Closure

Abstract

A closure for use with a container containing a flowable substance, such as hand sanitizers, shampoo and other similar cleaning products, or even food products such as sauces and condiments, where the closure comprises a flow control member that is a pivotable opening and closing cover.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a closure. More particularly, the present invention relates to a closure for a container holding a liquid, such as food items and concentrated cleaning products, and / or powder products, such as condiments and milk powder, wherein the closure has a flow control member as an open-close flap. BACKGROUND

[0002] Containers for flowable substances are often provided with a closure to avoid spillage of their contents. Such closures provide an opening for the release of the contents of the container. Typically, these closures have a closure component, such as a cap or a movable lid, which can be freely opened and closed to avoid accidental release of the container contents.

[0003] Concentrated liquid substances are dense liquids, such as cleaning products and food sauces or condiments. As examples, there are hand wash liquids, shampoo, oil, ketchup, and food condiments, such as ketchup and mustard. Due to the dense nature of these concentrated substances, accidental spillage should be prevented, especially in areas that can be contaminated or cause similar problems. Therefore, containers that store such substances need to have a flow control closure to prevent the liquid inside from dripping or leaking in an uncontrolled manner.

[0004] One way to control the flow of such containers is to have a closure on the vessel that contains the stored substance and that releases the contained substance only by the user squeezing the container body. When this type of container is used to store a concentrated liquid, at least two problems can arise: First, if the container closure does not have good liquid flow control, then undesirable splashing can occur every time the container is squeezed and the concentrated liquid flow can fall in inappropriate areas. Then, the released substance can contaminate the surrounding areas and the user's clothes and skin. Furthermore, unlike squeeze-type containers that hold contents where the amount of material dispensed can be visually assessed, such as ketchup or mustard bottles, it can be difficult to assess how much liquid to dispense to obtain a desired final mixture with visually similar substances. Second, during repeated use, the level of the concentrated liquid remaining in the container can decrease. In this case, the amount of concentrated liquid dispensed by the same compression force can vary significantly and disadvantageously as the level of the liquid concentrate inside the container changes.

[0005] Liquid substances, particularly food products, can also be susceptible to spoilage due to their exposure to various microbial agents, which makes a permanently open closure not a good solution. Therefore, the prior art discloses many solutions regarding opening / closing closures that also present some kind of flow control in some way. However, these solutions fail to provide an effective flow control and they require a closing element that can be opened and closed, which is composed of an effective structure. SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention mainly comprises a closure for a container that holds a liquid or powder product, for example, a concentrated liquid substance such as hand sanitizer, shampoo and other similar cleaning products, a food item such as a sauce, a condiment, and a powder product such as a powdered food item.

[0007] The closure is fixed to a container having an opening through which a product can be dispensed from the container, such a closure comprising a body and a cover plate for controlling the flow of the product out of the circular opening.

[0008] In a broad form of the invention, the closure comprises a body comprising a front side and a sidewall extending upwardly beyond the front side. The front side further comprises an opening for dispensing a flowable product from an interior of the container. The closure further comprises a cover plate for selectively opening and closing the opening to control the flowable product out of the opening. The sidewall of the body comprises a recess, and the cover plate is pivotally connected to the body at a location on the front side spaced apart from the sidewall and is movable between: i) a closed position that blocks the opening and extends into the recess, and ii) an open position that exposes the opening and moves away from the recess.

[0009] In a preferred form of the invention, the recess of the body is located near a diagonal axis that is transverse relative to a vertical axis extending through the opening and the connection of the cover plate to the body.

[0010] In still another preferred form of the invention, the front side of the body comprises two curved gaps positioned opposite each other.

[0011] According to another preferred form of the invention, the front side of the body further comprises an aperture for retaining the cover plate in the open position.

[0012] According to yet another preferred form of the invention, the cover plate has a curved tab shape with rounded corners and is secured to the front side of the body by a pivot on the cover plate and located within a circular recess.

