HK1058349B - Dispensing closure for spreadable product - Google Patents

Description

Dispensing closure system for a dispensable product

Technical Field

The present invention relates to resealable dispensing closure systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to resealable dispensing closure systems for dispensing a dispensable strip of product (such as a viscous food product) from a container, such as a soft plastic bottle, in a clean, controlled manner.

Background

Dispensing closure systems for viscous food products, such as jellies, paste-like food products, and the like, are generally known. They generally comprise a closure body provided with a dispensing opening of suitable size for the passage of the food product.

Known dispensing closure systems for viscous food products have a number of disadvantages. For example, such closure systems do not provide for dispensing of a strip of product in a manner that maximizes the amount of product and reduces the amount of effort required by the user to dispense the product after dispensing. Another example of a disadvantage associated with known dispensing closure systems for viscous food products is that such dispensing closure systems often lack the ability to clean "cut-off" the product immediately after dispensing occurs. Thus, the use of such dispensing closure systems is often accompanied by leakage, product waste, and unsanitary conditions due to the potential exposure and deterioration of the product left on the closure system to environmental conditions.

This problem arises in part from geometric constraints imposed on many dispensing closure systems. In particular, the transition from the geometry of the container opening, which is usually circular, to the geometry of the dispensing opening is characterized by a steep change in the inner closure body surface. The closure geometry also relates to the clean "cut-off" capability of the product provided by the closure. Since product "cut-off" is a result of the vacuum created when the squeezable container recovers its original shape, in order to maximize the amount of "suck-back" that occurs when the vacuum is created, it is desirable to minimize the volume in the closed system and thus maximize the retractive force applied to the product extrudate to create a clean "cut-off". It is therefore desirable to provide a dispensing closure system that provides a good flow transition from the container geometry to the dispensing opening, and that provides sufficient "suck back" to enable a variety of products of different viscosities and flowability to be cleanly "cut-off".

It would be advantageous if such an improved closure system could be adapted for use with bottles, containers or packages having a variety of shapes and made from a variety of materials. Furthermore, it would be desirable if such an improved closure system could be adapted to efficient, high quality, and high volume manufacturing techniques with low scrap rates to produce a system with consistent operating performance.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides an improved dispensing closure system which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the present invention provides a system that is capable of dispensing a product from a container in a manner that is better controllable by the user. Such systems are particularly suitable for dispensing viscous fluids, pastes, gels, and the like. The user can easily determine where the product is to be placed and then place the ribbon-like extrudate of the product. The user can easily control the flow direction of the product. In addition, the start and stop of the product stream can be more precisely controlled. The product stream can be cleanly "cut" or terminated while leaving little or no stain outside the system.

The dispensing closure system is adapted to dispense a product from a container having an opening. The dispensing system may be formed as an integral part of one end of such a container, or the system may be a separate component, i.e. permanently or removably connected to said container. The features of the container on which the exemplary closure system may be used do not form part of the invention described and claimed herein.

According to the present invention there is provided a dispensing closure system for dispensing a strip of product from a container, the dispensing closure system comprising: a body having a deck and a skirt extending from the deck for engaging the container, the deck extending generally in a plane; a nozzle extending from the platform and including a dispensing orifice peripheral surface defining an elongated dispensing orifice, the nozzle including an elongated rear nozzle wall and an elongated front nozzle wall with the rear and front nozzle walls extending generally parallel to one another and generally perpendicular to the surface of the platform; and a closure cap secured to the closure body for selective pivotal movement about an axis generally parallel to the deck surface and generally parallel to the rear and front nozzle walls, said closure cap having a port sealing member engageable about the rear and front nozzle walls, said sealing member including an elongated wall generally perpendicular to the deck surface when engaged with the front and rear nozzle walls when the cap is applied.

