JP2010126183A - Screw closure for piercing liner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a container closure used for discharging a small amount of fluid substance, such as liquid or powder, stored in a container that has a film in its opening, the container closure being configured so as to discharge the substance in a small amount by a simple operation, be assembled easily and manufactured at high efficiency, and be free from a trash problem and suffocation problem. <P>SOLUTION: The closure includes a base and a lid connected with it by a hinge, a discharging mouth with a film cutter, a valve attached to the discharging mouth, and a holding ring for holding the discharging mouth. The closure seals and engages the container by screwing the base, which has a hold ring inserted therein, into the discharging mouth with the valve attached thereto. A cam track that engages a cam follower in the discharging mouth is located within the base. When a small amount of contents is discharged, the tab of the discharging mouth is rotated and the cutter cuts open the film by the action of the cam. This prevents occurrence of debris and is free from trash problem and suffocation problem. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a container closure for dispensing a flowable substance. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dispensing closure for use in a container having a membrane interposed between the dispensing closure.

  Flowable materials including liquids, creams, powders, etc. can usually be contained in a container having a dispensing closure, the closure being located at the top of the container and forming one or more dispensing holes or openings. Part. In order to close the dispensing opening when the container is not in use, a cap or lid may be provided to releasably secure the body. This prevents spills if this container is dropped or turned over. This lid may also help keep the contents fresh and reduce contaminant ingress.

  A wide variety of dispense closure designs have been developed for a variety of products in liquid or powder form (eg, shampoos, lotions, powdered grime, etc.). Some closures include a flexible, self-closing, slit dispense valve mounted over the container opening. The valve has a slit that forms a normally closed orifice that opens to allow flow therethrough as the pressure in the container increases as the container is squeezed. One widely used form of this valve automatically closes to block the flow therethrough when the pressure increase is removed. Closure designs using such valves are described in US Pat. Nos. 5,271,531, 5,927,566 and 5,934,512. Typically, the closure includes a base attached to the neck of the container to form a seat for receiving the valve, and a retaining ring or housing structure to hold the valve on the base seat. Including. See, for example, US Pat. Nos. 6,269,986 and 6,616,016. U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,626 discloses a closure having a valve that releases powder through a perforated dispensing baffle to create a desired dispersion distribution pattern of fines (e.g., powdered). The closure may also include a lid to cover the valve during shipping or when the container is packed for movement (or when the container is not being used otherwise). See, for example, FIGS. 31-34 of US Pat. No. 5,271,531. This lid can keep the valve clean and / or protect the valve from damage.

  In some packages, a membrane (eg, a seal or liner) is interposed across the opening of the container, and (1) the container is placed on top of the membrane, and (2) is rotated to pierce the membrane or It would also be desirable to provide a closure having elements that can be opened by cutting. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,853,665, 4,884,707, and 5,482,176.

  The inventors of the present invention have realized that it would be beneficial to provide an improved dispensing closure for dispensing a flowable product containing liquid. In particular, the inventor has realized that his innovative design provides benefits not previously anticipated in the packaging industry or suggested by the prior art.

The inventor of the present invention, among other things, can be provided with a lid and is an innovative dispense closure that only requires two relatively movable parts, (1) a base, and (2) a spout. (1) This spout can first be installed from the bottom of this base,
(2) The closure performs an axial movement of the spout to drive the piercing element to cut at least one flow hole in the membrane interposed between the container and the closure,
Corresponding to the rotation of the spout member relative to this base (according to the preferred embodiment, in the conventional counterclockwise rotation direction)
(3) The engagement drive / driven surface formed by this spout and base is internally sealed within this closure and is not exposed to the surrounding environment before, during or after operation; and (4) Product No further manipulation is required after membrane cutting to enable dispensing (assuming that any lid, if any, is opened first).

  In one recommended embodiment, the dispense closure includes both a lid and a valve. Using a valve can prevent spills if the container is inadvertently dropped, and minimizes contaminant entry even if the container is not closed with a lid. This dispense closure is particularly suitable for use in dispensing liquids.

  The present invention allows a user to pierce a membrane (such as a conventional liner) without first manipulating the package to expose the membrane and removing this membrane itself. Make it open conveniently. So, the membrane stays on this container under this closure so as not to cause trash or child choking problems after piercing.

The dispensing closure of the present invention suppresses tampering with this package.
Moreover, the dispense closure parts of the present invention can be designed to easily accommodate the assembly of these parts during manufacture of the closure.

  Also, the dispense closure of the present invention provides a design that is optionally adapted to efficient, high quality, high volume manufacturing techniques with low product rejection rates.

  In accordance with the present invention, an improved dispensing closure is provided for a container having an opening into the container where flowable material (ie, product) can be stored. A membrane is initially interposed between the container and the dispensing closure. For example, the membrane can be sealed across the top of the container opening and / or across the interior of the dispensing closure to close the container opening.

  The dispense closure includes a base for extending from the container at the container opening. The base is (1) a receiving passage through the base, and (2) (a) located axially outward of at least a portion of the length of the receiving passage, and (b) the periphery of the receiving passage. An annular sealing flange is formed that extends radially inwardly from the section to form an opening to the receiving passage.

  The dispensing closure also has a dispensing spout (1) disposed at least partially in the base receiving passage with a movable spout, (2) has a dispensing passage through the spout, and (3) (a) the Located at the outer end in the axial direction of the spout, and (b) has a graspable discharge end protruding axially outward from the base, and (4) sealingly engages with the base annular sealing flange And (5) including a spout having an piercing element at the inner end in the axial direction of the spout.

  The dispense closure further includes a cam track located axially inward of the annular sealing flange at the base or spout. The closure is also a cam follower (1) located on the base and the other one of the spout, and (2) engages the cam track, thereby causing the spout to be axially outward, It includes a cam follower that can grip the spout graspable discharge end and rotate the spout to move axially inward from the non-piercing position to the piercing position.

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

  In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification, like numerals are used to refer to like parts throughout.

  While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings disclose only one specific form as an example of the invention. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments so described. The scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims.

  For ease of explanation, many figures illustrating the present invention show that one preferred form of a dispensing closure system of a separate, non-removable dispensing closure is installed in the container above the container. Is shown in the typical position taken by this closure when stored upright with its base down, and terms such as up, down, horizontal, etc. are used with reference to this position. However, it will be appreciated that the closure system of the present invention may be manufactured, stored, transported, used and sold in a position other than that described.

  The dispensing closure system of the present invention is suitable for use in a wide variety of conventional or special flowable material dispensing systems, including packaging, articles and other dispensing devices or instruments, the details of which are fully illustrated. Or not described, and an understanding of such a flowable substance dispensing system will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such a flowable substance dispensing system, or a part thereof, with which the dispensing closure system of the present invention cooperates will hereinafter be referred to simply as a “container”. As such, this particular container, illustrated and described herein, does not form any part of the broad aspect of the present invention and is therefore not intended to be limiting. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the novel and unobvious aspects of the invention are embodied only in the illustrated dispensing closure system described.

