# US 9,517,588 B2 · Connected spouts of containers and related methods > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 9,517,588 B2 - Document ID: US9517588B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 14/543,161 - Filed: 2014-11-17 - Published: 2016-05-19 - Granted: 2016-12-13 - Earliest claimed: 2014-11-17 - Assignees: Henno Hensen - Applicants: Flex&Fill Solutions Limited - Inventors: Henno Hensen; Adam Green - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9517588B2 ## CPC - B29C 65/08: using ultrasonic vibrations {(non-plastics element to plastics elements B29C65/645)} - B29C 65/002: {Joining methods not otherwise provided for} - B65D 25/42: Integral or attached nozzles or spouts - B65D 75/5883: {connected to the package at the sealed junction of two package walls} - B29L 2031/712: {Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages (closures therefor B29L2031/56; ink or toner cartridges B29L2031/7678; squeeze tubes B29L2023/20; suitcases B29L2031/7418)} - B29C: SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING (making preforms B29B11/00; making laminated products by combining previously unconnected layers which become one product whose layers will remain together B32B37/00 - B32B41/00) - B65D: CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES - B29L: INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES ## Abstract This invention relates to a specially adapted spouted closure that has oppositely positioned protruding tabular features that enable it to be heat welded or bonded to another closure of the same kind as shown in FIG. 15. The protruding tabs being so formed to enable a plurality of closures to form chains and to allow a degree of movement in an orthogonal direction to the orientation of the spout. The part of the rigid closure that attaches to the flexible part of the packaging being orientated in a way that allows adjacent containers to overlap with one another. The protruding tab of the rigid closure being formed in a position relative to rest of the closure to enable the closure to pass along a guide rail without snagging. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A rigid moulded spout for flexible containers, the spout having a mouth, at least one projection for attachment of a pouch thereto and oppositely protruding tabs adapted to be adhered to respective tabs of neighbouring spouts of the same type to form long ribbons of spouts, wherein said mouth is arranged above a transverse axis of said tabs, and wherein said at least one projection for attachment of a pouch is arranged below said transverse axis of said tabs. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The spout according to claim 1, wherein said tabs are flat and substantially planar. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The spout according to claim 1, wherein said tabs are substantially rectangular. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The spout according to claim 1, wherein said tabs are identical. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The spout according to claim 1, wherein each of said tabs has increased flexibility inboard of an adhering portion thereof. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The spout according to claim 5, wherein said tabs include a thinned region to impart said flexibility. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The spout according to claim 6, wherein said thinned region comprises a groove. ### Claim 8 (depends on 5) The spout according to claim 5, wherein said increased flexibility is in a direction orthogonal to an axis of an opening defined by said spout. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The spout according to claim 1, wherein said projection for attachment of a pouch is an annular projection. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The spout according to claim 9, wherein said projection comprises an oval, having a long axis that is non-aligned with a direction of said tabs. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The spout according to claim 10, wherein said oval comprises pointed apices on the long axis. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The spout according to claim 1, wherein the spout further comprises radial projections orthogonal to an extending direction of said tabs, and wherein said radial projections are adapted to support said spout on either side upon a rail. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The spout according to claim 1, wherein each tab has an adhering side and a non-adhering side, and wherein the adhering side of each tab is provided with ribs. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The spout according to claim 13, wherein the non-adhering side is of each tab is provided with ribs. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The spout according to claim 14, wherein the ribs provided on the adhering side of each tab are interengageable with ribs provided on tabs to be adhered thereto in use. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The spout according to claim 1, wherein the tabs are adapted to be adhered by one of ultrasonic welding, thermal welding, solvent welding and adhesive.