Dispensing closure

Abstract

Dispensing closures (40, 40A, 40B) define a central axis and have a first body (54, 54A, 54B) for positioning at the opening of the container. The first body (54, 54A, 54B) has: a first peripheral wall (56, 56A, 56B); and a membrane (60, 60A, 60B) connected to the first peripheral wall (56, 56A, 56B) to initially block access to the interior of the container. The membrane (60, 60A, 60B) includes a separation member (62, 62A, 62B) adapted for engagement by a user to separate the membrane (60, 60A, 60B) from the first peripheral wall (56, 56A, 56B), thereby allowing access to the interior of the container. The membranes (60, 60A, 60B) have an annular peripheral portion (68, 68A, 68B) adjacent to the first peripheral wall (56, 56A, 56B), which is axially inclined outward along the central axis in a radial direction toward the central axis away from the first peripheral wall (56, 56A, 56B).

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 228,388, filed August 2, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a dispensing closure for use with a container for flowing substances.

[0004] Background of the present invention and technical problems arising from the prior art

[0005] Closures are used to selectively prevent or permit the transfer of substances between the inside and outside of a container (e.g., flexible bags, rigid bottles, machines, dispensing equipment, closure systems, etc.) through openings in the container. A wide variety of fluid and non-fluid substances (including emulsions, creams, food items, granules, liquids, powders, small items, etc.) can be packaged in containers. Typical closures include: (1) a body (e.g., threaded or snap-fit ​​base, bag fitting, structural part, etc.) located at the opening leading to the interior of the container; and (2) a closure element (e.g., a cap, cover, cover, etc.).

[0006] The closure body can generally be either: (1) a separate structure that (a) can be attached to such a container opening and (b) defines at least one access channel through the body for communication with the interior of such a container through such a container opening, or (2) an integral structure that is an integral part of such a container and defines at least one access channel through the integral structure such that the access channel itself acts as an opening to the container.

[0007] Closure elements are typically adapted to move relative to the body access channel between (1) a closed position that blocks the access channel and (2) an open position that at least partially exposes the access channel. Some closures may include additional elements (e.g., tamper-evident features, silicone valves, locking elements, seals, etc.).

[0008] A closure specifically designed for dispensing flowing substances can be described as a dispensing closure. Various flowing materials or substances (including oils, emulsions, creams, gels, liquids, food articles, granules, powders, etc.) can be packaged in rigid, flexible, or collapsible containers having a dispensing closure that can be opened and closed. Flexible containers can be pressurized by the user to force the flowing substance out of the container and through the closure body to dispense the flowing substance at a target area or onto a target surface area. A container having a closure mounted thereon and contents stored therein can be characterized as a "package".

[0009] The closure may provide an initial airtight seal and / or an initial tamper-evident seal to indicate to the user that the integrity of the closure has been compromised. One such closure includes a body with a discharge end that defines at least a portion of an inlet channel (which may be, for example, an exhaust flow channel) initially sealed closed by a separable membrane. The discharge end of the body may be further covered with a closure element, which is a cap or cover removable from or removable from the discharge end to “open” the discharge end and allow access to the separable membrane. Typically, a separation element (such as a tab or pull ring) extends from the membrane. The tab or pull ring protrudes above the membrane. The user initially grasps the tab or pull ring to pull the membrane to separate it from the discharge end of the body at the inlet channel, thereby establishing communication between the external environment and the interior of the container or closure to which other systems are installed. A fragile connection or tear path defines a separation line between the membrane and the remainder of the closure body.

[0010] The inventors of this invention have determined that, at least for some applications, it will be desirable to provide an improved dispensing closure comprising a separable membrane located within a relatively small dispensing orifice that presents an improved visual appearance to the user.

[0011] The inventors of this invention have also determined that it is desirable to provide an improved dispensing closure with a separable membrane that exhibits improved performance in separating from the remainder of the closure body and / or exhibits reduced force required for the user to initiate tearing or separation of the membrane from the remainder of the closure body.