  A presently preferred embodiment of the dispensing closure system of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-20 and generally indicated by reference numeral 20 (eg, in FIG. 1) in many of these drawings. In the preferred embodiment shown, the closure system 20 is provided in the form of another dispensing closure 20 adapted to be mounted or installed on a container 22 (see, eg, FIGS. 4, 7 and 9), and Container 22 will typically contain a flowable material.

  As can be seen in FIG. 9, the container 22 includes an annular shoulder 25 at the upper end of the hollow body portion of the container 22. The neck 26 extends upward from the inner radius of the shoulder 25. The neck 26 forms an opening 27 (FIG. 9) into the container.

  Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9, a clear mischievous liner 28 formed of a pierceable disc-shaped membrane is initially placed within the closure 20 across the top of the container neck 26 above the opening 27. is there. That is, the membrane, disc or liner 28 is interposed between the container 22 and the closure 20. 4-10 show the liner 28 before piercing when the user operates the closure as described in detail below, and FIGS. 19 and 20 show the liner 28 after piercing. The liner 28 may be of a special or conventional type (e.g., aluminum foil (with or without a thermoplastic material over and / or under layer) or a complete non-metallic film comprising at least one layer of thermoplastic material). Any of these may be used.

  In one preferred embodiment in the form of a package using the closure of the present invention, a liner 28 is typically heat sealed across the top of the container neck 26. The liner 28 may seal across the top or the inner surface or surface of the closure 20 instead of or in addition to heat sealing across the top of the container neck 26.

  The container neck 26 has an external male thread 29 for engaging the dispensing closure system 20 in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. The body of the container 22 can be of any suitable configuration, and the upwardly projecting neck 26 may have a different cross-sectional size and / or shape than the container body. (Alternatively, the container 22 need not have the neck 26 itself. Instead, the container 22 may consist solely of a body with an opening.)

  In one currently preferred embodiment, the closure 20 is adapted to be screwed to the top of the container 22 but not removable. For this reason, the top of the container, such as the neck 26, has one or more anti-rotation teeth 29A (FIG. 9) for engaging a portion of the closure 20, as will be described in more detail below. Including. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, there are two sets of anti-rotation teeth 29A, each set including three teeth 29A (see FIG. 6), the two sets of teeth 29A facing each other in diameter. To position.

  Although the container 22 itself is not part of the broadest aspect of the present invention itself, at least a portion of the dispensing closure system 20 of the present invention may be provided as an integral part or extension of the upper portion of the container 22. Will understand. However, in this preferred embodiment, the dispense closure system 20 is a completely separate article or unit (e.g., dispense closure 20), which can include one component or multiple components, and is removable. Or, irremovably, it is intended to be placed on a previously manufactured container 22 or some other flowable material handling system having an opening 27 into the container. Hereinafter, this dispense closure system or dispense closure 20 is more simply referred to as closure 20.

  The illustrated preferred embodiment of closure 20 has an opening 27 that provides access (after piercing of liner 28) to the interior of the container and the product (ie, material in the form of a flowable material) contained therein. The container 22 is used. The closure 20 may be a liquid, suspension, mixture, etc. (eg, personal care products, industrial or household cleaning products, or other synthetic materials (eg, manufacturing, commercial or household maintenance, construction, agriculture) Can be used to dispense a variety of substances, including but not limited to synthetic products for use in work involving medical, military operations, etc.

  The container 22 that may use the closure 20 typically has a flexible wall that can be squeezed or compressed to increase the internal pressure of the container by gripping the user to push the product through the open closure from the container. Would have a squeezable container. Such flexible container walls typically have sufficient inherent elasticity so that when the compressive force is removed, the container wall returns to its normal, unstressed shape. Such a squeezable container is desirable in many applications, but may not be necessary or desirable in other applications. For example, in some applications, a rigid container is used as a whole, and when selected, the interior of the container is pressurized with a piston or other pressurization system (not shown), or the material is drawn out of an open closure. It may be desirable to reduce the external ambient pressure around the exterior of the closure.

  In other alternative embodiments where the closure does not include a pressure actuatable valve, especially in applications where the product is a low viscosity liquid and can be easily dispensed by inverting the container and then pouring the liquid from an open closure. The container may be substantially rigid.

  It is currently contemplated that many applications using the closure 20 can be conveniently realized by molding at least some parts of the closure 20 from a suitable thermoplastic material. In the preferred embodiment shown, some parts of the closure can be molded from a suitable thermoplastic material, such as but not limited to polypropylene. These closure parts may be molded separately--and from different materials. These materials may be the same or different in color and texture.

  As can be seen in FIG. 9, the presently most recommended form of closure 20 is four basic parts: (1) a cap or lid 32 joined together by an integrally molded body or base 30 and a mounting hinge 31, (2) pour. Spout 34, (3) a dispensing valve 36 adapted to be attached to the spout 34, and (4) a retaining ring 38 which holds the valve 36 on top of the spout 34.

  In the recommended form of the invention, the lid 32 is provided to access and close the top of the closure base or body 30. The lid 32 can move to expose the top of the base or body 30 for dispensing. The lid 32 can move between (1) a closed position on the base or body 30 (as shown in FIG. 4) and (2) an open position (as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 7). In an alternative design (not shown), the lid 32 may be a separate part that is completely removable from the closure base 30, or the lid 32 may be tied to the base 30 with a string. In another alternative design (not shown), this lid may be omitted entirely. In the preferred embodiment shown, the lid 32 is hinged to the base 30 to accommodate the pivoting movement between the closed and open positions of the lid 32.

  As can be seen in FIGS. 9 and 15, the body or base 30 includes a deck 40. A skirt 42 extends downward from the periphery of the deck 40. As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 15, when the closure base 30 is mounted over the container 22 (as shown in FIG. 4), an inner collar 44 is removed from the deck 40 for engagement with the container neck 26. Extends downward. As shown in FIGS. 3, 9 and 15, when the dispensing closure base 30 is installed on the container neck 26, the inner collar 44 of the inner collar 44 is threaded to engage with the container neck external thread 29 (FIG. 4). The inside forms an internal female thread 46.

  Instead, the closure collar 44 is any other container coupling means, such as a snap-fit bead or groove (not shown) for engaging the container neck groove or bead (not shown), respectively. May be provided. Alternatively, the closure base inner collar 44 can instead be permanently attached to the container 22 by induction melting, ultrasonic melting, gluing, etc., depending on the material used for the closure base inner collar 44 and the container 22. . In such an alternative embodiment, prior to permanently attaching the closure 20 to the neck 26, the liner 28 would first have to be sealed across the top of the container neck 26 and a conventional liner attachment process. May be used (as discussed below).

