Dispensing closure for a container and container with such a closure

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispensing closure (100) for a container, said dispensing closure (100) comprising a dispensing unit (400) having a dispensing opening (422) for dispensing a fluid and a first sealing region (460) and a base unit (200) having a skirt portion (220) for attaching the base unit to the container and having a second sealing region (260). The dispensing unit (400) is movable relative to the base unit (200) along an x-direction of the dispensing closure (100) between a shut-off position in which the first sealing region (460) comes into sealing contact with the second sealing region (260) and a dispensing position in which the first sealig region (460) is at least partly out of contact with the second sealing region (260) thereby providing a through opening (500) for allowing a fluid to pass therethrough for being dispensed through said dispensing opening. The dispensing closure comprising a vent channel (320), sad dispensing closure being arranged such that flow of air from an outside of the closure through the vent channel (320) is not possible when said dispensing unit (400) is in its shut-off position.

Description

[0001] Dispensing Closure for a Container and Container with such a Closure

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to a dispensing closure for a container and to a container with such a closure.

[0004] Such closures are typically used for dispensing products contained in a container to which said closure is attached. The products to be dispensed are typically fluid products, especially liquids but also powdered or granular products, e.g. in the food and beverage area, but also in other applications, e.g. for cleaning substances, detergents or other products.

[0005] The present invention especially relates to a dispensing closure, through which the fluid material, especially a liquid, can be dispensed without the use of pump devices, like e.g. a mechanical pump. The dispensing fluid is typically dispensed from containers through such free flow dispensing closures using gravity. The dispensing closures can be especially used for large or so-called XXL containers, and it is specifically useful for so-called free flow dispensing closures, i.e. closures which do not comprise a pump device.

[0006] Such a dispensing closure is e.g. known from Wo 2018 / 171886 Al. The dispensing closure disclosed therein comprises a peripheral wall and a transverse wall being made of deformable material, so that the transverse wall and the peripheral wall are distorted when force is exerted onto a toggle member.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an enhanced dispensing closure, especially a free flow dispensing closure, or a container with such a dispensing closure.

[0008] This object is solved by a dispensing closure for a container according to claim 1 and by a container with such a closure according to claim 16. Claims 2 to 15 refer to specifically advantageous realizations of the closure according to claim 1. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a closure according to claim 17 or claim 18.

[0009] The dispensing closure according to the present invention comprises a dispensing unit having a dispensing opening for dispensing a fluid and a first sealing region, the dispensing closure according to the present invention further comprising a base unit having a skirt portion for attaching the base unit to a container, said base unit further having a second sealing region.

[0010] The dispensing unit is at least partly movable relative to the base unit along an x-direction of the dispensing closure (or at least one part or one element of the dispensing unit is or multiple parts or multiple elements of the dispensing unit are movable relative to the base unit) between a shut-off position, in which the first sealing region comes into sealing contact with the second sealing region, and a dispensing position, in which the first sealing region is at least partly out of contact with the second sealing region thereby providing a through opening for allowing a fluid product or material to pass therethrough, especially between the first sealing region and the second sealing region, for being dispensed through said dispensing opening.

[0011] Preferably, the movement along the x- direction is a movement along or in parallel to a central axis of the closure device, and the movement is linear or essentially linear movement.

[0012] The dispensing closure according to the present invention comprises a vent channel, said dispensing closure being arranged such that flow of air from an outside of the closure through the vent channel to an interior volume of the container is not possible when said dispensing unit is in its shut-off position.

[0013] According to the present invention said base unit comprises said vent channel, wherein said vent channel comprises an outer opening and an inner opening for allowing vent air from the outside to enter through the outer opening into the vent channel and to leave the vent channel through the inner opening when said dispensing unit is in its dispensing position.

[0014] The dispensing unit comprises an occluding element which is arranged such that it occludes said outer opening of said vent channel when said dispensing unit is in its shut-off position and as such that it leaves said outer opening of said vent channel at least partly open when said dispensing unit is in its dispensing position.

[0015] This dispensing unit realizes a very reliable and steady and undisturbed flow dispensing, especially the free flow dispensing, with an undisturbed venting activity.

