container

Abstract

A closure for a container comprises: two walls, defining a front face and a rear face, wherein the two walls are co-joined about a top, and side portions thereof, with the bottom portion of comprising an open section, for sealing to a container to be placed in fluid communication with an interior thereof; the closure comprising a removable portion; the closure comprising a line of weakness extending across the open section, extending generally parallel to the top portion or in an alternative extending generally parallel to one or both of the side portions, the line of weakness forming a tearable seal for removing the removable portion activating the closure into an open state; wherein the closure comprises a reversible closure means, in the form of a tab operable being a closed and an open position.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present disclosure is related to a closure and a container. Preferably the container is a reusable container for pastes and semisolids. More particularly, the present disclosure is related to recloseable pouches for pastes and semisolids.Description of Related Art

[0002] Current containers for pastes and semisolids such as wedge-shaped tubes for toothpaste, face many issues.

[0003] One issue of prime consideration is that of material usage. Many of the currently employed container for pastes and semi-solids use an excessive amount of plastic material. This is not only inefficient from the perspective of manufacture but also presents environmental disadvantages, particularly in cases where the recycling is not possible.

[0004] An excessive use of plastic materials can also be inefficient from a shipping perspective, not only from consideration of the weight of packaging material being shipped. Additionally, when considering packaging efficiency, an excessive use of plastic material, typically leads to a product having an unnecessarily large volume. This can have negative implications, such as from the aspect of product packaging. As examples, fewer units of product can be packaged within shipping containers or on pallets (where used) and even in boxes intended for dispatch to consumer outlets. This impacts on storage / warehouse effectiveness.

[0005] For products having an unnecessarily large volume, there are further negative considerations at point of sale. Such products are physically harder to re-stock due to their size and weight. Moreover, the attractive impact of the product (an especially important consideration in an often-busy market place) can be detrimentally impacted due to restrictions on product shelf density.

[0006] The end user also has to be considered.

[0007] An excessive use of plastic material can mean that the packaging material is excessively rigid. This impacts particularly badly on users that have restricted / poor hand movement or hand strength. Many known containers, such as wedge-shaped tube containers for toothpaste, are not designed for the elderly, children, or those with limited hand mobility, or the ability to output the needed force to extract the product from the tube. Any restrictions / hindrances on product discharge can also mean that an excessive amount of wasteful residual content remain within the product after it is deemed to be "empty", i.e. the point at which no further contents can be discharged. This is wasteful from an environmental perspective and also heightens a sense of waste from the consumer.

[0008] Some containers or pouches also have a problem of unwanted back flow. Unwanted back flow occurs when a user attempts to move product from a main portion of the container towards the opening of the container to dispense the product, but a portion or all of the product move backwards and into the container away from the opening. This causes wasted effort and requires additional time for the user to dispense the product from the container.

[0009] Accordingly, there is a need to overcome, alleviate, and / or mitigate one or more of the aforementioned and other deleterious effects of known containers.SUMMARY OF THE INVENETION

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a closure for a container comprising: two walls, defining a front face and a rear face, wherein the two walls are co-joined about a top, and side portions thereof, with the bottom portion of comprising an open section, for sealing to a container to be placed in fluid communication with an interior thereof; the closure comprising a removable portion; the closure comprising a line of weakness extending across the open section, extending generally parallel to the top portion or in an alternative extending generally parallel to one or both of the side portions, the line of weakness forming a tearable seal for removing the removable portion activating the closure into an open state; wherein the closure comprises a reversible closure means, in the form of a tab operable being a closed and an open position.

[0011] Preferably the removal of the removable portion is achieved in a tearing action.

[0012] Preferably a user pulls the removable portion along the line of weakness. In this way the line of weakness enables the removal of the removable portion from the closure. In this way the closure is opened.

[0013] As the closure comprises a reversible closure means the closure may be operated on multiple occasions. As such it can be used with a container for multiple dosing of separate amounts of material from the container, preferably on separate / distinct occasions.