  At the base collar 44, below the screw 46, the base collar 44 includes at least one claw tooth 50 (FIGS. 5, 6, 9 and 15) that (1) screw the base 30 into the container neck 26. When the container 30 is bent so as to pass through the anti-rotation ratchet teeth 29A of the container, and (2) when torque is applied to the base 30 in the rotational direction of loosening the screw, This prevents the base 30 from coming off the container 22. In this preferred embodiment, there are a plurality of such nail teeth 50 evenly spaced around the inner periphery of the closure base collar 44.

  This closure base collar 44 is for receiving a neck 26 protruding above the container 22 or for receiving some other part of the container received in a specially shaped closure base inner collar 44--even in the container. Any suitable configuration may be used without the neck itself. The main part of the container 22 has a different cross-sectional shape from the container neck 26 and the closure base inner collar 44. The closure base inner collar 44 may be adapted to ride on other types of flowable material handling systems (eg, including dispensing devices, machines, or devices).

  In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the container neck receiving passage of the closure base inner collar 44 is generally cylindrical, but has an inwardly projecting screw 46. However, the closure base collar 44 may take other configurations. For example, the closure base inner collar 44 may have a prism or polygon shape adapted to be attached to the top of a polygon shaped container neck. Such a prism or polygonal shape would not be amenable to the use of threaded attachments, but other attachment means could be provided, such as snap-fit bead and groove devices, adhesives, and the like.

  As can be seen in FIG. 10, the closure base 30 includes an inner sleeve 54 that is concentric with the inner collar 44 but located radially inwardly therefrom. The inner sleeve 54 protrudes downward in the axial direction from the inner edge of the closure base deck 40. The end of the base inner sleeve 54 faces upwardly of the liner 28 when the liner 28 is installed on top of the container neck 26 and when the closure base 30 is installed on the container neck 26 as shown in FIG. An annular sealing surface 56 is formed for hermetically sealing. When the closure base 30 is screwed into the container neck 26, the closure 20 is actuated to open the container 22 as described in detail below, and will remain effective after the liner 28 has been pierced or otherwise broken. Sufficient torque is applied to firmly press the annular sealing surface 56 against the periphery of the liner 28 above the container neck 26 to create a fluid tight seal that remains intact.

  As can be seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the base inner sleeve 54 forms a receiving passage projecting from the sleeve 54 and, in connection with the peripheral collar 44, forms a passage completely through the base 30. . The receiving passage through the closure base 30 is adapted to receive a spout 34 as will be described in detail below. At the upper end of this closure base inner sleeve 54 is an annular sealing flange 60 around the inner edge of the annular deck 40. The sealing flange is located axially outside at least a portion of the length of the receiving passage through the base 30. In this preferred embodiment, this sealing flange 60 is located at the outer end or upper end in the axial direction of the length of the receiving passage through the base 30. The sealing flange 60 extends radially inward from the periphery of the upper end of the receiving passage formed by the inner sleeve 54, and the sealing flange 60 forms an annular seating surface that forms an upper end opening to the receiving passage. Have

  The inner sleeve 54 and sealing flange 60 are adapted to receive a portion of the spout 34. Thus, the inner sleeve 54 forms a generally cylindrical inner surface that includes at least one cam groove or cam track 70 (FIG. 10). Each groove or track 70 is positioned inward in the axial direction from the sealing flange 60. Each cam track 70 preferably has the shape of a channel that opens radially inward and extends part way around the inner circumference of the inner sleeve 54 as part or segment of a helical path. These three cam tracks 70 are equally spaced around the inner surface of the closure base inner sleeve 54 in this preferred embodiment.

  As can be seen in FIGS. 10 and 15, in relation to each cam track 70, it is located at a predetermined circumferential position at one end of the associated cam track 70 to accommodate the installation of the spout 34 as described below. There is a slot 71 oriented in the axial direction. Each slot 71 has an axially open end and one side has a curved lead-in surface 75 (FIGS. 10 and 15). Each slot 71 ends in a ramp 77 (FIG. 15) whose axial outer end extends radially inward, which is adjacent to the cam track 70 but slightly away from it. Referring to the cam tracks 70 shown in FIG. 10, each cam track 70 is, in this preferred embodiment, between the first end 81 and the second end 82 in a partial spiral shape around the closure base inner sleeve 54 and less than 360 °. It may be assumed that it will stretch. This associated slot 71 is located adjacent to the first end 81 of the cam track 70.

  Also in this preferred embodiment, the closure base inner sleeve 54 forms a first rib 91 that projects into the cam track 70 near the first end 81 and a second rib that projects into the cam track 70 near the second end. 92 is formed. These ribs 91 and 92 provide a tactile and / or audible click sound that indicates the start and end positions of the spout 34 during operation of the spout 34 by the user, as will be described in detail below.

  In the preferred embodiment shown (FIG. 9) in which a lid 32 is provided and the lid 32 is coupled to the closure body 30 by a hinge 31, the hinge 31 can be of any suitable type. One form of hinge 31 that can be advantageously used is the snap action type described in US Pat. No. 6,391,923. Other types of hinges can also be used. In some applications, this hinge may be omitted entirely and there is no need to connect the lid 32 to the body 30. In other applications, it may be desirable to omit the lid 32 completely.

  If a lid such as lid 32 is used, a conventional latch bead (not shown) is provided along a portion of the lower edge of lid 32 and conventional around a portion of the closure body deck 40 edge. It may be desirable to provide a latch bead (not shown) or groove (not shown). When the lid 32 is closed, the lid latch bead overlaps the body latch bead to provide a tight engagement. To facilitate opening of the lid 32, the lid 32 may include a recess (not shown) for functioning as a finger or thumb hook (not shown), and the closure body 30 is also recessed into the finger rest. (Not shown) or a dent (not shown) may be formed.

  Next, the movable spout 34 will be discussed with particular reference to FIGS. Referring to FIG. 9, the spout 34 may be regarded as having the innermost portion 101 in the axial direction, the intermediate portion 102 having a small diameter, and the outer portion 103 in the axial direction. The axially outer portion 103 is a graspable discharge end having a pair of opposing tabs 105 (FIG. 9) that the user can grasp to twist or rotate the spout 34. (As will be described in detail below) in the direction of rotation indicated by the arrow 100 visible in FIGS. 1, 2, 11, 16 and 17 on the spout 34.

  It may be considered that the inside of the spout 34 is hollow and forms a dispensing passage that penetrates the spout. The spout intermediate portion 102 has a peripheral sealing surface 108 (FIGS. 7, 8 and 13) adapted to sealingly engage the closure base annular sealing flange sealing surface 62. The sealing engagement between these surfaces 62 and 108 provides a fluid tight seal in a static state as well as when the user rotates the spout 34 as discussed below.