[0012] The inventors of this invention have also discovered that, at least for some applications, it will be desirable to provide an improved dispensing closure that can be manufactured and / or assembled at a relatively low cost, and is adaptable to manufacturing by means of efficient, high-speed, high-volume techniques, and can promote the minimization of the weight of plastic parts.

[0013] The inventors of this invention have discovered how to provide such an improved dispensing closure that includes novel and advantageous features not taught or conceived in the prior art to date, and that the dispensing closure is adaptable to designs having one or more of the benefits or features discussed above. Summary of the Invention

[0014] According to a broad aspect of one form of the invention, a dispensing closure is provided for dispensing a substance that can be stored within the interior of a container. The closure defines a central axis extending inward toward the interior of the container and outward away from the interior of the container, and includes a first body for positioning at an opening of the container. The first body has: a first peripheral wall; and a membrane attached to the first peripheral wall to initially block access to the interior of the container. The membrane further includes a separation member adapted for engagement by a user to separate the membrane from the first peripheral wall, thereby allowing access to the interior of the container. The membrane has an annular peripheral portion adjacent to the first peripheral wall, the annular peripheral portion being axially inclined outward along the central axis in a radial direction toward the central axis away from the first peripheral wall.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the first body includes a second outer perimeter wall connected to and surrounding the first outer perimeter wall. The first and second outer perimeter walls function to receive a portion of the container to secure the first body to the opening of the container.

[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, the separating member includes at least one rod extending axially outward from the membrane and a gripping ring extending laterally from the rod.

[0017] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the membrane includes a concave central portion that slopes axially inward from the annular peripheral portion.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention, the closure further includes a second body for surrounding at least a portion of the first body and defining a dispensing orifice. In a preferred embodiment, the second body includes a top platform and a pair of concentric walls extending axially inward from the top platform toward the membrane. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, when the first and second bodies are in the configuration that a user of the closure would encounter when assembled onto a container, one of the pair of concentric walls engages a first peripheral wall of the first body, and the other of the pair of concentric walls is positioned above the annular peripheral portion of the membrane. More preferably, at least one of the pair of concentric walls conceals the connection between the annular peripheral portion and the first peripheral wall of the first body.

[0019] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the membrane defines a first diameter at the junction between the annular peripheral portion and the first peripheral wall, and the dispensing orifice defines a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, both of which are measured in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the closure.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, the second body includes a top platform and a skirt extending downward from the top platform to surround a portion of the container. The second body further includes a lid rotatably connected to the top platform.

[0021] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the second body includes a tilting lip that extends laterally and axially outward around the dispensing orifice and defines a tilting path. Advantageously, the separating member may be asymmetrical relative to the plane extending through the central axis and the tilting path.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, the second body includes means for non-removably securing it to the first body at the opening of the container. Preferably, these means include flexible flanges or strips.

[0023] In yet another form of the invention, the container incorporating the flowing substance is provided with a dispensing closure comprising a first body and a second body, wherein the closure, the container, and the flowing substance together define a package.

[0024] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the membrane includes at least one bend at the outermost axial end of the peripheral portion to facilitate membrane folding.

[0025] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the second body includes a top platform having a flexible seal extending axially inward therefrom for sealing against the first body.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, the second body includes a tilted lip that is symmetrical about a central axis.

[0027] According to another broad aspect of one form of the invention, a dispensing closure is provided for dispensing a substance that can be stored inside a container. The closure includes a first body having: a first peripheral wall for positioning adjacent to a container opening; a membrane for positioning across the container opening; and a fragile connection that connects the membrane to the first peripheral wall to initially block access to the interior of the container. The membrane further includes a separation member adapted for engagement by a user to separate the membrane from the first peripheral wall, thereby allowing access to the interior of the container. The membrane has a peripheral portion extending from the fragile connection in a direction toward the exterior of the closure (away from the interior of the container).

