept free for engaging handling apparatus and may not be available to be covered by the hub.

[0017] In preferred configurations, the adaptor base and spout are connectable and secured against mutual rotation at any relative rotational position with respect to the outlet axis. This may avoid the need for careful pre-alignment. The skilled person will be aware of various alternative ways to secure the spout against location. In one preferred configuration, the adaptor base comprises circumferential crenelations arranged around the filling opening, which engage with one or more teeth appropriately positioned on the hub or on the first end of the spout. The skilled person will understand that the reverse may also be suitable, with crenelations provided around the spout, engaging with a tooth or teeth on the adaptor base. In fact both parts may be provided with mutually engaging crenelations. Such crenelations may take any appropriate shape e.g. square or triangular or saw tooth. Preferably, engaging surfaces of the teeth and / or crenelations have lead-in profiles to facilitate engagement. The skilled person will also recognise that a limited rotation of the spout and adaptor base will be required during connection in order to align the engaging surfaces. This rotation will depend on the fineness of the teeth or the number of crenelations. Preferably at least 16 teeth or crenelations are present and / or mutual rotation during connection is limited to no more than 10 degrees or less than 5 degrees.

[0018] In one embodiment, the crenelations or teeth may be provided on or at the outer rim of the adaptor base. They may be embossed or moulded into an outer or inner surface of the outer rim. Preferably, the teeth or crenelations can extend axially at the outer rim in a direction towards the spout. This allows the full thickness of the outer rim to be used and may avoid the need for extra material thickness.

[0019] As noted above, the outlet should ensure hermetic sealing of the pouch. In this context, hermetic is intended to denote that the pouch is sealed sufficiently to prevent outward passage of the contents or inward passage of air or oxygen, even when exposed to pressure e.g. due to squeezing of the flexible pouch. To achieve this, each and every relevant connection must individually achieve the required degree of sealing. In particular, the connection between the spout and the adaptor base should be hermetic. This may be achieved by any appropriate seal or seals available to theskilled person that can be integrated into the outlet. In one embodiment, the first end of the spout may comprise an annular seal that engages with and / or around an inner surface of the filling opening. The annular seal may comprise one or more raised beads, lips, ridges, steps, grooves or like structures that can engage with the inner surface of the filling opening. The inner surface of the filling opening may be either smooth and uniform of may also be provided with complementary beads, lips, ridges, steps, grooves or like structures that can engage with the annular seal.

[0020] The spout may extend only within the adaptor base and not over the adaptor base.In other embodiments, the hub may be provided with a skirt, which at least partially covers the outer rim of the adaptor base. If crenelations or teeth are present around the outer rim, the skirt may at least cover these teeth or crenelations. It is also not excluded that such a skirt may provide additional sealing around an outer surface of the outer rim.

[0021] In one embodiment, the irreversible connection between the spout and the adaptor base may be a screw connection and the skirt may comprise a ratchet engagement with the adaptor base to prevent unscrewing. The screw connection may comprise an internal thread within the filling opening, which mates with an external thread around the first end of the spout.

[0022] In certain embodiments, it may be desirable or required by regulatory requirements to have an addition seal closing the package prior to use. This may be provided by a rupturable foil within the lumen or the filling opening. The foil may be applied once filling is completed e.g. by welding to a suitable location on the adaptor base. Alternatively, the rupturable foil may be pre-applied to the spout and be applied to the outlet on connection of the spout. A convenient location for the foil may be affixed across the first end of the spout. In this context, reference to a rupturable foil is not intended to be limited to metallic foils but is intended to refer to any thin film seals that can be ruptured e.g. by a spike or by pressure or the like.

[0023] As mentioned above, removal of the tamper-proof closure may require relative rotation between the closure and the spout. The tamper-proof closure may comprise a frangible element that is broken by such relative rotation. The tamper-proof closure and its frangible element may be generally conventional and may correspond directly to components that have been previously used on spouts having appropriate second ends. The second end may comprise a thread and the closure may be screwed onto the thread. The frangible element may comprise a ring that is engaged behind a diskformed on the hub. The closure may also achieve the same degree of hermetic seal discussed above.

[0024] The present disclosure also relates to a set of outlets. Each outlet may be as described above and hereinafter, comprising at least a first spout type having a second end of the spout of a first type and a second spout type having a second end of the spout of a second type. The outlets may all have identical adaptor bases and the first ends of the spouts of the first spout type and of the second spout type may also be identical. Such a set of outlets enables a producer of filled pouches to select a spout of the first spout type or of the second spout type to close the adaptor base subsequent to filling.