[0013] In another preferred form of the application, the cover plate includes indicia for indicating the location of a cylindrical closure member extending from the rear portion of the cover plate for obstructing the opening in the closed position of the cover plate.

[0014] In still another preferred form of the application, the cover plate includes an aperture configured to align with the recess in the closed position of the cover plate.

[0015] In another preferred form of the application, the body has a rear side from which a cylindrical wall extends, the cylindrical wall including an internally threaded portion for securing the closure to an opening of a container.

[0016] According to another preferred form of the application, the closure further includes an annular element secured on the rear side of the opening in the body. The annular element secures a self-sealing slit valve that controls the flow of fluent substance through the opening of the closure. Preferably, the annular element includes at least one reinforcing rod that supports the rear wall to inhibit direct flow through the opening.

[0017] In another preferred form of the application, the cover plate has a different color than the body of the closure to improve usability, enhancing the visibility of the location of the cover plate within the body of the closure.

[0018] In one preferred form of the application, the cover plate is positioned laterally inward from the side wall when in the open and closed positions.

[0019] According to another broad form of the application, the closure is in combination with a container of fluent substance. Preferably, the container is configured for use in an inverted or upside down position.

[0020] According to another broad form of the application, a method of opening a closure is disclosed. The method includes the step of obtaining a closure. The closure includes a body including a front side and a side wall extending upwardly beyond the front side. The front side further includes an opening for dispensing a fluent product from an interior of a container. The closure further includes a cover plate for selectively opening and closing the opening to control the fluent product flowing therefrom. The side wall of the body includes a recess, and the cover plate is pivotally connected to the body on the front side at a location spaced apart from the side wall and is movable between: i) a closed position that obstructs the opening and extends into the recess, and ii) an open position that exposes the opening and moves away from the recess. The method includes the further step of moving a portion of the cover plate located within the recess to pivot the cover plate from the closed position obstructing the opening to the open position exposing the opening to allow dispensing of the fluent substance through the closure. Preferably, the method includes the further step of securing the cover plate in the open position by engaging components on the cover plate and the body.

[0021] According to yet another broad form of the application, a method of manufacturing a closure is disclosed. The method includes the step of obtaining a body comprising a front side and a sidewall extending upwardly beyond the front side. The front side further comprises an opening for dispensing a fluent product, and the sidewall has a recess. The method includes the additional step of obtaining a cover plate for selectively opening and closing the opening to control the fluent product from exiting the opening. The method includes the further step of pivotally connecting the cover plate to the body at a location on the front side spaced apart from the sidewall such that the cover plate is movable between i) a closed position that blocks the opening and extends into the recess, and ii) an open position that exposes the opening and moves away from the recess. Preferably, the method includes the additional steps of obtaining a ring-shaped element, obtaining a self-sealing slit valve, and securing the self-sealing slit valve over the opening in the body by the engagement of the ring-shaped element and the body, wherein the self-sealing slit valve remains sandwiched between the ring-shaped element and the body.

[0022] Furthermore, the present application provides an enhanced ergonomic solution for consumers, particularly benefiting the elderly, by introducing a pivotable cover plate within the closure. This design ensures a comfortable and hassle-free opening experience, eliminating the need for liner removal. Additionally, the recess in the body of the closure facilitates easy gripping of the pivotable cover plate. In contrast, existing closures with open liners generally prove to be cumbersome and difficult to remove.

[0023] The present application features a pivotable cover plate that enhances the flexibility of the closure, making the opening of the closure effortless. Additionally, the pivotable cover plate serves as a protective measure against any accidental spillage of the contents of the container. By utilizing fewer types of polymers, the closure not only facilitates improved recycling practices but also contributes to sustainability and cost reduction. Notably, the cover plate remains attached to the body of the closure, allowing for convenient recycling along with the rest of the closure. Furthermore, the pivotable cover plate can be molded using the same tooling as the body, eliminating the need for external machinery to incorporate a liner or similar component.