[0014] The present invention has been designed inclusively to be as accessible as possible to a wide variety of types of consumers with different ergonomic, strength and dexterity capabilities.

[0015] As such, it has been found that removal of the removable portion is easily achieved by a user, in a manual tearing operation. This removal operation has been found to be particular straightforward and facile for users that have restricted and / or limited manual movement; also, for users that have diminished muscle strength / grip strength in at least one of their hands. Thus overall, the closures have been found to have a high degree of ergonomic acceptance by a user.

[0016] Without wishing to be limited by theory it is postulated that the ease of removal is attained by virtue of the angel of the line of weakness relative to the closure. It has been found that a line of weakness that is substantially parallel to the top portion or in an alternative extending generally parallel to one or both of the side portions permits for facile removal. This is in comparison to when the line of weakness is angled relative to top and / or one of the side edges (e.g. at an angle of around 45 degrees). In such a case it has been found that removal of the removable portion is harder for a general user and particularly difficult for user with a condition affecting strength and / or movement of a hand.

[0017] The closure has also been found to be useful to right-handed and left-handed users.

[0018] By substantially parallel it is meant that the line of weakness is angled at less than 10 degrees, more preferably less than 7 degrees and more preferably less than 5 degrees relative to the top portion and / or one of the side portions.

[0019] Preferably the closure is largely rectangular.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment preferably the closure means is in the form of a foldable tab, the foldable tab comprising a portion of one of the walls; the closure comprising a fold line, located upstream of the line of the weakness, extending across the open section, the fold line allowing a portion of the front or rear face to be folded back upon itself, thus placing the closure into a closed state; wherein the closure has a means for releasably retaining the foldable tab in the closed state.

[0021] In operation of the foldable tab the opening is (temporarily) closed.

[0022] Preferred features of this embodiment follow.

[0023] Generally, the releasable attachment means comprises a stud / receiving member. Most preferably the fold line extends (as an example equidistantly) between these elements.

[0024] In an alternative the releasable attachment means comprises a receiving aperture for receiving at least a portion of the fold tab (such as a corner portion), when in a closed state. The receiving aperture is preferable formed in a wall of the closure (optionally adjacent the top portion thereof); obviously without affecting the integrity of the closure. The receiving aperture preferably conveniently shaped for ease of insertion of the fold tab. The fold tab is preferably retained in the receiving aperture by friction force and or by the bias of the fold tab trying to return to its original position. One or both of the fold tab or the aperture may be roughened or otherwise modified to improve the reversible engagement therebetween.

[0025] Preferably the open section comprises a channel disposed between the top and side portions; being directed largely towards an apex defined where the top portion and s die portion meet. The open section preferably defines an axis thereof; said axis being angled at approximately 45 degrees relative to the top portion and / or one or both side portions. In this way it will be appreciated the open section is not necessarily in the form of a circular opening but is more preferably in the form of an oval shape (created by the cross section of the line of weakness across the open section). Where present, preferably the oval has a major axis (preferably aligned with the line of weakness and / or largely parallel thereto) and a minor axis (preferably orthogonal to the line of weakness and / or minor axis). The major axis is generally larger in size than the minor axis. This can be advantageous (see below).

[0026] The foldable tab is foldable about a fold line angled relative to the closure. Preferably the fold line extends between a portion of the top and side portions. As such the fold line is generally largely orthogonal to the axis of the open section. Preferably the angle of the fold line is about 20 to 70 degrees, more preferably about 40 to 65 degrees, more preferably about 45 to 60 degrees relative to the top portion and / or one or both side portions.

[0027] Generally, the fold line and line of weakness meet or cross at a portion of a side portion. Preferably the angle between the fold line and line of weakness is about 20 to 70 degrees, more preferably about 40 to 65 degrees, more preferably about 45 to 60 degrees relative to the top portion and / or one or both side portions.