[0028] It should be understood that the present invention may include any one or all of the above features, including only one of the above features, more than one of the above features, and any combination of the above features. Furthermore, other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a review of the entire specification, including the appended claims and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is an isometric view from above of a first embodiment of the dispensing closure according to the invention, mounted on the upper part of a fragmentary portion of the container. Figure 1The closure is shown with a cap in the open position to expose a pull ring of a separable membrane that blocks the dispensing orifice of the closure;

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial isometric view of the closure and container from above, and Figure 2 The cover with the closure component omitted;

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The container parts and dispensing closures along Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view taken from plane 3-3 in the image;

[0032] Figure 4 It is similar to Figure 3 The partial cross-sectional view of the distribution closure and container, however... Figure 4 The illustration shows the gripping ring moving axially outward as it is initially grasped by the user of the dispensing closure;

[0033] Figure 5 It is similar to Figure 4 The partial cross-sectional view of the distribution closure and container, however... Figure 5 The illustration shows the gripping ring moving further axially outward to initiate a tear in the fragile connection between the membrane and the rest of the fitting;

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A partial isometric view of the closure and container viewed from above;

[0035] Figure 7 It is similar to Figure 6 A partial isometric view of the closure and container from above; however, Figure 7 The illustration shows the membrane completely removed from the inside of the closure to allow flow through the dispensing orifice;

[0036] Figure 8 It is similar to Figure 3 The partial cross-sectional view of the distribution closure and container, however... Figure 8 The illustration shows the membrane being completely removed by the user from inside the closure to allow flow through the dispensing orifice;

[0037] Figure 9 yes Figure 3 Exploded cross-sectional view of a portion of the container and the dispensing closure;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the dispensing closure according to the invention, installed on a partial upper portion of the container, and... Figure 10 The cover is shown with the closure omitted for improved clarity;

[0039] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of a third embodiment of a dispensing closure according to the invention, which is used for installation on a portion of a container;

[0040] Figure 12 It is configured as an assembly in the form of packaged parts. Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the container and the distributing closure; and

[0041] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A partial isometric view of the closure and container from above; however, Figure 13 The illustration shows the lid has been opened to expose the separable membrane. Detailed Implementation

[0042] While the invention is permissible in many different forms, this specification and accompanying drawings only disclose specific forms as examples of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein, and the scope of the invention will be set forth in the appended claims.

[0043] For ease of description, the illustrations of the present invention show embodiments of the dispensing closure (or simply "closure") 40 in which the closure 40 will have when located at the opening of a container 44 (such as an upright bottle), and terms such as "inward," "outward," "upper," "lower," "axial," "radial," "lateral," etc., are used with reference to this orientation. The term "axially inward" will be understood as meaning that when the closure 40 is mounted on top of the opening of the container 44, the central axis "A" extends vertically through the center of the separable membrane of the closure 40 in a direction along the central axis "A" toward the interior of the container 44, such that... Figure 1The term "axially outward" will be understood as in the opposite direction along the central axis "A" away from the interior of container 44. The term "radially inward" will be understood as in the radial direction toward the central axis "A". The term "radially outward" will be understood as in the radial direction away from the central axis "A". The term "laterally inward" will be understood as in the direction toward the central axis "A" in a plane perpendicular to the central axis "A". The term "laterally outward" will be understood as in the direction away from the central axis "A" in a plane perpendicular to the central axis "A". However, it will be understood that the closure of the present invention can be manufactured, stored, transported, used, and sold in orientations other than the specific orientations described and illustrated herein. The dispensing closure of the present invention is particularly suitable for use with a variety of conventional or special containers, the details of which, although not fully illustrated or described, will be apparent to those skilled in the art and understanding of such containers. The specific containers illustrated are not intended to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will also understand that novel and non-obvious inventive aspects are embodied only in the described closure.

[0044] The dispensing closures described herein are particularly suitable for dispensing flowing substances. Such dispensing flowing substances can be, for example, food additives, personal care products, industrial products, household products, or other types of products. Such substances may be intended for internal or external use by humans or animals, or for other purposes (e.g., involving pharmaceutical, commercial or domestic repair, agriculture, manufacturing, etc.).