[0025] The set of outlets can allow appropriate usage by different users. The spouts may be selected from all suitable spout types, including: drinking spouts, safety spouts, threaded spouts, pierceable spouts and the like.

[0026] The present disclosure still further relates to a package comprising a flexible pouch and an outlet as described above or hereinafter.

[0027] The pouch and the outlet may both comprise polymer material and the polymer material of the pouch may be the same polymer material as that of the outlet. In this context, comprising the same polymer material is intended to denote polymers that can be disposed of together in compliance with PPWR. In embodiments, this may include polyolefins derived from monomers of equal chain length. In embodiments, the pouch and the outlet may consist of entirely the same polymer material or consist essentially of the same polymer material. Consisting essentially, may require that 95% of the polymer material is identical or at least 97% or at least 98% or at least 99% of the polymer material is identical.

[0028] The package may be provided in any suitable sizes, ranging from 50 ml to 1500 ml or more. Depending on the size of the package, various design variations may be implemented. In certain smaller embodiments, the pouch may have a volume of from 50 ml to 500 ml and the pouch and outlet may both consist essentially of polypropylene. For larger volumes of from 400 ml to 1500 ml the pouch and outlet may both consist essentially of polyethylene. In particular, polyethylene based pouches have been shown to be more resistant to pressure and bursting.

[0029] Furthermore, the pouch may be formed from first and second layers of pouch material, sealed together at edges of the pouch. The outlet may then be sealed between the layers at one of the edges. The pouch may alternatively be formed froma single folded layer of pouch material e.g. forming a gusset pouch or standing pouch. In this case three edges may be sealed together and the outlet may be provided in one of the sealed edges. In another alternative, the pouch may be formed of a tubular layer of pouch material, sealed at opposed ends of the tube.

[0030] The package preferably comprises sterile food in liquid, gel or pasty form within the pouch. The food may be for enteral feeding, in particular an enteral feeding solution.

[0031] In order to comply with all requirements for storage of sterile food, the pouch material may be provided with barrier properties. The pouch material may be a laminate comprising a number of layers of different materials or different qualities or configurations of materials. Barrier layers may include oriented polypropylene (OPP) or additional materials such as EVOH and metallized layers.

[0032] The disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing and filling packages of the type described above and hereinafter. Such a method may comprise: a) providing pouch material; b) sealingly connecting the pouch material around an adaptor base to form a flexible pouch having an adaptor base; c) filling the flexible pouch through the filling opening; d) selecting a spout of a first type, provided with a tamper-proof closure; and e) inserting the spout into the adaptor base to hermetically close the pouch to form a package of a first type.

[0033] Additionally, the method may further comprise retorting the filled pouch prior to hermetically closing the pouch. Retorting can take place ....

[0034] According to an important aspect of the invention, the method may further comprise repeating steps a to c and subsequently selecting a spout of a second type and inserting the spout of a second type into the adaptor base to form a package of a second type. The ability to select spouts of different types allows a manufacturer or filler of packages to adapt the production in an efficient way without having to retool the line, since the pouch and the base adaptor are common to all packages.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The features and advantages of the invention will be appreciated upon reference to the following drawings of a number of exemplary embodiments, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a package according to the invention;

[0037] Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of an outlet of the invention;

[0038] Figure 3 shows an adaptor base and spout of the outlet of Figure 2, connected together;

[0039] Figure 4 shows a longitudinal section in plane IV of Figure 3;

[0040] Figure 5 shows an end view of the adaptor base of Figure 2;

[0041] Figure 6 shows a view onto the first end of the spout of Figure 2;

[0042] Figure 7 shows steps in a method of manufacturing and filling the package of Figure 1;

[0043] Figure 8 shows an exploded perspective view of an outlet of a second embodiment of the invention;

[0044] Figure 9 shows a spout of the outlet of Figure 8; and

[0045] Figure 10 shows a longitudinal section through an adaptor base and spout of the second embodiment connected together.DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0046] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to drawings in which illustrative embodiments thereof are shown. The drawings are intended exclusively for illustrative purposes and not as a restriction of the inventive concept which is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention. The scope of the invention is only limited by the definitions presented in the appended claims.

[0047] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a package 1 according to the present invention, comprising a pouch 10 and an outlet 20. The outlet 20 is attached to a tubing set 16 for enteral feeding of a patient (not shown).

[0048] Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of parts of the outlet 20 of Figure 1. The outlet 20 comprises an adaptor base 22, a spout 24 and a closure 26, which are arranged co-axially along outlet axis X.