[0016] It is especially advantageous that the dispensing of fluid is independent of the venting, especially as the vent channel is separate or independent of the through opening for allowing the fluid or the liquid to pass through (especially between the first sealing region and the second sealing region) and / or also separate or independent of the dispensing opening and / or a dispensing channel.

[0017] The vent channel on the one hand and a dispensing channel with a dispensing opening and / or a complete dispensing route for channel on the other hand are preferably independent, so that the flow of liquid for dispensing and the flow of wind air are independent and do not disturb each other or only to minimized extent.

[0018] Further advantage of the present invention is also that these independent channels are both sealed when the dispensing closure is in its shut-off position.

[0019] The two separate or independent channels or flow areas, for dispensing liquid on the one hand and for allowing venting and flow of air on the other hand, are also sealed by independent and / or separate sealing means, namely the first sealing region of the dispensing unit and the second sealing region of the base unit for sealing the dispensing channel or dispensing way / route on the one hand and the occluding element which is arranged such that it occludes said outer opening of said vent channel, when said dispensing unit is in its shutoff position on the other hand.

[0020] This separation or independency of the sealing for the vent channel on the one hand and for the dispensing of fluid media or liquids on the other hand secures a specifically reliable and undisturbed functioning, leading to an enhanced venting, thereby securing a smooth dispensing of fluid. This is especially important for large containers, so-called XXL containers, and / or also for rigid containers, for which a smooth venting is especially important in order to also secure a smooth and preferably laminar flow of dispensing fluid. This event is also especially of relevance for systems which do not include a pump or other assisting means for supporting the dispensing of fluid.

[0021] Another advantage of this separation or independency of the sealing for the vent channel and the dispensing of flow is that the separation or independency also enables a separate adaption for each of the sealing functions, for the fluid to be dispensed on the one hand and the vent air on the other hand. This has a specific advantage if the properties and characteristics of the fluid to be dispensed are remarkably different from each other, which frequently is the case, especially as there may be very different fluids to be dispensed, e.g. liquids with lower or higher viscosity, and the fluids to be dispensed may also be fluid media comprising solid bodies, like e.g. small balls or powders etc. Each of the sealing systems can therefore be adapted to the properties independent of each other, especially the sealing system and the sealing surfaces and functioning for the liquid to be dispensed can be adapted independent of the sealing of the vent channel.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment said dispensing closure is arranged such that, when said dispensing closure is positioned such that the longitudinal axis of the dispensing closure extending in parallel to said x-axis extends in a horizontal direction and such that said dispensing opening is positioned in its lowest vertical position along a z-axis extending perpendicular to said x-axis in a vertical direction, the vent channel and / or said outer opening and / or said inner opening of said vent channel is or are positioned above or vertically above said through hole along the z-axis.

[0023] This realization is of specific advantage especially for so-called free flow dispensing closures, but also for other closures, as in this case the venting channel is, in a vertical or gravitational direction, above the through hole for dispensing a fluid and preferably also above a dispensing opening and / or a corresponding dispensing channel. Thereby gravity supports a undisturbed and optimized venting and thereby also a optimized dispensing a fluid, especially a more laminar dispensing a fluid.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment said vent channel is a longitudinal channel extending parallel to said x-direction or x-axis or in a horizontal direction. This additionally supports a smooth venting operation and a smooth entry of vent air in the direction towards the interior of a container, to which the dispensing opening is attached, thereby also avoiding any turbulences or disturbance during the venting process.

[0025] According to a further preferred embodiment said dispensing closure is arranged such that, when said dispensing closure is positioned such that a longitudinal axis of the dispensing closure extending in parallel to said x-axis extends in a horizontal direction and such that said dispensing opening is positioned in its lowest vertical position along a z-axis extending perpendicular to said x-axis in a vertical direction, the dispensing opening is positioned below or vertically below said through hole along the z-axis.

[0026] Independent of the above-described position of the vent channel and the outer opening and the inner opening of said vent channel, this positioning of the dispensing opening and, as already shortly mentioned above, a corresponding dispensing channel, supports a specifically smooth dispensing property, supported by gravity. Furthermore, this positioning of the dispensing opening enhances accessibility of the dispensing opening for the user and thereby enhances user-friendliness and easy operation.