[0045] The illustrated preferred embodiment of the dispensing closure 40 of the present invention has the form of an assembly of parts or articles configured to (i) selectively place or mount on a container (such as, Figure 1-7 The container 44 is (ii) broken to allow communication through a dispensing orifice, and (iii) actuated to dispense flowing material from the interior of the container through the exposed dispensing orifice. The illustrated container 44 has the form of a bottle that would normally contain flowing material. The flowing material to be dispensed from the closure 40 is not shown in the figure because the material can take various forms. The closure 40 can be attached to the container 44 using removable or non-removable devices or features, such as mating threads, snap-fit ​​flanges and grooves, toggle clips, friction fits, locks, adhesives, welds, non-removable flanges (as shown), etc.

[0046] It will be understood that container 44 can be any conventional type, such as a collapsible flexible bag, or a generally rigid bottle with elastic walls having a degree of flexibility. Container 44, or a portion thereof, can be made of a material suitable for the intended application. For example, the container can be a bag made of a thin, flexible material (wherein such a material can be polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film or polyethylene film and / or aluminum foil). Alternatively, a more rigid container (e.g., a bottle) can be made of a thicker, less flexible material, such as molded polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, glass, metal, or other materials.

[0047] The concept is that, typically, after the closure manufacturer manufactures and dispenses the closure 40 (e.g., by molding its parts from one or more thermoplastic polymers), the manufacturer will then ship the closure 40 to a filling facility at another location, where the container 44 will be filled with the product, assembled with the closure 40, and sealed in the form of a package that the customer or user will encounter.

[0048] Reference Appendix Figure 3 The illustrated preferred embodiment of the dispensing closure 40 includes the following main components: (i) an accessory or first body 54 for receiving within the opening of the container 44, and (ii) an overclosure or second body 55 for surrounding and covering at least a portion of the first body 54. As will be discussed in more detail below, a separable portion of the first body 54 can be removed by a user via the opened second body 55 to allow the transfer of fluid from the interior of the container 44 through the opened closure 40.

[0049] Still referencing Figure 3 The fitting or first body 54 of the closure 40 is a cylinder having a cup-shaped form. The first body 54 includes an annular plug wall or first peripheral wall 56 for receiving within and sealingly contacting the opening of the container 44. The first body 54 further includes a second peripheral wall 58 connected to and surrounding the first peripheral wall 56. The first peripheral wall 56 and the second peripheral wall 58 define an annular recess therebetween for receiving a portion of the container 44 near its opening. An attachment device in the form of a laterally inwardly extending beaded edge 59 is located on the second peripheral wall 58 for engaging with a laterally outwardly extending beaded edge 45 located on the neck portion 46 of the container 44. Other common or special devices for attaching the first body 54 to the container 44, such as mating threads, adhesives, welds, ribs, friction mating parts, etc., may be used.

[0050] Refer again Figure 3A removable disc or membrane 60 is connected to the bottom end of the first peripheral wall 56 via a brittle or thinned material connection 61. When the first body 54 is mounted on the container 44, the membrane 60 extends radially inward from the connection 61 to block the opening of the container 44. The membrane 60 includes a separation device or member 62, which may take various forms that allow the membrane 60 to break or tear from the connection 61 to the first peripheral wall 56. The separation member 62 preferably includes one or more rods 64 extending axially outward from the membrane 60, and a grippable portion 66 extending laterally from the end of the rod 64. The grippable portion 66 has the form of a grippable ring for receiving the fingers of a user of the closure 40. However, it will be understood that the grippable portion 66 may take the form of a shape other than a ring, such as a tail, a polygon, or other suitable protruding member to be engaged by the user of the closure 40. It will be further understood that the rods 64 and the grippable portion 66 may be provided in various configurations and extend from the membrane 60 in various configurations.

[0051] By providing a separation member 62 in the form of a pair of rods 64 and a grippable portion 66, the user can more easily grasp and remove the membrane 60. However, it will be understood that in the most generalized conception of the invention, the separation member 62 does not need to have identifiable rods 64 or grippable portions 66. The separation member 62 may have any suitable geometry that will allow the user to separate the membrane 60 from the closure body 24 by grasping the separation member 62 between the user's thumb and fingers or by grasping or hooking the separation member with a tool.