[0028] Preferably the closure has a visual indication to highlight the foldable tab and / or a direction in which it is intended to be moved to assist a user in the operation thereof.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment preferably the closure means is in the form a hinged cap.

[0030] Preferred features of this embodiment follow.

[0031] The cap is preferably present on the closure prior to the removal of the removeable portion. Clearly, it is intended that the presence of the cap does not interfere detrimentally with the removal of the removeable portion.

[0032] The cap may be simply removable from the closure (and, for example, used with another closure). Alternately the cap be intended to be retained by the closure. The cap may be operated from an open to closed position. A preferred form of such a cap is hinged about the closure. Here, preferably the cap and closure have one or more male and female elements, respectively, for attaching the cap to the closure.

[0033] Generally, the closure has a means for releasably retaining the cap in the closed state, such as a cooperating detent / raised position on the closure and / or cap.

[0034] The cap may have a male element which is similarly sized to the open section. The male element may be profiled such it presents a narrow terminus when offered to the open section for ease of insertion but has an increasingly wide male element to ensure proper closing of the open section. Additionally and / or alternatively, the male element may be in the form of a pair of resilient legs, which in use prior to removal of the removable portion engage both front and rear faces the of closure; preferably at or near the open section. The male element can be useful in aiding the prevention of misalignment of the cap with the open section and / or in the prevention of reducing the amount of container contents being discharged, which may reduce mess. The cap may comprise a skirt which is intended to be adjacent to the exterior of the open section when the cap is in place. Generally, the cap has a gripping means to allow a user to move the cap.

[0035] When the cap is used as a closure mechanism preferably the open section is disposed in the top portion of the closure.

[0036] Preferred features of this aspect of the invention follow.

[0037] Generally, the open section may be circular and may have an open diameter of between 2 to 10mm, more preferably from 3 to 9 mm, more preferably from 4 to 9mm and most preferably from 7 mm to 8.5 mm.

[0038] The open section may be oval and have a major axis and a minor axis as discussed above. In this instance the minor axis may have an open diameter of between 2 to 10mm, more preferably from 3 to 9 mm, more preferably from 4 to 9mm and most preferably from 7 mm to 8.5 mm and the major axis has the same ranges of preferred dimensions; with each multiplied by a factor of from 1.1 to 1.7 (as an example 3 to 9mm becomes 3.3 (3 multiplied by 1.1) to 15.3mm (9 multiplied by 1.7)).

[0039] The closure may include a reinforcement means to aid in strengthening the closure, especially considering its aim of repeated use. Preferred examples of a reinforcement means include ridging of the closure. Preferably the entirety of the closure is reinforced in this way.

[0040] Preferably the closure comprises a notch / incision adjacent to / colinear with the line of weakness. Optionally the line of weakness has a notch / incision adjacent to / colinear each end of the line of weakness. Preferably the closure has a visual indication to highlight the notch / incision to assist a user.

[0041] Preferably the line of weakness comprises perforations. Clearly it is intended that the perforations do not affect the integrity of the closure before removal of the removable portion.

[0042] The removable portion may be roughened or otherwise textured for improved grip of a user. The closure preferably has a visual indication to highlight the removable portion and / or a direction in which it is intended to be removed to assist a user in removal thereof.

[0043] Preferably the closure comprises a flexible / resilient material.

[0044] Suitable flexible materials can be monolayer or multilayer laminated, woven or non-woven. Suitable flexible materials can be monomaterial or combinations of: polyolefins, polyesters, biobased polymers, recycled polymers, biobased fibres, PCR (post-consumer recycled material or post-consumer resin) recycled plastics such as rPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate), rPP (Recycled Polypropylene Plastic) and rHDPE (Recycled High-Density Polythene). cellulose-based materials such as functional papers and their associated coatings.

