WO2025176554A1 - Closure - Google Patents

Abstract

A pivotable disc top closure suitable for shipping in e-commerce as well as easy day-to day use by the consumer. The pivotable disc lid of the closure includes one or more depending rib(s) which is/are positioned to contact a beam extending upwardly from the closure base when the lid is subjected to pressure/force during shipping. This prevents the lid from pivoting open if it is subjected to moderate force during shipping or otherwise. When the consumer wishes to open the lid, she imposes strong pressure on the lid which causes the rib(s) to non-resiliently deform the beam. Because the beam is non-resiliently deformed, subsequent openings can be accomplished more easily during day to day use. The confronting surfaces of the beam and the rib(s) have angles to the horizontal of 15 to 35 degrees which permit the surfaces to slide past each other so that the rib(s) can deform the beam.

Description

CLOSURE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Although the threat of the COVID-19 virus may be somewhat diminished, many consumers have continued to enjoy the convenience of online ordering and home delivery of a variety of products. These include liquid body washes and liquid face and body lotions.

While consumers may enjoy receiving these body washes, lotions and other consumer products at home, they would not appreciate opening a shipping box to find the body wash coating the walls or pooling on the bottom of the inside of the box. Yet, manufacturers need to confront that possibility given the forces to which an individually packaged container will be subject during shipping, and the attendant risk of leakage. When products are shipped in bulk to a retailer or distributor, they can be readily bundled together in ways which reduce the threat of leakage. But when shipped individually or in small numbers, the chance for leakage is much greater.

The patent literature reflects a number of efforts to improve closures for consumer and other products.

Fuchs et al. US Patent No. 5,862,963 is directed to a dispensing closure having a pivotable actuator. The actuator has an abutting surface which extends axially when the actuator is in a position to close the outlet and is adjacent a post on the base of the closure. Upon the first movement of the actuator the abutting surface contacts the post with a transverse force which breaks the post. Among the objectives is to provide a dispensing closure which requires a greater force initially to use the dispensing closure and upon first movement of the actuator to an open position, a lesser force is required.

Mengeu et al. US Patent No. 5,967,384 discloses a closure having a base and a lid which has a fixed section and a moveable section. The fixed section of the lid is mounted on the base by a socket and plug connection in which the socket includes a central prong and the plug has a central recess. The socket and plug have an interference fit but with chamfered edges providing a lead in. The recess in the plug is tapered at a greater angle than the prong in the socket so that as the plug engages the socket and the prong enters the recess in the plug, the plug is wedged outward into tight engagement with the socket.

Knickerbocker et al. US Patent No. 6,283,333 discloses a toggle action dispensing closure featuring an actuator pivotally mounted on a body secured to the container. The actuator includes a striker rib extending downwardly at a position between an edge of the actuator and the tilting axis on which the actuator pivots. The body includes a deck, which supports a post. The post extends vertically to underlie the actuator, preventing tilting of the actuator unless a sufficient opening force is exerted to cause the striker rib to shear or permanently deform the post.

Lay US Patent No. 5,341.960 discloses a toggle-action dispensing closure including an actuator mounted on a body. The actuator is tiltable between a closed position and an open position. The body has a severable abutment portion under the actuator and the actuator has a shearing wall confronting the abutment. This prevents the tilting of the actuator to the dispensing position in response to the actuator being subjected to a force less than a predetermined force. When the ‘960 closure is first used by the consumer, the abutment is sheared off but is retained in a structure so that it is prevented from moving or rattling within the closure. The retaining structure defines a pair of spaced-apart retaining surfaces. The retaining walls have angled surfaces so that the abutment is properly guided into and received between the walls. Once the abutment has been sheared off and retained, subsequent reopening of the actuator requires considerably less force than was initially required to initially shear off the abutment.

US Patent No. 4,962,869 is directed to a toggle-acting dispensing closure resistant to inadvertent actuation during shipping and handling prior to purchase. A permanently deformable resistance post is provided on the body of the closure and interferes initially with pivoting of the actuator except when a substantially higher force than normally used is applied, wherein the post may be permanently deformed. After the first operation wherein substantially higher force is applied, the actuator may be operated by application of a lower operating force by the actuator. In the most preferred form, the actuator shears the resistance means in the zone of an actuator-receiving notch. Exemplary forces are said to be a normal first force of from 1 to 5 or even up to 7 or 8 pounds and a second substantially higher force of at least about one and one-half the first force.