[0024] Additionally, the closure of the present application is specifically designed for inverted containers, enabling seamless opening and closing of such containers. The closure incorporates a valve mechanism that effectively retains the product within the container when it is not being squeezed. Moreover, due to the presence of a sidewall in the body of the closure, the closure provides enhanced protection compared to alternative solutions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] The features of the present application will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which exemplify some preferred embodiments of the devices described herein, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a closure according to a first example embodiment of the application;

[0027] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a closure according to a first example embodiment of the application; Figure 1 is a lower perspective view of the closure of

[0028] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a closure according to a first example embodiment of the application; Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the closure of

[0029] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a closure according to a first example embodiment of the application; Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of the closure of

[0030] Figure 5 is a lower perspective view of the closure of Figure 1 Figure 6 is a front view of the closure of

[0031] and Figure 6 illustrates the cover plate in its closed position to prevent dispensing through the closure; Figure 1 Figure 7 is a front view of the closure of

[0032] and Figure 6 illustrates the cover plate in its open position to allow dispensing through the closure; Figure 1

[0033] Figure 8 is a rear view of the closure of Figure 1

[0034] Figure 9 is a cutaway perspective view of the closure of Figure 1

[0035] Figure 10 is a cutaway side view of the closure of Figure 1

[0036] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the closure of Figure 1 and Figure 11 illustrates the rear side of the closure;

[0037] Figure 12 is a partial cutaway side view of the closure of Figure 1 mounted on a partial open end of a container in the form of a bottle;

[0038] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the closure of Figure 1 mounted on an open end of a container of a fluent substance;

[0039] Figure 14 is another perspective view of the closure of Figure 1 mounted on an open end of a container of a fluent substance; and ​​​​

[0040] Figure 15 is a front view of an additional embodiment of the closure of the present application, and Figure 15 shows a variant of the cover element in the open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Although the preferred embodiments are described below, it must be understood that this description must be considered merely as an example of the principles of the present application, without limiting other variants within the scope of the present application, and that the person skilled in the art can consider such variants. For the description of the figures, some terms such as "upper", "lower", "top", "diagonal", "horizontal" and their derivatives must refer to the present application as indicated. However, it should be understood that the aspects of the present application can take various alternative orientations, unless explicitly specified to the contrary. Figure 1

[0042] Figures 1 to 14 A first embodiment of the closure 10 according to the present application is illustrated, which is intended to be mounted on a container 9 (visible only in Figures 12 to 14 ) of a flowable substance. Preferably, the closure 10 is intended to be mounted on a container 9 containing a liquid product, such as a concentrated liquid substance, a hand soap, a shampoo and other similar cleaning products, or even food products such as sauces and condiments. The closure 10 can also be used on a container 9 containing a powder or granular product, such as a powder or granular food item. Furthermore, the closure 10 of the present application is designed to be mounted on an inverted or overturned container 9.

[0043] According to one aspect of the present application, the closure 10 is firmly attached to a container 9 having a dispensing opening end through which the product is filled. The container 9 itself has conventional structural attributes; however, its specific details are irrelevant to the broadest form of the closure of the present application.

[0044] Figures 1 to 3 It is shown that the closure 10 comprises a main body 20 and a cover 30 intended to control the flow of the flowable product through a dispensing opening 40.

[0045] ​According to one aspect of the application, the body 20 has a front side 21 featuring a diagonal recess 22. Surrounding this front side 21 is a side wall 23 which extends both in front of and behind the front side 21 such that the entire front side 21 is located under the extension of the side wall 23. The recess 22 is diagonally configured (i.e. centred in Fig. 6 on a diagonal axis 11 which is transverse to the vertical axis 12) and is positioned within a circular area on the front side 21. This area shows a concave recessed side wall 23 which forms an opening for the recess 22, with a convex portion 24 facilitating the transition between the flat portion of the front side 21 and the recess 22. An additional circular area on the front side 21 comprises two curved gaps 25 positioned opposite one another which serve as a drain. Furthermore, in the upper left area of the front side 21, a hole 26 is incorporated which is used to receive a mating component of a cover plate 30, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0046] The body 20 of the closure 10 provides enhanced protection compared to alternative solutions, due to the presence of its side wall 23 which protects the cover plate 30 and other sealing elements from accidental contact during transport and / or handling of the container 9 of a flowable substance on which the closure 10 is installed.

