AU572706B2

AU572706B2 - Self-closing dispenser

Info

Publication number: AU572706B2
Application number: AU49547/85A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Leslie Clayton; Alfred Brian Dixon
Original assignee: Silgan Dispensing Systems Slatersville LLC
Current assignee: Silgan Dispensing Systems Slatersville LLC
Priority date: 1984-09-21
Filing date: 1985-09-20
Publication date: 1988-05-12
Anticipated expiration: 2005-09-20
Also published as: EP0195812A1; EP0195812B1; CA1240637A; DE3575664D1; WO1986001700A1; EP0195812A4; JPS62500233A; AU4954785A

Description

BACKGRΩΠND OF. THE,IN E TTON

SELF-CLOSING DISPENSER

(1) Field of the Invention - This invention pertains generally to self-closing dispensers, and more particularly to self-closing dispensers utilizing integrally formed resilient members to urge the cap of the container into a closed position.

(2) Prior Art - Diverse manually operable containers are well known for dispensing powders, powder-like materials, liquids, salts, crystal-like substances, granules, flaked substances, pills and similar materials. Such containers are usually sealed by a cap which retains the contents of the container in a satisf¬ actory condition for extended periods of time. Apertures are usually formed through the cap to allow the dispensing of the contents after the cap has been manipulated to its opened position. After some of the contents of the container have been discharged, the cap is manipulated to its closed position. Since the contents of the container may readily be harmed by prolonged exposure to ambient conditions, such as humidity and heat, there have been numerous attempts in the past to realize a simple, effective, self-closing dispenser that will function satisfactorily, and repeatedly, for the life span of the container. Furthermore, in order to meet with commercial acceptance in the highly competitive and cost-consciousmarketofmass-marketpackagers, suchself-closing dispensers must be simple and in expensive to fabricate, and yet compatiblewithhigh-speedmanufacturing and assemblytechniques.

Prior art dispensers that exhibited self-closing abilities are shown in U.S. Patent 1,173,503. Gouet_z.k.Q? U.S. Patent 1,194,186, Kendal . U.S. Patent 2,152,600, Harrison; U.S.- Patent 2,187,735, Erfø-t and U.S. Patent 2,663,468, M__.r. isQq. Such dispensers, however, relied upon a separate metallic leaf spring, a helical spring, or some variant thereof, to produce the biasing force necessary to urge the cap to its normally closed position.

The separate metal springs contributed to increased production and assembly costs, and self-closing dispensers of this type are no longer readily available. Problems may also have been encountered in selecting a spring of sufficient strength to return the cover to a closed position repeatedly, and yet not be so stiff that the user could not readily manipulate same. SUMMARY OF THE.-IMVEHTIQN Thus, with the deficiencies of the prior art self-closing dispensers clearly in mind, the instant invention contemplates several embodiments of a self-closing dispenser characterized by inexpensiveplastic resilientmembers that functionsatisfactorily as springs for the life of the container. Such resilient members may be integrally molded with the cap, or may be integrally molded with a sealing plate that fits into the mouth of the container, or may be formed in numerous other ways.

Additionally, the instant self-closing dispenser relies upon cooperating tongues and grooves, or rails, or similar arrangements, that force the cap with its dispensing apertures to seat snugly upon the sealing plate disposed atop the neck of the container so that the contents of the container cannot leak, seep, or otherwise be trapped therebetween. Also, the snug seating of the cap upon the container inhibits moisture from entering the container and damaging the contents thereof.

Furthermore, the^' instant self-closing dispenser may be used to dispense one, or several, distinct ingredients from the container, either simultaneously or alternatively. The container is divided by vertically extending partitions into distinct chambers for each individual ingredient.

The instant self-closing dispenser may assume diverse forms, and is directly applicable to all types of dispensers that can be opened with a sliding motion. The container may be formed of plastic, glass, or metal, or combinations thereof, and in a variety of sizes and shapes. The cap and the integral resilient members are executed in plastic and are integrally formed.

The self-closing dispenser may also find application as a child-resistant closure.