[0045] Preferred examples of flexible / resilient material include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), mixed polyolefins, polyesters, paper, metal (such as aluminium, zinc) and non-woven materials, or a combination / laminate thereof.

[0046] Preferably the walls of the closure have a thickness of less than 250µm; more preferably from about 10µm to about 200µm, more preferably from about 25µm to about 175µm; more preferably from about 50µm to about 175µm; and most preferably from about 75µm to about 150µm. Each wall may have the same thickness; or each wall may have differing thickness (to the other wall). The thickness of the wall is not necessarily constant across its entirety.

[0047] The closure is intended to be used with a viscous material. Preferred viscosity levels are from 20,000 to 500,000 centipoise. It should be noted that in the context of the present invention all viscosities are measured at a temperature of 20°C with a Brookfield Viscometer, Spindle No. 4.

[0048] For such a viscous material where the open section is in the form of an oval shape (created by the cross section of the line of weakness across the open section) that has been found to be advantageous in the discharge of a product through the closure and in the prevention of air being taken through the closure after a discharge operation. Moreover, the angling of the open section relating to the closure has been found to be more ergonomically suitable to a user's needs.

[0049] The closure is intended to be used with a container.

[0050] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a recloseable flexible / resilient container comprising a closure according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0051] Features of the first aspect of the invention shall be taken to apply to the second aspect mutatis mutandis.

[0052] It has been found that containers of the invention are surprisingly advantageous.

[0053] Without wishing to limited by theory it is postulated that due to the construction of the closure great flexibility in container construction material and overall shape can be facilitated. This allows for (inter alia) containers, which are optimized for shipping in a case or pallet. This leads to shipping efficiency and creates a smaller carbon footprint. Additional advantages are observed in terms of dose precision from the container. Moreover this has been found to be achieved with a great reduction / elimination of unusable residual content in the container after use.

[0054] As the closure comprises a reversible closure means the container may be operated on multiple occasions. The container may be used to discharge an amount of its contents and then resealed for later use. As such the container can be used for multiple dosing of separate amounts of material, preferably on separate / distinct occasions. Each occasion may be (and preferably is) separate in a temporal manner.

[0055] Preferably the container comprises a reservoir. Preferably the container includes at least one wall defining a front face and at least one wall defining a rear face. Most preferably the container reservoir is in fluid communication with the closure open section.

[0056] Generally, the reservoir is defined by the top, the bottom, and at least one side edge and by at least one wall defining a front face and at least one wall defining a rear face, the front and rear faces being connected together about the top, bottom, and respective side edges; with the connection either comprising a seal and / or front and rear faces being contiguous about at least one of the top portion, bottom portion and / or one or both side edges.

[0057] It is preferred that where a heat seal is present in the contained this is achieved by heat sealing around at least a portion of one or more of the edges of the front and rear faces. A seal may be present in any or all of the top, bottom and side edges. Optionally the front and rear faces are contiguous about at least one of the top portion, bottom portion and / or one or both side edges. Where present the seal may also have reinforcement means.

[0058] In a most preferred embodiment at least some of the container walls are extensions of closure walls. Most preferably the front face of the reservoir and the rear face of the reservoir are continuations of the front face and rear face of the closure.

[0059] Generally, the container is non-gusseted.

[0060] Preferably the container is rectangular. In this instance preferably the top side and the bottom side represent the short / shorter sides of the rectangle. Here, it will be appreciated that as the line of weakness extends generally parallel to a side edge or the top / bottom edge.

[0061] Preferably the closure is disposed in a corner portion of the container between the top side and a side edge or on the top side.

[0062] Preferably the container is sized for a human hand. This has not only been found to provide comfort and security to a user but also can aid in dosing as a user is able to apply a small amount of controlled hand pressure to discharge the container contents.

