US20050269373A1

US20050269373A1 - Cover for dispensing closure with pressure actuated valve

Info

Publication number: US20050269373A1
Application number: US11/169,133
Authority: US
Inventors: Ricky Gaiser; Valentin Hierzer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Obrist Closures Switzerland GmbH
Priority date: 2002-03-15
Filing date: 2005-06-28
Publication date: 2005-12-08
Also published as: US20030173379A1; MXPA03002321A; US6910607B2

Abstract

A cover for a valved dispensing closure prevents the valve from opening while the cover is disposed on closure. The cover's central projection prevents flaps formed in the valve from opening, and the cover's outer projection prevents the flexible valve head from moving or inverting. The cover may also have projections that project inwardly from its skirt. The cover projections interact with mating projections formed on an exterior of the closure, and a lower end of the skirt may be disposed into an annular groove in the closure, to enhance a seal between the closure and the cover. The cover may include a snap ring attached to other portions of the cover by a breakable connection to provide tamper evidence.

Description

This application is a continuation-in-part of prior application Ser. No. 10/098,819, which was filed on Mar. 15, 2002 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to closures for containers, and more specifically to dispensing closures having pressure activated valves and corresponding covers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A flexible dispensing valve system may be part of a package that is suitable for storing, shipping, and dispensing both high and low viscosity materials. Such high viscosity materials include shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and other flowable products such as other liquids, pastes and the like. Low viscosity materials include water, other beverages, and the like. The dispensing system, upon being inverted and/or squeezed, opens a self-sealing dispensing valve in the closure at a predetermined threshold pressure to discharge the contents of the corresponding container. Upon removal of the external forces and upon the container internal pressure being reduced below a predetermined threshold pressure for dispensing, the valve closes.
Self-sealing dispensing valves have been disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,728,006; 5,271,531; and 5,531,363. Self-sealing dispensing valves are also offered commercially by Liquid Molding Systems, Inc. of Midland, Mich., which has been issued U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,213,236; 5,377,877 and 5,409,144. Each of these six patents is incorporated herein in their entireties.
Dispensing closures are, in most instances, required to render the packages suitable for shipping such that product will not inadvertently or accidentally be dispensed between the time the container is filled with product to be dispensed to the ultimate purchasers and use by a consumer. U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,418, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses a flexible valve sealing system having a protective cover. It is a goal to provide an improved flexible valve system and corresponding cover.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A closure for dispensing a product from a container includes a cover for a flexible dispensing valve. The cover, which is removably coupled to a base of the closure, includes a central post that extends downwardly from a top portion of the cover. A distal portion of the post contacts the flaps of the dispensing valve to inhibit the flaps from opening. The dispensing valve flaps are part of a valve head that open in response to internal positive pressure within the container from their at-rest, closed position. Thus, the post of the cover preferably contacts the flaps at the point of intersection of the slits forming the flaps. Further, an outer circular projection extending downwardly from the top portion may also restrict movement of the valve head. The projection preferably is a ring. The cover prevents inadvertent opening of the valve.
The cover may include threads for threaded attachment to the closure body and may include a snap ring that is disposed in a groove in the closure body. The snap ring may be retained on the closure body upon removal of the cover to provide a tamper evident feature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a dispensing package showing the cover installed on the dispensing closure;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the dispensing closure and cover of FIG. 1 illustrating an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the closure and cover of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the dispensing package of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the dispensing package of FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 (PRIOR ART) is a top plan view of a prior art closure having a cross-shaped projection, which is shown in phantom;
FIG. 8 (PRIOR ART) is a cross sectional view of the closure shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the closure and cover;
FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the closure and cover shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the closure and cover shown in FIG. 9 with a portion of the cover detached;
FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of the closure and cover shown in FIG. 9; and
FIG. 13 is a schematic view of optional ratchets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a conventional dispensing package includes a container 12 (shown schematically in FIGS. 7 and 8), a valved dispensing closure 14, and a cover 101, each of which is more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 6089418, which is assigned to the present assignee. The valved dispensing closure 14 includes a self-sealing dispensing valve 16, a base 30, and a retaining ring 50, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and in the lower portion of FIG. 2. Valve 16 comprises a one-piece, integrally-molded member preferably constructed from liquid silicone rubber, or the like. Valve 16 includes a concave valve head 18 with cross-slits 20 defining pie shaped flaps 22 and a discharge orifice therein. Cross-slits 20 and flaps 22 are best shown in FIG. 6.