Numerous other advantages will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the ensuing detailed description, construed in harmony with the appended sheets of drawings which illustrate several representative embodiments of this invention. BRIEP...DBfiC3.IB .LQ15L..Qg_ .JH _._QBAWTNflS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a self-closing dispenser constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention, the dispenser being shown in its normal, closed position;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but showing the cap shifted from its normal closed position to an opened position;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1, with fragments of the cap and container broken away to reveal a resilient member;

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cap and the upper portion of the container of FIG. 3, such view being taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3 and in the direction indicated;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a first alternative embodiment of the self-closing dispenser;

FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a portion of the cap and container of FIG. 5, such view being taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5 and in the direction indicated, and showing the normal closed position for the dispenser;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, but showing the cap shifted from its normal closed position to its opened position;

FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a second alter¬ native embodiment of a cap and the upper portion of a container, such view showing the cap in its normal closed position;

FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cap and container of FIG. 8, such view being taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 8 and in the direction indicated;

FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a third alter¬ native embodiment of a cap and the upper portion of a container; FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a fourth alternative embodiment of a cap and a portion of a container;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary detailed view, on an enlarged scale, of the relationship between an aperture in the cap of FIG. 11 and an aperture in the underlying sealing plate;

FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a fifth alter¬ native embodiment of a cap and the upper portion of a container, the cap being shown in its normal, closed position;

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13, but showing the cap shifted from its normal closed position to one of its opened positions;

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 13, but showing the cap shifted from its normal closed position to the other of its opened positions;

FIG. 16 is a vertical cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4, but showing a sixth alternative embodiment of a cap and the upper portion of a container, the cap being shown in its normal, closed position;

FIG. 17 is a vertical cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4, but showing a seventh alternative embodiment of a cap and the upper portion of a container, the cap being shown in its normal, closed position;

FIG. 18 is a vertical cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4, but showing an eight alternative embodiment of a cap and the upper portion of a container, the cap being shown in its normal, closed position; and

FIG. 19 is a vertical cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 18, but taken along line 19-19 in FIG. 18 and in the direction indicated. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREPBRRET. EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-4 depict a container 20 with a cap 22 operatively associated therewith. Cap 22 comprises an upper surface and a depending skirt. Several apertures 24 extend through the upper surface of the cap 22 for discharging or dispensing the contents of the container. Container 20 is executed in plastic, and is substantially rectangular, when viewed in horizontal cross-section. Talcum powder, flour, condi¬ ments, or other powdery substances might be stored within the container 20.

A first arcuate shoulder 26 is formed at one side of the upper end of the container, and a second, identical shoulder 28 is formed at the opposite side. One side wall 32 projects upwardly above the shoulder 28. A horizontally extending sealing plate 34, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, extends across the mouth at the upper end of the neck and seals same. Several apertures 36 extend through plate 34. However, apertures 36 are normally not aligned with apertures 24, as suggested by the dotted lines in FIG. 4, but normally overlie the continuous sections of plate 34.

End wall 38 of the neck extends between side walls 30, 32 to complete the neck on one side, and a second end wall (not shown) completes the neck on the opposite end. A resilient, integrally formed leaf spring 46 is molded with the neck, or is otherwise secured thereto. One end of spring 46 extends away from end wall 38 in cantilever fashion, as shown in FIG. 3.

A first groove 48 and a second groove 50 are separated by land 52 defined in side wall 30 of the neck, as shown in FIGS. 3-4. In an identical fashion, grooves 54 and 56, separated by land 58, are defined in side wall 32. Inwardly projecting tongues 60 and 62 in one wall of the skirt of the cap 22 fit into grooves 48, 50, while inwardly projecting tongues 64, 66 in the opposite wall of the skirt of cap 22 fit into grooves 54, 56. The tongues fit securely into the grooves, so that the lower edges of the skirt of the cap are drawn toward shoulders 26, 28 of the container 20, and the underside of cap 22 presses against plate 34 seated on the neck of the container. The self-closing dispenser shown in FIGS. 1-4 functions in the following manner. The container 20 is seated in an upright position, and cap 22 is biased by leaf spring 46 to its closed, sealed position. The apertures 24 in cap 22 are not aligned with the apertures 36 in plate 34 so that the contents of the container cannot be dispensed, nor can moisture readily enter the interior of the container to degrade the contents. The cap presses snugly against plate 34 so that material cannot be trapped therebetween.

