TECHNICAL FIELD FIELD DRILLING CLOSURE This invention relates to container closures for supplying a fluid substance. The invention relates more particularly to a dispenser closure for use as 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 PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE Fluid materials, including liquids, creams, powders, etc. they can be conventionally packaged in a container having a dispenser closure that includes a body portion that is on the top of the container and that defines one or more dispensing openings. A lid or cap may be provided to detachably attach on the body portion to close the dispensing opening when the container is not in use. This prevents spillage if the container is dropped or if the container is tipped over. The plug can also help keep the contents cool and can reduce the entry of contaminants. Various designs of dispensing closures have been developed for various products that are in liquid form or in powder form (eg, shampoo, lotion, cosmetic powder, etc.). One type of closure includes a valve dispenser
Slit type, self-closing, flexible mounted on the opening of the container. The valve has a slit or several slits defining a normally closed orifice that opens to allow a through flow in response to increased pressure within the container when squeezing the container. A widely used form of the valve automatically closes to block the flow by removing the increased pressure. Closure designs using such valves are illustrated in U.S. Patent Nos. 5, 271, 531, No. 5, 927, 566, and No. 5, 934, 512. Typically, the closure includes a base mounted on the neck of the container for defining a seat for receiving the valve and includes a retaining ring or a housing structure for securing the valve in the seat in the base. See, for example, US Patent No. 6, 269,986 and No. 6,616,016. U.S. Patent No. 5,839,626 discloses a closure having a valve from which powder is discharged through a perforated jet diverter to produce a desirable dispersed distribution pattern of fine powder (eg, cosmetic powder). A closure may also be equipped with a plug to cover a valve during shipment or when the container is packaged for shipping (or when the container is not in use otherwise). See, for example, Figures 31-34 of U.S. Patent No. 5,271,531. The plug can keep
valve clean-1 and / or protect the valve from damage. In certain packages it is also desirable to interpose a membrane (eg, a seal or a liner) through the container opening and provide a closure that (1) is installed in the container on the membrane, and (2) has an element It can be rotated to open the membrane by piercing or cutting the membrane. See, for example, US Patent Nos. 4,853,665, 4,884,705 and 5,482,176. The inventor of the present invention has discovered that it would be advantageous to provide an improved closure for dispensing a fluid product, including liquid. In particular, the inventor has discovered that his innovative design offers advantages not contemplated up to now in the packaging industry nor suggested by the prior art. COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The inventor of the present invention has invented an innovative dispenser closure that, among other things, may be equipped with a stopper (or not) and that requires only two relatively movable portions, (1) a base, and ( 2) a peak, and wherein (1) the peak can be installed initially through the bottom of the base, (2) the closure allows rotation of the peak member relative to the base (in the direction of rotation of the base).
conventional opening in the clockwise direction in accordance with a preferred embodiment) for effecting an axial movement of the peak to drive a piercing element to cut at least one flow opening in a membrane interposed between the container and the closure, (3) Engaged driven / driven surfaces 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, and (4) no further handling is required after of the cut of the membrane to allow product to be supplied (considering that the optional plug, if it exists, has been opened first). In a preferred embodiment, the spout closure includes both a plug and a valve. The use of a valve can prevent a spill if the container is dropped accidentally, and can minimize the penetration of contaminants even if the container is not closed with a stopper. The closing spout is especially suitable for use to supply liquids. The present invention allows the user to conveniently open a membrane (such as, for example, a conventional liner), piercing it without having to manipulate the container to expose the membrane first and without requiring the
Removal of the membrane per se. The membrane, after perforation, can then remain in the container under the closure in such a way that it does not present a waste problem, nor a drowning problem for the children. The closing spout of the present invention inhibits the tampering of the container. In addition, the spout closure components of the present invention can be designed to allow easy assembly of the components during closure manufacture. Also, the dispenser closure of the present invention may optionally be equipped with a design that allows for high volume, high quality and efficient communication techniques with a reduced product reject rate. In accordance with the present invention, an improved spout closure is provided for a container having an opening in the inner part of the container in which a fluid substance (ie, a product) can be stored. A membrane is initially interposed between the container and the spout closure. For example, the membrane may be sealed on top of the container opening and / or through the inside of the dispenser closure in order to close the container opening. The spout closure includes a base to extend from the
container in the opening of a container. The base defines (1) a receiving passage through the base, and (2) an annular seal flange which (a) is located axially outwardly of at least a portion of the length of the receiving passage, and ( b) extends radially inward from a peripheral portion of the receiving passage in order to define an opening in the receiving passage. The spout closure also includes a movable spout that (1) is at least partially positioned in the base receiving passage, (2) has a spout passage extending through the spout, (3) has a releasable discharge end that (a) is located at one end axially outwardly of the peak, and (b) projects axially outwardly from the base, (4) has a peripheral seal surface which is engaged in seal form by the flange of annular base seal, and (5) has a piercing element at one end axially inward of the peak. The spout closure further includes a cam track located either at the base or at the peak axially inward of the annular seal flange. The closure also includes a cam follower that is (1) located on the other of the base and the spout, and (2) engaged on the cam part so that the spikeable discharge end can be clamped to secure the peak axially from a location