A connector sleeve 24 has one end connected with the marginal circumferentially extending flange 26, which is substantially triangular in cross section, and the opposite end connected with valve head 18 adjacent to this marginal edge. Connector sleeve 24 is resiliently flexible such that when pressure within bottle 12 is raised above a predetermined threshold value, connector sleeve is capable of deforming outwardly, as described more fully below. The valve head 18 has a circular plan shape, and a generally tapered thickness which is thicker at the radially outside portion of valve head 18 and thinner at the radially inside portion thereof. For further details of a self-sealing dispensing valve and the functioning of its parts usable with this invention, reference is made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,213,236, 5,377,877 and 5,409,144 which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
Upon squeezing the sidewalls of container 12 such that bottle internal pressure is raised above a predetermined threshold value, connector sleeve 24 extends outwardly and valve head 18 shifts outwardly (that is, upward with respect to FIGS. 2 and 8). Flaps 22 open and unfold outwardly with a snapping action to permit product to be dispensed therethrough. The snap-type opening of valve 16 is believed to be achieved in part by the torque exerted on valve head 18 by the connector sleeve 24.
Upon negative pressure conditions on the interior side of the valve 16, such as that which results in response to release of bottle 12 after squeezing, the connector sleeve 24 and valve head 18 will return to their at-rest position with a torque snap action. During the return process, air is sucked through cross-slits 20 into the interior of bottle 12 until the negative pressure therein is substantially equalized. As the pressure differential across opposing sides of the valve 16 diminishes to near zero, flaps 22 reform to their at-rest, securely sealed configuration, and remain sealed even under the hydraulic head pressure applied thereto by the product upon inversion of bottle 12 (that is, opposite the orientation shown in FIGS. 2 and 8).
The cross shaped projection of the cover disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,418, under certain conditions, may sometimes provide an imperfect inhibition against deformation of flaps 22. For example, because the cover is installed, or replaced after an end user initially removes it, without regard for its angular position relative to the position of the flexible valve, the cross-shaped projections may be directly aligned with the slits, may be positioned equidistant from the slits (that is, halfway between each slit), or may be positioned such that an edge of the cross-shaped projections are disposed on or slightly spaced apart from the-slits. The cover might not, depending on the magnitude of the internal pressure, temperature, resilience of the flaps, and like parameters, inhibit the valve from inadvertently opening while the cover is in each of the above positions, including both latter positions, (which may provide the smallest degree of inhibition from opening), and either of the two former positions.
The valved dispensing closure 14 may also include base 30, which includes a substantially cylindrical lower side wall 32 provided threads 34 for mating with corresponding threads (not shown) container 12. The bottom of the side wall 32 has a downwardly depending apron 36 having upwardly extending flanges 38 which are adapted to engage and lock under a radial rib (not shown) of the bottle neck when the closure 14 is initially applied to the neck of the bottle 12. The bottom of the side wall 32 is connected to the apron 36 through an interposed rupturable line of weakening 40, thereby providing a tamper evident feature.
The base 30 preferably includes a reduced diameter upper side wall 42 connected to the lower side wall 32 by a substantially horizontal ledge 44. A circumferential sealing edge 46 may be formed on the underside of ledge 44 to engage the top of the neck of the bottle 12 for sealing therebetween. Sealing edge 46 preferably is sloped to form an angle of approximately five degrees from the horizontal so as to properly mate to a corresponding sealing surface on the lip of bottle 12. Thus, an inner rim of the sealing edge is lower than an outer portion of the sealing edge. Preferably, sealing edge 46 does not permanently deform when induction welded to the neck of the bottle, which improves over the “crab's claw” seal of other designs, which may occasionally deform, especially when induction welded to the bottle. Such deformation of the crab's claw design, which may be permanent, may promote leakage, especially upon re-use after initially removing base 30 from bottle 12.
The interior of the upper side wall 42 of base 30 includes a radially inwardly extending lip 48 and a substantially horizontal radially inwardly extending top 52. The base top 52 has an opening 82 for exposing the valve head 18 and connector sleeve 24 and for enabling the discharge of product from the valve 16. A circumferential extending recess 53 b is formed on the underside of base top 52 substantially outside of opening 82.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, lip 48 is formed on the inner surface of base 30 below top 52. Lip 48 has an inner diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the lower rim of retaining ring 50. A sloped portion lip 48 provides a surface that contacts the lower rim of retaining ring 50, which is secured and anchored between the sloped portion of the lip 48 and the lower portion of flange 26. Lip 48, therefore, receives and anchors in place of the retaining ring 50.