  This spout innermost portion 101 forms at least one piercing element 120 (FIGS. 13 and 14) at the inner end in the axial direction of the spout 34 to pierce the liner 28, as will be described in detail below. To do. In the preferred embodiment shown, two piercing elements 120 are provided on the spout innermost portion 101 in diametrically opposed positions. In this preferred embodiment, each piercing element 120 includes four faces 121, 122, 123, and 124 that meet at a location that forms a narrow end, edge or tip 126.

  As can be seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, at least one cam follower 130 projects radially outward from this spout lower part 101. In this preferred embodiment, there are three equally spaced cam followers 130 around the periphery of the lower spout 101. As can be seen in FIG. 13, each cam follower 130 includes an axially outward withdrawal surface 136 to accommodate insertion of the spout 34 into the closure base 30 as will be described below. Each cam follower 130 has the general shape of a right-angle prism when viewed in cross-section (FIG. 13), but the corners are “cut” by this additional, axially outward withdrawal surface 136. Each cam follower 130 is received by one of the cam tracks 70. For this reason, each cam follower 130 preferably coincides with a partial arc of the spiral when viewed in side view so that it can be received in engagement with one channel of the helical cam track 70.

  In this preferred embodiment, the spout 34 receives and holds the valve 36. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), no special valve 36 or any other type of valve need be used. In the preferred embodiment using this valve 36, the outer end 103 in the axial direction of the spout includes an annular bead 142 and an annular wall 144 extending axially inward. The annular wall 144 forms a part of the fluid substance dispensing passage. The dispensing passage in the upper portion of the annular wall 144 is protected by four arms 148 that extend radially inward from the annular wall 144 and join together at the central portion 150 as seen in FIGS.

  The axially inward end of the annular wall 144 generally serves as a seat for engaging an annular, inwardly angled clamping surface or the periphery of the valve 36 as described in detail below. A truncated conical surface 154 (FIG. 13) is formed.

  The valve 36 is adapted to be attached to the closure spout 34 as shown in FIG. The recommended form of the valve 36 is a pressure actuated, flexible slit valve that is held inside the spout 34 by a retaining ring 38 as described in detail below.

  The valve 36 is preferably molded into a unitary structure from a flexible, pliable, resilient and resilient material. This is because Dow Corning is C. Elastomers can be included, such as synthetic, thermoset polymers, including silicone rubber such as silicone rubber sold under the trade name 99-595-HC. Another suitable silicone rubber material is sold by Wacker Silicon in the United States under the name Wacker 3003-40. Both these materials have a hardness of 40 on the Shore A scale. The valve 36 may be other thermoset materials or other elastomeric materials, including those based on materials such as thermoplastic polymers, ethylene, urethane, and styrene, and their halogenated counterparts; Or it can also shape | mold with a thermoplastic polymer or a thermoplastic elastomer.

  In the preferred embodiment shown, this valve 36 is a commercially available valve substantially as disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,676,289 with respect to valve 46 disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,676,289. Has design structure and operating characteristics. The operation of such type of valve is further described with respect to a similar valve indicated by reference numeral 3d in US Pat. No. 5,409,144. The specifications of these two patents are hereby incorporated by reference to the extent relevant and consistent.

  This valve 36 is flexible, between (1) closed, rest position (as shown closed in an upright package in FIGS. 10 and 11), and (2) active, open position (not shown). Change the shape. The valve 36 includes a flexible central portion or head 160 (FIGS. 8 and 10). When the valve 36 is not activated, the head 160 has a concave shape (when viewed from outside the closure spout 34). The head 160 preferably has two mutually perpendicular, planar, isometric intersecting dispensing slits 162 that together form a normally closed dispensing orifice. These intersecting slits 162 form four generally fan-shaped, equally sized flaps or petals in this concave, central head 160. These flaps are slit in a well-known manner as described in US Pat. No. 5,409,144 when the pressure differential is large enough as the pressure differential across the valve 36 increases. Open outward from 162 intersection. This valve 36 can be molded with a slit 162. Alternatively, the valve slit 162 can be later cut into the central head 160 of the valve 36 by any suitable conventional technique.

  As can be seen in FIG. 8, the valve 36 includes a skirt or sleeve 164 extending from the valve central wall or head 160. At the outer end of the sleeve 164 is a thin, annular flange 168 (FIG. 8) that extends to the periphery in an opposite angle from the sleeve 164 when the valve 36 is in an inoperative, rest position. This thin flange 168 merges with a large, much thicker, peripheral flange 170 that is generally dovetail-shaped in cross section (as viewed in FIG. 8).

  The upper surface of this dovetail valve flange 170 has the same frustoconical shape and angle as the spout frustoconical surface or seat 154 to seat the valve 36 at the spout 34. The other surface (ie, bottom surface) of the valve flange 170 is clamped by the retaining ring 38 (FIGS. 8 and 9). The retaining ring 38 is directed outwardly or upwardly to engage at an angle that matches the angle of the inner surface (ie, bottom surface) of the valve flange 170 and the adjacent inner surface of the valve flange 170. , Including a frustoconical, annular clamping surface 172.

  The periphery of the retaining ring 38 is outwardly projecting flange 178 (see FIGS. 8 and 13) for snap-fit engagement with a radially inward projecting annular lip 142 (FIGS. 8 and 13) within the spout 34. 8 and 9) are included. Prior to installing the spout 34 in the closure base 30, the valve 36 can be inserted with the retaining ring 38 into the open bottom end of the spout 34. This valve flange 170 temporarily deforms when the valve 36 is pushed through the spout bead 142 with the ring 38 and the valve flange 170 fits into the spout frustoconical surface or seat 154. The retaining ring 38 also extends to the retaining ring 38 and / or spout 34 with a retaining ring flange 178 past the spout bead 142 and the valve flange 170 over the spout frustoconical surface 154 (FIG. 8). ) Is sufficiently flexible to accommodate temporary, elastic deformation of the part when creating a snap-fit engagement that compresses or clamps against), so that the retaining bead 142 can be pushed through. This allows the area adjacent to the inner surface of the valve sleeve 164 to be substantially open, unobstructed and empty to accommodate the movement of the valve sleeve 164 as described below. To.

  In the intended alternative embodiment (not shown), the valve 36 is suitably attached to an integral fitting in the spout 34, or swaging, coining, doweling, ultrasonic welding, etc. in the spout 34. It can be held in other ways by various means, including In another contemplated alternative embodiment (not shown), the closure spout 34 can be molded to create a generally rigid, unitary structure, and then without the need for a retaining ring 38, A valve 36 can be double injection molded into the spout 34 (or optionally, at the exterior, end of the spout 34).