[0063] In a preferred execution a side edge may be recessed (towards the opposite side edge). The recess may have a form which is curved, linear or both curved and linear. Such a recess may be useful in accommodating a portion (such as the fingers) of a user's hand. This can be useful when holding and / or discharging the contents of the container. (In this instance the remainder of the container abuts against the palm of the user).

[0064] Preferably the walls of the container have a thickness of less than 250µm; more preferably from about 10µm to about 200µm, more preferably from about 25µm to about 175µm; more preferably from about 50µm to about 175µm; and most preferably from about 75µm to about 150µm. Each wall may have the same thickness; or each wall may have differing thickness (to the other wall). The thickness of the wall is not necessarily constant across its entirety.

[0065] Most preferably the container is in the form of a (optionally squeezable) pouch. With this kind of flexible construction, it has been found that discharge from the container is surprisingly advantageous. It has been found that with the use of a flexible container of the present invention the amount of residual product remaining the container is far lower than for a conventional container of the prior art, where it has been found that around 5% of residual content can remain. The amount of residual content remaining has been found to be less than 2wt% and even less than 1.8wt% or less than 1.5%. A pouch has also been found to offer the advantage of a low head space requirement; further enhancing packing efficiency.

[0066] Preferably the container comprises a flexible / resilient material.

[0067] Any flexible material which can offer the physical protection and barrier properties necessary for the protection of the product through its designed life and the flexibility to enable the product to be exited from the container through a squeeze force, pressure difference, sliding action or combination thereof would be suitable.

[0068] Suitable flexible materials can be monolayer or multilayer laminated, woven or non-woven. Suitable flexible materials can be monomaterial or combinations of: polyolefins, polyesters, biobased polymers, recycled polymers, biobased fibres, PCR (post-consumer recycled material or post-consumer resin) recycled plastics such as rPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate), rPP (Recycled Polypropylene Plastic) and rHDPE (Recycled High-Density Polythene). cellulose-based materials such as functional papers and their associated coatings.

[0069] Preferred examples of flexible / resilient material include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), mixed polyolefins, polyesters, paper, metal (such as aluminium, zinc) and non-woven materials, or a combination / laminate thereof.

[0070] Preferably the container is for retaining / dispensing materials such as pastes, semi solids, or liquids.

[0071] The material preferably comprises a dentifrice, a cosmetics or toiletry preparation, a lotion, a shampoo, a conditioner; alternatively, a medicament, such as a medicament intended for topical application. Preferred examples of materials include dentifrices such as toothpaste and a medicament comprising a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). For these most preferred materials (especially for toothpaste) the angle of line of weakness of the invention has been found to be particularly effective in the discharge and use of the material. For toothpaste effective nurdle formation (such as on a toothbrush) has been observed.

[0072] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of opening and / or closing the closure / container of the first or second aspect of the invention.

[0073] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of using the closure / container of the first or second aspect of the invention.

[0074] In the use aspect it has bene found that when the container is sized to be accepted in a user's hand a user may employ their thumb to encourage the container contents from the container.

[0075] Preferably the method of use includes application of a dentifrice onto a toothbrush and the subsequent use of same in a tooth cleaning operation. Alternatively the method of use includes discharge of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) formulation and topical application to a user.

[0076] The invention is described with reference to the following non-limiting figures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are front views of embodiments of a closure having a stud closure mechanism. FIG. 3 is a front view of an embodiment of a closure having a foldable tab and a retaining hole for the closure. FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of a sealed recloseable container having a stud closure mechanism. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a stud from the stud closure mechanism. FIG. 6 is a front view of an embodiment of a sealed recloseable container having a foldable tab and retaining hole for closure. FIGS. 7a to 7b are views of an embodiment of a cap for use with the container of the invention. FIG. 8 is a front view of an embodiment of a sealed recloseable container for use with the cap of FIGS. 7a to 7b. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, closure 1 is for use in dispensing products such as pastes, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, cosmetics, semi solids, or liquids.

