ES2382831T3 - Torsion closure with coating perforation - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispensing closure system is provided for a container that has an opening wherein a membrane (28) is interposed between the container opening (27) and the dispensing closure system (20). The system includes a base (30) for extending from the container at the opening. The base (30) has a receiving passage and an annular sealing flange (60) extending radially inwardly around the passage. A movable spout (34) is mounted in the base receiving passage and has a grippable discharge end that projects axially outwardly from the base receiving passage. The spout (34) has a dispensing passage extending through the spout and has a peripheral sealing surface that is sealingly engaged with the base annular sealing flange (60). The spout also has a piercing element (120) at an axially inward end of the spout. A cam track (70) is located in either the base or the spout. A cam follower (130) is located on the other one of the base and spout, and the cam follower is engaged in the cam track. The grippable discharge end of the spout can be grasped to rotate the spout for moving the spout axially to pierce the membrane.

Description

Torsion closure with coating perforation

Technical field

The present invention relates to a container closure for dispensing a fluid substance. The invention relates more particularly to a dispensing closure for use with a container in which a membrane is interposed between the container and the dispensing closure.

Background of the invention and technical problems posed by the prior art

Fluid materials, which include liquids, creams, powders, etc., can be conventionally packaged in a container with a dispensing closure that includes a body portion that is located at the top of the container and that defines one or more dispensing openings. A cover or lid can be provided that is releasably fixed to the body portion to occlude the dispensing opening when the container is not in use. That prevents spillage if the container falls or tilts. The lid also helps keep the contents fresh and reduces the entry of contaminants.

A variety of dispensing closure designs have been developed for various products that are in the form of liquid or powder (for example, shampoo, lotion, cosmetic powder, etc.). One type of closure includes a flexible dispensing valve with slots and automatic closing, mounted on the opening of the container. The valve has a groove or grooves that define a normally closed orifice that opens to admit flow through it, in response to increased pressure exerted within the vessel when it is squeezed. A widely used form of the valve automatically closes to cut off the flow through it when an increase in pressure is interrupted. The designs of closures using such valves are illustrated in US Patent Nos. 5,271,531, 5,927,566 and 5,934,512. Typically, the closure includes a base mounted on the neck of the container to define a seat intended to receive the valve and includes a retaining ring or housing structure for retaining the valve in the base seat. See, for example, United States Patents Nos. 6,269,986 and 6,616,016. U.S. Patent No.

5,839,626 discloses a closure with a valve from which a powder is discharged through the perforated dispensing screen to produce a convenient pattern of scattered distribution of fine powder (eg, cosmetic powder). A closure can also be provided with a cover to cover a valve during shipping or when the container is packed for shipment (or when the container is not in any other way in use). See, for example, FIGURES 31-34 of US Patent No. 5,271,531. The lid can keep the valve clean and / or protected against damage.

In some packages, it is also convenient to interpose a membrane (for example, a seal or liner) in a transverse position to the opening of the container and provide a closure that (1) is installed in the container on the membrane, and (2) has a element that can be turned to open the membrane by drilling or cutting it. See, for example, U.S. Patents Nos. 4,853,665, 4,884,705 and 5,482,176.

In WO 2008/04442 A1 a bottle container with an inner cover is disclosed, being in direct contact with the body of the container, and a body of the cover is adjusted by means of a screw thread to the inner cover. In addition, the bottle container contains a connecting mechanism between the inner cover and the neck of the body of the container, which prevents the body of the cover from separating from the container, even if the cover has been turned strongly to the opposite side.

The inventor of the present invention has discovered that it would be advantageous to provide an improved closure for dispensing a fluid product, even a liquid one. In particular, the inventor has discovered that its innovative design offers advantages not so far contemplated in the packaging industry or suggested by the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

The inventor of the present invention has invented an innovative dispensing closure that requires only two relatively movable portions, (1) a base, and (2) a peak, and in which:

(one)

 the peak can be installed initially through the bottom of the base;

(2)

 the closure adapts to the rotation of the peak member relative to the base (in the direction of conventional opening rotation counterclockwise according to a preferred embodiment) to effect the axial movement of a peak to propel a piercing element that cuts at least one flow opening in a membrane interposed between the container and the closure;

(3)

 coupled surfaces that drive and are driven, defined by the peak and base are internally sealed within the closure and are not exposed to the environment before, during or after the operation; Y

(4)

 no additional manipulation is required after cutting the membrane to allow the product to be dispensed (assuming that the optional lid has been opened first, if any).

In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing closure includes both a lid and a valve. The use of a valve can prevent spillage, if the container falls inadvertently, and can minimize the entry of contaminants even if the container is not closed with a lid. The dispensing closure is especially suitable for use when a liquid is dispensed.

The present invention allows the user to conveniently open a membrane (such as a conventional coating) by perforating it without having to manipulate the container to first expose the membrane and without requiring removal of the membrane itself. The membrane, after perforation, can remain in the container under the closure, so that it does not present a dirt problem or a choking problem for children.

The dispensing closure of the present invention inhibits the attempt of forcing with respect to the container.

Also, the components of the dispensing closure of the invention can be designed to easily adapt to the assembly during the manufacture of the closure.

In addition, the dispensing closure of the invention can be provided as an option with a design that is adapted to efficient, high quality and high volume manufacturing techniques with a reduced product rejection rate.

In accordance with the present invention, an improved dispensing closure is provided for a container having an opening inside the container, where a fluid substance (i.e., product) can be stored. A membrane is initially interposed between the container and the dispensing closure. For example, the membrane may be sealed through the top of the container opening and / or through the inside of the dispensing closure to occlude the opening of the container.

The dispensing closure includes a base that extends from the container into the opening thereof. The base defines (1) a receiving passage through the base; and (2) an annular seal flange that (a) is located axially outward at least part of the length of the receiving passage and (b) extends radially inwardly from a peripheral portion of the receiving passage to define an opening to the receiving passage

The dispensing closure also includes a movable spike that (1) is at least partially disposed in the receiving passage of the base, (2) has a dispensing passage that extends through the spout, (3) has an asible discharge end that (a) is located at one end axially out of the spout and (b) is projected axially outward from the base, (4) has a peripheral seal surface that is sealant coupled by the annular seal flange of the base and (5) has a piercing element at one end axially inward from the peak.

The dispensing closure also includes a cam track located either at the base or the tip axially inwardly of the annular seal flange. The closure also includes a cam follower that is (1) located at the other of the base and the spout, and (2) coupled to the cam track, whereby the asible discharge end of the spout can be grasped to rotate the Peak axially from an axially outward location of non-drilling to an axially inward location of drilling.

Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will be immediately apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, the claims and the attached figures.