The retaining ring 50 includes a circumferentially extending recess 53 a on its upper face and a circular projection 51 that extends downward from an inner portion of retaining ring 50. Projection 51 stiffens retaining ring and facilitates assembly by providing a datum surface that may be gripped or used to manipulate ring 50 into position within base 30.
Preferably, the recess 53 a in the retaining ring and the recess 53 b in the base are opposing to form a triangular cross sectional shape to correspond to the cross sectional shape of flange 26. The triangular shapes of flange 26 and the corresponding recesses 53 a and 53 b provide a clamping action while the valve 16 is actuated. The provision for clamping valve flange 26 internally within the base top 52 by the internally secured retaining ring 50 is an important security and anti-tamper provision of the present invention.
The bottle 12 is preferably resiliently deformable and may be conveniently blow molded from one of many well known resins such as poly-propylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or the like. Bottle 12 preferably exhibits a sufficient degree of flexibility to permit manual deformation by squeezing of the bottle side walls to extrude product through the valve dispensing closure 14. The bottle 12 preferably also exhibits a sufficiently strong bias or pre-disposition to return to its undeformed condition when external forces are removed so that a substantial, virtually instantaneous pressure drop will be generated within the bottle, thereby assisting the seal of the valved dispensing closure 14 in a manner to be described in detail.
Cover 54 extends around the upper side wall 42 and over the top 52 of base 30 and valve 16, thereby protecting the closure 14. Cover 54 includes a downwardly depending substantially cylindrical skirt 56 that is adapted to slide tightly over and embrace the exterior of the upper side wall 42. Cover 54 also includes a top 58 that is formed at the upper end of skirt 56. A lip 62 is formed at the peripheral edge of the top 58, which provides a gripping surface for a user to remove the cover from base 30.
Radial fins 57 are provided on the exterior of skirt 56 to eliminate interlock with the tamper evident band of other similar closure. In this regard, fins 57 are oriented longitudinally on the cylindrical exterior of skirt 56 and yield into lip 62. Fins 57 prevent cover 54 (especially lip 62) from interlocking or interfering with gaps formed in tamper evident bands of other closures when they are randomly loaded into a storage container and when introduced into closure assembly equipment. Further, fins 57 stiffen cover 54 around skirt 56. As will be understood by persons familiar with closure configuration and design, the present invention encompasses members that protrude from cover 54 having shapes other than longitudinally extending fins, including (for example) one or more circumferential flanges, spiral or helical fins, pin fins, and the like, as well as covers that lack such protrusions.
Base 30 may include features that cooperate with the cover 54 to provide a water tight seal. In this regard, base 30 includes a pair of circumferential ribs 59 a and 59 b disposed around the exterior of the lower portion of the upper sidewall 42. Also, a circumferential recess 49 is formed in base 30 on ledge 44 at the base of upper sidewall 42. The present is not limited to covers and/or bases 30 that include ribs 59 a and 59 b and/or recess 49. Further, the present invention encompasses covers that have shapes other than a cylindrical skirt and substantially flat top, including conical and curved sidewalls.
When the user desires to dispense and use product from the bottle 12, the user removes the protective cover 54 by urging upward against lip 62. The bottle 12 is inverted and the product contained within the bottle 12 may be dispensed by squeezing the bottle side walls to increase the internal pressure of the container until it exceeds a threshold value to effect shifting of the valve head 18 from an inwardly concave sealed position. Specifically, the increase in internal pressure urges outward against valve head 18, which causes connector sleeve 24 to roll outward. Until connector sleeve 24 rolls outward, the concave surface of valve head 18 remains concave and undergoes little deformation, and the slits 22 remain closed When sleeve 24 rolls to its fully extended position, valve head 18 deforms such that flaps 22 open at slits 20 in response to a further increase in internal pressure of the bottle 12. Preferably, flaps 22 snap open.
Upon release of the bottle sidewalls, the squeezing forces are released and the internal pressures are reduced. In response to the diminished internal bottle pressures, the valve head 18 returns toward its at-rest, inwardly curved, concave position. Preferably, the flaps 22 snap shut in response to the decrease in internal pressure, thereby shutting off flow of the product. During the return process (that is, the return of valve 16 to its at-rest, sealed position) there is a momentary inward opening of the valve head 18, which enables venting of the bottle interior such that negative pressure within bottle 12 may be eliminated or reduced. Thus, valve 16 quickly returns to its at-rest, sealed leak-proof position and the dispensing package can remain in its inverted position without fear or concern over leakage of product.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5, cover 54 of the present invention may be assembled onto base 30 such that a lower-most circular edge 65 is insertable into recess 49. The full insertion of cover 54 into recess 49 corresponds to cover rib 63 being disposed between ribs 59 a and 59 b. A water tight seal may be formed by the engagement of ribs 59 a and 59 b with the exterior of skirt 56 of cover 54, and the engagement of rib 63 with the exterior surface of upper sidewall 42. Also, a water tight seal is formed by the engagement of edge 65 with recess 49. Ribs 59 a and 63 provide a snap that secures cover 54 onto base 30, and its snapping or clicking together may provide an indication of positive sealing upon re-attaching the cover to the base by a user.