US Patent No. 5,346,100 discloses a toggle-action dispensing closure having a control surface for controlling fracture of a severable abutment. With such surface, the fracture is more likely to occur within a predetermined narrow range of forces applied to the actuator. The abutment is intended to prevent or reduce the likelihood of an inadvertent, premature opening or actuation of the closure during shipping and handling. The actuator has a shearing wall for confronting the abutment when the actuator is in the nondispensing position and a shearing wall-receiving recess.

W02004/074117A2 is directed to a toggle action dispensing closure. An actuator includes a flange having an engageable surface, and the closure body includes an annular wall having an inwardly projecting interference member which underlies the actuator engageable surface and prevents tilting of the actuator unless a sufficient predetermined initial opening force is exerted on the actuator to cause permanent plastic deformation of the engageable surface and/or interference member. Thereafter, the actuator can be tilted to the open position subsequent times by subjecting the actuator to a force less than the predetermined initial opening force. The dispensing closure structure is said to provide a way to control the amount of force necessary to open the closure, both initially for the first time, and during all subsequent openings of the closure after the first time the closure is opened.

Despite the efforts in the past to provide closures which do not open inadvertently during transit, there is still a need, particularly in this age of e-commerce, for a closure which can be transported with little risk of premature opening yet which the consumer can readily use when she is ready to. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a closure particularly suitable for disc tops. The closure of the invention includes a base comprising a bottle fastener, and a lid pivotally received in the base, the lid including a product egress opening. The lid is pivotable between an open position wherein liquid can flow from an interior of the base through the opening to an exterior of the closure and a closed position wherein egress of a liquid from the interior of the base to the exterior of the closure through the opening is blocked.

One of the lid and the base includes one or more rigid rib(s), or other rigid member, and the other of the lid and the base includes a beam, or other deformable member, the rib(s) having a top surface extending at an angle to the horizontal of from 15 to 35 degrees, the beam having a top surface extending at an angle to the horizontal of from 15 to 35 degrees, and the angles of the rib top surface and the beam top surface being within 5 degrees of each other.

The beam and rib are located such that when the lid is initially in the closed position, the beam resists moderate pressure imposed on the lid and thereby resists opening of the lid during transport. But upon imposition of strong pressure, an initial opening force, to open the lid, the beam is capable of bending non-resiliently and not breaking, thereby permitting the lid easily to open with subsequent impositions of moderate pressure. By “non- resiliently” herein is meant that the deformable member such as the beam does not resume its original position after it has been deformed by the rigid member, whereby subsequent openings can be accomplished by the consumer with less force.

The angled, upper surfaces of the beam and the rib(s) may be rectangular, although where more than one rib is present the multiple ribs may be connected at one or both ends by a backbone as will be shown hereinafter. The other faces of the beam and rib may also be rectangular. It will be appreciated that if the confronting surfaces of the deformable member, such as the beam, and the rigid member, such as the rib(s), are to be angled with respect to the horizontal, one side of the respective member will need to be shorter than the opposite side. The corner where the angled surfaces join with the shorter side is referred to as the “short corner” and the corner where the angled surfaces join with the longer side is referred to as the “long corner.”

Typically, the bottle fastener will comprise screws which can engage screws on the bottle neck, or another type of fastener such as a snap in fastener. The beam is sufficiently rigid to resist the imposition of moderate pressure on the closure, typical of forces felt by the closure during transportation, yet sufficiently bendable so that upon imposition of an initial opening force the beam will bend (but not break) and not prevent opening of the closure. The beam will not return to its original form when the force is removed, but remains deformed so that subsequently the lid can be opened with ease by the consumer upon imposition of a second opening force, since the beam will then no longer be blocking movement of the rib.

The top surfaces of the beam and the rib have substantially matching angles, which facilitates bending of the beam when the rib contacts it upon imposition of a strong, initial opening force. Each of the angles will generally be within the range of 15 degrees to 35 degrees relative to the horizontal. The angles for the upper surfaces of the rib and the beam will typically be the same, but will at least be within 5 degrees of each other, especially within 1 degree of each other, most preferably within 0.5 degrees of each other.

Although specific components in the form of ribs and beams are illustrated herein, more generally, a rigid component, illustrated as the rib(s), extends medially from one of the lid and the closure base, and a component which deforms when subjected to an initial opening force but not when subjected to the smaller forces which may be experienced during shipping, extends medially from the other of the lid and the closure base, each having an angled surface confronting the other and each being positioned so that upon imposition of the initial opening force the angled surfaces slide past each other and the rigid member deforms the deformable member. Thereafter, less force is needed to open the lid and therefore, less effort is needed by the consumer for subsequent openings. When it is said that the members extend medially it is meant that they extend from the respective lid or closure base deck into the area between the lid and the base.