Brief description of the figures

In the attached figures that are part of the specification, where equal numbers are used to designate equal parts in all of them:

FIGURE 1 is an isometric view of a dispensing closure of the present invention in the form of a separate dispensing closure according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, and the closure is shown in an open condition as molded prior to installation in a container and with the peak in the axially outward (elevated) location of non-perforation;

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the closure shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along plane 3-3 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary isometric view, also in cross-section similar to FIGURE 3, but in FIGURE 4, the closure lid is closed and the closure is shown installed in a container;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along plane 5-5 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along plane 6-6 of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a view of the closure similar to FIGURE 4, but FIGURE 7 shows the closure cover;

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken generally along plane 8-8 of FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 9 is an exploded isometric view of the closure and part of the container shown in FIGURE 7, but in FIGURE 9, the peak of the closure has been rotated approximately 90 ° compared to FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 10 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the closure and part of the container shown in FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 11 is a top plan view of the peak of the closure shown in FIGURE 10;

FIGURE 12 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along plane 12-12 of FIGURE 11;

FIGURE 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along plane 13-13 of FIGURE 11;

FIGURE 14 is an isometric view of the peak of the closure that locks at the bottom below the peak;

FIGURE 15 is an isometric view of the open closure lid and the body or base (with the beak removed and not shown) and, in FIGURE 15, the view is oriented to the bottom under the body or closure base;

FIGURE 16 is an isometric view of the open closure shown in FIGURE 1, but in FIGURE 16, the spout has been rotated 90o to the axially inward (down) drilling location;

FIGURE 17 is a top plan view of the closure shown in FIGURE 16;

FIGURE 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along plane 18-18 of FIGURE 17;

FIGURE 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along plane 19-19 of FIGURE 17, but FIGURE 19 also shows the closure installed in the container and shows the perforation of the membrane lining at the top of the container; Y

FIGURE 20 is an isometric view of the open body or base of the closure and the lid, oriented towards the lower part below the body or the base of the closure (and with the container omitted for ease of illustration), also showing the membrane lining. when pierced by the piercing elements of the beak.

Description of preferred embodiments

While the present invention is capable of being carried out in many different ways, this specification and the accompanying figures disclose only a specific form as an example of the invention. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment thus described. The scope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims.

To facilitate the description, many of the figures illustrating the invention show a dispensing closure system in a preferred form of a non-detachable dispensing closure separated in the typical orientations that the closure has when installed on the top of a container when it it is stored in an upright position on its base, and terms such as upper, lower, horizontal, etc., are used with reference to this position. It should be understood, however, that the closure system of this invention can be manufactured, stored, transported, used and sold in a different orientation from the orientations described.

The dispensing closure system of this invention is suitable for use with a variety of conventional or special fluid dispensing systems, including packages, articles and other dispensing equipment or devices whose details, although not fully illustrated or described, will be apparent. to those who have knowledge of the technique and an understanding of fluid dispensing systems. Such a fluid substance dispensing system or portion thereof, with which the dispensing closure of the system of the invention cooperates, hereinafter simply referred to as a "container." The particular container itself, which is illustrated and described herein, is not part and, therefore, is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will also understand that novel and non-obvious aspects of the invention are realized in the exemplary dispensing closure system described alone.

A presently preferred embodiment of a dispensing closure system of the present invention is illustrated in FIGURES 1-20 and is generally designated in many of these figures by reference number 20 (for example, in FIGURE 1). In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the closure system 20 is provided in the form of a separate dispensing closure 20 that is adapted to be mounted or installed in a container 22 (see for example FIGURES 4, 7 and 9), and the container 22 It would typically contain a fluid substance.

As can be seen in FIGURE 9, the container 22 includes an annular flange 25 at the upper end of the hollow body portion of the container 22. A neck 26 extends upwardly from the inner radius of the flange 25. The neck 26 defines a opening 27 (FIGURE 9) inside the container.

With respect to FIGURES 7 and 9, an improper tamper indicator coating 28, defined by a membrane in the form of a perforable disk, is initially disposed transverse in the upper part of the neck of the container 26 over the opening 27 within the closure 20. That is, the membrane, the disc or the lining 28 interposes between the container 22 and the closure 20. FIGURES 4-10 show the lining 28 before being perforated.

when the user manipulates the closure in the manner described in detail hereafter, and FIGURES 9 and 20 show the lining 28 after perforation. The coating 28 can be of any special or conventional type (for example, aluminum foil (with or without a top and / or bottom laminated layer of thermoplastic material) or a totally non-metallic membrane that includes at least one layer of a material thermoplastic).

In a preferred embodiment of a package employing the closure of the present invention, the liner 28 is typically heat sealed in a transverse position at the top of the neck of the container 26. The liner 28 could alternatively be sealed in a transverse position and facing down on the surface or inner surfaces of the closure 20, instead of or in addition to being sealed in a transverse position at the top of the neck of the container 26.

The neck of the container 26, in the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 9, has an external male thread 29 to engage the dispensing closure system 20. The body of the container 22 can have any suitable configuration and the neck that projects upwards 26 , a different size and / or cross-sectional shape of the container body. (Alternatively, the container 22 does not need to have a neck 26 itself. Instead, the container 22 may consist only of a body with an opening).

In a presently preferred embodiment, the closure 20 is adapted to be threadedly coupled but not removable to the upper part of the container 22. For this purpose, the upper portion of the container, such as neck 26, includes one or more anti-teeth - Turn 29A (FIGURE 9) to engage a portion of the closure 20, as described in greater detail hereafter. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 6 and 10, there are two sets of anti-rotation teeth 29A, where each set comprises three teeth 29A (see FIGURE 6), and the two sets of teeth 29A are diametrically opposed to each other.

Although the container 22 itself is not part of the broader aspects of the present invention itself, it will be appreciated that at least a portion of the dispensing closure system 20 of the present invention can be provided, as an option, as a unitary portion or enlargement of the upper part of the container 22. However, in the preferred embodiment illustrated, the dispensing closure system 20 is a totally separate article or unit (for example, a dispensing closure 20) which can comprise one or multiple pieces and which is adapted to be installed in a removable or non-detachable way or in a previously manufactured container 22 that has an opening 27 inside it or in some other fluid substance handling system. Hereinafter, the dispensing closure system or dispensing closure 20 will be more simply called closure 20.

The illustrated preferred embodiment of the closure 20 is adapted for use with a container 22 having an opening 27 to provide access to its interior, and to a product (i.e., a material in the form of a fluid substance) contained therein (once perforated lining 28). The closure 20 can be used to dispense various substances, including, but not limited to liquids, suspensions, mixtures, etc. (such as, for example, a personal care product, an industrial or household cleaning product or other material compositions (for example, compositions for use in activities involving manufacturing, commercial or domestic maintenance, construction, agriculture, medical treatment, operations military, etc.)).

The container 22 with which the closure 20 can be used would typically be a tight container with a flexible wall or walls that can be grasped by the user and pressed or compressed to increase the internal pressure inside the container to push the product out of it. through the open closure. Such a flexible wall of the container typically has sufficient inherent elasticity, so that when the compression forces are removed, the wall of the container returns to its normal non-tensioned form. Such a tight container is preferred in many applications, but may not be necessary or preferred in others. For example, in some applications it may be convenient to use a generally rigid container and pressurize its interior at selected times with a piston or other pressurization system (not illustrated) or reduce the external ambient pressure around the exterior of the closure to suck the material out through the open closure.

In another alternative embodiment (not illustrated) where the closure does not contain a pressure-operated valve, the container can be substantially rigid, especially in applications where the product is a low viscosity liquid that can be easily dispensed by inverting the container. and then pouring the liquid through the open closure.

It is currently contemplated that many applications employing the closure 20 are conveniently made by molding at least some of the components of the closure 20 of suitable thermoplastic material or materials. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, some of the closure components could be molded from a suitable thermoplastic material, such as, but not limited to, polypropylene. The closure components can be molded separately and of different materials. The materials can have the same or different colors and textures.

As can be seen in FIGURE 9, the currently most preferred form of closure 20 includes four basic components: (1) a unit molded body or base 30 and a cover or lid 32 connected together with an attached hinge 31; (2) a peak 34; (3) a dispensing valve 36 that is adapted to be mounted at peak 34; Y

(4) a retaining ring 38 that holds the valve 36 at the top of the peak 34.