[0047] In another aspect of the application, the cover plate 30 has a curved thin sheet shape with rounded corners, is positioned on the front side 21 and within a circular recess 31, is supported and movable by a pivot 32 located at the upper rear portion of the cover plate 30. In the middle portion of the cover plate 30, there is a circular marking (which can have any form) to indicate the position of a rear cylindrical sealing plug or closure member 33 which seals within an opening 40 on the body 20. In addition, at the lower or distal portion of the cover plate 30 relative to the pivot 32, there is an aperture 34 which is designed to be aligned with the recess 22 when the cover plate 30 is in certain positions relative to the body 20.

[0048] With regard to Figures 3 to 5 , the body 20 of the closure 10 comprises a rear side 211 from which a cylindrical wall 212 extends. Between the cylindrical wall 212 and the side wall 23 there is a flat section. The cylindrical wall 212 comprises an internal threaded portion on its inner side (i.e. radially inner side relative to the central axis 13 which extends through the centre of the opening 40), while there is another shorter cylindrical wall 213 with an annular retaining bead. Within this cylindrical wall 213, a valve carrier ring or annular element 401 is firmly placed, fitted on the rear side of the opening 40. In addition, in the top section of the rear side 211, there is another cylindrical body of smaller diameter which has a closed end which holds the pivot 32.

[0049] In another aspect of the invention, the annular element 401 includes a circular and invasive front ring portion 41 that securely holds a self-sealing slit valve or circular sealing element 42 made of a flexible material, such as silicone, having a pair of intersecting slits that serve as channels for the product, and the circular or invasive front ring portion controls the flow of liquid material from the container 9 (on which the closure 10 is fitted). The rear portion of the annular element 401 includes three reinforcing rods 411 that support a baffle or rear wall 43. The wall 43 effectively blocks direct flow to the slits that serve as liquid channels for the sealing element 42. To allow liquid or other fluid material to pass through the container 9 fitted with the closure 10, the user must squeeze the container 9, forcing the fluid material through a flow channel 431 extending between the reinforcing rods 411 and the wall 43. This arrangement ensures that the liquid in the container 9 can then pass through the slits of the sealing element 42. Therefore, the flow channel 431 serves as a controlled channel for liquid substances in the container 9 equipped with the closure 10.

[0050] The combination of the annular element 401, the sealing element 42, and the wall 43 forms a valve mechanism that effectively retains the product inside the container when the container 9 is not compressed. Furthermore, the closure 10 of the present invention is specifically designed for containers that are typically inverted or upside down, providing the ability to open and close such containers using the aforementioned valve mechanism.

[0051] With regard to Figures 6 and 7, a front view of the closure 10 is shown, along with one aspect of the invention, wherein, as illustrated in the referenced figures, the cover plate 30 performs a pivoting movement to open the closure 10, thereby opening the opening 40. To keep the closure 10 open, a closing member 33 is shown fitted into the hole 26. To close the closure 10, the cover plate 30 must be moved to its original position, where the closing member 33 is fitted into the opening 40 to prevent dispensing through it.

[0052] The cover plate 30 is pivotable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the closing member 33 blocks the opening 40; in the second position, the closing member 33 is fixed inside the hole 26.

[0053] Regarding the rear side of the closure 10 shown Figure 8 The recess 22 forms a protrusion on the rear side 211, and the rear side 211 also includes a rear wall of a circular notch 31, which holds the pivot 32 and is diagonally opposite to the protrusion.