Generally, then, the closure of the invention will include one or more of the following:

--A base comprising a bottle fastener,

--A lid pivotally received in the base,

--The lid including a product egress opening,

-the lid being pivotable between an open position wherein liquid can flow from an interior of the base through the opening to an exterior of the closure, and a closed position wherein egress of a liquid from the interior of the base to the exterior of the closure through the opening is blocked,

-one of the lid and the base including a rigid rib or other rigid member extending medially therefrom,

-extending medially from the other of the lid and the base is a beam or other member which deforms under with an initial opening force but not with the lesser forces which would typically be experienced during shipping,

-the rib(s) or other rigid member having a rectilinear medial surface (as illustrated herein the bottom surface in the lid as assembled on the base) extending at an angle to the horizontal of from 15 to 35 degrees,

-The beam or other deformable member having a rectilinear medial surface (top surface as illustrated herein) extending at an angle to the horizontal of from 15 to 35 degrees,

-The angles of the rigid member medial surface and the beam medial surface being within 5 degrees of each other whereby they confront each other and can slide past each other during imposition of an initial opening force,

-The beam, or other deformable member, and rib, or other rigid member, being located such that when the lid is initially in the closed position the beam resists moderate pressure imposed on the lid and thereby resists opening of the lid during transport but upon imposition of an initial opening force to open the lid, the beam is capable of bending non-resiliently and not breaking, thereby permitting the lid to open and permitting the lid easily to open with subsequent impositions of pressure.

-- upon imposition of strong initial opening force of 30 Newtons to 55 Newtons to open the lid, the beam is capable of bending non-resiliently and not breaking, thereby permitting the lid to open and permitting the lid easily to open with subsequent impositions of pressure.

-- upon imposition of strong initial opening force to open the lid, the beam is capable of bending non-resiliently and not breaking, thereby permitting the lid to open and permitting the lid easily to open with subsequent impositions of a second opening force of 9-25 Newtons.

-a bottle fastener on a closure comprising threads for mating with threads on a bottle neck,

-a bottle fastener on a closure comprising a snap lock,

-a closure wherein the beam or other deformable member has a thickness within the range of 0.5mm to 2 mm.

-The closure wherein the angles of the rib(s), or other rigid member, medial surface(s) and the beam, or other deformable member, medial surface are within 5 degrees of each other.

-The closure wherein the angles of the rib(s), or other rigid member, medial surface(s) and the beam, or other deformable member, medial surface are within 2 degrees of each other.

-The closure wherein the angles of the rib(s), or other rigid member, medial surface(s) and the beam, or other rigid member, medial surface are within 1 degree of each other,

-The closure wherein the angles of the rib(s), or other rigid member, medial surface(s) and the beam, or other deformable member, medial surface are within 0.5 degrees of each other,

- radius at the base of 0.25mm to 1 ,5mm, especially from 0.35mm to 0.75mm for the beam, or other deformable member, on the side of its base in the direction of its expected movement during imposition of an initial opening force, typically where the beam meets the deck of the closure base on the side of the long corner, -- radius at the base of 0.25mm to 1 ,5mm, especially from 0.35mm to 0.75mm for the beam, or other deformable member, on the side of its base opposite the direction of its expected movement during imposition of an initial opening force, typically where the beam meets the deck of the closure base on the side of the short corner,

--the beam or other deformable member is rectangular in horizontal cross section and has a rectangular base having four sides wherein the radius at each side of the base is 0.25mm to 1 ,5mm, especially from 0.35mm to 0.75mm,

- The coefficient of friction (a ratio of force between the two surfaces) is for the confronting medial surfaces of the rigid member and the deformable member within the range of 0.1 through 0.5.

-the rib or other rigid member having a radius at the short corner of from 1 to 3 mm.

For a more complete understanding of the above and other features and advantages of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the closure of the invention from the rear, with the lid closed.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the closure of the invention from the front, with the lid open.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the closure base of the invention from the front with the lid removed.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the underside of the lid of the closure of the invention.