  The central head 160 of the valve 36 remains withdrawn into the retaining ring 38 when the valve 36 is installed in a particular shaped spout 34 shown in FIGS. 8 and 11-14. In this preferred embodiment, when the valve 36 is closed, the outer surface of the valve head 160 is below the clamping surface 154 of the spout 34 in the middle of the slit 162 (FIG. 8). However, after opening the membrane 28, as described below, and thereafter when pressurizing the interior of the package to dispense the contents from the valve 36 (and typically vice versa), the valve head 160 will From the retracted position (shown in FIG. 8) towards the outer end of the package and beyond the retaining ring 38--near the open end of the spout 34--extruded outwardly, the valve 36 opens.

  To dispense the product, the membrane 28 is first opened as described below, and then the package is typically tilted down or fully inverted (and if the container 22 is squeezable) ) The container 22 that can be squeezed can be squeezed to raise the pressure in the container 22 to the ambient external atmospheric pressure or higher. This pushes the product in the container 22 toward the valve 36 where it extends outwardly from the position where the valve 36 is recessed or retracted (shown in FIG. 8) (eg, US Pat. 5, 676, 289 (which also shows the retracted rest position of valve 46 in broken lines in FIG. 5 and shows valve 46 opened in the extended position in solid lines in FIGS. 2 to 4). To the same valve 46 (see the position extending outward). The outward displacement of the central head 160 of the valve 36 is accommodated by the movement of the relatively thin, flexible sleeve 164. The sleeve 164 moves inwardly, displaced from the rest position to the pressurized position, moves to the pressurized position, and this is due to the sleeve 154 "wrapping" along itself towards the outer end of the package. To happen.

  However, when the internal pressure is sufficiently high after the valve head 160 is fully extended and moved outwardly, the slit 162 of the valve 36 opens and dispenses the flowable material (not shown). The flowable material is then expelled or released from the open slit 162.

  The dispensing action discussed above the valve 36 in the illustrated recommended form of the squeeze package with lid 32 typically (1) moves the lid 32 to the open position (FIG. 7) and (2) causes the membrane 28 to It happens only after opening as described, (3) tilting or upside down the package, and (4) squeezing the container 22. When the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the valve 36 reaches a predetermined value, the pressure inside the valve 36 opens the valve 36. The valve 36 may be used, for example, by applying a sufficiently increased pressure inside the container 22 (eg, by squeezing the container 22 with sufficient force) or if the container is not a rigid container, eg, pouring It is preferably designed so that a sufficiently large pressure differential is opened only after acting across this valve 36 by applying a sufficient reduced pressure (i.e. a vacuum) outside the mouth 34.

  Depending on the particular valve design, if this pressure difference decreases, the open valve 36 may later close or the valve 36 may remain open even if this pressure difference drops to zero. In the preferred embodiment of the valve 36 illustrated for the preferred embodiment of the system shown in FIGS. 1-20, the valve 36 is designed to close when the pressure differential drops below a predetermined magnitude. Thus, when the throttling pressure on the container 22 is released, the valve 36 closes and the valve head 160 retracts to its recessed, resting position in the spout 34.

  The valve 36 is preferably designed to withstand the weight of fluid within the valve 36 when the container 22 is fully inverted. In such a design, if the valve 36 remains closed, but the container 22 is inverted without squeezing the container 22, the mere weight of the flowable material on the valve 36 will cause the valve 36 to open, Never leave it open. Furthermore, if the container 22 with the closed valve 36 attached is inadvertently turned over after opening the lid 32 and the membrane 28, the valve 36 remains closed so that the product still does not flow out of the valve 36. .

  In one preferred embodiment, the petal of the valve 36 is subjected to a predetermined pressure differential with which the valve head 160 acts in a gradient direction, and the pressure on the inner surface of the valve head--by a predetermined value- It opens outward only when the atmospheric pressure is exceeded. The product can then be dispensed from the open valve 36 until the pressure differential drops below a predetermined magnitude, and then the petals are completely closed.

  If the recommended form of the valve 36 is also designed to be flexible enough to accommodate atmospheric uptake as will be described in detail below, these closed petals will reverse the direction of the pressure differential gradient and will be on the outer surface of the valve head. When the pressure exceeds the pressure on the inner surface of the valve head by a predetermined amount, the valve 36 can continue to move inward to open inward.

  For some dispensing applications, the valve 36 not only dispenses this product, but can also be adapted to incorporate such an atmosphere (eg, a squeezed container (with this valve attached) in its original form. May be desirable). Such uptake performance can be achieved by selecting the appropriate material for the valve structure, and for the particular valve material, the appropriate thickness, shape and dimensions of the various portions of the valve head 160 and the overall valve. Can be given by selecting the size. The shape, flexibility and elasticity of the valve head, and in particular the petals, when subjected to a sufficient pressure differential acting across the head 160 in a direction opposite or opposite to the pressure differential gradient direction during product dispensing. These petals can be designed or established to flex inward. Such a reverse pressure differential can be established when the user releases the squeezed, elastic container 22 with the valve 36 attached. The elasticity of the container wall returns it to its normal, large volume shape. This increase in volume inside the container causes a temporary and transient drop in internal pressure. When the internal pressure drops well below the external atmospheric pressure, the pressure differential across the valve 36 will be large enough to deflect the valve's petals inward to allow the atmosphere to enter. However, in some cases, the uptake of the desired proportion or amount will occur until the squeezing of the container returns approximately vertically to allow the product to flow away from the valve 36 under the influence of gravity toward the bottom of the container. It may not be.

  It should be understood that the valve dispensing orifice may be formed by structures other than the slit 162 shown. If the orifice is formed by slits, these slits can take many different shapes, sizes and / or configurations, depending on the desired dispensing characteristics. For example, the orifice can include five or more slits.

  The dispensing valve 36 is preferably configured for use in connection with special containers and specific types of products to achieve the desired accurate dispensing characteristics. For example, the viscosity and density of the fluid product can be a factor in designing the particular structure of the liquid valve 36 as well as the shape, size and strength of the container. The stiffness and durometer of the valve material, and the size and shape of the valve head 160 are also valve characteristics related to the desired dispensing characteristics, and can be matched to both the container and the material to be dispensed therefrom.

  The interiors of the valve 36 and spout 34 are each generally circular in shape, and the valve 36 and spout 34 are preferably aligned with a common longitudinal axis. The central intersection of these valve slits 162 is on this vertical axis. The spout 34 may be regarded as having a discharge flow direction outward along this axis.

  In this preferred embodiment, the construction of the spout arm 148 and disc 150 (FIGS. 13 and 14) allows the valve 36 to be protected both when the valve 36 is closed and when it is open. Located on the top. Referring to FIG. 7, the protective structure of these arms 148 and disc 150 is sufficiently far away from the valve 36 so as not to interfere with the opening of the valve 36 or adversely affect the flow of fluid material. Located.