When one wishes to use the dispenser, he applies a manual sliding force thereto, as suggested by the directional arrow in FIG. 2. The magnitude of the force is relatively slight, and need only be sufficient to overcome the biasing force of spring 46. The sliding movement of cap 22 relative to, but spaced from, shoulders 26, 28 on the container 22 shifts apertures 24 into alignment with apertures 36. The contents of the container can then be shaken, poured, or otherwise dispensed from the container as long as a manual force is applied to the cap to retain the apertures 24, 36 in alignment. After the desired quantity of product has been dispensed, the user releases the manual pressure, such as might be applied by one's thumb, and the spring 46 automatically returns the cap to its normal closed position shown in FIG. 1.

ALTERNATIVE.-J__MRODLIMENT_5

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate a first alternative embodiment of the self-closing dispenser. A cap 70 is seated upon the neck 72 of a container 74, only a fragment of the container being shown. Several apertures 76 extend clearly through the cap, and similarly, apertures 78 extend clearly through the plate 80 located at the upper end of the neck. Plate 80 may be a separate member, or plate 80 may be integrally molded with the neck of the container. A leaf spring 82 is integrally molded with the neck of the container, and the spring normally biases the cap 70 to its closed position wherein the apertures 76 and 78 are out of alignment, as shown in FIG. 6, by exerting a force against the skirt of the cap.

A first groove 84 is formed on the neck of the container 74, and a second groove 86 is formed parallel thereto. A land 88 separates the two grooves. Tongues 90, 92 project inwardly from the cap and fit snugly into the grooves 84, 86. Land 94 is situated between the tongues, and rides along land 88 on the neck of the container. An identical pattern of grooves and lands is formed on the opposite side of the neck (not shown) . The tongues and grooves draw the cap 70 snugly against the sealing plate and force the skirt of the cap to travel parallel to, but spaced from, the arcuate shoulders 96, 97 of the container.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the cap 70 in its normal, closed position wherein apertures 76 are positioned over solid or unbroken sections of plate 80 and out of alignment with apertures 78. The contents of container 74 cannot be dispensed or discharged, and moisture cannot enter the container. Spring 82 presses against the skirt of cap 70 to maintain this closed, sealed relationship.

When the user wishes to dispense some, or all, of the contents of the container, he presses his thumb against the cap with sufficient force to compress and overcome the bias of spring 82 and shift the cap leftward, as shown in FIG. 7. The tongues and grooves defined between the neck 72 of the container and the cap 70. enable the cap to slide relative to shoulders 96, 97 until the apertures 76 and 78 are aligned. The contents of the container can then be discharged by inverting the container. shaking and/or squeezing same. When the user inverts the container and releases his thumb, the spring 82 restores the cap to its normal, sealed position.

FIGS. 8 and 9 depict another manner of forming the resilient member, such as a plastic cantilevered leaf spring, that biases the cap into its home position atop the container. In the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, leaf spring 46 is integrally molded with the neck of the container and plate 34 is molded apart from the neck of the container. The same holds true for leaf spring 82 and disc 80 in the first alternate embodiment of FIGS. 5-7. In both instances, the plate fits within and seals off the upper end of the container.

However, in contrast thereto, the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 employs a unique sealing plate indicated generally by reference numeral 98. The plate 98, which is a unitary plastic molding, comprises a horizontal plate 100, depending flanges 102, 104, 106, 108, and a leaf -spring 110. The flanges are press fit within the opening, or mouth, at the upper end of the neck 112 of the container 114, and the cap 116 fits thereover. At least one aperture 118 extends clear through the cap, and at least one aperture 120 extends through the plate. The spring 110 extends into a cavity defined between the neck of the container and the skirt of the cap to normally bias the cap 116 to a closed position, whereby apertures 118, 120 are out of alignment.

A first groove 122 is formed in one wall of neck 112, and a second, identical groove 124 is formed in the opposite wall. A tongue 126 formed on one interior wall of cap 116 fits within groove 122, and a second tongue 128 fits within groove 124. The tongues and grooves draw the cap 116 down toward, but spaced from, shoulders 130, 132 formed at the intersection of the neck and body of container 114.

The cap 116 is normally biased by spring 110 into its normal, closed position, as shown in FIG. 8. In response to the application of manual pressure by the user, such as by pressing his thumb against the cap 116, the cap is shifted until apertures 118, 120 are in alignment. The container is then inverted and the contents are discharged. upon releasing the manual pressure, the spring 110 automatically returns the cap to its normal, closed position.