Fig. 5 is a cross section along the lines 5-5 of Fig. 1 . Fig. 6 is an enlargement of the circled portion of the cross section of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a cross section along the lines 7-7 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 8 is an enlargement of the circled portion of the cross section of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a cross section of an alternate embodiment wherein the rib(s) and beam have been rotated 90 degrees (in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the closure) from the prior embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a cross section similar to Fig. 9, except that the lid is in the open position and the beam has been deformed by the rib(s).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Closure 20 includes closure base 21 comprising generally cylindrical wall 22. Wall 22 includes opening 28 (Figs. 2 and 3) which receives closure lid 24. A pair of recess 46 within wall 22 on opposite sides (Fig. 3) serve as bearings to receive hemispherical protrusions 47 on opposite sides of the exterior of skirt 38 of lid 24 (Fig. 4). When protrusions 47 are received within bearings 46, in the absence of interference from other components lid 24 can pivot within base opening 28. The lid will pivot along an axis extending from one of the bearings to the opposite bearing (the “pivot axis”). The closure can be assembled by snapping the lid into place onto the base (Fig. 3) from above.

Opening 36 is present at the front of skirt 38 and permits egress of fluid from the closure when the lid is in the open position shown in Fig. 2.

Depression 32 is present in the rear of the upper surface of lid 24. Depression 32 serves to receive a finger of the individual exerting a force to open the lid. At the rear of lid 24 is lug 30 which interferes with wall 22 when the lid is opened and serves to increase the amount of pressure necessary to open the lid and thereby avoid to some extent inadvertent opening during shipping. Lid top wall 40 does not contain any openings and prevents escape of fluid from the closure when the lid is in the closed position and opening 36 is blocked by wall 22 (Fig. 1).

At the upper end of the rear of wall 22 is recessed area 74 which accommodates movement of the lug against the upper aspects of wall 22 which would otherwise impede its movement, as the lid is opened and closed. Top surface 26 of wall 22 dips downwardly in a semicircle to form the recess (74). Friction between lug 30 and wall 22 below recess 74 when the lid is in the open position may help to retain the lid in that position. The presence of lug 30 and its contact with top 75 of recess 74 and with wall 22 increase somewhat the amount of force needed to open the lid.

In addition to opening 28, closure base 21 includes deck 42 which extends transversely across the closure base (Fig. 3). Reinforcing rods 50 extend along the inside of wall 22 below bearings 46 to strengthen the wall. Deck 42 also includes reinforcing rod 52 extending from side to side. Cylindrical product egress passageway 48 extends upwardly from deck 42 and is open at its upper end 44 and at its lower end 82 (Figs 3 and 9), 82 being the opening in the deck through which product can pass.

When the lid is closed, e.g., as seen in Figs. 9 and 1 , the upper end of passageway 48 receives inner sealing cylinder 56, which extends downwardly from lid top wall 40. The upper end of passageway 48 is sandwiched between inner sealing cylinder 56 and outer sealing cylinder 58, which also depends from top wall 40. The inner and outer sealing cylinders help prevent fluid from leaking into the interior of the closure. When the lid is open, outer sealing cylinder 58 prevents fluid from passing into the area between the lid and the deck rather than exiting the opening 36.

Although lug 30 can play a role in minimizing the likelihood of inadvertent opening during shipping, it has been found that the presence of that component is not sufficient. As seen, e.g., in Figs. 3, 5 and 6, extending upwardly and medially from deck 42 is interference beam 60, which interferes with one or more ribs 64 on the underside of the lid when the lid is closed. As illustrated, ribs 64 are connected by backbone 65.

As seen particularly in Fig. 6, the top, medial surface 90 of the beam 60 and the bottom, medial surface 92 of rib 64 (top and bottom referring to the surfaces when the lid is in place on the closure base), have matching angles measured with respect to the horizontal, i.e. parallel to the deck 42. Preferably the angles can be within the range of 15 and 35 degrees and the angles of the top surface of the beam and the bottom surface of the ribs are the same or differ by no more than 5 degrees.

These surfaces of the beam and the rib(s) which confront (slide past) each other will typically be rectangular, although the rib surface(s) may be attached to a backbone at least at one end, as illustrated. It is also contemplated that the ribs may also be attached by a backbone on the side opposite backbone or connecting wall 65.

The angle of the medial surface of the member depending from the lid (which can be the rib(s) as illustrated) is measured with respect to a line running parallel to the horizontal and extending through the lowest corner of the bottom surface of the rib or other rigid member. The angle of the medial surface of the member extending upwardly from the deck of the closure base (the beam as illustrated) is measured with respect to a line running parallel to the horizontal and extending through the lowest point of the medial surface (upper surface in the figures) of the beam. The angles for the confronting surfaces of the two members are preferably the same, as illustrated.