[0054] about Figure 9 and Figure 10A cross-sectional view of the closure 10 is shown, illustrating the fitting of the closure member 33 into the opening 40 with the cover plate 30 in its closed position. The fitting of the pivot 32 into the circular recess 31 and the fitting of the annular element 401 into the rear portion of the opening 40 are also illustrated.

[0055] On the other hand, the invention includes a container 9 of a flowable substance assembled with a closure 10, wherein the container 9 is used in an inverted manner such that the closure 10 is located at the bottom of the container 9. In other words, during typical storage and use of the packaging, Figure 13 and Figure 14 The packaging of the closure 10 and container 9 shown will be reversed from their illustrated positions.

[0056] In another aspect, the invention includes a method of manufacturing the closure 10 assembled in a container 9. The manufacturer of the closure 10 will first mold or form the body 20, cover 30, annular element 401, and self-sealing slit valve 42 from a suitable polymer. For example, the body 20, cover 30, and / or annular element 401 can be formed from a suitable rigid polymer. The cover 30 can be formed from PP, PE, TPE, or a blend of PP and EVA. The body 20 should be rigid and can be formed from PET, PP, or PP. The annular element 401 can be formed from PP or PE. Other materials can be used. The slit valve 42 can preferably be formed from a suitable elastomer (such as silicone or TPE). The manufacturer will assemble the cover 30 to the body 20 at a pivot connection of a pivot 32, which is held within a circular notch 31 in the closed position of the cover 30, such that the closure member 33 is held within the opening 40 of the body 20. The self-sealing slit valve 42 is then located within the annular element 401 and secured to the rear side of the body 20 by a mating snap-fit ​​bead or other suitable component. The assembled closure 10 can then be transported to a bottling or filling machine that will fill the container 9 with a flowable product or substance and secure the closure 10 to the opening of the container 9 by threading the rear portion of the body 20 onto the mating threads of the container 9. Other mating components can be used, such as snap-fit ​​beads, friction fits, welding, adhesives, locks, etc.

[0057] On the other hand, the invention includes a method for operating the closure 10. A preferred method of using or actuating the closure 10 of the invention will now be discussed. The user will encounter the closure 10 mounted on the opening of the container 9, with the cover 30 in a closed position. In this closed position of the cover 30 (e.g., Figure 6, Figure 9 and Figure 10The cylindrical closing member 33 of the cover plate 30 is sealed within the opening 40 of the body 20, and the distal end of the cover plate 30 with the orifice 34 lies above the recess 22. The user can then grasp or engage the distal end of the cover plate 30 to pivot or rotate it away from the closed position. By moving the cover plate 30 axially outward along the central axis 13 of the closure member 10, the closing member 33 disengages from the opening 40, and the cover plate 30 can rotate approximately 30 to 60 degrees into the open position (FIG. 7). Advantageously, the cover plate 30 can be secured by engaging the closing member 33 within the hole 26 to maintain it in the open position. The user can then grasp the cover plate 30 and return it to the closed position in the reverse process described above.

[0058] In one embodiment of the invention, the cover plate 30 is designed to be a different color from the body 20 of the closure 10. This color difference enhances the visibility of the cover plate 30.

[0059] Furthermore, the present invention provides an enhanced ergonomic solution for consumers, particularly benefiting the elderly, by introducing a pivotable cover 30 within the closure 10. This design ensures a comfortable and hassle-free opening experience, eliminating the need for liner removal. Additionally, the recess 22 in the body of the closure 10 facilitates easy gripping of the pivotable cover 30. Conversely, existing closures with open liner designs often prove cumbersome and difficult to remove. To further enhance usability, in one embodiment, the pivotable cover 30 is uniquely colored to enhance its visibility within the body of the closure 10.