[0079] Closure 1 has an open section 2. Closure 1 has a top portion 3, and respective side edges 4 and 5.

[0080] Closure 1 has front 6 and rear (not shown) faces 7.

[0081] Closure 1 has a removable portion 8 that seals the open section 2. A user would have to manually remove the removable portion 8 by tearing it off to open the open section 2. Removable portion 8 can have a pattern or holes thereon to increase the grip of a user.

[0082] To assist in removal of the removable portion 8 there is a line of weakness 9. The line of weakness 9 comprises a series of perforations.

[0083] To close the closure 1 after the removable portion 8 is removed, a user would use the stud closure mechanism, located on foldable tab 10, and insert a stud 11 into a retaining hole 12. Retaining hole 12 is shaped so that stud 11 can be pushed into the retaining hole 12 and be releasable retained using a grove on stud 11. The foldable tab 10 is folded across a foldable crease 13 in order to insert the stud 11 into hole 12. Foldable crease 13 extends across the open section 2.

[0084] When stud 11 is placed into hole 12, foldable tab 10 closes open section 2, until the user reopens the closure by pulling stud 11 out of hole 12 and foldable unfolding tab 10 back to an open position.

[0085] To further assist in removal of the removable portion 8 there are incisions 14a and 14b.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 3, closure 1 is for use in dispensing products such as pastes, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, cosmetics, semi solids, or liquids.

[0087] Closure 1 of FIG. 3 differs from closure 1 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in that instead of the stud and retaining hole, a portion of the foldable tab 10 (preferably a corner thereof) is received into a receiving aperture 15, when the closure 1 is in a closed position. Aperture 15 is shaped for ease of insertion of the foldable tab 10.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, container 16 is a reusable container for dispensing products such as pastes, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, cosmetics, semi solids, or liquids from the inside of reservoir 17 of the container 16 to an outside of the container through the container open section 2.

[0089] Container 16 has front 6 and rear (not shown) faces 7, These faces 6 and 7 are an extension from closure 1.

[0090] Container 16 has a top portion 3, a bottom portion 18, and respective side edges 19 and 20. The side edge 18 adjacent the closure 1 is recessed (towards the opposite side edge 20).

[0091] Container 16 is welded closed at the top portion 3, bottom portion, and side edge 18. FIG. 5 shows the stud 11 in more detail.

[0092] The container 1 of FIG. 6 is similar to that of FIG. 4 in many aspects.

[0093] It has the receiving aperture 15 arrangement of FIG. 3.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 7a to 7b an embodiment of a cap 21 for use with the closure 1 / container 16 of the invention is shown.

[0095] The cap 21 is intended to be removably placed into the open section 2 after the removable portion 8 has been removed. The cap 21 has a male element 22 which is in the form of a pair of resilient legs.

[0096] Prior to removal of the removable portion 8 resilient legs 22 engage both front 6 and rear faces 7 of closure 1.

[0097] On first use the consumer lifts the cap up 21, lifts up and tears off removable portion 8, then dispenses the product.

[0098] After use, resilient legs 22 are inserted into opening 2 to help keep the circular shape of the opening 2 and to close opening 2. The cap 21 comprises a skirt 23 which is intended to be disposed adjacent to the exterior of the open section 2 when the cap 21 is in place.

[0099] The cap 21 is hinged about the closure 1 / container 16. The cap 21 and closure 1 / container 16 have a male and a female element 24 for attaching the cap 21 to the closure 1 / container 16 . Once attached it is intended that the cap 21 is not removed but operated from an open to closed position. The cap 21 also has a projection 25 which cooperates with a recess 26 on the closure 1 / container 16 to resiliently retain the cap 21 in a closed position.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 8 a sealed reusable container for use with the cap of FIGS. 7a to 7b is shown.

[0101] The container 1 of FIG. 8 is similar to that of FIG. 4 in many aspects.

[0102] In this container the female elements 26 for attaching the cap 24 to the container 1 can be seen.