Use of substantially matching angles within the indicated range assists in having the surfaces of the rib(s) and the beam slide past each other when the lid is opened so that the rib can put pressure on a side of the beam and force the beam to deform as seen in Figs. 7 and 8 when a strong, initial opening, force is imposed on the finger depression to open the lid. When only moderate pressure is applied to the lid, such as during shipping, contact between the rib(s) and the beam prevents inadvertent opening of the lid. Fig. 6 shows the bottom surface of the rib and the top surface of the beam as not touching, and indeed the closure may be shipped with the rib and beam not touching, as illustrated. However, they may also be shipped with the beam and rib(s) touching. And in any event, preferably they touch as the lid is opened so that the surfaces can slide past each other.

To facilitate the use of the rigid member, such as rib 64, to deform the deformable member, such as beam 60, the rigid member preferably has a radius at the short corner 104 at the end of the angled surface, which radius is within the range of 1 to 3 mm. The short corner is the corner where the angled surface intersects the shorter wall on the side of the rigid member. It will be appreciated that for the surface 92 to be angled, one wall, e.g., wall 106 will need to be shorter than the opposite wall 108. For instance, a larger radius may cause the corner not to be able to slide past the confronting surface of the beam and may prevent the rigid member from deforming the deformable member. Likewise, too sharp an angle may be detrimental to sliding of the members past each other.

As seen in Fig. 8, the presence of a radius 100 at the base of beam 60 in the direction of its expected movement during imposition of strong pressure will assist in deformation of the beam. That is, it is preferred that the component which will deform upon opening, for instance, the beam illustrated in Fig. 8, have a radius where the bottom of the beam meets the deck of the closure base on the side beneath the edge of the angled confronting surface which extends furthest from its base, i.e., long corner 91. This will facilitate bending of the beam and tend to prevent the beam from breaking. Another radius can be used at the base of beam 60 on the opposite side to radius 100, as also seen in Fig. 8, at 93. Indeed, such radii can be present at all edges of the beam where the bottom of the beam meets the deck. Preferred radii for the base of beam 60 would be from 0.25mm to 1 ,5mm, especially from 0.35mm to 0.75mm.

Selection of the angles for the medial upper surface of the deformable member (upper surface of beam 60 as illustrated) and the medial surface of the rigid member (lower surface of rib(s) 64 as illustrated) is made based in part on the coefficient of friction of the deformable and rigid members, e.g., the beam and the rib(s). If the coefficient of friction of the beam and rib(s) is higher, then a steeper angle will be needed to permit the surfaces to move past each other. If the coefficient of friction of the beam and rib is lower, the angles used would be less. Typically the beam and the rib(s) will be molded from the same material and will have the same coefficient of friction. Regardless, the angle will be chosen so that the friction experienced by the surfaces does not impede sliding of the surfaces past each other as pressure is imposed in finger depression 32 and the lid is opened. The coefficient of friction (ratio of force between the two surfaces) for the two surfaces is preferably within the range of 0.1 through 0.5.

Although top and bottom surfaces of the beam and rib(s) are illustrated, the relevant (confronting) surfaces will depend on whether the beam and rib(s) are attached to the lid or the deck of the closure base. The surfaces which are at issue, whether at the top or bottom of the component, are those wherein the end of the rib(s), or other rigid member, confronts the end of the beam, or other deformable member, and they need to be able to slide past each other.

The height of the beam is the distance upwardly from its base where it intersects with the deck of the closure base to its uppermost point. The length of the beam is its longest dimension not including its height. The thickness of the beam is the dimension perpendicular to its length other than its height.

The height of the beam and the structure of the actuator should be chosen such that at no point is the top of the beam or other deformable member touching any part of the actuator other than the rib or other rigid member. There should be at least 0.5mm clearance between the beam or other deformable member and the lowest part of the actuator, whether the actuator is open or closed, or somewhere in between.

The length of the beam or other deformable member should be sufficient such that it can be deformed without twisting upon contact with the rigid member during imposition of a strong force. 1 to 4 mm will be a typical beam length for many sized closures. As indicated above, interference beam 60 will typically have a thickness of from 0.5mm to 2 mm. Various arrangements of the ribs and the beam can be made while still enjoying the same functions and benefits of the version shown in Figs. 3 and 4. For instance, in Figs. 9 and 10 the beam and ribs have been rotated horizontally 90 degrees. However, their functions and benefits are still the same.