According to the present invention there is also provided a dispensing closure system for dispensing a strip of product from a container having a container opening lying substantially in a plane, the closure system comprising: a body having a deck and a skirt extending from the deck for engaging the container; a spout extending from said platform and including an elongated dispensing opening having an elongated front face and an elongated rear face generally parallel to said elongated front face, said dispensing opening being spaced in said container opening plane, said body including a front inner surface between said platform and said elongated front face of said dispensing opening and a rear inner surface between said platform and said elongated rear portion of said dispensing opening, said front and rear inner surfaces being continuously curved according to a geometric function wherein the lower end of each of said surfaces is generally parallel to said container opening plane and the upper end of each of said surfaces adjacent said dispensing opening is directed toward said dispensing opening.

One broad aspect of the invention provides a dispensing closure system including an elongated dispensing opening for dispensing a strip of product. In particular, this aspect of the invention provides a dispensing closure system comprising a closure body having: (1) an enclosure platform; (2) a skirt extending from the closure deck for engaging the container; and (3) a spout extending from the closure deck, the spout including a dispensing orifice peripheral surface defining an elongated dispensing orifice.

Another broad aspect of the invention provides a dispensing closure system comprising a spout having a dispensing opening oriented at an angle relative to the closure deck or relative to the direction of flow of product from the dispensing opening. In a preferred embodiment, this aspect of the invention provides a dispensing closure system, the system comprising a closure body having: (1) an enclosure platform; (2) a skirt extending from the closure deck for engaging the container; and (3) a spout extending from the closure deck, the spout including (A) a dispensing orifice peripheral surface defining a dispensing orifice, (B) a rear wall extending to a rear spout end surface, and (C) a front wall extending to a front spout end surface, the rear wall extending a greater distance from the closure deck than the front wall extends from the closure deck. The dispensing closure system of this aspect of the invention is capable of quickly "cutting off" product immediately after dispensing has occurred, and thus dispensing product in a clean and controlled manner without mess.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a dispensing closure system having improved flow and dispensing characteristics as compared to devices of the prior art, and which enhances the "suck back" effect to provide a clean "shut off". This aspect of the invention stems from the applicant's quite unexpected discovery that the use of a tapered geometry in the transition surface, which extends along at least part of the way from the container opening to the dispensing opening, provides a good flow and clean "cut-off. The term "tapered geometry" as used herein refers to a surface that extends in whole or in part along a path having a tapered cross-sectional geometry. That is, such surfaces have a profile of a conic section, including parabolic or hyperbolic geometries, when viewed in cross-section. In one exemplary embodiment, this aspect of the invention provides a dispensing closure system having: (1) an enclosure platform; (2) a skirt extending from the closure deck for engaging the container; and (3) a spout extending from the closure deck, the spout including (a) a dispensing orifice peripheral surface defining a dispensing orifice, (B) a rear wall extending to a rear spout end surface, and (C) a front wall extending to a front spout end surface, at least one of the rear wall and the front wall having a transition surface extending at least partially from the closure deck to the dispensing orifice peripheral surface, the transition surface having a tapered geometry. The dispensing closure system according to this aspect of the invention provides a smooth transition of the flow of product from the container opening to the dispensing opening while minimizing the volume defined by the closure system nozzle, thereby providing enhanced "suck back" and allowing the product to be quickly "cut off" when used in conjunction with a vacuum-producing flexible container, as compared to prior art devices.

Many other advantages and features of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, the claims and the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings form a part of the specification, and like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the specification.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary dispensing closure system in the form of a breakaway dispensing closure in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the dispensing closure system in an open position and viewed from above or from the top of the exemplary dispensing closure system for clarity;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary dispensing closure system of FIG. 1, as viewed from below or from the bottom of the exemplary dispensing closure system for clarity;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the exemplary dispensing closure system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, but with the lid of the exemplary closure system in a closed position;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the exemplary dispensing closure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged top view of the exemplary dispensing closure system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 14A is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 14;

FIG. 14B is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 14;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the construction of another preferred nozzle and dispensing orifice;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15, but with the lid of the exemplary closure system in a closed position;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the construction of another preferred nozzle and dispensing orifice;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 17, but with the lid of the exemplary closure system in a closed position;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the construction of another preferred nozzle and dispensing orifice;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 19, but with the lid of the exemplary closure system in a closed position;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the construction of another preferred nozzle and dispensing orifice;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 21, but with the lid of the exemplary closure system in a closed position;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the construction of another preferred nozzle and dispensing orifice; and

fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 of fig. 23, but with the lid of the exemplary closure system in a closed position.