[0052] like Figure 3 As further illustrated, membrane 60 advantageously includes an annular peripheral portion 68, which is positioned adjacent to the first peripheral wall 56 and tilts axially outward (away from the container interior) along the central axis "A" as it moves radially toward the central axis "A" away from the first peripheral wall 56. Membrane 60 defines a first diameter D1 at a fragile connection 61 between the annular peripheral portion 68 and the first peripheral wall 56. Figure 4 As measured in a plane perpendicular to the central axis "A". Membrane 60 further includes a concave central portion 70 that is axially inclined inward (towards the interior of the container) in a direction from the annular peripheral portion 68 toward the central axis "A". The inventors have discovered that providing membrane 60 with... Figure 3-5 The inclined annular peripheral portion 68 shown in the figure allows the membrane 60 to be folded and easily pulled by the user of the closure 40 through a relatively small dispensing orifice, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter D1.

[0053] Next reference Figure 3The membrane 60 includes a locally thinned region or bend 69 located at the outermost axial end of the peripheral portion 68 to facilitate folding of the membrane 60 at that location during separation from the remainder of the first body 54, as will be discussed in more detail below. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the bend 69 is in the form of a completely annular region of thinned material; however, it will be understood that the bend 69 may be one or more discrete points or segments extending around axis “A”, which perform a similar function to assist in the folding of the membrane 60.

[0054] It will be understood that although the membrane 60 is generally disc-shaped in the illustrated preferred embodiment of the closure 40, the membrane 60 may have other non-circular shapes to block the non-circular opening defined by the wall 56.

[0055] Now for reference Figure 1-3 The cap or second body 55 of the closure 40 is generally cylindrical and hollow, and surrounds a portion of the fitting or first body 54. The second body 55 defines a dispensing orifice 88, which is blocked or covered by the membrane 60 of the first body 54 before the membrane 60 separates from the first peripheral wall 56. A pouring lip 89 extends axially and laterally outward from the top platform 92 around the periphery of the dispensing orifice 88 and defines a pouring path “PP” for guiding the flow of material through the second body 55 as the membrane 60 is removed from the closure 40. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The top platform 92 of the second body 55 is connected to the outer wall or skirt 93 when the assembled closure 40 is installed at the opening of the container 44 (e.g. Figure 3 As illustrated in the diagram, the outer wall or skirt surrounds the top portion 46 of the container 44 and the first body 54. The skirt 93 surrounds a pair of concentric walls 94 and 96 that extend axially inward toward the membrane 60 below the top platform 92. One of the concentric walls 94 engages and seals against the first peripheral wall 56 of the first body 54. The other of the concentric walls 96 is located axially above the annular peripheral portion 68 of the membrane 60. As will be discussed below, wall 96 serves to conceal the broken or torn connection 61 between the membrane 60 and wall 56 after the membrane 60 has been removed by the user. The inventors have discovered that the broken or torn connection between the membrane 60 and the remainder of the first body 54 can accumulate residual product during dispensing, and wall 96 extends axially inward relative to the dispensing orifice 88 to conceal any such residual product from the user as observed through the dispensing orifice 88.

[0056] In some non-preferred embodiments of the invention (not shown), the pair of concentric walls 94 and 96 may have the form of an integral annular wall, which serves to conceal any such residual product from the user observing through the dispensing orifice 88. Such a design would not be preferred compared to the illustrated preferred embodiment due to the increased weight of the parts and the amount of plastic resin used. In other forms, the concentric walls 94 and 96 may be connected by transverse walls positioned close to the membrane 60, and will have an opening at the platform 92 located above such transverse walls for molding.

[0057] Refer again Figure 3 The second body 55 further includes an attachment device in the form of a non-removable band or flange 98 for engaging a corresponding annular flange or shoulder 99 extending laterally outward from the neck of the container 44. It will be understood that the second body 55 may have other removable or non-removable attachment devices or features for securing the body 55 to the container 44 and / or the first body 54, such as mating threads, snap-fit ​​beads and grooves, toggle clips, friction fits, locks, adhesives, welds, or non-removable flanges (as illustrated).