[0103] While certain embodiments have been described as having certain exemplary sizes or dimensions, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various dimensions and sizes can be used and without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and that the sizes and dimensions described herein are not limiting.

[0104] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure is not limited to all the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but that the disclosure will also include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A closure for a container comprising: two walls, defining a front face and a rear face, wherein the two walls are co-joined about a top, and side portions thereof, with the bottom portion of comprising an open section, for sealing to a container to be placed in fluid communication with an interior thereof; the closure comprising a removable portion; the closure comprising a line of weakness extending across the open section, extending generally parallel to the top portion or in an alternative extending generally parallel to one or both of the side portions, the line of weakness forming a tearable seal for removing the removable portion activating the closure into an open state; wherein the closure comprises a reversible closure means, in the form of a tab operable being a closed and an open position.

2. A closure according to claim 1, wherein removal of the removable portion is achieved in a tearing action.

3. A closure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closure means is in the form of a foldable tab, the foldable tab comprising a portion of one of the walls; the closure comprising a fold line, located upstream of the line of the weakness, extending across the open section, the fold line allowing a portion of the front or rear face to be folded back upon itself, thus placing the closure into a closed state; wherein the closure has a means for releasably retaining the foldable tab in the closed state.

4. A closure according to claim 3, wherein the retaining means comprises a stud / receiving member.

5. A closure according to claim 3, wherein the retaining means comprises an aperture to receive the foldable tab.

6. A closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the open section comprises a channel disposed between the top and side portions.

7. A closure according to claim 6, wherein the channel is angled at approximately 45 degrees relative to the top portion and / or one or both side portions.

8. A closure according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the foldable tab is foldable about a fold line angled relative to the closure, wherein the angle is about 20 to 70 degrees, more preferably about 40 to 65 degrees, more preferably about 45 to 60 degrees relative to the top portion and / or one or both side portions.

9. A closure according to claim 8, wherein the fold line and the line of weakness meet or cross at a portion of a side portion; preferably the angle between the fold line and line of weakness is 20 to 70 degrees, more preferably about 40 to 65 degrees, more preferably about 45 to 60 degrees.

10. A closure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closure means is in the form a hinged cap.

11. A closure according to claim 10, wherein the cap is removably attached to the closure.

12. A closure according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the open section is circular and has an open diameter of between 2 to 10mm, more preferably from 3 to 9 mm, more preferably from 4 to 9mm and most preferably from 7 mm to 8.5 mm; or the open section is oval, having a major axis and a minor axis, wherein the minor axis may has an open diameter of between 2 to 10mm, more preferably from 3 to 9 mm, more preferably from 4 to 9mm and most preferably from 7 mm to 8.5 mm and the major axis has a the same ranges of preferred dimensions; each multiplied by a factor of from 1.1 to 1.7.

13. A closure according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the closure comprises a notch / incision adjacent to / colinear with the line of weakness.

14. A closure according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the removable portion is roughened or otherwise textured for improved grip of a user.

15. A flexible / resilient recloseable container comprising a closure according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The container according to claim 15, the container comprising a reservoir; the container including at least one wall defining a front face and at least one wall defining a rear face; wherein the reservoir is defined by the top, the bottom, and at least one side edge and by at least one wall defining a front face and at least one wall defining a rear face, the front and rear faces being connected together about the top, bottom, and respective side edges; with the connection either comprising a seal and / or front and rear faces being contiguous about at least one of the top portion, bottom portion and / or one or both side edges. the container being rectangular, wherein the top side and the bottom side represent the short / shorter sides of the rectangle; wherein the container is sized for a human hand. wherein a side edge is recessed (towards the opposite side edge), in a form which is curved, linear or both curved and linear.

17. A method of opening and / or closing the closure according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and / or the container according to claim 15 or 16.

18. A method of using the closure according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and / or the container according to claim 15 or 16.

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