Detailed Description

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings disclose only some specific forms as examples of the invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. The scope of protection of the invention is defined in the appended claims.

For ease of description, most of the drawings used to explain the present invention show the dispensing system in a conventional orientation, i.e., when the container is placed upright on its base, such that the dispensing system is at the top of the container, and words such as upper, lower, horizontal, etc. are used with reference to this position. It should be understood, however, that the dispensing system of the present invention may be manufactured, placed, transported, used, and sold in an orientation other than the position described.

The dispensing system of the present invention is adapted for use with a variety of conventional or special containers of various designs, the specific structure of which will be apparent to those skilled in the art and the understanding of such containers, although not shown or described. The container described herein does not form part of the invention per se and does not limit the invention. It should also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that novel and non-obvious inventive features are embodied in the exemplary closed systems described separately.

An exemplary embodiment of a dispensing closure system 30 in accordance with the present invention is shown in fig. 1-14. The dispensing closure system 30 is adapted to engage a container (not shown). As can be seen in FIG. 1, the closure system 30 has a closure body 32, the closure body 32 including a hollow, generally cylindrical bottom or skirt 34, and an annular shoulder 36 extending radially inwardly from the top of the skirt 34. The dispensing closure system also includes a spout 38 extending upwardly from the interior of the shoulder 36. As can be seen in fig. 2, the interior of the skirt 34 defines an internal female thread 40. The skirt 34 is adapted to receive and threadably engage the upper end of a container mouth (not shown). Skirt threads 40 are adapted for mating engagement with threads of a container mouth or neck. The lower edge of closure skirt 34 includes a plurality of slots or grooves 37 by which automated machinery can rotate closure 32 to unscrew closure 32 for removal from the injection mold.

Alternatively, the closure skirt 34 may be provided with some other container connecting element in place of the threads 40, such as a snap-fit bead or groove (not shown) to engage a container groove or bead (not shown), respectively, in the container neck. Depending on the closure 32 and the materials used in the container, the closure 32 may also be permanently attached to the container by induction melting, ultrasonic melting, gluing, or the like. The closure 32 may also be formed as an integral part of the container or as an extension thereof.

The closure skirt 34 may have any suitable configuration. The container may have an upwardly projecting neck or other portion that is received within the specific structure of the closure 32, and the body of the container may have a cross-sectional shape that is different from the container neck and the closure skirt 34.

Closure system 30 is adapted for use in conjunction with a container having a mouth or other opening for access to the container interior and to the product contained therein. The product may be, for example, an edible product such as a food paste, jelly or jam. The closure system 30 is particularly suitable for dispensing viscous products in the form of a ribbon extrudate. However, the closed system 30 is also applicable to many other materials, including, but not limited to, lower viscosity liquids, particulates, etc. used to construct food products, personal care products, industrial or household cleaning products, or other chemical compositions (e.g., compositions used in activities including manufacturing, commercial or household maintenance, construction, agriculture, etc.).

The container with which the closure system may be used will typically be a squeezable container having a flexible wall that can be grasped by the user and squeezed or compressed to increase the internal pressure in the container so as to force the product in the container to be expelled from the container through the closure system 30. The container wall is generally sufficiently inherently resilient so that when the squeezing forces are removed, the container wall returns to its normal unstressed shape. Such a squeezable wall container is preferred in many applications, but may not be necessary in other applications. For example, in some applications it may be desirable to use a generally rigid container and pressurize the interior of the container at selected times with a piston or other pressurizing system.

Still referring to fig. 1 and 2, the lid 150 is preferably hingedly connected to the closure body 32 by a quick-action hinge 152. Such hinges are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,824, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In an alternative embodiment, a snap-action hinge is not required to attach the lid 150. Instead of a snap hinge, a soft hinge may be used. Moreover, in another embodiment (not shown), the hinge 152 may be omitted altogether, and the lid 150 may be completely separated from the closure and the lid 150 may be completely removed from the closure. The cover 150 may be omitted altogether in some applications.