[0027] A specific combinatory effect will be achieved when both the vent channel including said outer opening and said inner opening of said vent channel are positioned above or vertically above said through hole along the x-axis and when the dispensing opening is positioned below or vertically below said through hole and the z-axis.

[0028] According to a specifically preferred embodiment said vent channel and said outer vent opening and said inner vent opening of said vent channel have an identical cross-section. This enhances the venting properties and operation and further avoids any turbulences, which otherwise may be created e.g. due to different flow speeds of venting air and / or different pressure at different positions within the vent channel.

[0029] Further preferably said vent channel and / or said outer opening and / or said inner opening of said vent channel has or have a cross-section being smaller than the cross-section of the dispensing opening and / or being smaller than the cross-section of the dispensing channel, typically preceding the dispensing opening. Preferably the vent channel and / or said outer opening and / or said inner opening of said vent channel have a cross-section being smaller than the cross-section of a dispensing channel by at least 50%, preferably by at least 70% or further preferably by even at least 80%.

[0030] Due to the ratio in size of the cross sections of the venting channel on the one hand and the dispensing opening and / or the dispensing channel on the other hand and especially due to the fact that the venting channel is located above or vertically above the through hole for dispensing a liquid (between the first and the second sealing surfaces) the fluid will first flow past the opened through hole and, due to the start of a pressure drop created in the container by the liquid leaving the container, outside air will be automatically pulled from the atmosphere into the container through the venting channel in a specifically smooth way.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment said first sealing region of said dispensing unit is ringlike or essentially ringlike and / or said second sealing region of said base element is ringlike or essentially ringlike. This enables a smooth manufacturing and leads to a reduced wear during operation of the closure, thereby enhancing sealing properties over the lifetime of the closure.

[0032] According to a further preferred embodiment said first sealing region of said dispensing unit is provided on an inner side wall of a cylindrical section of said dispensing unit, while further preferably said second sealing region of said base unit is provided on an outer side wall of a cylindrical section of said base unit. This interaction by two cylindrical forms secures a specifically smooth operation when opening and closing the seal on the one hand, and it also provides very good sealing properties, which also can be well adjusted by selecting the area of the cylindrical surface engaging with each other or, in other words, by the height of the cylindrical sections interacting or engaging with each other.

[0033] According to one embodiment said dispensing closure is arranged such that during a movement of the dispensing unit from its shut-off position to its dispensing position the first sealing region gets at least partly out of sealing contact with said second sealing region at the same time or at about the same time as said occluding device gets out of sealing contact with said vent channel and / or said outer opening of said vent channel.

[0034] According to a specifically preferred embodiment, however, said dispensing closure is arranged such that during a movement of the dispensing unit from its shut-off position to its dispensing position the first sealing region gets at least partly out of sealing contact with said second sealing region before said occluding device gets out of sealing contact with said vent channel and / or said outer opening of said vent channel.

[0035] This specific realization has the advantage that, when starting dispensing, an initial pressure drop in the container is realized, so that, when said occluding device gets out of sealing contact with said vent channel and / or said outer opening of said vent channel, the start and the smooth continuation of the venting process is enhanced.

[0036] According to a further preferred embodiment said dispensing unit comprises connection or latching means, which are preferably realized as or contain one or more hooks or hook or hook like elements or extensions, which are arranged such that the connection or latching means contact parts or a unit of said base element when said dispensing unit is moved into the direction of the dispensing position for defining an end position or a final dispensing position of said dispensing unit relative to said base unit.

[0037] Thereby a proper and clearly recognizable end position or final dispensing position is determined and also can be felt by the user when operating the device. This enhances user- friendliness and clear feedback to the user as to the positions of the dispensing unit, namely a fully open or final dispensing position and the fully closed or shutoff position. Furthermore, such hooks elements also have an advantage during manufacturing, as it or they can be arranged such that the dispensing unit, which is typically manufactured by injection molding separately from the base unit, can be simply moved into or slide into the base unit. The connection or latching elements can e.g. have a slanted surface at the outside and at a side directed towards the base element, so that, due to the flexibility of the material, the dispensing unit can be slided into the base unit, while at the opposite side a step or a step like structure is formed, so that the movement of the dispensing unit out of the base unit after a first assembly is not possible anymore.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment the dispensing closure, preferably both the base unit and the dispensing unit, are made from polyethylene, but also other materials are possible.