In the preferred form of the invention, the cover 32 is provided to close over and cover the upper part of the base or the body of the closure 30. The cover 32 can be moved to expose the upper part of the base or body 30 for the purpose. of dispensing the substance. The cover 32 is movable between (1) a closed position on the base or body 30 (as shown in FIGURE 4), and (2) an open position (as shown in FIGURES 1-3 and 7) . In an alternative design (not illustrated), the cover 32 may be a separate component that is completely removable from the base of the closure 30 or, the cover 32 may be attached to the base 30 with a strap. In another alternative design (not illustrated), the cover could be omitted altogether. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the lid 32 is hinged to the base 30 to accommodate the pivotal movement of the lid 32 between the closed position and the open position.

As can be seen in FIGURES 9 and 15, the body or base 30 includes a platform 40. A skirt 42 extends downward from the periphery of the platform 40. As can be seen in FIGURES 3 and 15, an internal collar 44 is extends downward from the platform 40 to engage the neck of the container 26 when the base of the closure 30 is mounted in the container 22 (as shown in FIGURE 4). As can be seen in FIGS. 3, 9 and 15, the inside of the internal collar 44 defines an internal female thread 46 for coupling by screwing the neck of the external male thread of the container 29 (FIGURE 4) when the base of the dispensing closure 30 is installed in the neck of the container 26.

Alternatively, the closure collar 44 could be provided with some other connecting means of the container, such as an instant fitting groove or groove (not illustrated) to engage with a groove or groove in the container neck (not illustrated) respectively. In addition, the inner collar of the base of the closure 44 could instead be permanently attached to the container 22 by means of induction fusion, ultrasonic fusion, gumming or the like, depending on the materials used in the internal collar of the base of the closure 44 and the container 22. In such alternative embodiments, the liner 28 would initially have to be transversely sealed at the top of the neck of the container 26 before permanently attaching the closure 20 to the neck 26 and a conventional process of annexing the liner (as can be used). explain later).

In the base collar 44, below the thread 46, the base collar 44 includes at least one ratchet tooth 50 (FIGURES 5, 6, 9 and 15) that is adapted to (1) deflect the tooth of anti-rotation ratchet of the container 29A when the base 30 is screwed into the neck of the container 26; and (2) butt with at least one of the anti-rotation ratchet tooth of the container 29A when torque is applied to the base 30 in the direction of rotation to unscrew, thus preventing unscrewing of the base 30 of the container 22. In the embodiment preferred, there are multiple such ratchet teeth 50 evenly spaced from each other around the inner circumference of the base of the closure collar 44.

The base of the closure collar 44 may have any configuration suitable to give rise to an upwardly projected neck 26 of the container 22 or any other portion of a container received within the particular configuration of the internal collar of the base of the closure 44, even if A container does not have a neck. The main part of the container 22 may have a different cross-sectional shape of the neck of the container 26 and the inner collar of the base of the closure 44. The internal collar of the base of the closure 44 can be adapted to be mounted on other types of container systems of handling a fluid substance (for example, including apparatus, machines or dispensing equipment).

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the neck of the receiving passage of the inner collar container of the base of the closure 44 has a generally cylindrical configuration, but includes the thread projected inward 46. However, the base of the closure collar 44 It may have other settings. For example, the inner collar of the base of the closure 44 could have a prism or polygon configuration adapted to be mounted on the top of the neck of a container having a polygon configuration. Such prism or polygon configurations would not be adapted to the use of a threaded coupling, but other coupling means could be provided, such as an account arrangement and groove for instant, adhesive or similar engagement.

As can be seen in FIGURE 10, the base of the closure 30 includes an inner sleeve 54 that is concentric with respect to the inner collar 44, but is located radially inwardly therein. The inner sleeve 54 projects axially downward from the inner edge of the platform of the base of the closure 40. The distal end of the inner sleeve of the base 54 defines an annular seal surface 56 (FIGURE 15) to seal against the oriented surface towards above the liner to liner 28 when it is installed on top of the neck of the container 26 and when the base of the closure 30 is installed on the neck of the container 26, as shown in FIGURE 8. When the base of the closure 30 is threadedly installed in the neck of the container 26, a sufficient torque is applied to push the annular seal surface 56 closely against a peripheral portion of the liner 28 on the neck of the container 26 to form a seal impervious to the liquid that is held effective after the liner 28 is perforated or otherwise pierced when the closure 20 is operated to open the container 22, as is explain in detail later.

As can be seen in FIGURES 9 and 10, the inner sleeve of the base 54 defines a receiving passage that extends through the sleeve 54 and, together with the surrounding collar 44, defines a passage that extends completely through the base 30. The receiving passage through the base of the closure 30 is adapted to receive peak 34, as described in detail hereafter. At the top of the base of the inner sleeve of the closure 54, around the inner edge of the annular platform 40, is an annular seal flange 60. The seal flange 60 is axially located outwardly at least part of the length of the receiving passage through the base 30. In the preferred embodiment, the seal flange 60 is located at the axially outer end or the upper end of the length of the receiving passage through the base 30. The seal flange 60 is extends radially inward from a portion 6 10

peripheral to the upper end of the receiving passage defined by the inner sleeve 54, and the seal flange 60 has an annular seating surface that defines an opening greater than the receiving passage.

The inner sleeve 54 and the seal flange 60 are adapted to receive portions of the tip 34. To this end, the inner sleeve 54 defines a generally cylindrical inner surface that includes at least one cam groove or cam track 70 (FIGURE 10). In the preferred embodiment, there are three such grooves or cam tracks 70. Each groove or track 70 is located axially within the seal flange 60. Preferably, each cam track 70 is in the form of a radially opening channel inwards and extending part of the path around the inner circumference of the inner sleeve 54 as a portion or segment of the helical track. The three cam tracks 70, in the preferred embodiment, are equally spaced around the inner surface of the base of the inner sleeve of the closure 54.

As can be seen in FIGURES 10 and 15, associated with each cam track 70 is an axially oriented groove 71 that is located at a predetermined circumference location at one end of the associated cam track 70 to result in the installation of the spout. 34, as described hereinafter. Each slot 71 has an axially inwardly open end and one side has a curved introduction surface 75 (FIGURES 10 and 15). Each groove 71 has an axially outward end that ends in a ramp that extends radially inward 77 (FIGURE 15), which is adjacent but slightly separated from cam track 70. With respect to cam track 70 illustrated in FIGURE 10, each cam track 70 can be considered in the preferred embodiment as extending in a partially helical configuration less than 360 ° around the base of the inner sleeve of the closure 54 between a first end 81 and a second end 82. The associated groove 71 It is located adjacent to the first end 81 of the cam track 70.

Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, the base of the inner sleeve of the closure 54 defines a first rib 91 that projects on the cam track 70 near the first end 81 and defines a second rib 92 that projects on the cam track 70 near from the second end 82. The ribs 91 and 92 provide a tactile sensation and / or audible click indicative of the start and end position of the peak 34 during the operation thereof by the user, as explained in detail below.

In the illustrated preferred embodiment, where a cover 32 is provided and the cover 32 is connected to the closure body 30 with a hinge 31 (FIGURE 9), the hinge 31 can be of any suitable type. One form of hinge 31 that can be used advantageously is the type of instant snap action described in US Pat. No.

6,321,923. Other types of hinges could be used. In some applications, the hinge may be omitted altogether, and it is not necessary to connect the cover 32 to the body 30. In other applications, it may be convenient to omit the cover 32 completely.