This novel closure system may be used with different types of valves (eg, mechanically actuated valves) or may be valveless if desired.
The dispensing described above on the fluid material through the spout 34 is facilitated by the position of the spout 34 within the closure body or base 30. In particular, referring to FIG. 7, the spout 34 is at least partially disposed in the receiving passage of the base 30, and the graspable discharge end of the spout 34 extends from the base 30 to the sealing area around the spout. It can be seen that it protrudes axially outward beyond the sealing engagement between 108 and the closure base sealing surface 62 on the annular sealing flange 60.

  The spout 34 is initially installed in the non-piercing position (FIGS. 1-7) axially outward from the closure base 30 since the valve 36 and retainer 38 are already attached as described above. be able to. The initial non-piercing position of the spout 34 is such that the later completed closure 20 is placed on the container 22 away from the membrane or liner 28 (previously sealed on top of the container neck 26). It can be conveniently determined--where a spout piercing element 120 is on this membrane 28. The membrane 28 can be placed on the container 22 in the container filling line after the container 22 is filled with a flowable material and then heat sealed to the container before the closure 20 is installed. If the membrane 28 is a liner that includes a metal foil layer, the foil layer liner 28 can be heat sealed to the container neck by known induction or conductive heating techniques. If the liner 28 does not include metal foil, thermal bonding or other methods of adhesive attachment can be used.

  The present invention provides that the spout 34 is such that the piercing element 120 of the spout 34 is initially away from the top surface of the liner or membrane 28 when the closure 20 is later screwed up into the container 22 away from the membrane 28. It facilitates the installation of the valve 36 and the retainer ring 38 in the non-piercing position of the closure base 30. With reference to the closure base 30 shown in FIG. 10, it is noted that each axially oriented slot 71 associated with one of the cam tracks 70 is located adjacent to the upper end of the cam track 70. To begin the installation of the spout 34 (including the valve 36 and the retainer ring 38), the spout 34 is placed at the open end of the bottom of the closure base 30 and then the spout 34 is placed as needed. Rotate to place each spout cam follower 130 (FIGS. 11-14) in axial alignment with the slot 71.

  In an automatic assembly process, this spout 34 (with a valve 36 and retainer ring 38 attached) is placed on a closure base under appropriate axial force (typically generated by an axially loaded spring assembly). The spout 34 can be gripped by a conventional installation chuck to rotate while moving axially into 30. Referring to the inverted closure base 30 shown in FIG. 15, the spout 34 (with the valve 36 and retainer ring 38 attached) is viewed in a counterclockwise direction when looking down at the inverted closure base 30 in FIG. Rotate (automatically or manually with installation chuck). This counterclockwise rotation will initially place the spout cam follower 130 (FIG. 14) on the annular end face 56 of the inner sleeve 54 until each cam follower 130 reaches one arcuate, retracting surface 75 of the slot 71. As an axial force is simultaneously applied to this rotating spout 34 (either by an automatically installed chuck or manually), these cam followers 130 slide into the slot 71 along the retracting surface 75. This further counterclockwise rotation (looking down in FIG. 15) is prevented by the vertical wall of each slot 71 facing the retracting surface 75. The self-installing chuck has this spout to avoid deformation or other damage of these parts as the spout 34 is guided by the cam follower 130 in the slot 71 and pushed axially into the closure base 30. A suitable torque limited rotational drive system that prevents application of excessive torque to 34 would be used.

  When these cam followers 130 reach a retracting ramp 77 (FIG. 15) that extends radially inwardly at the end of each slot 71, each cam follower 130 is at the upper end of the associated track 70 along the ramp 77. Get in. The spout 34 and / or temporary closure of the closure base 30 is adapted to accommodate these cam followers 130 by an amount sufficient to cause the ramp 77 to slide up and enter the cam track 70. And / or the closure base 30 is sufficiently flexible. This configuration is such that when the closure 20 is later screwed onto the container 22, the spout 34 (valve 36 and the valve 36 and the spout piercing element 120 is initially positioned over the liner or membrane 28 as shown in FIG. Ensure that retaining ring 38 is initially in the high, non-piercing position within closure base 30.

  Further, in the recommended form of the present invention shown in FIG. 10, the rib 91 near the upper end of each cam track 70 rotates the spout 34 (in FIG. 2, the closure base 30 and the outer upper end of the spout 34 are viewed from the counterclockwise. It may be designed to give a certain resistance. If the user intends to rotate the spout 34 counterclockwise when looking down at the top of the spout 34 and the closure base 30 in FIG. 2, the initial resistance provided by the upper rib 91 (FIG. 10). And when this spout cam follower 130 passes the rib 91, the tactile sensation and / or audible click will be completely high, indicating spout 34 rotation away from the non-piercing position. . Similarly, if the user intends to continue rotating the spout 34 counterclockwise looking down at the top of the spout 34 and closure base 30 in FIG. 2, these spout cam followers 130 are Will eventually engage the rib 92 (FIG. 10) at the lower end of the cam track 70. As these cam followers 130 pass over these lower ribs 92 and then travel past these lower ribs 92 in a counterclockwise rotation, the user hears an audible click and the user follows the cam followers 130. Is the fully lowered position of the spout 34 (if the closure 20 is attached to the container above the membrane 28 away from the membrane 28 at the most axially inward position of the spout 34 relative to the closure base 30) The spout cutting element 120 will protrude significantly below the height of the membrane 28) and will continue to rotate only until it abuts the lower ends of these cam tracks 70.

  The closure 20 is first assembled into the closure 20 in a completely high, non-piercing position and then filled with fluid material and sealed with a liner (eg, membrane 28). Can be screwed into the top of the.

  The action of the closure 20 for opening the container sealed with the membrane 28 will now be illustrated with reference to some of the views of FIGS. 1 and 8, showing the spout 34 in the direction in which it was initially installed. Described, where the spout 34 is in the highest position (i.e., axially outermost) with respect to the closure base 30, and the piercing element 120 is the farthest away from (e.g., above) the membrane 28. In position. On the other hand, FIGS. 17 and 18 show the spout 34 that is axially innermost relative to the closure base 30.

  When the user first rotates the spout 34 from the position shown in FIG. 1 (maximum, non-piercing position) to the lower position shown in FIGS. 16-20, the spout 34 and the piercing element 120 thereon (FIG. 19). And 20) move downward so that the membrane 28 is initially pierced by the tip 126 of each piercing element 120. As the user continues to rotate the spout 34 to open the membrane 28 (by rotating the spout 34 looking down at the top of the spout 34 and looking counterclockwise), these piercing elements 120 It moves clockwise from the inside of the container 22 looking up at the membrane 28 as seen in FIG. The point 126 of these piercing elements 120 moves through this membrane 28 further inwardly in the axial direction as each piercing element 120 moves in an arc (FIG. 20). As these piercing elements 120 move further through the membrane 28, the distance above the tip 126 increases (ie, axially outward) and the thickness of each piercing element 120 increases. The width of the puncture holes, crevices, cuts or openings created by each piercing element 120 is increased (see, eg, the end view of the cutting element 120 visible in FIG. 12). Drilling and cutting of the membrane 28 by each element 120 creates a flap 190 in the membrane 28. Each flap 190 is narrowest at its free end, and widens away from the free end. The flap width increases to the maximum width resulting from engagement with the maximum width of the piercing element 120 at the upper end of the piercing element 120 where the piercing element 120 merges with the remainder of the spout 34. In the preferred embodiment shown, each piercing element 120 moves in an arcuate path through the membrane 28 so that each piercing element 120 essentially extends the flap 190 from a 45 ° long section or opening of the membrane 28. "Shave off".