[0039] According to a further preferred embodiment the dispensing closure also comprises a protective cap, which is connectable, preferably releasably connectable, to said base element, for covering said dispensing element, especially said operating unit of said dispensing element. The protective cap ensures that the dispensing closure is not inadvertently operated, e.g. during transport.

[0040] The present invention also relates to a container for containing fluid material, especially large containers and so-called XXL containers, with a dispensing closure as described above. The dispensing closure is either connected or connectable, especially releasably connectable, to such containers.

[0041] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a dispensing closure as described above, wherein said base unit as well as said dispensing unit are manufactured separately by injection molding. This has the advantage that each of the above-mentioned elements can be manufactured separately, which makes manufacturing process easy and enables the use of less expensive injection molding tools or moulds.

[0042] According to a preferred realization of the method for manufacturing a dispensing closure, the dispensing unit is inserted or moved at least partly into said base unit and is, preferably un- releasably, e.g. by the above described hooks or hook like elements, connected to said base unit.

[0043] These and other advantages of the closure and the system as well as the manufacturing method according to the present invention will become even more apparent in view of the following figures showing a preferred embodiment of a closure according to the present invention. Figure i shows a cross-sectional view of a dispensing closure according to the present invention, including a protective cap, while the dispensing closure is in its shut-off position,

[0044] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a base element of a closure according to the present invention,

[0045] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a dispensing unit of a closure according to the present invention,

[0046] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a dispensing closure according to the present invention, being in its dispensing position, and

[0047] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the dispensing closure as shown in figure 4 with liquid to be dispensed and venting air being indicated.

[0048] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a dispensing closure according to the present invention, comprising a base unit 200 and a dispensing unit 400, being attached to the base unit 200. The dispensing closure as shown in figure 1 also comprises a protective cap 600, which is releasably connected to the base element 200 and can be attached to and removed, preferably multiple times, by a user. The protective cap 600 covers the dispensing unit 400, so that these elements are protected, avoiding any damages or avoiding undesired and inadvertent operating of the dispensing element 400 and subsequent dispensing.

[0049] As can be seen in figure 1, the dispensing closure is in its shut-off position, with a first sealing region 460 being arranged at said dispensing unit 400, and with a second sealing region 260 being arranged at said base unit and being in sealing contact with each other so that no fluid can be dispensed.

[0050] Figure 2 shows the base unit 200 separately. The base unit 200 comprises a skirt 220, which is open into the direction of a container to which the dispensing closure shall be attached. The skirt 220 comprises fastening means for attaching the base 200 to a container, e.g. by snap fitting, however also other fastening means, like threading means or similar elements are possible. The base unit 200 comprises a deck portion 250, from which a spout like element 240, having a dispensing opening or dispensing channel, extends. As can be well seen also in figure 2, the base element 200 comprises a second sealing region 260, which is, in this embodiment, arranged in a ringlike form.

[0051] As can be further well seen in figure 2, the base element comprises a vent channel 320, said vent channel 320 comprising an outer opening 342 and an inner opening 322 for allowing vent air from the outside to enter through the outer opening 342 into the vent channel 320 and to leave the vent channel 320 through the inner opening 322 (when said dispensing unit is in its dispensing position and when said outer opening 342 is not occluded).

[0052] Figure 3 shows a dispensing unit 400 which can be attached to a base unit as shown in figure 2. The dispensing unit 400 comprises a dispensing opening 422, with a preceding dispensing channel 420, being arranged in a vertical z-direction, so that the gravitational force supports the dispensing of the fluid in the dispensing direction F, while said fluid is passing through a through hole on the inner side of the first sealing region 460 (when said dispensing unit is in its dispensing position and the first sealing region 460 is not in contact with the second sealing region 260, see figure 1 and figure 2).

[0053] The dispensing unit 400 also comprises an occluding element 480, which is arranged such that it occludes the outer opening of said vent channel, when said dispensing unit is in its shut-off position, as shown especially in figure 1. The occluding element 480 is introduced through the outer opening of the vent channel into the vent channel when said dispensing unit is in its shutoff position.