When a cover, such as cover 32, is used, it may be convenient to provide a conventional locking account (not shown) along a portion or portions of the lower edge of the cover 32, and a conventional locking account ( not shown) or cooperation slot (not shown) around a portion or portions of the edge of the platform of the closure body 40. When the lid 32 is closed, its locking account cancels the body locking account to provide a locked coupling. To facilitate the opening of the lid 32, the lid 32 may include an indentation (not illustrated) to function as a finger lift or a thumb lift (not illustrated), and the closure body 30 may also define a finger receptor niche (not illustrated) or a thumb receptor niche (not illustrated).

The movable peak 34 will be explained below with respect to FIGURES 9, 13 and 14, among others. With respect to FIGURE 9, the beak 34 can be characterized as having an axially innermost portion 101, an intermediate portion of smaller diameter 102 and an axially outer portion 103. The axially outer portion 103 is an asible discharge end having a torque of diametrically opposed tabs 105 (FIGURE 9) that can be grasped by the user to twist or rotate peak 34 (in the direction of rotation indicated by arrows 100 visible in FIGURES 1, 2, 11, 16 and 17 of peak 34 , as described in detail below).

The interior of the peak 34 is hollow and can be characterized as defining a dispensing passage that extends through the peak. The intermediate portion of the beak 102 has a peripheral seal surface 108 (FIGURES 7, 8 and 10) that is adapted to engage in a sealant manner with the seal surface of the annular seal flange of the closure base 62. The coupling of seal between surfaces 62 and 108 provides a liquid impervious seal under static conditions, as well as when the user rotates peak 34, as explained hereafter.

The innermost portion of the beak 101 at the axially inward end of the beak 34 defines at least one piercing element 120 (FIGURES 13 and 14) to pierce the liner 28, as described in detail hereafter. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, two piercing elements 120 are provided at the diametrically opposite locations of the innermost portion of the beak 101. In the preferred embodiment, each piercing element 120 includes four surfaces 121, 122, 123 and 124 which are generally found at a location that defines a narrow end, edge or point 126.

As can be seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, at least one cam follower 130 projects radially outwardly from the lower portion of the beak 101. In the preferred embodiment, there are three cam followers 130 equally spaced around the circumference of the lower portion of the beak 101. As can be seen in FIGURE 13, each cam follower 130 includes an axially outwardly introducing surface 136 to give rise to the insertion of the beak 34 at the base of the closure 30, as described herein. onwards. Each cam follower 130 has a

general configuration of a rectangular prism when viewed in cross-section (FIGURE 13), but with a "cut" corner defined by the additional axially outwardly introduced surface 136. Each cam follower 130 is adapted to be received in one of the cam tracks 70. To this end, each cam follower 130, when viewed at side elevation, is preferably in accordance with the arc of a segment of a propeller so as to be received in combination in the channel of one of the tracks Helical cam 70.

In the preferred embodiment, the peak 34 is adapted to receive and retain the valve 36. In the alternative embodiments (not illustrated), it is not necessary to use the particular valve 36 or any other type of valve. In the preferred embodiment using the valve 36, the axially outer end portion of the peak 103 includes an annular bead 142 and an annular wall extended axially inwardly 144. Part of the fluid dispensing passage is defined by the annular wall 144. The Dispensing passage within the upper portion of the annular wall 144 is protected by four arms 148 that extend radially inwardly from the annular wall 144, as can be seen in FIGURES 11 and 14, and which are joined in a central portion 150.

The axially inward distal end of the annular wall 144 defines a generally frustoconic surface 154 (FIGURE 13) that functions as an annular clamping surface or seat angled inwardly to engage with the peripheral part of the valve 36, as explained in detail from here on out.

The valve 36 is adapted to be mounted on the peak of the closure 34, as shown in FIGURE 8. The preferred form of the valve 36 is a slotted, flexible and pressure-actuated valve, retained inside the peak 34 by middle of retaining ring 38, as described in detail hereafter.

The valve 36 is preferably molded as a material, flexible, folding, elastic and deformable unit structure. This may include elastomers, such as synthetic thermosetting polymer, which includes silicone rubber, such as silicone rubber sold by Dow Corning Corp. of the United States of America under the trademark D.C. 99-595-HC. Another suitable silicone rubber material is sold in the United States of America under the name Wacker 3003-40 of Wacker Silicone Company. Both of these materials have a hardness rating of 40 Shore A. The valve 36 could also be molded from other thermosetting materials or other elastomeric materials or thermoplastic polymers or thermoplastic elastomers, including those based on materials such as propylene, ethylene, urethane and thermoplastic styrene, including its halogenated counterparts.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, valve 36 has the configuration and operational characteristics of a commercially available valve design substantially as disclosed in US Patent No. 5,676,289 with respect to valve 46 disclosed in United States Patent. No. 5,676,289. The operation of such a valve is further described with respect to the similar valve that is designed by the 3d reference number in US Patent No. 5,409,144. The descriptions of these two patents are incorporated herein by reference in the relevant extension and in the extension not inconsistent with this.

The valve 36 is flexible and changes the configuration between (1) a closed position, at rest (as shown closed in an upright container in FIGURES 10 and 11), and (2) an open, active position (which is not sample). The valve 36 includes a central flexible portion or head 160 (FIGURES 8 and 10). When the valve 36 is not actuated, the head 160 has a concave configuration (if viewed from outside the peak of the closure 34). The head 160 preferably has two flat and mutually perpendicular dispensing grooves that intersect 162 of equal length, which together define a normally closed dispensing hole. The intersected grooves 162 define four fins or petals of equal size, generally formed as sectors of the concave central head 160. The fins open outwardly from the point of intersection of the grooves 162, in response to increasing differential pressure through of valve 36, when the differential pressure is of sufficient magnitude, in the known manner described in US Patent No. 5,409,144. The valve 36 could be molded with the slots 162. Alternatively, the valve slots 162 could then be cut at the central head 160 of the valve 36 by suitable conventional techniques.

As can be seen in FIGURE 8, valve 36 includes a skirt or sleeve 164 extending from the central wall or head of valve 160. At the outer end of sleeve 164, there is a fine annular flange 168 (FIGURE 8) that is extends peripherally from the sleeve 164, in an angled reverse orientation when the valve 36 is in the non-operated resting condition. The thin flange 168 is fused with a much thicker enlarged peripheral flange 170 having a general cross section in the shape of a dovetail (as seen in FIGURE 8).

To give rise to the valve seat 36 at peak 34, the surface of the upper part of the dovetail valve flange 170 has the same frustoconic configuration and angle as the frustoconic surface or seat of peak 154. The other surface (ie, the bottom surface) of the valve flange 170 is held by the retaining ring 38 (FIGURES 8 and 9). The retaining ring 38 includes a frustoconical annular clamping surface, oriented outwards

or upward 172 (FIGURES 8 and 9) to couple the axially inner surface (ie, bottom surface) of the valve flange 170 at an angle that coincides with the angle of the adjacent inner surface of the dovetail configuration of the valve flange 170.

The peripheral portion of the retaining ring 38 includes an outwardly projecting flange 178 (FIGURES 8 and 9) for instantaneous engagement engagement with the annular bead 142 (FIGURES 8 and 13) that projects radially inwardly from the inner side of the peak 34. Before peak 34 is installed in the base of closure 30, valve 36 can

inserted into the open lower end of the spout 34 together with the retaining ring 38. The flange of the valve 170 is temporarily deformed when the valve 36 is pushed beyond the bill of the spout 142 with the ring 38, and the flange of the valve 170 sits against the frustoconic surface or seat of peak 154. The retaining ring 38 can also be pushed beyond the retaining account 142 because there is sufficient flexibility in the retaining ring 38 and / or the tip 34 to give rise to temporarily to the elastic deformation of the components when the flange of the retaining ring 178 passes over and beyond the bead of the bead 142 to create an instantaneous engagement coupling that compresses or holds the flange of the valve 170 against the frustoconic surface of the beak 154 (FIGURE 8). This allows the region adjacent to the inner surface of the valve sleeve 164 to be substantially open, free and clear so as to result in the movement of the valve sleeve 164, as described hereafter.