After a user has removed cover 54 from base 30, the user may lightly replace cover 54 without fully snapping cover rib 63 over base rib 59 a. Specifically, cover 54 may be placed around a portion of upper sidewall 42, which is tapered. The inner diameter of the lower portion of cover 54 may be sized to contact the lower, outer portion of sidewall 42, and the contact may lightly hold cover 54 on base 30. This provides a beneficial configuration in circumstances in which it is desired to hold cover 54 in place or protect the valve 16 from dust even though a water tight seal is not important, such as, for example, in light re-use after initially removing the cover 54.
According to an aspect of the present invention, cover 54 has an inner projection 68 and an outer projection 70, each of which extends downwardly from the underside of top 58. Preferably, inner projection 68 includes a thin post (that is, thin compared to the overall diameter of cover 54) that projects downwardly from top 58 at a longitudinal centerline thereof. Outer projection 70 preferably is substantially concentric with inner projection 68, and preferably forms a cylinder that has a circular transverse cross section. Thus, an outboard surface of each of projections 68 and 70 form a circular cross section at their lower end. Preferably, inner projection 68 protrudes below outer projection 70 to correspond to the curvature of valve head 18.
Preferably, the distal end of inner projection 68 (that is, the end opposite top 58) is longitudinally disposed such that it lightly contacts the center or intersection of slits 20 and that it lightly contacts the tip of each of the flaps 22. Also, the distal tip of projection 70 is radially and longitudinally disposed such that it lightly contacts the curved portion of valve head 18 and such that it is radially spaced apart from slits 20. Outer projection 70 may also lightly contact connector sleeve 24, or projection 70 may contact connector sleeve 24 and be spaced apart from the concave portion of valve head 18.
As best shown in FIG. 4, projections 68 and 70 extend into the cavity formed by valve head 18 while cover 54 is fully seated into recess 49 (that is, while cover 54 is attached to base 30). With cover 54 fully seated into recess 49, the bottom tip of projection 68 contacts valve head 18 at its center at the intersection of the slits 20, and projection 70 lightly contacts the sidewall portion of the valve head 18 and/or connector sleeve 24. If the container is squeezed to increase its internal pressure while the cover 54 is fully inserted into recess 49, the outer projection 70 prevents the outer portion of valve head 18 from inverting or extending outwardly, and inner projection 68 prevents the pie-shaped flaps 22 from opening.
The present invention also encompasses projections 68 and 70 that are longitudinally spaced apart from valve head 18, and which contact valve head 18 upon partial outward extension. Thus, when referring to the projections 68 and/or 70 contacting valve head 18, the present invention encompasses any contact, including for example, light contact, contact that displaces flaps 22, and contact that occurs only upon outward movement of flaps 22 such that there is a gap formed between either or both projections 68 and 70 in the at-rest position. The projections 68 and 70 prevent inadvertent actuation of the valve head 18 by preventing flaps 22 from opening because their tips are prevented from opening by projection 68 and by preventing valve head 18 from shifting from its concave position because valve head 18 and/or connector sleeve 24 is held by projection 70.
FIGS. 9 through 12 illustrate another embodiment of the apparatus including closure 14′, cover 54′, and valve 16. Closure 14′ includes a base 30′, which includes a substantially cylindrical lower side wall 32′ on which threads 34 are disposed for mating with corresponding threads (not shown) on container 12, a portion of which is shown schematically in FIG. 10. The bottom of the side wall 32′ has a downwardly depending tamper-evident band 36′ that is adapted to engage and lock under a radial rib (not shown) of the bottle neck when the closure 14′ is initially applied to the neck of the bottle 12. The bottom of the side wall 32′ is connected to the band 36′ through a breakable line of weakening 40′, thereby providing a tamper evident feature.
Base 30′ preferably includes a reduced diameter upper sidewall 42′, which functions as a spout to the remainder of base 30′. Upper sidewall 42′ terminates in a top 52′ and is connected to the lower side wall 32′ by pair of substantially horizontal ledges: upper ledge 44 a′ and lower ledge 44 b′. An outboard portion of upper sidewall 42′ preferably includes a threaded groove 80′ for receiving corresponding threads disposed on cover 54′. Threaded groove 80′ is adapted to receive a thread disposed on cover 54′, as described more fully below. A circumferential groove 49′ is disposed in lower ledge 44 b′, as best shown in FIG. 12. Preferably, base 30′ includes a circumferential bead 59′ disposed above lower ledge 44 b′.
Valve 16 includes a head 18 and a sidewall 19, and is generally the same as described above with respect to closure body 30. Also, the means for retaining valve 16 in base 30′ is generally the same as described above, but valve 16 may be retained by any other means.
Cover 54′ extends around the upper side wall 42′ and over the top 52′ of base 30′ and valve 16, thereby protecting the closure 14′. Cover 54′ includes a downwardly depending substantially cylindrical skirt 56′ that is adapted to slide over the outboard surface of the upper side wall 42′. A thread 81′ is disposed on an inboard portion of skirt 56′. Skirt thread 81′ is adapted to ride in threaded groove 80′ in base 30′. Cover 54′ also includes a top 58′ that is formed at the upper end of skirt 56′.