[0049] The spout 24 has a hub 28, which carries a first end 30 and a second end 32. The second end 32 is provided with a screw thread 34 and a disk 36. A lumen 35 extends through the hub 28 from the first end 30 to the second end 32. The closure 26 carries a frangible ring 38 at its lower edge.

[0050] The adaptor base 22 has a filling opening 40, extending between an inner rim 42 and an outer rim 44. Crenelations 45 are provided around the outer rim 44. The adaptor base 22 also has laterally extending wings 46 and flanges 48A, 48B.

[0051] Figure 3 shows in perspective view, the adaptor base 22 and spout 24 connected together. The spout 24 is an Enfit™ compatible spout and in this view, it can be seen that an obstruction 60 is located within the lumen 35 adjacent to the second end. The obstruction 60 ensures that only compatible tubing sets may be connected to the spout 24.

[0052] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view through the adaptor base 22 and spout 24 of Figure 3, taken in the plane IV.

[0053] As can be seen in Figure 4, the first end 30 of the spout 24 comprises a spigot 50 having two barbed segment 52A, 52B. Furthermore, an annular seal 54 is provided around the outside of the first end 30, between the hub 28 and the barbed segments 52A, 52B. The hub 28 also has a skirt 56 that partially surrounds the first end 30.

[0054] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the adaptor base 22 looking onto the filling opening 40 and showing the crenelations 45.

[0055] Figure 6 is a perspective view onto the first end 30 of the spout 24. In this view, it can be seen that four teeth 58 are located on the underside of the hub 28 beneath the skirt 56. The teeth 58 are located at positions equally spaced at 90 degrees from each other. On connecting the spout 24 with the adaptor base 22 in the position shown in Figures 3 and 4, the teeth 58 engage with the crenelations 45 to secure the adaptor base 22 and the spout 24 against mutual rotation with respect to the outlet axis X. In the illustrated embodiment, there are 28 crenelations 45. Each is thus located 13 degrees apart, permitting the spout to be secured at multiple angular positions.

[0056] Figure 7 shows steps in the manufacture and filling of a package 1 of the type shown in Figure 1.

[0057] At a), a preformed pouch 10 is provided, together with an adaptor base 22. The laterally extending wings 46 of the adaptor base 22 are inserted into the open mouth of the pouch 10 and welded together by the application of ultrasound W.

[0058] At b), the pouch 10 is filled F with an enteral feeding solution through the filling opening 40 of the adaptor base 22.

[0059] At c), the spout 24 assembled together with a pre-applied closure 26 is loosely inserted into the filling opening 40 of the adaptor base 22.

[0060] At d), the completed package 1 is placed into an autoclave 80 and subjected to retort conditions to comply with the relevant requirements.

[0061] On, or prior to, removal from the autoclave, the spout 24 is pressed downwards P to irreversibly connect with the adaptor base 22 to seal the package 1 as shown at e).

[0062] Figure 8 shows an exploded perspective view of parts of an outlet 120 according to a second embodiment of the invention. Figure 8 is a similar view to that of Figure 2 and like elements from the first embodiment will be indicated by the same reference numerals preceded by 100.

[0063] The outlet 120 comprises an adaptor base 122, a spout 124 and a closure 126, which are arranged co-axially along outlet axis X.

[0064] The spout 124 has a hub 128, which has a skirt 156 that covers a first end (not shown) and a second end 132. The second end 132 is provided with a screw thread 134 and a disk 136. The closure 126 carries a frangible ring 138 at its lower edge. A lumen 135 extends through the hub 128 from the second end 132. The second end 132 and the closure 132 are identical to the first embodiment.

[0065] The adaptor base 122 has a filling opening 140, extending between an inner rim 142 and an outer rim 144. Ratchet elements 145 are provided around the outer rim 144. As in the first embodiment, the adaptor base 122 also has laterally extending wings 146 and flanges 148 A, 148B. Unlike the first embodiment, filling opening 140 is provided with an internal thread 147.

[0066] Figure 9 shows the spout 124 in isolation in a perspective view. The view is taken towards an underside of the skirt 156 showing the first end 130. Around the first end 130 is an external thread 133. Also visible beneath the skirt 156 are resilient pawls 158. A sealing foil 162 is provided across the face of the first end 130. The sealing foil 162 is an aluminium foil that is welded to the material of the spout 124 and hermetically closes the lumen 135 prior to use.

[0067] Figure 10 shows in longitudinal sectional view the adaptor base 122 and spout 124 connected together. The external thread 133 on the first end 130 is engaged with the internal thread 147 within the filling opening 140. Tightening of the threaded engagement between threads 147, 133 causes the resilient pawls 158 to move past the ratchet elements 145, preventing unscrewing of the connection. As in the earlier embodiment an obstruction 160 is located in the lumen 135 adjacent the second end 132. The obstruction 160 is sized to allow passage of a spike of an appropriate tubing set, such that the spike can pierce the sealing foil 162 in order to gain access through the outlet 10.