In the alternative embodiments contemplated (not illustrated), the valve 36 could be suitably coupled to a unit mounting accessory of peak 34 or otherwise retained at peak 34 by various means, including stamping, wedging, bonding, ultrasonic welding, etc. In another alternative embodiment contemplated (not illustrated), the peak of the closure 34 could be molded to form a generally rigid unitary structure, and then the valve 36 could be molded by bi-injection at the peak 34 (or, as an option, in the outer distal end of peak 34) without the need for a retaining ring 38.

When the valve 36 is mounted within the particular shape of the beak 34 illustrated in FIGURES 8 and 11-14, the center head 160 of the valve 36 is fitted within the retaining ring 38. In the preferred embodiment, the surface outside of the valve head 160 in the center of the slots 162 (FIGURE 8) is below the clamping surface 154 of the tip 34 when the valve 36 is closed. However, once the membrane 28 is opened as described thereafter and when the interior of the container thereafter is pressurized (and typically also inverted) to dispense the contents through the valve 36, then the valve head 160 is pushed out from its fitted position. (shown in FIGURE 8) towards the outer end of the container and beyond the retaining ring 38, closer to the open end of the beak 34, and the valve 36 is opened.

In order to dispense the product, the membrane 28 is first opened as described hereinafter, and the container is typically lying down, or inverted completely (and also tightened if the container 22 is of the tightening type) . A tightening vessel 22 can be squeezed to increase the pressure inside the vessel 22 above the ambient atmospheric pressure outside. This pushes the product of the container 22 towards and against the valve 36, and that pushes the valve 36 from the engaged or retracted position (shown in FIGURE 8) to an extended outward position (see for example, the extended outward position of the substantially identical valve 46 in FIGURE 5 of US Patent No. 5,676,289 (which also shows valve 46 in the retracted idle position in dashed lines in FIGURE 5 and sample 46 open in position extended in whole lines in FIGURES 2-4)). The outward movement of the central head 160 of the valve 36 is accommodated by the movement of the relatively thin flexible sleeve 164. The sleeve 164 moves from a resting position that projects inwardly to a pressurized position displaced outward, and this it occurs because the sleeve 154 "rolls" along itself outward in the direction of the outer end of the container.

However, when the internal pressure becomes sufficiently high after the valve head 160 has moved out to the fully extended position, the slots 162 of the valve 36 open to dispense the fluid substance (which is not shown in the figures). The fluid substance is then expelled or discharged through the open slots 162.

The dispensing action of the valve 36 in the illustrated preferred form of a tightening type container with a lid 32 typically occurs only after: (1) the lid 32 has moved to the open position (FIGURE 7); (2) membrane 28 has been opened as described hereinafter; (3) the container has been lying down or inverted; and (4) container 22 is squeezed. The pressure on the inner side of the valve 36 causes it to open when the differential pressure between inside and outside reaches a predetermined amount. Preferably, the valve 36 is designed to open only after a sufficiently large differential pressure acts through the valve 36, as in the case of applying a sufficiently increased pressure to the interior of the container 22 (for example, by squeezing the container 22 with sufficient force) if the container 22 is not a rigid container or, by applying a sufficiently reduced pressure (i.e. vacuum) to the outside of the tip 34.

Depending on the particular design of the valve, the open valve 36 can then be closed when the differential pressure decreases or the valve 36 can remain open even if the differential pressure drops to zero. In the preferred embodiment of the valve 36 illustrated for the preferred embodiment of the system shown in FIGURES 1-20, the valve 36 is designed to close when the differential pressure drops to or below a predetermined magnitude. Therefore, when the pressure to squeeze the container 22 is released, the valve 36 closes and the valve head 160 retracts to its resting position embedded within the peak 34.

Preferably, the valve 36 is designed to support the weight of the fluid inside, when the container 22 is fully inverted. With such a design, if the container 22 is inverted while the valve 36 is closed, but the container 22 is not squeezed, the mere weight of the fluid substance in the valve 36 does not cause it to open or remain open. In addition, if the container 22 in which the closed valve 36 is mounted is inadvertently tipped once the lid 32 and the membrane 28 are opened, the product does not flow out of the valve 36 anyway because it remains closed.

In a preferred embodiment, the valve petals 36 open outward only when the valve head 130 is subjected to a predetermined differential pressure acting in a gradient direction where the pressure at the head of the inner surface of the valve exceeds - a predetermined amount - the local ambient pressure at the head of the outer surface of the valve. The product can then be dispensed through the open valve 36 until the differential pressure drops below a predetermined magnitude, and the petals close completely.

If the preferred shape of the valve 36 has also been designed to be flexible enough to give rise to the venting of the ambient atmosphere, as described in detail below, then the closing petals can continue to move inward to allow The valve 36 opens inwards when the differential direction of the differential pressure is reversed and the pressure at the head of the outer surface of the valve exceeds the pressure at the head of the inner surface of the valve by a predetermined magnitude.

In the case of some dispensing applications, it may be convenient for the valve 36 not only to dispense the product, but also to give rise to such venting from the ambient atmosphere (for example, as to allow a tight container (in which it is mounted the valve) return to its original form). Such venting capacity can be provided by selecting an appropriate material for the construction of the valve and selecting thicknesses, shapes and dimensions for the various portions of the valve head 160 corresponding to the particular material of the valve and the overall size thereof. The shape, flexibility and elasticity of the valve head and, in particular, of the petals, can be designed or established so that the petals deviate inwards when they are subject to a sufficient differential pressure acting through the head 160 and in a gradient direction that is inverse or opposite to the gradient direction of the differential pressure during product discharge. Such a reverse differential pressure can be established when a user releases a tight elastic vessel 22 on which the valve 36 is mounted. The elasticity of the vessel wall (or walls) causes the wall to return to the normal larger volume setting. The increase in volume of the inner vessel causes a temporary and ephemeral fall in the internal pressure. When the internal pressure falls sufficiently below the external ambient pressure, the differential pressure through the valve 36 is large enough to deflect the valve petals inward and allow venting of the ambient atmosphere. In some cases, however, the desired rate or amount of venting may not occur until the tight container is returned to a substantially upright orientation that allows the product to flow under the influence of gravity in the opposite direction to the valve 36 towards the part bottom of the container.

It should be understood that the valve dispensing orifice can be defined by structures other than the slots illustrated 162. If the orifice is defined by the slots, they can assume many different shapes, sizes and / or configurations according to those desired dispensing characteristics . For example, the hole may also include five or more grooves.

The dispensing valve 36 is preferably configured to be used in conjunction with a particular container and with a specific type of product, such as to achieve the desired exact dispensing characteristics. For example, the viscosity and density of the fluid product can be factors in designing the specific configuration of the valve 36 for liquids, such as the shape, size and strength of the container. The rigidity and durometer of the valve material, and the size and shape of the valve head 160 are also valve characteristics relevant to the desired dispensing characteristics and can be combined with both the container and the substance to be dispensed therefrom.