no perforation, axially outward, to a drilling location, axially inward. Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, from the claims, and from the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings that form part of the specification, wherein the same numbers are used to refer to the same parts in all the drawings, Figure 1 is an isometric view of a dispenser closure of the present invention in form of a separate dispenser closure in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, and the closure is shown in an open condition, as molded, prior to its installation in a container and is shown with the peak at the non-perforation location axially out (elevated); Figure 2 is a top plan view of the closure shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane 3-3 in Figure 1; Figure 4 is an isometric, fragmentary view, it is also a cross section similar to Figure 3, but in Figure 4 the closure cap is closed and the closure is shown installed in a container;
Figure 5 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken along the plane 5-5 in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane 6-6 in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a view of the closure similar to Figure 4, but Figure 7 shows the closure cap; Figure 8 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane 8-8 in Figure 7; Figure 9 is an isometric, open view of the closure and part of the container shown in Figure 7, but in Figure 9 the closing peak has been rotated approximately 90 ° compared to Figure 7; Figure 10 is an open cross-sectional view of the closure and part of the container shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 is a top plan view of the closure spout shown in Figure 10; Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane 12-12 in Figure 11; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane 13-13 in Figure 11; Figure 14 is an isometric view, of the closing peak facing downward, bottom side of the peak; Figure 15 is an isometric view of the open closure cap and body or base (with the bill removed and not shown), and in Figure 15 the view is presented to the
bottom, bottom side of the closure body or base; Figure 16 is an isometric view of the open closure shown in Figure 1, but in Figure 16 the peak has been rotated 90 ° relative to the axially inward (lowered) 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 the plane 118-18 in Figure 17; Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along plane 19-19 in Figure 17, but Figure 19 also shows the closure installed in the container and shows the perforation of the membrane liner on top of the container; and Figure 20 is an isometric view of the open closure body or base and cap, facing bottom, bottom side of the closure body or base (and with the container omitted to facilitate illustration) with the membrane liner also shown perforated by the piercing elements of the beak. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES While the invention is susceptible to mode in many different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings disclose only a specific form as an example of the invention. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to
the described modality. The scope of the present invention is indicated in the appended claims. To facilitate the description, many of the Figures illustrating the invention show a dispenser closure system in a preferred form of a separate dispenser closure, not removable in the typical orientations that the closure has when installed on the top of a container when the container is stored vertically on its base, and terms such as upper, lower, horizontal, etc. they are used with reference to this position. It will 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 various dispensing systems of conventional or special fluid substances, including packaging, articles and other dispensing equipment or devices whose details, even if not fully illustrated or described, will be apparent to the persons with knowledge in the matter and with understanding of such systems dispensers of fluid substances. A spout system of such fluid substances, or a portion thereof, with which the spout closure system of the present invention cooperates is simply referred to below as a "container". The particular container per se, which is illustrated and described
it forms a part here and therefore does not intend to limit the broad aspects of the present invention. It will also be understood by persons with ordinary knowledge in the art that novel and non-obvious aspects from an inventive perspective are incorporated into the example dispensing system described individually. A currently preferred embodiment of a dispenser closure system of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1-20 and is designated in general terms in many of those Figures through the reference number 20 (eg, in Figure 1). In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the closure system 20 is in the form of a separate dispenser closure 20 adapted to be mounted or installed in a container 22 (see, e.g., Figures 4, 7 and 9), and the container 22 will typically contain a fluid substance. As can be seen in Figure 9, the container 22 includes an annular shoulder 25 at the upper end of the hollow body portion of the container 22. A neck 26 extends upwardly from the internal radius of the shoulder 25. The neck 26 defines an opening 27 (Figure 9) towards the interior of the container. With reference to Figures 7 and 9, a liner 28 for evidence of tampering, defined by a membrane in the form of a pierceable disc, is placed
initially through the top of the neck of the container 26 over the opening 27 within the closure 20. That is, the membrane, disc, or liner 28 is interposed between the container 22 and the closure 20. Figures 4-10 show the liner 28 before perforation when the user manipulates the closure in accordance with what is described in detail below, and Figures 9 and 20 show the liner 28 after perforation. The liner 28 can be any special type or conventional type liner (for example, an aluminum sheet (with or without a laminated upper and / or lower layer of thermoplastic material) or a fully non-metallic membrane that includes at least a layer of thermoplastic material In a preferred embodiment of a package employing the closure of the present invention, the liner 28 is typically thermally sealed through the top of the neck of the container 26 and on said top portion. it may alternatively be sealed through and to an inner surface facing downwards or inner surfaces in the closure 20 instead of being transversally sealed and on top of the neck of the container 26 or in addition thereto. in the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 9, it has male, external threads 29 for engagement with the spout closure system 26.