  These flaps 190 remain connected to the rest of the membrane 28, so that no separated waste pieces are produced. The opening, or tear, or cut made by each piercing element 120 in the membrane 28--even if this piercing element 120 enters a portion of the membrane 28 and remains in a lowered position that penetrates-- It is preferably long enough to extend through some of the length of this piercing element 120 so as to provide a sufficient flow path for the flowable material. Therefore, the user needs to twist the spout 34 in the reverse rotation direction in order to return the spout 34 to the non-piercing position that has been completely raised. This piercing spout 34 may be left in a fully lowered position so that sufficient flow can pass through the cutting, tearing, or open area of the membrane 28 near the end of the piercing element 120.

  The length of each cam track 70 may be designed to facilitate creating a sufficiently long opening in the membrane 28 to accommodate the dispensing of flowable material through the opening of the membrane 28. Highly sticky materials may require long cam tracks that provide long arc breaks or openings in the membrane 28 to obtain a large flow area. Alternatively, or in addition, the thickness of the top of this cutting element 120 could be increased to provide a wide cut or opening in the membrane 28.

  In one presently contemplated alternative design (not shown), only one cam track 70 need be provided, not three cam tracks 70. More than three cam tracks may be provided. It will also be appreciated that only one cam follower or more than three cam followers can be used in alternative embodiments (not shown). However, in the presently preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-20, three cam tracks 70 are used in the closure base 30 to receive the three cam followers 130 on the spout 34, and this configuration provides good balance and operation. I know it will bring. It should also be understood that the positions of the cam track 70 and the cam follower 130 can be reversed. That is, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), a cam track can be provided on the outer surface of the spout 34 in the radial direction, and a cam follower (eg, a pin or other protrusion) is provided from the closure base inner sleeve 54 to the pour. It may extend radially inward into the track on the mouth.

  In one presently contemplated alternative design (not shown), only one piercing element 120 can be provided. In other designs, instead of using two elements in the preferred embodiment shown, more than two piercing elements 120 may be provided.

  With reference to FIG. 8, it can be seen that the spout 34 is prevented from being removed from the closure base 30 by engagement of the closure base flange 60 with the large bottom 101 of the spout 34. In addition, the closure base 30 also includes at least one pawl tooth 50 (FIG. 15) to engage the anti-rotation ratchet teeth 29A (FIGS. 6 and 9) on the container. It cannot be easily removed by the user. So this package remains safe and is relatively difficult to tamper with. If someone twists the spout 34 to puncture the membrane 28 and then turns the spout 34 back to a higher position, the later user either flips the container first and / or By squeezing the container to see if the flowable material could be dispensed, it can be determined whether the membrane 28 has been breached. If this flowable material could be dispensed, it would give an indication that membrane 28 had been breached first.

  In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-20, where a pressure-actuated valve 36 is installed at the spout 34, it may not be necessary to provide a lid 32 in some applications. However, it would be highly desirable to use a lid 32 to keep dirt or other foreign matter from entering the dispensing spout 34.

  The spout 34 of the closure system of the present invention pierces (eg, punctures, breaks, breaks, tears, cuts, etc.) the membrane 28 in place to maintain the integrity of the flowable material to be dispensed initially. Can be operated easily and effectively. The closure system does not require the complete removal of another element (such as membrane 28) prior to releasing the contents--thus eliminating the possibility of losing critical parts of the dispensing system.

  An embodiment of the present invention (such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-20) in which the spout 34 (and the valve 36, retaining ring 38, if used) and the closure base 30 are separately manufactured parts are: The manufacturer can assemble relatively easily.

  The system of the present invention secures the membrane 28 to the top of the container 22 and across it, as well as the membrane 28 to the bottom of the closure base 30 rather than to the top of the container 22 or in addition thereto. Can be used for any other design that can.

  When the present invention uses an optional valve 36 (as in the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-20), this valve 36 will prevent spillage of this flowable material even if the opened package is inadvertently turned over. Additional benefits that prevent it. The valve 36 also provides additional control of the dispensing process, including minimizing, if not eliminated, dripping of flowable material from the spout 34 after the user has finished the dispensing process. . This valve 36 can also function to remove or minimize contaminant ingress--even if the outer lid 32 is not provided to cover the upper end of the spout 34.

  The dispense closure system of the present invention accommodates the use of a membrane 28, such as a conventional liner, without having to remove the liner from the container or system. The dispense closure system of the present invention conveniently opens a membrane (such as a conventional liner 28) without first having to manipulate the package to expose the membrane and removing the membrane itself. Make it possible. The membrane or liner remains on the system after piercing so as not to cause trash or child choking problems.

  From the above detailed description of the invention and from its illustration, it is readily appreciated that numerous other variations and modifications can be achieved without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concept or principle of the invention. Let's go.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a dispenser closure of the present invention in the form of a separate dispenser closure according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in an open, open and pour state before the closure is installed in a container. The mouth is shown in the axially outward (high), non-piercing position. It is a top view of the closure shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane 3-3 in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a partial isometric view, again in cross-section similar to FIG. 3, but with the closure lid closed and the closure installed in a container. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along plane 5-5 in FIG. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along plane 6-6 in FIG. FIG. 5 is a view of a closure similar to FIG. 4 but showing a closure lid. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane 8-8 of FIG. FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view of a portion of the closure and container shown in FIG. 7, but the closure spout has been rotated about 90 ° relative to FIG. FIG. 10 is an exploded sectional view of a part of the closure and the container shown in FIG. 9. It is a top view of the closure spout shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane 12-12 of FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along plane 13-13 of FIG. FIG. 5 is an isometric view looking into the bottom and bottom of the closure spout. FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an open closure lid and body or base, looking into the bottom and bottom sides of the closure body or base. FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the open closure shown in FIG. 1 with the spout rotated 90 ° axially inward (down) into the piercing position. It is a top view of the closure shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along plane 18-18 of FIG. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along plane 19-19 of FIG. 17 but also showing a closure installed in the container and showing the piercing of the membrane liner at the top of the container. Isometric view of the open closure body or base and lid looking into the bottom, bottom side of this closure body or base (with the container omitted for ease of illustration), by means of a spout piercing element A pierced membrane liner is also shown.