[0054] As can be further seen in figure 3, the dispensing unit does not only comprise this occluding element 480, but also a ringlike extension 482, extending in the same direction as the occluding device 480, the x-direction. This ringlike extension 482 covers the dispensing channel also from the outside, as can be well seen in figure 1, so that an especially reliable sealing is realized when said dispensing unit is in its shut-off position.

[0055] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the dispensing closure too in a completely assembled form and being in its dispensing position. As can be seen in figure 4, the first sealing region 460 of the dispensing unit and the second sealing region 260 of the base unit 200 are separated from each other, thereby creating a through opening 500, through which the liquid material or product can pass from the container, into the dispensing unit and can be dispensed through the dispensing channel 420 and out of the dispensing opening 422.

[0056] The first sealing region 460 as well as the second sealing region 260 have a ringlike form, with slightly slanted contact surfaces, which ensures a proper sealing effect.

[0057] The ringlike extension or hook like extension 475 abuts against an inner part of the deck portion 250 thereby defining an end position or a maximum dispensing position of the dispensing unit 400. This ringlike extension or hook like extension 475 also ensures that the dispensing unit 400 remains attached to the base unit 200 after a first assembly.

[0058] The occluding element 480 (in this embodiment in the form of a spigot) as well as the ringlike extension 482 are, in this dispensing position, positioned at a distance from the outer opening 342 of the vent channel 320, so that no occluding effect is achieved and vent air from the outside can enter into the vent channel 320.

[0059] Figure 5 shows the embodiment shown in figure 4, while additionally the liquid material or product to be dispensed is visualized as indicated by hatching. As can be especially seen in figure 5, essentially the complete interior of the dispensing closure is filled with the liquid material or product, with the exception of the vent channel 320.

[0060] The dispensing closure can be attached to a neck of a container (not shown), the container being a large container or a so-called XXL-container.

[0061] The liquid material or product can pass through the ringlike through opening 500 and then continues to the dispensing channel 420 and can be dispensed through the dispensing opening 422 and in a dispensing direction F to the outside.

[0062] Furthermore, as to the specific arrangement of the venting channel, the liquid material or product also does not enter into the venting channel 320, but external air is passing through the outer opening 342 of the vent channel and the vent channel 320 itself and leaves the venting channel through the inner vent opening 322. The air can then enter the volume of the container to avoid building up of a vacuum in the container due to dispensing of the liquid material or product, so that a smooth dispensing of the liquid material or product is ensured. It is clear to the expert that various amendments can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the attached claims, and any features disclosed in connection with the embodiments or the general description can be important for realizing the invention, either alone or in any combination thereof.

Claims

Dispensing Closure for a Container and Container with such a ClosureClaims1. Dispensing closure (100) for a container, said dispensing closure (100) comprising: a dispensing unit (400) having a dispensing opening (422) for dispensing a fluid and a first sealing region (460) and a base unit (200) having a skirt portion (220) for attaching the base unit to the container and having a second sealing region (260), the dispensing unit (400) being movable relative to the base unit (200) along an x-direc- tion of the dispensing closure (100) between a shut-off position in which the first sealing region (460) comes into sealing contact with the second sealing region (260) and a dispensing position in which the first sealing region (460) is at least partly out of contact with the second sealing region (260) thereby providing a through opening (500) for allowing a fluid to pass therethrough for being dispensed through said dispensing opening (422), the dispensing closure comprising a vent channel (320), said dispensing closure being arranged such that flow of air from an outside of the closure through the vent channel (320) is not possible when said dispensing unit (400) is in its shut-off position, characterized in that said base unit (200) comprises said vent channel (320), wherein said vent channel (320) comprises an outer opening (342) and an inner opening (322) for allowing vent air from the outside to enter through the outer opening (342) into the vent channel (320) and to leave the vent channel (320) through the inner opening (322) when said dispensing unit (400) is in its dispensing position, andsaid dispensing unit (400) comprises an occluding element (480), which is arranged such that it occludes said outer opening (342) of said vent channel (320), when said dispensing unit (400) is in its shut-off position, and such that it leaves said outer opening (342) of said vent channel (320) at least partly open, when said dispensing unit (400) is in its dispensing position.