[0060] The invention also includes a pivotable cover 30 that enhances the flexibility of the closure 10, making it easy to open. Additionally, the pivotable cover 30 serves as a protective measure to prevent any accidental spillage of the container's contents. By utilizing fewer types of polymers, the closure 10 not only facilitates improved recycling practices but also contributes to sustainability and cost reduction. Notably, the pivotable cover 30 remains attached to the body of the closure 10, allowing for convenient recycling along with the rest of the closure 10. Furthermore, the pivotable cover 30 can be molded using the same tools as the body 20, eliminating the need for external machines used for attaching linings or similar components, which could increase costs, manufacturing complexity, or hinder recyclability.

[0061] Now for reference Figure 15 An additional embodiment of the closure according to the invention is illustrated. Figure 15The numbering characteristics of the illustrated closure embodiments are similar to those of the first embodiment of closure 10; they share the same numbering but do not have the suffix "AI". Closures 10A-10I are shown in the open position and operate in the same basic manner as closure 10 previously discussed.

[0062] Closure 10A includes a relatively small solid cover plate 30A without any openings. Closure 10B includes a cover plate 30A with an opening 34B of a circular shape for user gripping. Closure 10C includes a cover plate 30C with an opening 34C of an oval shape, its narrow end facing the pivot of the cover plate 30C and its wide end facing away from the pivot for user gripping. Closure 10D includes a cover plate 30D with an irregularly shaped opening 34D that follows the contour of the cover plate 30D for user gripping. Closure 10E includes a cover plate 30E with a currently preferred D-shaped opening 34E for user gripping. Closure 10F includes a cover plate 30F with an inverted D-shaped opening 34F for user gripping.

[0063] See still Figure 15 The closure 10G includes a generally semi-circular cover plate 30G with a small recess or orifice 34G to provide an unobstructed flow path for dispensed fluid substances when the cover plate 30G is in the open position as shown. As shown, the closure 10H includes a generally C-shaped cover plate 30H with a circular orifice 34H, which, in the open position, is positioned above the dispensing opening of the closure body to allow dispensing from the closure body. In the closed position (not illustrated), the remainder of the cover plate 30H rotates over the opening of the closure body and blocks or obstructs the opening. As shown, the closure 10I includes a generally elliptical cover plate 30I with a circular orifice 34I, which, in the open position, is positioned above the dispensing opening of the closure body to allow dispensing from the closure body. In the closed position of cover 30I (not shown), the remainder of cover 30I rotates over the opening of the closure body and blocks or obstructs the opening of the closure body.

[0064] Other shapes and arrangements of the cover were envisioned based on the intended use of the closure.

[0065] It should be understood that this disclosure does not limit the application of the invention to the details described herein, and that this disclosure can be applied in other embodiments and practiced or performed in various ways within the scope of the claims. Although specific terminology has been used, such terminology should be interpreted in a general and descriptive sense and is not restrictive.

Claims

1. A closure for dispensing a fluent product storable within an interior of a container, the closure comprising: a body comprising a front side and a sidewall extending upwardly beyond the front side, the front side further comprising an opening for dispensing the fluent product; and a cover plate for selectively opening and closing the opening to control the fluent product flowing therefrom, wherein the sidewall comprises a recess, and wherein the cover plate is pivotally connected to the body at a location on the front side spaced apart from the sidewall and is movable between: i) a closed position that blocks the opening and extends into the recess, and ii) an open position that exposes the opening and moves away from the recess. the recess is located near a diagonal axis that is transverse relative to a vertical axis extending through the opening and a connection of the cover plate to the body.

2. The closure of claim 1, wherein, the front side comprises two curved gaps positioned opposite one another.

3. The closure of claim 1, wherein, the front side comprises an aperture for retaining the cover plate in the open position.

4. The closure of claim 1, wherein, the cover plate comprises a curved tab shape with rounded corners, the cover plate is secured by a pivot on the front side and within a circular notch.

5. The closure of claim 1, wherein, the cover plate comprises a marker for indicating a location of a cylindrical closure member extending from a rear portion of the cover plate for blocking the opening in the closed position of the cover plate.

6. The closure of claim 1, wherein, the cover plate comprises an aperture configured to align with the recess in the closed position of the cover plate.