[0068] Although certain embodiments have been shown, it will be understood that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive to the inventive concept. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that alternative and equivalent embodiments of the invention can be conceived and reduced to practice. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular configuration or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.

[0069] All modifications which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An outlet for hermetically closing a flexible pouch, comprising:an adaptor base to be sealingly connected to the pouch, the adaptor base defining a filling opening extending between an inner rim and an outer rim; a spout, irreversibly connectable to the adaptor base, having a first end engaged within the filling opening, a second end and a hub therebetween, with a lumen communicating between the first end and the second end through the hub, wherein once connected, the spout and adaptor base are secured against mutual rotation and the lumen extends at least partially through the filling opening; anda tamper-proof closure connected to the second end of the spout and removable to provide access to the pouch through the filling opening and the lumen.

2. The outlet of claim 1, wherein the adaptor base comprises external wings for integration into a seam of the flexible pouch, preferably by welding.

3. The outlet of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the adaptor base comprises one or more external flanges surrounding the filling opening for engagement by handling apparatus.

4. The outlet of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling opening has a cross-sectional area that is at least twice as large as a minimum flow passage through the lumen, preferably at least three times larger or four times larger.

5. The outlet of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the irreversible connection is a mechanical connection, preferably selected from the group comprising, threaded, bayonet, ratchet and snap-fit connections.

6. The outlet of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end of the spout comprises a spigot that is irreversibly retained within the filling opening.

7. The outlet of claim 6, wherein the spigot comprises one or more resilient, barbed segments that engage behind the inner rim of the adaptor base.

8. The outlet of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adaptor base, the spout and the closure are arranged co-axially along an outlet axis and the spout is connectable to the adaptor base by axial movement of the first end into the filling opening.

9. The outlet of claim 8, wherein the adaptor base and spout are connectable and secured against mutual rotation at any relative rotational position with respect to the outlet axis.

10. The outlet of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adaptor base comprises circumferential crenelations arranged around the filling opening, which engage with teeth provided on the hub or vice-versa, to prevent mutual rotation.

11. The outlet of claim 10, wherein the crenelations or teeth are provided on the outer rim of the adaptor base, preferably extending axially at the outer rim.

12. The outlet of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end of the spout comprises an annular seal that engages with an inner surface of the filling opening.

13. The outlet of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hub is provided with a skirt, which covers the outer rim of the adaptor base.

14. The outlet of claim 13, wherein the irreversible connection between the spout and the adaptor base is a screw connection and the skirt comprises a ratchet engagement with the adaptor base to prevent unscrewing.

15. The outlet of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a rupturable seal is provided within the lumen or filling opening, preferably affixed across the first end of the spout.1516. The outlet of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tamper-proof closure is removable by rotation, preferably to break a frangible element.

17. A set of outlets according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least a first spout type having a second end of the spout of a first type and a second spout type having a second end of the spout of a second type, connected to identical adaptor bases.

18. The set of outlets according to claim 17, wherein the spouts are selected from the group comprising: drinking spouts, safety spouts, threaded spouts and pierceable spouts.

19. A package comprising a flexible pouch and an outlet according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

20. The package according to claim 19, wherein the pouch and the outlet comprise polymer material and the polymer material of the pouch is the same polymer material as that of the outlet.

21. The package according to any one of claims 19 or 20, wherein the pouch has a volume of from 50 ml to 500 ml and the pouch and outlet both consist of polypropylene.

22. The package according to any one of claims 19 or 20, wherein the pouch has a volume of from 400 ml to 1500 ml and the pouch and outlet both consist of polyethylene.

23. The package according to any one of claims 19 to 22, further comprising sterile food in liquid, gel or pasty form within the pouch.

24. A method of manufacturing and filling packages according to any of claims 19 to 23, comprising:a. providing pouch material,b. sealingly connecting the pouch material around an adaptor base to form a flexible pouch having an adaptor base;c. filling the flexible pouch through the filling opening;16d. selecting a spout of a first type, provided with a tamper-proof closure; e. inserting the spout into the adaptor base to hermetically close the pouch to form a package of a first type.

25. The method according to claim 24, further comprising retorting the filled pouch prior to hermetically closing the pouch.

26. The method according to claim 24 or claim 25, further comprising repeating steps a to c and subsequently selecting a spout of a second type and inserting the spout of a second type into the adaptor base to form a package of a second type.

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