FIG. 10 illustrates another self-closing dispenser that functions with a sliding motion. A cap 134 with one or more apertures 136 fits over the neck 138 of a container 140. A plate 142 seals the upper end of the neck 138 and apertures 144 extend through the plate. A first resilient pad 146 is secured between the cap and the neck of the container. A second resilient pad 147 is located diametrically opposite to the first pad. The pads may be formed of sponge-like material, or of a rubbery, resilient material. The pads 146, 147 bias the apertures 136 in the cap out of alignment with the apertures 144 in the plate 142 in the container.

If the user wishes to dispense some, or all, of the contents of the container 140, he presses against the skirt, of cap 134 and depresses one of the pads 146, 147 until the apertures 136, 144 are in alignment and then inverts, and shakes, the dispenser. The resilient pads 146, 147 will automatically return the cap to its closed position as soon as the manual force is released from the cap.

FIG. 11 depicts another alternative embodiment of the self- closing dispenser. Whereas the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 and the first alternative embodiment of FIGS. 5-7 utilize a leaf spring molded integrally with the neck of the container, and the second alternative embodiment of FIGS. 8-9 utilizes a sealing plate with an integrally molded spring, the embodiment of FIG. 11 relies upon a pair of leaf springs molded integrally with the cap. More specifically,, the cap 148 has a first leaf spring 150 and a second, oppositely acting leaf spring 152 molded in its interior. The free ends of the resilient springs 150, 152 engage opposite side walls of the neck 154 of the container 156. The springs cooperate to center the cap 148 relative to the container, so that apertures 158 in the cap will normally be out of alignment with the apertures 160 in the plate 162 situated atop the neck of the container. The two springs insure that the cap can be shifted with equal ease by a right-handed person, or a left-handed person, and still, automatically, return to a closed position.

FIG. 12 shows, on a greatly enlarged scale, the relationship between an aperture 158 in cap 148 and an aperture 160 in plate 162. The apertures are shown in alignment, and the aperture 160 is larger than the aperture in the cap to facilitate dispensing.

FIGS. 13-15 show yet another alternative embodiment of the self-closing dispenser, which finds particular application to selectively, or alternatively, dispensing two different products from the same container. In one illustrative application, the container may dispense salt or pepper. In another illustrative application, the container may dispense mustard or catsup, or other condiments.

A cap 164 is seated upon the neck 166 of a container 168, only a fragment of the container being shown. At. least one centrally situated aperture 170 extends clear through the cap, and apertures 172, 174 extend clear through the plate 176 situated at the upper end of the neck. Plate 176 may be formed as a separate member that is secured to the neck, and serve to center the cap on top of the container 168. A vertically extending partition 182 extends through the center of the container, and divides the container into a first compartment 184 and a second compartment 186. As noted previously, different materials may be retained in each compartment.

A first groove 187 is formed on the neck of the container, and a second groove 188 is formed parallel thereto. A land 190 separates the two grooves. Tongues 192, 194 project inwardly from the cap and fit snugly into the grooves 187, 188. Land. 196 is situated between the tongues, and rides along land 190 on the neck of the container. An identical pattern of grooves and lands is formed on the opposite side of the neck (not shown) . The tongues and grooves draw the cap 164 toward the arcuate shoulders 198, 199 of the container. FIG. 13 shows the cap 164 biased to its normal, closed position by the forces applied by leaf springs 178, 180. Aperture 170 is held out of alignment with apertures 172 and 174. FIG. 14 shows the cap 164 shifted leftward against the biasing force of spring 180, which has been pressed toward the neck of the container by the application of a manual force. Aperture 170 is aligned with aperture 172, so that the contents of compartment 184 can be dispensed. Aperture 174, however, is covered by cap 164 and the contents of compartment 186 cannot be dispensed at the same time.

FIG. 15 shows the cap 164 shifted leftward against the biasing force of spring 178, which has been pressed toward the neck of the container by the application of an oppositely directed manual force. Aperture 170 is aligned with aperture 174, so that the contents of compartment 186 can be dispensed. Aperture 172, however, is covered by cap 156 and the contents of compartment 184 cannot be dispensed at the same time.