Preferably, the valve 36 and the inside of the peak 34 each have a generally circular configuration, and the valve 36 and the tip 34 are aligned along a common longitudinal axis. The central intersection of the valve grooves 162 is on the longitudinal axis. The peak 34 can be characterized as having a discharge flow direction axially outward along the axis.

In the preferred embodiment, the arms of the beak structure 148 and the disk 150 (FIGURES 13 and 14) are located on the valve 36 to protect it both when it is closed and when it is open. With respect to FIGURE 7, the protective structure of the arms 148 and the disk 150 is located sufficiently outside the valve 36 so as not to interfere with the opening thereof or adversely affect the discharge of the fluid substance.

The novel closure system can be provided and used with a different kind of valve (for example, a mechanically operated valve) or without any valve, if desired.

The above-described discharge of a fluid substance through peak 34 is facilitated by its location in the body or base of closure 30. In particular, with respect to FIGURE 7, it can be seen that peak 34 is at least partially disposed in the receiving passage of the base 30, and that the asible discharge end of the tip 34 projects axially outwardly from the base 30 beyond the seal coupling between the peripheral seal surface of the peak 108 and the seal surface of the base of the closure 62 in the ring seal flange 60.

The tip 34, with valve 36 and the retainer 38, already mounted therein as described above, may initially be installed in the base of the closure 30 in a location without axially piercing outwards (FIGURES 1-7). The initial location without perforation of the tip 34 can be conveniently defined in relation to the subsequent completed installation of the closure 20 in the container 22 on the membrane or lining 28 (which has previously been sealed to the top of the neck of the container 26), where the perforating elements of the peak 120 are above the membrane 28. The

Membrane 28 can be placed in the container 22 in the filling line thereof, once the container 22 is filled with the fluid substance, and then heat sealed to the container prior to the installation of the closure 20. If the membrane 28 is a coating that It includes a laminated metal layer, the laminated layer coating 28 can be heat sealed to the neck of the container by well known methods of induction heat or conductive heat. Other methods of thermal bonding or adhesive coupling can be used if the coating 28 does not contain a sheet of metal.

The present invention facilitates the installation of the tip 34 (with the valve 36 and the retaining ring 38 mounted therein) in the location without perforation of the base of the closure 30 so that the piercing elements 120 of the tip 34 are initially spaced above the surface of the upper part of the lining or membrane 28, when the closure 20 is then screwed to the container 22 on the membrane 28. With respect to the base of the closure 30 shown in FIGURE 10, it should be noted that each axially oriented groove 71 associated with one of the cam tracks 70 is located adjacent to the upper end of the cam track 70. To begin the installation of peak 34 (which contains valve 36 and retaining ring 38), peak 34 is positioned in the open bottom end of the base of the closure 30, and the spout 34 is then rotated as necessary to position each of the cam followers of the spout 130 (FIGURES 11-14) in axial alignment with a r anura 71.

In an automatic assembly process, the tip 34 (with the valve 36 and the retaining ring 38 mounted therein) can be held by a conventional installation press to rotate the tip 34 while also moving it axially at the base of the closure 30 under an appropriate axial force (typically generated by an axially loaded spring assembly). With respect to the inverted base of the closure 30 illustrated in FIGURE 15, the beak 34 (with the valve 36 and the retaining ring 38 mounted thereon) is rotated (either automatically with the installation press or manually) in the opposite direction to the clockwise, as seen looking down on the inverted base of the closure 30 in FIGURE 15. The counterclockwise rotation causes the cam followers of peak 130 (FIGURE 14) to initially move to along the annular end surface 56 of the inner sleeve 54 until each cam follower 130 has reached the arcuate insertion surface 75 of one of the grooves 71. As an axial force is applied at the same time to the rotating spout 34 (either by means of an automatic installation press or manually), the cam followers 130 slide along the introduction surfaces 75 and into the grooves 71. Further rotation is prevented in the opposite direction to the needles of the clock (as seen looking down at FIGURE 15) by the vertical wall of each groove 71 opposite the insertion surface 75. An automatic installation press employs an appropriate torsion-limited turning drive system that would prevent the application of excessive torque to peak 34, to avoid deformation or otherwise damage to the components when the peak 34 is pushed axially at the base of the closure 30 guided by the cam followers 130 in the grooves 71.

When cam followers 130 arrive at the radially inwardly introducing ramp 77 (FIGURE 15) at the end of each slot 71, each cam follower 130 is mounted along ramp 77 and at the upper end of the associated track 70. There is sufficient flexibility in the portions of the peak 34 and / or in the portions of the base of the closure 30 to give rise to the temporary elastic deformation of the peak 34 and / or the base of the closure 30 by a sufficient amount as to allow cam followers 130 to slide up ramps 77 and enter cam tracks 70. This arrangement ensures that peak 34 (with valve 36 and retaining ring 38 mounted thereon) is located initially in its elevated position without perforation within the base of the closure 30, so that the perforating elements of the peak 120 are initially located above the lining or membrane 28, as shown in FIGURE 8, when or the closure 20 is then screwed into the container 22.

In addition, in the preferred form of the invention illustrated in FIGURE 10, the ribs 91 adjacent to the upper end of each cam track 70 can be designed to provide some resistance to the rotation of the beak 34 (counterclockwise as it is seen looking down the upper outer part of the base of the closure 30 and the peak 34 in FIGURE 2). If the user were to turn the beak 34 counterclockwise as seen by looking down the top of the beak 34 and the base of the closure 30 in FIGURE 2, then the initial resistance offered by the upper rib 91 (FIGURE 10) would have to be overcome and when the cam follower peak 130 passes over the rib 91, a tactile sensation and / or an audible click would be indicative of the rotation of the tip 34 in the opposite direction to the fully elevated location without perforation. Similarly, if the user were to continue turning the beak 34 counterclockwise as seen by looking down the top of the beak 34 and the base of the closure 30 in FIGURE 2, then the followers of Cam of peak 130 would ultimately fit the ribs 92 (FIGURE 10) at the lower ends of the cam tracks 70. When the cam followers 130 pass over the lower ribs 92 and then beyond the lower ribs 92 in the direction counter-clockwise, the user would hear an audible click, and could continue the turn further only until cam followers 130 butt at the lower ends of cam tracks 70 at the fully lowered location of peak 34 (which it is the most axially inward position of the peak 34 with respect to the base of the closure 30 and in whose location the cutting elements of the peak 120 would project significantly below the membrane elevation 28, if the closure 20 were mounted in a container on such a membrane 28).

Once the closure 20 is correctly mounted with the beak 34 initially located in the fully elevated position without perforation, the closure 20 can be screwed into the top of a container (eg, container 22) that has been filled with a fluid substance and sealed with a coating (for example, membrane 28).

The operation of the closure 20 to open the sealed container with the membrane 28 is described below with respect to some of the figures. FIGURES 1 and 8 show peak 34 in the initial installation orientation of peak 34 of the

closure 20, where the peak 34 is at the maximum elevation location (i.e., the location most axially outward) with respect to the base of the closure 30 and where the piercing elements 120 are at their location furthest from (for example, above ) the membrane 28. FIGURES 17 and 18, on the other hand, show the tip 34 at the location more axially inwards relative to the base of the closure 30.