2. Dispensing closure according to claim 1, wherein said dispensing closure is arranged such that, when said dispensing closure is positioned such that a longitudinal axis (A) of the dispensing closure (100) extending in parallel to said x-axis extends in a horizontal direction and said dispensing opening (422) is positioned in its lowest vertical position along a z- axis extending perpendicular to said x-axis in a vertical direction, the vent channel (320) and / or said outer opening (342) and / or said inner opening (322) of said vent channel (320) is or are positioned above or vertically above said through hole (500) along the z-axis.

3. Dispensing closure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said vent channel (320) is a longitudinal channel extending parallel to said x- direction.

4. Dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said dispensing closure is arranged such that, when said dispensing closure is positioned such that a longitudinal axis (A) of the dispensing closure (100) extending in parallel to said x-axis extends in a horizontal direction and said dispensing opening (422) is positioned in its lowest vertical position along a z- axis extending perpendicular to said x-axis in a vertical direction, the dispensing opening (422) is positioned below or vertically below said through hole (500) along the z- axis.

5. Dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said dispensing closure is arranged such that, when said dispensing closure is positioned such that a longitudinal axis (A) of the dispensing closure (100) extending in parallel to said x-axis extends in a horizontal direction and said dispensing opening (422) is positioned in its lowest vertical position along a z- axis extending perpendicular to said x-axis in a vertical direction, the vent channel (320) and / or said outer opening (342) and / or said inner opening (322) of said vent channel (320) is or are positioned above or vertically above said longitudinal axis (A) of said dispensing closure.

6. Dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said vent channel (320) and said outer opening (342) and said inner opening (322) of said vent channel (320) have an identical cross-section.

7. Dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said vent channel (320) and / or said outer opening (342) and / or said inner opening (322) of said vent channel (320) has or have a cross-section being smaller than the cross-section of the dispensing opening (422) and / or being smaller than the cross-section of a dispensing channel (420), preferably being smaller by at least 50%, preferably by at least 70% or more preferably by at least 80% than the cross-section of the dispensing opening (422) and / or of a dispensing channel (420).

8. Dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said first sealing region (460) of said dispensing unit (400) is ringlike or essentially ringlike and / or wherein said second sealing region (260) of said base element (200) is ringlike or essentially ringlike.

9. Dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said first sealing region (460) of said dispensing unit (400) is provided on an inner side wall of a cylindrical section (470) of said dispensing unit (400).

10. Dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said second sealing region (260) of said base unit (200) is provided on an outer side wall of a cylindrical section (270) of said base unit.

11. Dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said dispensing closure is arranged such that during a movement of the dispensing unit (400) from its shut-off position to its dispensing position the first sealing region (460) gets at least partly out of sealing contact with said second sealing region (260) at or before said occluding device (480) gets out of sealing contact with said vent channel (320) and / or said outer opening (342) of said vent channel.

12. Dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said dispensing unit (400) comprises connection or latching means (475), preferably one or more hook elements, which is or which are arranged such that the connection or latching means (475) contact parts or a unit of said base element (200) when said dispensing unit is moved into the direction of the dispensing position for defining an end position or a final dispensing position of said dispensing unit (400) relative to said base unit (200).

13. Dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said dispensing unit (400) comprises connection or latching means (475), being arranged such that said dispensing unit (400) can be moved into or inserted into said base unit (200) during an assembly step of manufacturing such that the dispensing unit (400) can be un-releasably connected to said base unit (200).

14. Dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said dispensing unit (400) and / or said base unit (200) is or are made from polyethylene.

15. Dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a protective cap (800), connectable to said base element (200) for covering said dispensing element (400).

16. Container for containing fluid material with a dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, said dispensing closure (100) being connected or connectable, especially releasably connectable, to the container.

17. Method for manufacturing a dispensing closure according to one of the claims 1 to 16 wherein said base unit (200) and said dispensing unit (400) are manufactured separately by injection molding.

18. Method according to claim 17, wherein, after injection molding of the base unit (200) and the dispensing unit (400), the dispensing unit (400) is inserted or moved at least partly into said base unit (200) and is, preferably un-releasably, connected to said base unit (200).

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