In the exemplary closure system 30, the lid 150 includes a sidewall or skirt 154, and the hinge 152 extends from the sidewall or skirt 154 to the body 32. The cap skirt 154 has a cap seating surface 156. When the lid 150 is closed, the lid seating surface 156 engages an annular shoulder 36 defined in an upper portion of the closure body skirt 34 of the closure body 32.

With additional reference to fig. 3, 11, 12, 14 and 14A, in accordance with a basic feature of the present invention, the exemplary closure system 30 includes an elongated or elongated dispensing orifice 52 formed in the nozzle 38 for allowing the product to be dispensed in the form of a ribbon extrudate. The dispensing opening 52 is defined by a dispensing opening peripheral surface 86. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the dispensing opening peripheral surface 86 includes a front portion 90 and a rear portion 91 substantially parallel to the front portion 90. The dispensing opening peripheral surface 86 also includes a pair of rounded sides 88 (FIG. 1). This unique shape of the dispensing opening 52 allows a user to dispense a strip of product in a controlled manner and reduces or eliminates the amount of effort required to dispense the product after it has been dispensed from the container.

As best shown in fig. 1-10 and 12, the outer periphery of nozzle 38 includes a closure deck 35 (fig. 4-6) with a seating surface 33 formed on closure deck 35. The nozzle 38 is formed by four nozzle walls or sections extending upwardly from the closure deck 35. The front nozzle wall 44 extends upwardly from the closure deck 35 to a nozzle front wall end surface 82 (FIGS. 4-6 and 14A). The rear nozzle wall 46 extends upwardly from the closure deck 35 to a nozzle rear wall end face 84 (fig. 4-6 and 14A). The front nozzle wall 44 and the rear nozzle wall 46 are located on opposite sides of the closure 32. Nozzle 38 also includes a pair of transverse walls or sidewalls extending upwardly from closure deck 35 to transverse end surfaces. Right nozzle wall 49 extends upwardly from closure deck 35 to transverse end surface 87, and left nozzle wall 48 extends upwardly from closure deck 35 to transverse end surface 87 (FIG. 7). In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle front wall end face 82, the nozzle rear wall end face 84, and the transverse end face 87 form a continuous surface. It should be understood, however, that other end face configurations are contemplated by the present invention and that the end faces 82, 84 and 87 need not form a continuous surface but may be discontinuous surfaces having different heights or angles relative to each other.

The lid 150 includes a port seal or "platen" 160 that extends from the lid end wall 158 and is adapted to sealingly engage the dispensing port peripheral surface 86 when the lid 150 is pivoted from an open position (shown in fig. 1) to a closed position (shown in fig. 10). The port seal 160 includes a port seal rear portion 162 and a port seal front portion 164. The words "front" and "rear" are used herein to denote the position of the port seal 160 when the lid is in the closed position. It can be seen that the shape of the port seal 160 is complementary to the shape of the dispensing port 52.

With particular reference to fig. 13, 14 and 14A, the dispensing opening 52 is defined by a dispensing opening peripheral surface 86, which in the exemplary embodiment includes a nozzle upwardly extending surface 74, a nozzle inner seal 78 and a nozzle outwardly tapering surface 80. As seen in fig. 14A, the dispensing opening peripheral surface 86 extends upwardly from one of the front nozzle interior shoulder 72 and the rear nozzle interior shoulder 70.

With particular reference to fig. 14B, the port seal 160 includes tapered surfaces 170, 174 around its periphery. In particular, the port seal back 162 includes a port seal back intermediate surface 174 and the port seal front 164 includes a port seal front intermediate surface 170. As can be seen, the intermediate surfaces 170, 174 and the intermediate surfaces on the sides of the port seal 160 together form one continuous surface that extends along the perimeter of the port seal 160. Due to the tapering of the intermediate surface, the port seal 160 can be caused to sealingly engage the dispensing port peripheral surface 86 without undue interference as the lid 150 is pivoted to its closed position. The end faces 166, 168 define a port seal plane that forms an acute angle with the central axis or plane of the port seal 160. As can be seen from the cross-section shown in fig. 14B, the port seal front 164 and the port seal rear 162 may extend from the lid end wall 158 at an angle slightly greater than 90 °, thus outwardly from each other. This provides a resilient bias about the port seal 160 that helps to enhance sealing engagement with the dispensing port peripheral surface 86. Sealing strip 78 on the interior of closure spout 38 improves sealing engagement with the outer surface of port seal 160.