When the beak 34 is first rotated by the user counterclockwise from the position illustrated in FIGURE 1 (the highest position without perforation) to the lowest position shown in FIGURES 16-20, the peak 34 and the piercing elements 120 thereon (FIGURES 19 and 20) move downward (axially inward) so that the membrane 28 is initially perforated by point 126 of each piercing element 120. When the peak 34 continues to be rotated by the user to open the membrane 28 (by rotating the spout 34 counterclockwise as seen by looking down the top of the spout 34), the piercing elements 120 move clockwise as it is seen in FIGURE 20 from inside the container 22 facing upwards to the membrane 28. The points 126 of the piercing elements 120 move more axially inwards in and through the membrane 28 when each element perforator 120 moves in a circular arc (FIGURE 20). When the perforating elements 120 move in and through the membrane 128, the width of the perforation, breakage, cut or opening produced by each perforating element 120 becomes wider because each perforating element 120 increases in thickness with increasing distance upwards ( that is, axially outwards) from point 126 (see, for example, the end view of the cutting element 120 visible in FIGURE 12). Perforation and cutting of membrane 28 for each element 120 creates a fin 190 in the membrane

28. Each fin 190 is narrower at its free distal end and becomes wider as it moves away from the free distal end. The width of the fin increases to the maximum width that results from the coupling with the maximum width of the piercing element 120 at its top, where the piercing element 120 is fused with the rest of the tip 34. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, when each piercing element 120 moves in an arcuate path through the membrane 28, each piercing element 120 essentially "ara" the flap 190 out of a 45 degree circular arc cut or opening of the membrane 28.

The fins 190 remain connected to the rest of the membrane 28, and therefore non-separate scrap pieces are created. The opening or breakage or cut formed by each piercing element 120 of the membrane 28 is preferably long enough to extend to some extent beyond the length of the piercing element 120 to provide a sufficient flow passage for the fluid substance to be dispensed. , even if the piercing elements 120 remain in the low position that extends in and through a portion of the membrane 28. Therefore, the user does not need to twist the tip 34 in the reverse direction of rotation to move the tip 34 back to the totally elevated location without drilling. The piercing tip 34 can be left in the completely low location and sufficient flow can pass through the cut, break or open regions of the membrane 28 adjacent to the end ends of the piercing elements 120.

The length of each cam track 70 may be designed to facilitate the creation of a sufficiently long opening in the membrane 28 to result in the discharge of the fluid substance through the membrane openings 28. An extremely viscous substance may require a longer cam track arrangement to provide longer circular arc cuts or openings in the membrane 28 to provide a larger flow area. A less viscous substance may not require such a long cam track arrangement. Alternatively or in addition, the thickness of the upper portions of the cutting elements 120 could be increased to provide wider cuts or openings in the membrane 28.

In an alternative design currently contemplated (not illustrated), only one cam track 70 needs to be provided, instead of three cam tracks 70. More than three cam tracks could also be provided. It will also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments (not illustrated), only one cam follower or more than three cam followers could be employed. However, in the preferred embodiment currently illustrated in FIGURES 1-20, three cam tracks 70 are used at the base of closure 30 to receive three cam followers 130 at peak 34, and this arrangement has been proven to provide a Good balance and operation. It should be appreciated that the locations of the cam tracks 70 and the cam followers 130 could be reversed. That is, in an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), a cam track or tracks could be provided on the radially outer surface of the peak 34, and the follower or cam followers (eg, pins or other projections) could extend radially inwardly from the base of the inner sleeve of the closure 54 on the tracks of the peak.

In an alternative embodiment currently contemplated (not illustrated), only one piercing element 120 could be provided. In other designs, three or more piercing elements 120 could be provided instead of the two elements employed in the preferred embodiment illustrated.

With respect to FIGURE 8, it will be appreciated that the spout 34 is prevented from being removed from the base of the closure 30 by overlapping the base of the flange of the closure 60 with the enlarged lower portion 101 of the peak 34. In addition, In the preferred embodiment, where the base of the closure 30 is also provided with at least one ratchet tooth 50 (FIGURE 15) to engage the anti-rotation ratchet teeth 29A of the container (FIGURES 6 and 9), the closure 20 It cannot be easily removed by the user. Therefore, the package remains safe and relatively resistant to tampering. If someone had twisted the tip 34 to pierce the membrane 28 and then turned the tip 34 back to the raised position, a subsequent user could say if the membrane 28 has been perforated by initially turning the container and / or squeezing it to see if the Fluid substance can be dispensed. If the

fluid substance could be dispensed, that would indicate that the membrane 28 has previously broken.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1-20, where a pressure-operated valve 36 is installed at peak 34, in some embodiments it may not be necessary to provide a cover 32. However, in order to maintain dirt or others foreign materials outside the dispensing spout 34, in general it would be convenient to use a lid 32.

The peak 34 of the closure system of the present invention can be easily and effectively operated to pierce (eg, penetrate, break, tear, cut, etc.) the membrane 28 that is initially in place to maintain the integrity of the fluid substance That should be dispensed. The closure system does not require the complete removal of a separate element (such as membrane 28) before dispensing the content, whereby the possibility of losing an important component of the discharge system is eliminated.

The embodiments of the present invention where the peak 34 (and the valve 36 and the retaining ring 38, if used) and the base of the closure 30 are separately manufactured components (such as the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1-20) , they can be assembled relatively easily by the manufacturer.

The system of the present invention is suitable for use with packages where the membrane 28 is sealed in and in a transverse position in the upper part of the container 22, as well as other optional designs where the membrane 28 can be fixed in the lower part of the container. closure base 30 in place or in addition to the top of the container 22.

When the present invention employs the optional valve 36 (as in the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1-20), the valve 36 provides additional advantages, such as preventing spillage of the fluid substance if the open container is inadvertently tipped over. In addition, the valve 36 can provide additional control of the discharge process (including minimization, if not elimination of the dripping of the fluid material from the peak 34 once the user has completed the discharge process). The valve 36 can also function to eliminate or minimize the entry of contaminants, even if no outer cover 32 is provided to close the top of the peak 34 above.

The dispensing closure system of the present invention results in the use of a membrane 28, for example a conventional coating, without requiring removal of the coating from the container or system. The dispensing closure system of the present invention allows the user to conveniently open a membrane (such as a conventional coating 28) without having to manipulate the container so as to first expose the membrane and without requiring removal of the membrane itself. The membrane or coating, after perforation, remains in the system so that it does not present a dirt problem or a choking problem for children.

It will be readily observed from the foregoing detailed description of the invention and its illustrations that numerous variations and modifications can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts or principles of this invention.

Claims (16)

1. A dispensing closure (20) for a container (22) having an opening (27) inside the container, where a fluid substance can be stored, and in which a membrane (28) interposes between the container (22) and the dispensing closure (20) in use, said dispensing closure (20) comprising: 5 (A) a base (30) extending from said container (22) into said container opening (27), said base (30) (1) defining a receiving passage through said base (30), and ( 2) an annular seal flange (60) that (a) is located axially outwardly at least part of the length of said receiving passage, and (b) extends radially inwardly from a peripheral portion of said receiving passage for defining an opening in said receiving passage; 10 (B) a mobile peak (34) that (1) is at least partially disposed in said base receiving passage, (2) has a dispensing passage extending through said peak (34), (3) has an asible discharge end (103) that (a) is located at an axially outward end of said peak (34), and (b) is projected axially outward from said base (30), (4) has a peripheral seal surface (108) which is sealant coupled by said base ring seal flange (60), and (5) has a piercing element (120) at one end 15 axially into said peak (34);

(C)

 a cam track (70) located at one of said base (30) and peak (34) axially inwardly said annular seal flange (60); Y

(D)

a cam follower (130) which is (1) located on the other of said base (30) and peak (34), and (2) coupled on said cam track (70) whereby said asible discharge end of the peak (103) can be grasped to rotate said

20 peak (34) for moving said peak (34) axially from an axially outward non-drilling location to an axially inwardly drilling location. 2. The closure (20) according to claim 1, wherein said closure (20) further includes a lid (32) hingedly coupled to said base (30) to move between (1) a closed position in the upper part of said base (30) on said peak (34), and (2) an open position in which said asible discharge end is exposed 25 (103) of said peak (34). 3. The closure (20) according to claim 1, wherein: (A) said closure base (30) includes a body (30) that is initially separated from, but is then attachable to, said container (22) around said container opening (27); Y (B) said closure (20) is adapted to be used with said membrane (28) in the form of a coating (28) 30 sealed to the container (22) over the opening thereof (27). 4. The closure (20) according to claim 1, wherein:

(TO)

 said closure base (30) includes a body (30) that is initially separated from, but is then attachable to, the container (22) around said container opening (27); Y

(B)

 said closure base (30) is adapted to be used with said membrane (28) in the form of a coating

35 (28) that can be initially sealed to said closure base (30) before said closure base (30) is coupled to said container (22).