The closures of the invention can be molded and are generally made of the materials described for the rib and the beam below.

The rib(s), or other rigid member, is made of a material which is rigid and does not yield significantly. Examples include Polypropylene, or High, Low or Medium Density Polyethylene, optionally including Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials. In contrast, the beam, or other deformable member, deforms, but does not break, after the confronting surfaces slide off each other and the rib(s) continues downwardly against the beam as the lid is pressed open. Suitable materials for the beam or other deformable member include Polypropylene, or High, Low or Medium Density Polyethylene, optionally including Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials. Polypropylene is preferred for the deformable member since polypropylene is more apt to bend without breaking. The beam is not resilient, so it does not return to its initial position when the lid is later closed and does not again interfere significantly with the rib(s). That is, deformation of the beam is substantially permanent. Therefore, although a strong, initial opening, force is needed at first to open the lid, subsequent openings can be readily accomplished by the consumer with a second opening force, which is more moderate than the initial force since the rib(s) and beam no longer interfere substantially due to the deformation of the beam.

The balance of the closure may be made of any suitable material, preferably polypropylene or polyethylene. The material of the rib(s) and the beam, and their coefficients of friction, need to be considered in selecting the angles of the confronting surfaces of the rib(s) and beams, e.g., the rectilinear top surface of the beam, or other deformable member, and the rectilinear bottom surface of the rib(s), or other rigid member, (top and bottom in the assembled closure). Where possible, the entire closure is made of polymers of the same monomer, e.g., propylene or ethylene, to improve recyclability.

Unless otherwise clearly indicated, all ranges in this application are inclusive of their end values.

It should be understood, of course, that the specific forms of the invention herein illustrated and described are intended to be representative only as certain changes may be made therein without departing from the clear teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, reference should be made to the following appended claims in determining the full scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims:

1 . A closure for a bottle comprising: a) A base (21) comprising a bottle fastener, b) A lid (24) pivotally received in the base, c) The lid including a product egress opening (36), d) The lid being pivotable between an open position wherein liquid can flow from an interior of the base through the opening to an exterior of the closure and a closed position wherein egress of a liquid from the interior of the base to the exterior of the closure through the opening is blocked, e) One of the lid and the base including a rigid rib(s) (64), f) The other of the lid and the base including a beam (60), g) The beam and rib being located such that when the lid is in a closed position the beam resists moderate pressure imposed on the lid and thereby resists opening of the lid during transport but upon imposition of an initial opening force to open the lid, the beam is capable of bending non-resiliently upon contact with the rib(s) and not breaking, thereby permitting the lid to open and permitting the lid easily to open with subsequent impositions of a second force, wherein h) The rib(s) having a medial beam confronting surface (92) extending at an angle to the horizontal of from 15 to 35 degrees, i) The beam having a medial rib(s) confronting surface (90) extending at an angle to the horizontal of from 15 to 35 degrees, j) The angles of the rib(s) medial surface and the beam medial surface being within 5 degrees of each other.

2. The closure according to claim 1 wherein the bottle fastener comprises threads for mating with threads on the bottle.

3. The closure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the beam has a thickness within the range of 0.5mm to 2 mm.

4. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angles of the confronting surfaces of the rib and the beam are within 5 degrees of each other.

5. The closure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the angles of the confronting surfaces of the rib and the beam are within 2 degrees of each other.

6. The closure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the angles of the confronting surfaces of the rib and the beam are within 1 degree of each other.

7. The closure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the angles of the of the confronting surfaces of the rib and the beam are within 0.5 degrees of each other.

8. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the initial opening force is from 30 Newtons to 55 Newtons.

9. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second opening force is from 0.5 Newtons to less than 30 Newtons.

10. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein after the closure has been opened with strong pressure it can be opened with imposition of a second force of from 9 Newtons to 25 Newtons.

11 . The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coefficient of friction between the confronting surface(s) of the rib(s) and the confronting surface of the beam is within the range of 0.1 to 0.5.

12. The closure according to claim 11 wherein the confronting surface of the rib(s) is the bottom surface and the confronting surface of the beam is the top surface.

13. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a radius at an edge of a base of the beam where the beam contacts the lid or the closure base and beneath the long corner of the beam is from 0.25mm to 1.5mm, especially from 0.35mm to 0.75mm.

14. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the short corner of the angled surface of the rib(s) has a radius of from 1 to 3 mm.