Referring to fig. 14 and 14A, in conjunction with another essential feature of the invention, the front nozzle wall end surface 82 and the rear nozzle wall end surface 84 define a port plane (P) that extends at an acute angle relative to the axis (a) of the closure body 32, and the plane (P) is not parallel to the plane defined by the closure seating surface 33. The axis (a) is preferably defined by the direction of flow of the product through the dispensing opening 52. Due to the upwardly extending surfaces 74 (fig. 14) of the dispensing opening peripheral surface 86, the dispensed product tends to flow parallel to these surfaces through the dispensing opening 52. Due to the angled dispensing opening, nozzle rear wall 46 extends a higher height from enclosure deck 35 than nozzle front wall 44. The nozzle transverse wall end surface 87 connects the nozzle front wall end surface 82 and the nozzle rear wall end surface 84 to form a continuous surface in the mouth plane (P). This feature of the invention provides enhanced ability to "cut off" the product, thereby reducing the likelihood of leakage or product waste.

In accordance with another essential feature of the invention, a tapered transition surface geometry is used on closure body 32 in order to enhance the transition of product flow from the container opening to dispensing opening 52, and to enhance the ability to "cut" product by reducing the volume below spout 38. Fig. 4, 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views taken along lines 4-4, 5-5 and 6-6, respectively, of fig. 3, with fig. 3 being a top view of an exemplary closure system in accordance with the present invention. As can be seen in fig. 4-6, an annular "crab's claw" seal 42 projects downwardly from the closure seating surface 33 and is adapted to sealingly engage an annular upper rim (not shown) of the container on which the closure system 30 is mounted. In accordance with the present invention, spout front wall 44 includes a spout front wall interior transition surface 51, which transition surface 51 at least partially follows a parabolic path from closure deck 35 to dispensing opening peripheral surface 86 in the exemplary embodiment. Likewise, spout rear wall 46 includes a spout rear wall internal transition surface 57, which transition surface 57 at least partially follows a parabolic trajectory from closure deck 35 to dispensing opening peripheral surface 86 in the exemplary embodiment. As can be seen in fig. 4-6, the spout front wall 44 also includes an outer surface 59 that follows a parabolic trajectory from the closure deck 35 to the spout front wall end surface 82. Likewise, to provide a substantially uniform nozzle wall thickness, nozzle back wall 46 also includes an outer surface 65 that follows a parabolic path from closure deck 35 to nozzle back wall end face 84. It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the outer surfaces of the nozzle front wall 44 and nozzle rear wall 46 need not be tapered geometries, but may be other geometries as desired for the particular aesthetics and/or function required for a particular closure system.

Fig. 7-9 are cross-sectional views taken along lines 7-7, 8-8 and 9-9, respectively, of fig. 3. In the exemplary embodiment, the internal transition surfaces of the lateral portion of nozzle 38 do not include a tapered geometry. Conversely, the nozzle left wall 48 and nozzle right wall 49 include interior surfaces that extend in a generally vertical direction, and the interior surfaces may include tapered portions that extend inwardly to the dispensing opening peripheral surface 86. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that tapered geometries may be employed on the inner surfaces of the left and right walls of the nozzle without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The nozzle left wall 48 includes an inner surface 68, the inner surface 68 including a substantially vertical surface and an inwardly tapered surface extending toward the dispensing opening outer peripheral surface 86. Nozzle left wall 48 also includes an outer surface 61, which outer surface 61 extends from closure deck 35 to an end surface 87 of the nozzle left wall according to a tapered geometry. Likewise, the nozzle right wall 49 includes an inner surface 66, the inner surface 66 having a substantially vertical surface and an inwardly tapered surface. Nozzle right wall 49 also includes an outer surface 63, which outer surface 63 extends from enclosure platform 35 to right wall end surface 87 according to a tapered geometry.