The preferred embodiment of the self-closing dispenser shown in FIGS. 1-4, and the several alternative embodiments shown in FIGS. 5-15, rely upon tongues and grooves, with interspersed lands, defined between the interior surfaces of the cap and the exterior surfaces of the neck of the container to insure the desired, and necessary, sliding movement of the cap relative to the container, or vice versa. The lands serve as bearing surfaces between the cap and the neck of the container. The tongues, the grooves,and the interspersed lands follow a curved path that approximates the curvature at the upper end of the container. However, the tongues and grooves can be replaced by other cooperating members, or by diverse other tongue and groove shapes and sizes without impairing the successful operation of the self-closing dispenser. Also, in some instances, the interspersed lands can be omitted.

For example, FIG. 16 illustrates a cap 200 with apertures 202 defined therethrough. A first rail 204 projects inwardly from the interior surface of one side wall of the cap, and a second, identical rail 206 projects inwardly from the opposite interior surface of the opposing side wall of the cap. A sealing plate 208 closes off the upper end of the neck 210 of container 212, and apertures 214 extend through the plate 208. Rail 204 rides upon rail 216 defined in one side wall of neck 210, while rail 206 rides along an identical rail 218. The cap 200 is slid relative to container 212 to place apertures 202 and 214 in alignment so that the contents of the container can be discharged, or dispensed. The integrally formed resilient springs for biasing the cap to its closed position are not visible in FIG. 16.

FIG. 17 shows another alternative embodiment wherein the cap 300 is formed with apertures 302 and inwardly extending rails 304, 306 of arcuate shape. The container 308 includes a neck 310 which is closed at its upper end by plate 312. Apertures 314 extend through the plate and rails 316, 318 are formed on the neck of the container. The rails 316, 318 are shaped to accept rails 304, 306. The cap 300 is moved in a sliding fashion relative to container 308 as rails 304, .306 ride along rails 316, 318, or vice versa.

FIGS. 18-19 show another alternative embodiment wherein the cap 400 is formed with apertures 402 and inwardly extending rails 404, 406. The container 408 includes a neck 410 which is closed at its upper end by plate 412. Apertures 414 extend through the plate and complementary rails 416, 418 are formed on the neck of the container. The cap is moved in a sliding fashion relative to container 408 as tongues 404, 406 ride along tongues 416, 418, and vice versa. An integrally formed leaf spring 420 biases the cap to assume a normal, closed position wherein the apertures 402, 414 are out of alignment.

Numerous other modifications, and revisions, will occur to the skilled artisan. For example, the tongues and grooves can be reversed, and the shapes, and number, of the tongues and grooves can be altered. Also, the lands interspersed between the tongues and grooves are not needed, in all instances. Addi¬ tionally, the sizes, shape, and number of overlapping rails can be altered. Furthermore, the path defined by the tongues and grooves, and by the overlapping rails, may be linear in shape, rather than arcuate, as shown in FIG. 20. Also, the sealing plate may be formed integrally with the neck of the container, or a membrane may be used in lieu of the sealing plate. The container can be divided into more than two compartments, if needed. Consequently, the appended claims should not be limited to their exact terms, but should be construed broadly in a manner commensurate with the scope of the instant invention.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A self-closing dispenser comprising: a) a container adapted to store material therewithin, b) a neck formed at the upper end of said container, c) a sealing plate extending across said neck to prevent access to the material stored within said container, d) at least one aperture formed through said plate, e) a cap that fits over said neck on said container, f) at least one aperture formed through said cap, g) resilient means situated between the interior surfaces of said cap and the exterior surfaces of said neck of said container for normally urging the aperture on said cap out of alignment with the aperture on said plate so that the material within the container is sealed, h) said resilient means yielding in response to manual pressure applied to said cap to permit said apertures to be aligned so that any material within the container may be discharged, i) the invention being characterized by cooperating means defined between the interior surface of said cap and the exterior surface of said neck for drawing said cap down snugly against said plate so that material from the container cannot be trapped therebetween.

2. A self-closing dispenser as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for drawing down said cap comprises interlocking tongues and grooves.

3. A self-closing dispenser as recited in claim 2 wherein tongues are formed on the interior surfaces of the cap and grooves are formed on the exterior surfaces of the neck of said container.

4. A self-closing dispenser as recited in claim 2 wherein grooves are formed on the interior surfaces of said cap and tongues are formed on the exterior surfaces of the neck of said container.

5. A self-closing dispenser as recited in claim 2 wherein arcuate shoulders are formed on the container at the juncture of the neck and the container, and the invention is further characterized by forming said tongues and grooves in an arcuate shape, the arcuate shape of the tongues and grooves following the curvature of said arcuate shoulders but spaced therefrom.