7. The closure of claim 1, wherein, the body comprises a rear side from which a cylindrical wall extends, the cylindrical wall comprising an internally threaded portion for securing the closure to the opening of a container.

8. The closure of claim 1, wherein, 9. The closure of claim 1, further comprising an annular element secured on a rear side of the opening, the annular element securing a self-sealing slit valve that controls the flow of a fluent substance through the opening of the closure. a rear portion of the annular element comprises at least one reinforcement bar that supports a rear wall to inhibit direct flow through the opening.

10. The closure of claim 1, further comprising a ring element, wherein, the cover plate has a different color than the body of the closure.

11. The closure of claim 1, wherein, the cover plate is positioned laterally inward from the sidewall when in the open and closed positions.

12. The closure of claim 1, wherein, the container is used with the closure in an inverted position.

13. The closure of claim 1 in combination with a container of fluent substance, wherein, 14. A method of opening a closure, the method comprising the steps of: A) obtaining a closure having a body comprising a front side and a sidewall extending upwardly beyond the front side, the front side further comprising an opening for dispensing the fluent product; and a cover plate for selectively opening and closing the opening to control the fluent product flowing therefrom, wherein the sidewall comprises a recess, and ​ ​ wherein the cover plate is pivotally connected to the body at a location on the front side spaced apart from the sidewall and is movable between: i) a closed position that blocks the opening and extends into the recess, and ii) an open position that exposes the opening and moves away from the recess; and B) moving a portion of the cover plate located within the recess to pivot the cover plate from the closed position that blocks the opening to the open position that exposes the opening, thereby allowing the flowable substance to be dispensed through the closure.

15. A method of opening a closure according to claim 14, the method comprising the further steps of: C) securing the cover plate in the open position by engaging components on the cover plate and the body.

16. A method of manufacturing a closure, the method comprising the steps of: A) obtaining a body comprising a front side and a sidewall extending upwardly beyond the front side, the front side further comprising an opening for dispensing a flowable product, the sidewall comprising a recess; B) obtaining a cover plate for selectively opening and closing the opening to control the flowable product out of the opening; and C) connecting the cover plate to the body at a location on the front side spaced apart from the sidewall such that the cover plate is movable between: i) a closed position that blocks the opening and extends into the recess, and ii) an open position that exposes the opening and moves away from the recess.

17. A method of manufacturing a closure according to claim 16, the method comprising the further steps of: D) obtaining a ring-shaped element; E) obtaining a self-sealing slit valve; and F) securing the self-sealing slit valve over the opening in the body by engagement of the ring-shaped element and the body, wherein the self-sealing slit valve remains clamped between the ring-shaped element and the body.

18. A closure (10) for dispensing a flowable product that can be stored within an interior of a container, the closure (10) comprising: a body (20) comprising a front side (21) and a sidewall (23) extending upwardly beyond the front side (21), the front side (21) further comprising an opening (40) for dispensing the flowable product; and a cover plate (30) for selectively opening and closing the opening (40) to control the flowable product out of the opening (40), wherein the sidewall (23) comprises a recess (22), and wherein the cover plate (30) is pivotally connected to the body (20) at a location on the front side (21) spaced apart from the sidewall (23) and is movable between: i) a closed position that blocks the opening (40) and extends into the recess (22), and ii) an open position that exposes the opening (40) and moves away from the recess (22).

19. The closure (10) according to claim 18, characterized in that The recess (22) is located near a diagonal axis (11) which is transverse with respect to a vertical axis (12) extending through the opening (40) and the connection of the cover plate (30) to the main body (20).

20. A closure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 18 to 19, characterized in that The front side (21) comprises two curved gaps (25) positioned opposite each other.

21. A closure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 18 to 20, characterized in that The front side (21) comprises a hole (26) for retaining the cover plate (30) in the open position.

22. A closure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 18 to 21, characterized in that The cover plate (30) comprises a curved tab shape with rounded corners, the cover plate (30) being fixed on the front side (21) by a pivot (32) and located within a circular notch (31).