Claims (18)

A dispenser closure for a container having an opening to the inside that can store a flowable substance, wherein the membrane is interposed between the container and the dispenser closure,
(A) a base for extending from the container at the container opening; (1) a receiving passage through the base; (2) (a) at least a portion of the length of the receiving passage outward in the axial direction. And (b) a base forming an annular sealing flange extending radially inward from a periphery of the receiving passage to form an opening to the receiving passage;
(B) a movable pouring spout (1) at least partially disposed in the base receiving passage, (2) having a dispensing passage penetrating the pouring spout, and (3) (a) a shaft of the pouring spout A peripheral sealing surface located at the outer end in the direction, and (b) having a graspable discharge end projecting axially outward from the base, and (4) sealing engagement with the base annular sealing flange And (5) a spout having a piercing element at the inner end in the axial direction of the spout,
(C) a cam track positioned inward in the axial direction of the annular sealing flange on one of the base and spout, and (D) a cam follower (1) located on the other of the base and spout And (2) the spout grasping to engage the cam track and thereby move the spout axially outward, from a non-piercing position to an axially inward, piercing position. A closure that includes a cam follower that can grip the possible discharge end and rotate the spout.   The closure according to claim 1, further comprising: (1) a closed position on the base covering the spout and (2) an open position exposing the graspable discharge end of the spout. A closure including a lid hinged to the base for movement. A closure according to claim 1,
(A) the shape of the liner wherein the closure base is initially separated from the container around the container opening but can later be attached to it, and (B) the closure covers the container opening and is sealed to the container A closure designed to be used with the membrane. A closure according to claim 1,
(A) the closure base is initially separated from the container around the container opening but includes a body that can be attached to it later; and (B) the closure base covers the container opening and is sealed to the container A closure designed to be used with the above membrane in the form of a liner.   The closure according to claim 1, wherein the spout graspable discharge end has an external shape that forms two oppositely oriented tabs. A closure according to claim 1,
The closure base is adapted for use in (1) a neck forming the container opening, and (2) a container having a screw on the neck, and the closure base can screw the base into the container neck. A closure having a screw for engaging the container neck screw. A closure according to claim 7,
The closure is adapted for use with a container having anti-rotation ratchet teeth located on the outer periphery of the container neck inwardly in the axial direction of the container neck screw, and the closure base comprises (1) the base When screwing into the container, the container bends so as to pass through the container anti-rotation ratchet teeth, and (2) when a torque is applied in the rotational direction to loosen the screw to the base, it abuts at least one of the container anti-rotation ratchet teeth A closure having at least one claw tooth shaped to prevent the base from detaching from the container.   The closure according to claim 1, wherein the closure base includes an internal thread for engaging a mating male thread on the container. A closure according to claim 1,
The cam follower projects radially outward on the spout,
The cam follower has an outwardly extending surface in the axial direction that gradually extends inward in the radial direction as the distance increases in the axially outward direction;
A cylinder in which the closure base is (1) axially inward of the base annular sealing flange, (2) extends inward in the axial direction, and (3) at least partially forms the base receiving passage. An inner sleeve having an inner shape;
The cam track is formed on the inner surface of the closure base inner sleeve;
The inner sleeve has (1) an inward axial direction of the cam track, and (2) an axially oriented slot at a predetermined circumferential position,
The slot has an axially inner open end for receiving the cam follower while installing the pour into the base;
The slot has a radial end adjacent to the cam track but ending in a separate, radially inwardly extending ramp, and at least one of the base and spout includes the cam follower A closure that is sufficiently resilient to accommodate the insertion of the spout into the base by inserting the cam follower into the slot for pressing against the ramp and passing into the cam track. A closure according to claim 9,
The cam track extends around the closure base inner sleeve between a cam track first end and a cam track second end in a partial helical shape of less than 360 °;
The closure base inner sleeve forms (1) a first rib projecting into the cam track near the first end, and (2) a second rib projecting into the cam track near the second end,
At least one of the closure base and spout is sufficiently resilient to accommodate movement past each rib of the cam follower when the spout is rotated with sufficient torque; and A closure that, when moved from one end to the other end of the cam track, provides a tactile sensation indicating the start and end positions of the cam follower as the cam follower moves past each of the ribs from the end of the cam track. A closure according to claim 1 for use in a container forming (1) an opening sealed by said membrane in the form of a liner sealed at said annular upper end, and (2) outside said opening and forming a male thread. In
The closure is distant from the container around the container opening but is a dispensing closure that can later be attached to it;
The closure base has a hollow, generally cylindrical inner collar having an internal thread for threading engagement with the external external thread on the container;
A closure wherein the base includes an annular deck at the top of the base around the receiving passage, and the spout graspable discharge end extends outwardly beyond the deck.   The closure according to claim 1, wherein the piercing element comprises four surfaces that converge toward a blunt point. A closure according to claim 1,
The closure spout is further a dispensing valve, (1) attached to the spout in the discharge passage to position the valve adjacent to the graspable discharge end of the spout; (2) A closure comprising a flexible, resilient material and (3) a valve forming a normally closed dispensing orifice that opens to flow in response to a pressure differential across the valve. The closure according to claim 13,
The valve has a valve head and a plurality of slits, (1) from the outside to the inside through the valve head, and (2) the dispensing orifice in the valve head by a slit extending laterally from a common origin And when the pressure inside the valve exceeds the pressure outside the valve by a predetermined amount, the petal is deflected outwardly to open the orifice. Get closure.   14. A closure according to claim 13, wherein the valve dispensing orifice closes when the pressure inside the valve is substantially the same as the pressure outside the valve. The closure according to claim 13,
The valve is a self-closing valve;
When the pressure toward the side of the valve facing the interior of the container exceeds a pressure acting on the side of the valve exposed to the atmosphere by a predetermined amount, the valve opens outwardly, and the interior of the container A closure in which the valve returns from the open state to the closed state after the pressure acting on the side of the valve facing toward is sufficiently reduced. The closure according to claim 13,
The valve has an annular flange;
The spout forms a generally annular seat, generally facing away from the spout graspable discharge end, and the closure further engages the spout to retain the valve within the spout. A closure including a retaining ring having mating portions, wherein the valve annular flange is clamped to the annular seat in the spout by the retaining ring. A closure according to claim 17,
The retaining ring has a snap fit engagement with the spout;
The annulus flange has a dovetail cross section forming a frustoconical outer surface and a frustoconical inner surface;
The pouring account is a frustoconical surface engaging the frustoconical outer surface of the valve annular flange, and the retaining ring is for clamping the valve annular flange between the retaining ring and the pouring account A closure having a frustoconical clamping surface that engages the frustoconical inner surface of the valve annular flange.

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