Fig. 15 and 16 illustrate another exemplary closure system 230 in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, nozzle front wall 244 extends from closure deck 235 to front wall end face 282 at a shallower slope according to the tapered geometry, but at a shallower slope than in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-14. In addition, the front wall end surface 282 forms a larger angle with the nozzle front wall outer surface 259 than the corresponding surfaces of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-14. This provides a smoother finish that is easier to clean. Nozzle front wall 244 includes an interior transition surface 251, the transition surface 251 extending at least partially from closure deck 235 to dispensing orifice peripheral surface 286 according to a tapered geometry, preferably along a parabolic curve. Likewise, nozzle back wall 246 includes an interior transition surface 257, which transition surface 257 extends according to a tapered geometry that is steeper and thus different from the tapered geometry of nozzle front wall interior transition surface 251. As can be seen in fig. 16, the port seal 260 is provided with an angled end face 266, the end face 266 engaging the port seal 260 into the angled dispensing port 252 when the lid 250 is closed.

Fig. 17 and 18 illustrate another exemplary closure system 330 in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the nozzle wall is formed with a substantially vertical portion and a relatively sharp transition portion extending from the closure deck 335. Nozzle front wall 344 includes an interior transition surface 351, the transition surface 351 having a substantially constant radius extending from enclosure deck 335 to a vertical portion 366 of nozzle front wall 344. Likewise, aft nozzle wall 346 includes an internal transition surface 357 having a substantially constant radius extending from closure platform 335 to vertical portion 366. Outer transition surfaces 359 and 365 are formed as substantially constant radius curved surfaces. In contrast to the previously described embodiments, the port seal 360 in this embodiment is adapted to engage the outer surface of the nozzle 338. Thus, the nozzle 338 is provided with a tapered outer surface 371 (FIG. 17) extending around its periphery. Likewise, the port seal 360 is provided with a tapered inner surface 362. Also in contrast to the previously described embodiments, the dispensing opening is not angled with respect to enclosure deck 335.

Fig. 19 and 20 illustrate yet another exemplary closure system 430 in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the vertical portion 466 of the nozzle wall is larger than the embodiment described in FIGS. 17 and 18. The inner transition surface 451 of the nozzle front wall 444 follows a path having a substantially constant radius from the closure deck 435 to the vertical portion 466. Likewise, the inner transition surface 457 of the nozzle back wall 446 is along a path having a substantially constant radius from the enclosure deck 435 to the vertical portion 466. The outer transition surfaces 459 and 465 also have a constant radius. As is apparent from the figures, the radii of these transition surfaces (both inner and outer) are smaller than the radii of the transition surfaces of the embodiment of FIGS. 17 and 18, thereby reducing the material cost of manufacturing the exemplary closure system 430. In this embodiment, the port seal 460 is adapted to engage in the inner surface of the nozzle 438.

Fig. 21 and 22 illustrate yet another exemplary closure system 530 in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, dispensing port 552 is angled, in contrast to the embodiment shown in fig. 1-14. That is, the front nozzle wall 544 extends from the closure deck 535 substantially along the same height as the rear nozzle wall 546. Both the forward nozzle wall 544 and the aft nozzle wall 546 include internal transition surfaces. The front nozzle wall internal transition surface 551 extends according to a tapered geometry from the closure deck 535 to the dispensing orifice peripheral surface 586. The rear nozzle wall internal transition surface 557 extends according to a tapered geometry from the closure deck 535 to the dispensing opening peripheral surface 586. External transition surfaces 559 and 565 are also mounted on the front nozzle wall 544 and the rear nozzle wall 546, respectively. As shown in detail in fig. 22, the dispensing orifice peripheral surface 586 includes an inwardly tapered surface 585, the surface 585 extending inwardly from the front nozzle wall end surface 582 and the rear nozzle wall end surface 584 to facilitate an interference fit with the orifice seal 560 when the cover is in the closed position shown in fig. 22.