6. A self-closing dispenser as recited in claim 2 wherein interspersed lands are situated between said tongues and said grooves, said lands serving as bearing surfaces between the neck of the container and the interior of the cap.

7. A self-closing dispenser as recited in claim 1 wherein said cap comprises an upper sealing surface and a depending skirt, the aperture being formed through said upper sealing surface, and the invention being further characterized by forming curved surfaces at the lower end of said skirt, said curved surfaces riding above and spaced away from said containers as said cap is shifted relative to said container in opposition to the biasing force of said resilient means.

8. A self-closing dispenser as recited in claim 1 wherein said, means for drawing said cap down comprises overlapping^' rails.

9. A self-closing dispenser as recited in claim 1 wherein said resilient means comprises sponge-like pads.

10. A self-closing dispenser as recited in claim 1 wherein said neck of said container is molded of a plastic material, and said resilient means is a plastic leaf spring integrally molded with said neck, said leaf spring being joined to said neck in cantilevered fashion.

11. A self-closing dispenser as recited in claim 1 wherein said sealing plate is molded of a plastic material, and said resilient means consists of a plastic leaf spring integrally molded with said sealing plate.

12. A self-closing dispenser as recited in claim 1 wherein said cap is molded of a plastic material, and said resilient means consists of a plastic leaf spring integrally molded with said cap, said leaf spring being joined to the inner surface of said cap in a cantilevered fashion.

13. A self-closing dispenser as recited in claim 1 wherein said cap is molded of a plastic material, and said resilient means includes a pair of leaf springs integrally molded with said cap, one leaf spring working in opposition to the other leaf spring to define a home position for said cap upon the neck of said container.

14. A self-closing dispenser as recited in claim 13 wherein each leaf spring is joined to the inner surface of said cap in a cantilevered fashion, the free end of one spring contacting the neck of said container at a position diametrically opposed to the point of contact of the second spring upon the neck of said container.

'15. A self-closing dispenser as recited in claim 1 wherein said neck of said container is molded of a plastic material, and said resilient means comprises a pair of plastic leaf springs integrally molded with said neck, said leaf springs being joined to said neck at diametrically opposed positions to urge said cap to a centered, home position.

16. A self-closing dispenser as recited in claim 15 wherein at least one vertically extending wall divides said container into two distinct chambers, a first aperture formed through said plate for communication with the first chamber, and a second aperture formed through said plate for communication with the second chamber, said cap being shifted against the force of one of said leaf springs to a first actuated position wherein the aperture in the cap is aligned with the first aperture so that the contents of the first chamber may be dispensed, and said cap being shifted against the force of the other of said leaf springs to a second actuated position wherein the aperture in the cap is aligned with the second aperture so that the contents of the second chamber may be dispensed.

17. A self-closing dispenser comprising: a) a container adapted to store material therewithin, b) a neck formed at the upper end of said container, c) a sealing plate extending across said neck to prevent access to the material stored within said container, d) at least one aperture formed through said plate, e) a cap comprising an upper sealing surface and a depending skirt, an aperture formed through said sealing surface, f) said cap fitting over said neck on said container so that said sealing surface contacts said sealing plate while said skirt is spaced from said neck, g) resilient means situated between the interior surface of said cap and the exterior surface of said neck for normally urging the aperture on said cap into alignment with the unbroken portion of said plate so that the material within said container is sealed, h) said resilient means yielding in response to the application of manual pressure to said cap to align said apertures so that material within the container may be discharged, i) said resilient means being integrally formed with said neck of said container, j) said resilient means being configured as a cantilevered leaf spring, and k) said resilient means automatically restoring the cap to its home position whenever the manual pressure applied to the cap is terminated.

18. A self-closing dispenser as recited in claim 17 wherein cooperating tongues and grooves are defined between the interior surfaces of the skirt of said cap and the exterior- surfaces of the neck of said container, said tongues and grooves being shaped for drawing said cap down snugly against said plate so that material from the container cannot be trapped therebetween.

19. A self-closing dispenser as recited in claim 18 wherein interspersed lands are situated between said tongues and said grooves.

20. A self-closing dispenser as recited in claim 16 wherein overlapping rails are defined between the interior surfaces of the skirt of said cap and the exterior surfaces of the neck of said container, said rails being shaped for drawing said cap down snugly against said plate so that material from the container cannot be trapped therebetween.