[0058] Next reference Figure 4 It can be seen that the dispensing orifice 88 defines a second diameter "D2" in a plane perpendicular to the central axis "A", and the second diameter "D2" is substantially smaller than the diameter "D1" defined by the peripheral portion 68 of the membrane 60. The inventors have discovered that during the initial damage to the membrane 60 by the user, the engagement of the wall 96 with the peripheral portion 68 of the membrane 60 directs the applied removal force toward the center of the membrane 60, which reduces the initial tearing force required for the user to remove the membrane 60 by breaking the connection 61.

[0059] Now for reference Figure 1 The second body 55 includes a cover 100 connected to the top platform 92 via a hinge 104. The hinge 104 is integrally molded at the top platform 92 with the cover 100 and the second body 55 to accommodate the cover 100 in an open position exposing the dispensing opening 88 (e.g., Figure 1The hinge 104 can move between a closed position (not shown) of the dispensing orifice 88 of the second body 55 and a position that blocks or covers it. The hinge 104 can be any suitable conventional or special design. For example, the hinge 104 illustrated in the figures can be a conventional snap-action type, such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 5,356,017 or U.S. Patent No. 5,642,824, the details of which are not part of this invention. The hinge 104 can also be a non-snap-action type, such as a strap or cord. The cap 100 includes an annular wall 106 terminating at a top portion 107. The top portion 107 includes a hollow plug seal 108 that extends axially inward from the top portion to seal the dispensing orifice 88 when the cap 100 is in its closed position. The second body 55 has sufficient flexibility in the area surrounding the dispensing orifice 88 and / or the cap plug seal 108 to accommodate elastic deformation, thereby establishing a leak-proof seal therebetween. The cover 100 may have other latching devices, such as snap-fit ​​beads, locks, tabs, etc. The cover 100 may engage with the second body 55 in a completely removable manner (e.g., by thread, friction, or snap-fit ​​beads). In some non-preferred applications, the cover 100 may be omitted entirely.

[0060] Still referencing Figure 1 The cap seal 108 is provided with a water collection device in the form of a transverse wall 110, which extends partially around the rear portion of the seal 108 (near the hinge 104).

[0061] The first body 54 and the second body 55 are preferably formed or molded from a suitable thermoplastic material (such as polypropylene or polyethylene). Other materials may be used alternatively. It will be understood that in alternative designs (not shown), one or more of the basic components or sub-components may be formed or molded individually or sequentially (e.g., by double injection molding). Alternatively, in a non-preferred embodiment, the basic components may initially be molded as a single, connected monolithic structure and then split apart and then reassembled into an operational combination or assembly.

[0062] The following discusses one method of assembling the closure 40 with a container 44 containing the flowing substance to form the package that the customer or user will encounter. It will be understood that the assembly method described herein is merely illustrative, and other methods of assembling the package may exist. The closure 40, comprising a first body 54 and a second body 55, is preferably molded as a separate article and transported to a filling facility. Then, prior to transport, the plug seal 108 of the cap 100 is positioned to form a sealing, frictional engagement with the dispensing orifice 88 of the second body 55. The filling facility then fills the interior of the container 44 with a predetermined amount or dose of the dispensing substance (not shown). The first peripheral wall 56 and the second peripheral wall 58 of the first body 54 are axially mounted around the neck 46 of the container 44 such that the beaded edge 59 of the first body 54 engages with and slides beneath the beaded edge 45 of the container 44, and the first peripheral wall 56 seals against the opening of the container 44.