23. A closure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 18 to 22, characterized in that The cover plate (30) comprises a marking for indicating the position of a cylindrical closure member (33) extending from a rear portion of the cover plate (30), the cylindrical closure member being for blocking the opening (40) in the closed position of the cover plate (30).

24. A closure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 18 to 23, characterized in that The cover plate (30) comprises an aperture (34) configured to be aligned with the recess (22) in the closed position of the cover plate (30).

25. A closure (10) according to any of the preceding claims 18 to 24, characterized in that The main body (20) comprises a rear side (211) from which a cylindrical wall (212) extends, the cylindrical wall (212) comprising an internally threaded portion for fixing the closure (10) to the opening of a container.

26. A closure (10) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims 18 to 25 characterised in that, The closure (10) further comprises an annular element (401) fixed on a rear side of the opening (40), the annular element (401) fixing a self-sealing slit valve (42) controlling the flow of a flowable substance through the opening (40) of the closure (10).

27. A closure (10) in accordance with any of the preceding claims 18 to 26 characterised in that, The closure (10) comprises an annular element (401), wherein a rear portion of the annular element (401) comprises at least one reinforcing rod (411) supporting a rear wall (43) to inhibit direct flow through the opening (40).

28. A closure (10) according to any of the preceding claims 18 to 27, characterized in that The cover plate (30) has a different color from the main body (20) of the closure (10).

29. A closure (10) according to any of the preceding claims 18 to 28, characterized in that The cover plate (30) is positioned laterally inward from the side wall (23) when in the open position and the closed position.

30. A closure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 18 to 29, in combination with a container (9) of a flowable substance, characterized in that The container (9) is used with the closure (10) in an inverted position.

31. A method of opening a closure (10), the method comprising the steps of: A) obtaining a closure (10) having a main body (20) comprising a front side (21) and a side wall (23) extending upwardly beyond the front side (21), the front side (21) further comprising an opening (40) for dispensing the flowable product; and a cover plate (30) for selectively opening and closing the opening (40) to control the flow of the flowable product out of the opening (40); wherein the side wall (23) comprises a recess (22), and wherein said cover panel (30) is pivotally connected to said body (20) on said front side (21) at a location spaced apart from said side wall (23) and is movable between: i) a closed position that blocks said opening (40) and extends into said recess (22), and ii) an open position that exposes said opening (40) and moves away from said recess (22); and B) moving a portion of said cover panel (30) that is within said recess (22) to pivot said cover panel (30) from said closed position that blocks said opening (40) to said open position that exposes said opening (40) to allow dispensing of a fluent substance through said closure (10).

32. A method of opening a closure (10) according to claim 31, said method comprising the further steps of: C) securing said cover panel (30) in said open position by engaging components (26, 33) on said cover panel (30) and said body (20).

33. A method of manufacturing a closure (10), said method comprising the steps of: A) obtaining a body (20) comprising a front side (21) and a side wall (23) extending upwardly beyond said front side (21), said front side (21) further comprising an opening (40) for dispensing a fluent product, said side wall (23) comprising a recess (22); B) obtaining a cover panel (30) for selectively opening and closing said opening (40) to control said fluent product flowing out of said opening (40); and C) connecting said cover panel (30) to said body (20) on said front side (21) at a location spaced apart from said side wall (23) such that said cover panel (30) is movable between: i) a closed position that blocks said opening (40) and extends into said recess (22), and ii) an open position that exposes said opening (40) and moves away from said recess (22).

34. A method of manufacturing a closure (10) according to claim 33, said method comprising the further steps of: D) obtaining a ring element (401); E) obtaining a self-sealing slit valve (42); and F) securing said self-sealing slit valve (42) on said opening (40) in said body (20) by engagement of said ring element (401) and said body (20), wherein said self-sealing slit valve (42) remains clamped between said ring element and said body.

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