5.

The closure (20) according to claim 1, wherein said asible discharge end of the spout (103) has an exterior configuration defining two tabs with opposite directions to each other (105).

6.

The closure (20) according to claim 1, wherein:

Said base closure (30) is adapted to be used in a container (22) having (1) a neck (26) defining said container opening (27), and (2) a thread (29) in said neck (26); Y said closure base (30) has a thread (46) for coupling said thread of the neck of the container (29) and allowing said base (30) to be screwed to said neck of the container (26). 7. The closure (20) according to claim 6, wherein: Said closure (20) is adapted to be used with a container (22) having anti-rotation ratchet teeth (29A) located in the circumference of said neck of the container (26), axially inward to said thread of the neck of the container (29), and said closure base (30) has at least one ratchet tooth (50) formed to: (1) deflect past said container the anti-rotation ratchet teeth (29A) when said base (30) is screwed into said container, (22) and 50 (2) stop at least one of said anti-rotation ratchet teeth (29A) of the container when torsion is applied to said base (30) in the direction of unscrewing rotation, whereby it is prevented from unscrewing said base (30) of said container (22).

8.

The closure (20) according to claim 1, wherein said base of the closure (30) includes an internal female thread (46) for coupling a matching male thread (29) in a container (22).

9.

The closure (20) according to claim 1, wherein:

5 said cam follower (130) projects radially outward on said peak (34); said cam follower (130) has an axially outwardly introducing surface (136) extending increasingly inward in the radial direction with increasing distance in the axially outward direction; said closure base (30) has an inner sleeve (54) that (1) is located axially within said annular seal flange of the base (60), (2) extending axially inward, and (3) It has an inner surface 10 cylindrical defining, at least in part, said base receiving passage; said cam track (70) is defined on said inner surface of said base of the inner sleeve of the closure (54); said inner sleeve (54) has an axially oriented groove (71) located (1) axially inward of said cam track (70), and (2) at a predetermined location of the circumference; said slot (71) has an axially open end to receive said cam follower (130) during the installation of said peak (34) in said base (30); said slot (71) has an axially outward end that ends in a ramp (77) extending radially inwardly adjacent, but separated, from said cam track (70); Y at least one of said base (30) and peak (34) is elastic enough to give rise to said peak (34) in said base (30) with said cam follower (130) in said slot (71) to push said follower of 20 cam (130) against and beyond said ramp (77) on said cam track (70). 10. The closure (20) according to claim 9, wherein: said cam track (70) extends in a partially helical configuration less than 360 ° around said base of the inner sleeve of the closure (54) between a first end of the cam track (81) and a second end of the cam track (82); Said base of the inner sleeve of the closure (54) defines (1) a first rib (91) projecting on said cam track (70) near said first end (81), and (2) a second rib (92) ) projecting on said cam track (70) near said second end (82); at least one of said base of the closure (30) and peak (34) is sufficiently elastic to give rise to the movement of said cam follower (130) beyond each said rib (91, 92) when said peak (34) turns with 30 enough torque; Y the movement of said cam follower (130) from one end of said cam track (70) beyond each of said ribs (91, 92) provides at least one tactile sensation indicative of the start and end position from the cam follower (130) when it moves from one end of said cam track (70) to the other end of said cam track (70). The closure (20) according to claim 1 for use with a container (22) having an annular upper end defining (1) an opening (27) occluded by said membrane (28) in the form of a coating (28) sealed to said annular upper end, and (2) an external male thread (29) around said opening (27) and where: said closure (20) is a dispensing closure (20) that is separated from, but is then attachable to, said container (22) around said container opening (27); 40 said base of the closure (30) has a recess, in general the internal cylindrical collar (44) having a female thread (46) internally to be threadedly coupled to said external male thread (29) of said container (22); said base (30) includes an annular platform (40) at the top of said base (30) around said receiving passage; Y said asible discharge end of the peak (103) extends outwardly beyond said platform (40). The closure system (20) according to claim 1, wherein said piercing element (120) includes four surfaces (121, 122, 123, 124) that converge towards a blunt point (126). 13. The closure (20) according to claim 1, wherein: said peak (34) of the closure further includes a dispensing valve (36) that (1) is mounted on said peak (34), in said discharge passage to locate said valve (36) adjacent to said asible discharge end (103) of said peak (34), (2) comprises a flexible and elastic material, and (3) defines at least one normally closed dispensing hole that opens to allow flow through it, in response to the differential pressure through of said valve (36). 14. The closure (20) according to claim 13, wherein: said valve (36) has a valve head (160); Y said dispensing orifice is defined in said valve head (160) by multiple slots (162) extending (1) through said valve head (160) from an outer side to an inner side, and (2) laterally from a common origin so that the petals are defined by said grooves (162) whereby said orifice is apt to open by deflecting out of said petals when the pressure inside said valve (36) exceeds the pressure in the outside said valve (36) by a predetermined amount.

fifteen.

The closure (20) according to claim 13, wherein said valve dispensing orifice is closed when the pressure inside said valve (36) is substantially equal to the pressure outside the valve (36).

16.

The closure (20) according to claim 13, wherein:

said valve (36) is a self-closing valve (36); said valve (36) opens out when the pressure against the side of said valve (36) oriented inside the container (22) exceeds the pressure acting against the side of said valve (36) exposed to the ambient atmosphere by means of a predetermined amount; Y said valve (36) returns from an open condition to a closed condition after the pressure acting on the side of the valve (36) oriented inside the container (22) decreases sufficiently. 17. The closure (20) according to claim 13, wherein: said valve (36) has an annular flange (170); said peak (34) defines an annular seat (154) generally oriented in a direction opposite to said asible discharge end (103) of the peak; Y said closure (20) further includes a retaining ring (38) having a portion coupled to said peak (34) to retain said valve (34) at said peak (34), wherein said annular flange (170) of the valve is held by said retaining ring (38) against said annular seat (154) of said peak (34). 18. The closure (20) according to claim 17, wherein: said retaining ring (38) is in a snap fit coupling with said spout (34); said annular valve flange (170) has a dovetail cross section that defines a frustoconic outer surface and a frustoconic inner surface; said peak seat (154) is a frustoconic surface that engages said frustoconic outer surface of said annular valve flange (170); Y said retaining ring (38) has a frustoconic clamping surface (172) that is coupled to said inner frustoconic surface (178) of said annular flange of the valve to hold said annular flange (170) of the valve between said retaining ring (38) and said seat (154) of the peak.