[0063] Then, the closure or second body 55 is axially mounted around the top of the container 44 such that a non-removable attachment flange 98 slides under and engages the flange 99 on the neck 46 of the container 44, thereby sealing the first concentric wall 94 against the first body 54, and positioning the second concentric wall 96 axially above the inclined peripheral portion 68 of the membrane 60. Advantageously, the design of the closure 40 according to the invention does not require the first body 54 and the second body 55 to be oriented in any particular rotational arrangement. Therefore, the separation member 62 can be asymmetrical with respect to the vertical plane extending through the central axis "A" and the pouring path "PP", thereby reducing the cost and complexity of assembling the closure 40.

[0064] Therefore, a filled container 44 with a closure 40 installed in the closed position is provided to the consumer in the form of a complete package.

[0065] The detailed operation and function of the closure 40 will now be described. Typically, the user (such as a customer) will encounter the closure 40 mounted on a container 44 of a fluid as a package, with the lid 100 in the closed position (not shown). The user can open the lid 100 by rotating the lid relative to the top platform 92 about the hinge 104 to the open position, thereby disengaging the plug seal 108 from the dispensing orifice 88.

[0066] refer to Figure 2-6 The user then grasps and lifts the gripper ring 66 upwards. The inclined outer portion 68 will contact the wall 96 of the second body 55 to reduce the contact area 61 between the tearing or breaking membrane 60 and the remainder of the first body 54. Figure 3The force required (compared to a roughly planar membrane with the same fragile joints and formed of the same material). As the user continues to lift the gripping ring 66 upwards, the outer portion 68 of the membrane 60 will slide upwards against the wall 96, which will guide the membrane out of the open dispensing orifice 88. Figure 7 and Figure 8 ).

[0067] The user can grasp and tilt the container 44, and pour a certain amount of flowing material from the inside of the container 44 through the exposed orifice 88 along the pouring path “PP” defined by the pouring lip 89.

[0068] After the fluid is dispensed via the closure 40, the user can then return the lid 100 to its closed position by rotating the lid 100 about the hinge 104 relative to the top platform 92, so that the lid plug seal 108 reseals the orifice 88 around it.

[0069] Figure 10 The illustration shows a second embodiment of the closure 40A according to the invention, which has a modified sealing arrangement between a first body 54A and a second body 55A, but is otherwise identical to the first embodiment of the closure 40 previously discussed. Similar elements between the illustrated first embodiment of the closure 40 and the illustrated second embodiment of the closure 40A are designated with the same reference numerals (features numbered in the first embodiment have no suffix, and features numbered in the second embodiment have an "A" suffix). The illustrated second embodiment of the closure 40A has the same basic elements as the illustrated first embodiment of the closure 40, namely, a first body 54A installed within the opening of the container 44A and a second body 55A covering the first body 54A. An optional lid is not visible outside the plane of view. It will be understood that the closure 40A in… Figure 10 The invisible features are the same as those of the closure 40 described above.

[0070] Still referencing Figure 10 The second embodiment of the closure 40A illustrated differs from the first embodiment of the closure 40 illustrated in that the second body 55A includes only one wall 96A extending downward from the top platform 92A, which is located axially above the annular peripheral portion 68A of the membrane 60A to conceal the fragile connection 61A. The second body 55A includes a flexible seal or a claw-shaped seal 94A extending from the underside of the top platform 92A to seal against the first peripheral wall 56A of the first body 54A. Other sealing arrangements are contemplated.

[0071] Figure 11-13The figure illustrates a third embodiment of the closure 40B according to the invention, having a modified arrangement of a first body 54B and a second body 55B, which provides improved aseptic packaging features, but otherwise functions in a manner similar to the first embodiment of the closure 40 previously discussed. Similar elements between the illustrated first embodiment of the closure 40 and the illustrated third embodiment of the closure 40B are designated with the same reference numerals (features numbered in the first embodiment have no suffix, and features numbered in the third embodiment have a "B" suffix). The illustrated third embodiment of the closure 40B has the same basic elements as the illustrated first embodiment of the closure 40, namely, a first body 54B installed within the opening of the container 44B and a second body 55B covering the first body 54B.