Fig. 23 and 24 illustrate yet another exemplary closure system 630 in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the closure system is provided with an internal transition surface of substantially constant radius and a nozzle wall with a substantially vertical portion 660 and an angled port plane. The port seal 660 is adapted to engage the outer surface of the nozzle 638 and does not include a tapered end. That is, the peripheral wall 662 of the port seal 660 extends at substantially the same height relative to the lid end wall 658 around the entire periphery of the port seal 660. The front nozzle wall 644 includes an internal transition surface 651 that extends along a substantially constant radius path from the closure deck 635 to a vertical portion 666. Likewise, aft nozzle wall 646 includes an interior transition surface 657, which interior transition surface 657 extends along a substantially constant radius path from enclosure deck 635 to a vertical portion. External transition surfaces 659 and 665 are provided to facilitate a transition from the closure deck thickness to the vertical portion thickness.

It will be readily understood from the foregoing detailed description of the invention and from the accompanying drawings that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts or principles of the invention. For example, while the closure system assembly of the present invention is illustrated as being threadably engaged with a container, the present invention may be practiced with other attachment techniques and tools for securing the closure system assembly to the container. For example, because the present invention provides a closure system assembly that utilizes threads on the closure system assembly and a container finish without the need to apply a significant sealing force, the present invention may also utilize threadless securement of the closure system assembly relative to the container. Such securing may include facilitating a friction fit with a closure system assembly having a skirt with an inner diameter sized to provide a smooth or telescopic engagement with a smooth threadless container surface finish. In such an embodiment, the fitment and closure body should be provided with abutting surfaces, such as bayonet-type interlocking or securing means that allow the closure system components to rest on the container, but which may be configured to limit upward movement of the closure body relative to the container, such as by relative rotation of the closure body and container.

Claims (9)

1. A dispensing closure system for dispensing a strip of product from a container, the dispensing closure system comprising:

a body having a deck and a skirt extending from the deck for engaging the container, the deck extending generally in a plane;

a nozzle extending from the platform and including a dispensing orifice peripheral surface defining an elongated dispensing orifice, the nozzle including an elongated rear nozzle wall and an elongated front nozzle wall with the rear and front nozzle walls extending generally parallel to one another and generally perpendicular to the surface of the platform; and

a closure cap secured to the closure body for selective pivotal movement about an axis generally parallel to the deck surface and generally parallel to the rear and front nozzle walls, said closure cap having a port sealing member engageable about the rear and front nozzle walls, said sealing member including an elongated wall generally perpendicular to the deck surface when engaged with the front and rear nozzle walls when the cap is applied.

2. The dispensing closure system of claim 1, further comprising:

a recessed annular shoulder surrounding the platform; and

a closure skirt receivable upon said shoulder when the closure is closed, said shoulder cooperating with said closure skirt to position said closure and port sealing member relative to said body and said spout when the closure is closed.

3. The dispensing closure system in accordance with claim 2 further comprising a curved wall connecting said deck to said rear and front nozzle walls, wherein said sealing member elongated wall overlaps said rear and front nozzle walls when said lid is closed.

4. The dispensing closure system in accordance with claim 1 in which said closure mouth sealing member engages an outer surface of said dispensing mouth.

5. The dispensing closure system of claim 1, wherein the sealing element closing the mouth of the cap engages the inner surface of the dispensing opening.

6. A dispensing closure system for dispensing a strip of product from a container having a container opening lying generally in a plane, the closure system comprising:

a body having a deck and a skirt extending from the deck for engaging the container;

a spout extending from said platform and including an elongated dispensing opening having an elongated front face and an elongated rear face generally parallel to said elongated front face, said dispensing opening being spaced in said container opening plane, said body including a front inner surface between said platform and said elongated front face of said dispensing opening and a rear inner surface between said platform and said elongated rear portion of said dispensing opening, said front and rear inner surfaces being continuously curved according to a geometric function wherein the lower end of each of said surfaces is generally parallel to said container opening plane and the upper end of each of said surfaces adjacent said dispensing opening is directed toward said dispensing opening.

7. The closure system of claim 6, wherein the geometric function is a parabola.

8. The closure system of claim 6 wherein the geometric function is hyperbolic.

9. The dispensing closure system in accordance with claim 6 in which the upper ends of the front and rear inner surfaces adjacent said dispensing opening are tangent to an imaginary plane through said dispensing opening.