Preferably, cover 54′ includes a shoulder 83′ disposed at the bottom end of skirt 56′ and a circumferential snap ring 84′ depending downwardly from shoulder 83′. Frangible bridges 90′ are formed in shoulder 83′. A circumferential bead 89′ is disposed in an inboard surface of ring 84′. Accordingly, when cover 54′ is in its seated position, which is shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, a lowermost rim of ring 84′ is disposed in the groove 49′ formed in the lower ledge 44 b′ of closure body 30′. Cover bead 89′ is disposed below closure body bead 59′ to retain ring 84′.
Upon removing cover 54′ from closure body 30′ for a first time, a user may grasp skirt 56′ and twist it relative to body 30′, thereby moving cover thread 81′ in body groove 80′ to unscrew cover 54′ and rupture frangible bridges 90′. In this regard, body bead 59′ may inhibit upward movement of ring 84′ by urging against ring bead 89′. As best shown in FIG. 11, ring 84′ is retained in body groove 49′ to indicate that cover 54′ has been removed, which provides tamper evidence. The user may re-apply cover 54′ onto closure body 30′ by screwing cover 54′ onto body 30′. FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate cover 54′ in its seated position with frangible bridges 90′ intact. FIG. 11 illustrates cover 54′ in its removed position in which cover 54′ is spaced apart and loose from closure body 30′.
Snap ring 84′ and closure body 30′ may include cooperating ratchets 92 a′ and 92 b′, respectively, to aid in the retention of snap ring 84′ in groove 49′. In this regard, ratchets 92 a′ and 92 b′ are oriented such that cover 54′ may be applied to closure body 30′ by screwing cover 54′ onto body 30′. Ratchets 92 a′ and 92 b′ are oriented to prevent rotational motion associated with unscrewing, thereby inhibiting movement of ring 84′ during the unscrewing process. Accordingly, ratchets 92 a′ and 94 b′ enhance the breaking of bridges 90′. FIG. 13 schematically illustrates ratchets 92 a′ and 92 b′ as viewed from line 13-13 in FIG. 12.
Cover 54 has an inner projection 68′ and an outer projection 70′, each of which extends downwardly from the underside of top 58′. Preferably, inner projection 68′ includes a thin post (that is, thin compared to the overall diameter of cover 54′) that projects downwardly from top 58′ at a longitudinal centerline thereof. Outer projection 70′ preferably is substantially concentric with inner projection 68′, and preferably forms a ring or cylinder that has a circular transverse cross section. Thus, an outboard surface of each of projections 68′ and 70′ form a circular cross section at their lower end. Preferably, inner projection 68′ protrudes below outer projection 70 to correspond to the curvature of valve head 18′.
The distal end of inner projection 68′ (that is, the end opposite top 58′) may be longitudinally disposed such that it lightly contacts the center or intersection of slits 20 and that it lightly contacts the tip of each of the flaps 22 or the distal end of inner projection 68′ may be spaced apart from slits 20. Also, the distal tip of projection 70′ is radially and longitudinally disposed such that it lightly contacts the curved portion of valve head 18′ and such that it is radially spaced apart from slits 20. Outer projection 70 may also lightly contact connector sleeve 24, or projection 70 may contact connector sleeve 24 and be spaced apart from the concave portion of valve head 18.
As best shown in FIG. 10, projections 68′ and 70′ extend into the cavity formed by valve head 18 while cover 54′ is fully seated into recess 49′ (that is, while cover 54′ is attached to base 30′) to prevent valve 16 from opening. In this regard, if the container is squeezed to increase its internal pressure while the cover 54′ is fully inserted into recess 49′, the outer projection 70 discourages the outer portion of valve head 18 from inverting or extending outwardly, and inner projection 68 discourages the pie-shaped flaps 22 from opening.
The particular configuration of the projections provided herein illustrates an aspect of the present invention. The present invention is not, however, limited to the particular configurations described above. Rather, the present invention encompasses any configuration of projection that extends downwardly to restrict the opening of flaps 22, including, for example, for any configuration of projection 68, 68′, only a projection (such as projection 68, 68′) disposed at the longitudinal centerline of the closure (that is, without projection 70, 70′), and other configurations that will be apparent to persons familiar with closures and/or flexible dispensing valves. For example, the present invention encompasses projections that form a conical shape having a circular transverse cross section, projections that form an oval or other non-circular shape, and projections that are discontinuous as viewed in transverse cross section (such as, for example, several posts or arc-like sections that together make up either an inner projection or outer projection and perform the functions thereof as described herein). Further, the outer projection encompasses downwardly projecting pins, as distinguished from a circular projection, that contact valve head 18 and/or connector sleeve 24.
The present invention is not limited to the particular embodiment or configuration described herein, but, rather encompasses various modifications or variations, as will be understood by persons generally familiar with closure technology. For example, the present invention is not limited to any particular configuration of the valve, means of securing the cover to the valve, and the like. Thus, the scope of the invention is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dispensing closure comprising:

a closure body including closure threads for mating to corresponding container threads, a circumferential groove formed therein, and an upwardly extending spout;

a pressure activated valve secured within the closure body, the valve including a valve head having intersecting slits formed therein that form moveable flaps, said flaps defining an at-rest, closed position and an actuated, open position; and

a removable cover having a seated position in which the cover is applied to the closure body and a removed position in which the cover is spaced apart from the valve, the cover including a circumferential skirt, a central post extending downwardly from a top portion of the cover, and an outer projection disposed concentrically about said central post, a distal portion of the post is capable of contacting the flaps at or proximate the intersection point to inhibit the flaps from opening and a rim of the skirt is disposed in the groove of the closure body while the cover is in its seated position.

2. The dispensing closure of claim 1 further comprising a snap ring formed proximate a lower lip of the cover.

3. The dispensing closure of claim 2 wherein the snap ring includes a circumferential first rib disposed on an inboard surface of the cover skirt and wherein the closure body includes a circumferential second rib disposed on an outboard surface of the closure body proximate the groove.

4. The dispensing closure of claim 2 wherein the groove is disposed radially outwardly of the spout.

5. The dispensing closure of claim 2 wherein the snap ring is retained in the groove while the cover in its seated position.

6. The dispensing closure of claim 2 further comprising frangible bridges connecting the snap ring to an upper portion of the cover, the bridges breaking upon initial removal of the cover from the closure body to provided tamper evidence.

7. The dispensing closure of claim 2 wherein the cover skirt includes an inboard thread and the closure body includes an outboard thread, the cover thread cooperating with the closure body outboard thread to enable the cover to be twisted off of the closure body.

8. The dispensing closure of claim 7 wherein each one of the snap ring and the groove include cooperating ratchet surfaces, the ratchet surfaces are oriented such that the cover and the snap ring are capable of being applied by screwing the assembly onto the closure body.

9. The dispensing closure of claim 1 wherein the outer projection is cylindrical.

10. The dispensing closure of claim 1 wherein the valve includes a periphery that is fixed relative to the base and a connector sleeve is coupled between the valve periphery and the valve head.

11. The dispensing closure of claim 10 wherein the cover outer projection contacts the connector sleeve to restrict movement of the valve head, thereby inhibiting the valve head from inverting.