[0072] Now for reference Figure 12 The third embodiment of the closure 40B illustrated differs from the first embodiment of the closure 40 illustrated in that the first body 54B has a fully circular dispensing orifice 88B and a tilting lip 89B, and the second body 55B is molded to close so as to be closed along the central axis “A”. Figure 11 The first body 54B is mounted on the first body 54B at any angular orientation, which allows for tipping from the tipping lip 89B at any angle. Furthermore, the second body 55B includes a brittle skirt 93B that is fractically attached to the lid 100B. When the lid 100B is rotated away from the skirt 93B during the initial opening of the closure 40B, the user will cause these brittle connections to break. The arrangement of the first body 54B and the second body 55B advantageously allows the lid 100B to be in an open position or configuration (such as...) Figure 13 The opening angle of the first body 54B (shown in the diagram) is greater than that of the rest of the second body 55B, and provides additional tamper-evident indication to the user of the closure 40B. Furthermore, the arrangement of the first body 54B and the second body 55B advantageously allows for a more pronounced two-tone design, which is easily noticed by the user of the closure 40B.

[0073] Other configurations of the invention are set forth in the claims.

[0074] Various modifications and alterations to this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from its scope and spirit. The illustrative embodiments and examples of the systems are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A dispensing closure for dispensing a substance that can be stored inside a container, the dispensing closure comprising: A first body for positioning at the opening of a container, the first body having: a first peripheral wall; A membrane, connected to the first peripheral wall to initially block access to the interior of the container, the membrane defining a central axis and including a separation member adapted for user engagement to separate the membrane from the first peripheral wall, thereby allowing access to the interior of the container, and the membrane having an annular peripheral portion adjacent to the first peripheral wall, the annular peripheral portion being axially outwardly inclined along the central axis in a radial direction toward the central axis away from the first peripheral wall. The membrane includes at least one bend at the outermost axial end of the annular peripheral portion to facilitate folding of the membrane.

2. The dispensing closure element according to claim 1, wherein, The first body further includes a second outer wall connected to and surrounding the first outer wall, the first outer wall and the second outer wall being used to receive a portion of the container to secure the first body at the opening of the container.

3. The dispensing closure element according to claim 1, wherein, The separation member includes at least one rod extending outward from the membrane and a gripping ring extending laterally from the at least one rod.

4. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, wherein, The membrane includes a central portion that slopes axially inward from the annular peripheral portion.

5. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, further comprising a second body for surrounding at least a portion of the first body and defining a dispensing orifice.

6. The dispensing closure according to claim 5, wherein, The second body includes a top platform and at least one wall extending axially inward toward the membrane.

7. The dispensing closure according to claim 6, wherein, The at least one wall comprises a pair of concentric walls, wherein one of the pair of concentric walls engages with the first peripheral wall, and the other of the pair of concentric walls is located above the annular peripheral portion of the membrane.

8. The dispensing closure according to claim 6, wherein, The at least one wall conceals the connection between the annular peripheral portion and the first peripheral wall of the first body.

9. The dispensing closure according to claim 5, wherein, The membrane defines a first diameter at the junction of the annular peripheral portion and the first peripheral wall, and the dispensing orifice defines a second diameter smaller than the first diameter.

10. The dispensing closure according to claim 5, wherein, The second body includes a top platform and a skirt extending downward from the top platform to surround a portion of the container, and the second body includes a lid rotatably connected to the top platform.

11. The dispensing closure according to claim 5, wherein, The second body includes a tilting lip that extends laterally and axially outward around the dispensing orifice and defines a tilting path.

12. The dispensing closure according to claim 11, wherein, The separating component is asymmetrical with respect to the plane extending through the central axis and the tilting path.

13. The dispensing closure according to claim 5, wherein, The second body includes a device for non-removably securing it to the first body at the opening of the container.

14. The dispensing closure according to claim 5, in conjunction with a container for the flowing substance, wherein the dispensing closure, the container, and the flowing substance together define a package.

15. The dispensing closure according to claim 5, wherein, The second body includes a top platform having a flexible seal extending axially inward therefrom for sealing against the first body.

16. The dispensing closure according to claim 5, wherein, The second body includes a tilted lip that is symmetrical about the central axis.

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