The body of the container 22 may have any suitable configuration, and the neck projecting upwards 26 may have a different cross-sectional size and / or a different shape of the container body. (Alternatively, the container 22 does not have to have a neck 26, per se On the contrary, the container 22 can consist of only one body with an opening. In a currently preferred embodiment, the closure 20 is adapted to be fixed with a thread but not removably, on top of the container 22. For that purpose, the upper portion of the container, such as the neck 26, includes one or more anti-rotation teeth 29A (FIG. 9) for engaging a portion of the closure 20. in accordance with what is described in more detail below. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 and 10, there are two groups of anti-rotation teeth 29A where each group comprises three teeth 29A (Figure 6), and the two groups of teeth 29A are located diametrically opposite each other. While the container 22 per se is not part of the broader aspects of the present invention, per se, it will be noted that at least a portion of the dispenser closure system 20 of the present invention can optionally be provided in the form of a portion unit, or extension of the upper part of the container 22. However, in the
Preferred embodiment illustrated, the spout closure system 20 is a fully separate article per unit (e.g., a dispenser closure 20) which may comprise either one piece or several pieces, and adapted to be installed removably or non-removably already either in a previously manufactured container 22 having an opening 27 towards the interior of the container or in another fluid handling system. Next, the spout or closure system 20 will be more simply known as the closure 20. The preferred illustrated embodiment of the closure 20 is adapted to be used with a container 22 having an opening 27 to provide access to the interior of the container. and to a product (ie, a material in the form of a fluid substance) contained therein (after the perforation of the liner 28). The closure 20 can be used to supply various substances, including but not limited to liquid examples, suspensions, mixtures, etc. (such as a personal care product, an industrial or household cleaning product, or other compositions of materials, for example, compositions for use in activities involving manufacturing, commercial or domestic maintenance, construction, agriculture, medical treatment. , military operations, etc.). The container 22 with which the closure 20 can be used
it will typically be a container that can be deformed by pressure having a flexible wall or several flexible walls that can be held by the user and deformed by pressure or compressed in order to increase the internal pressure inside the container in order to force the product towards out of the container and through the open closure. A flexible container wall of this type will typically have sufficient inherent resiliency such that when the forces exerting a pressure are removed, the container wall will return to its normal, unpressurized form. A container that can be deformed by applying pressure of this type is preferred in many applications but does not have to be necessary or preferred in other applications. For example, in certain applications, it may be desirable to employ a generally rigid container and pressurize the interior of the container in time selected by a piston or other pressurization systems (not shown), or reduce the ambient outside pressure around the exterior of the closure with the object to suck the material through the open closure. In another alternative embodiment (not illustrated), wherein the closure does not contain a pressure-operable valve, the container can be substantially rigid, especially in applications where the product is a low viscosity liquid that can be easily dispensed by the
inversion of the container and then emptying the liquid through the open closure. It is now contemplated that many applications employing the closure 20 may conveniently be made by the mold or at least some of the components of the closure 20 from a suitable thermoplastic material or from suitable thermoplastic materials. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, some of the closure components may be molded from a suitable thermoplastic material, for example, but not limited to, polypropylene. The closure components can be molded separately - and can be molded from different materials. The materials can have the same color and the same texture 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 unitary molded body or base 30 and a cap or cap 32 connected together with a hinged fastener 31, (2) a peak 34, (3) an assortment valve 36 which is adapted to be mounted on the spout 34, and (4) a retaining ring 38 which retains the valve 36 at the top of the spout 34. In the preferred form of the present invention, the cap 32 is provided so that it is erroneous on the part
top of the closure base or body 30 and cover the upper part of the closure base or body 30. The cap 32 can be moved to expose the upper part of the base or body 30 for assortment. The cap 32 can be moved 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 shown), the cap 32 can be a separate component completely removable from the closure base 30, or the cap 32 can be fastened on the base 30 by a band. In another alternative design (not illustrated), the plug can be completely omitted. In the illustrated preferred embodiment the plug 32 is hinged on the base 30 in order to allow pivoting movements of the plug 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 a collar Inner 44 extends downward from the platform 40 to engage the neck of the container 26 when the closure base 30 is mounted on the container 22 (as shown in Figure 4). As can be seen in Figures 3, 9, and 15, the internal part of the internal collar 44 defines an internal, female thread 46 for engaging the thread in a threaded manner
male 29, external to the neck of the container (Figure 4) when the spout closure base 30 is installed in the container neck 26. Alternatively, the closure collar 44 may be provided with some other container connection means, such as a friction fitting bead or slot (not shown) for engaging a container neck or bead neck (not shown), respectively. Also, the inner closure base collar 44 can be permanently fixed on the container 22 by means of induction melting, ultrasonic melting, adhesion, or the like, according to the materials used for the internal closure base collar 44 and the container 22 In such alternative embodiments, the liner 28 will have been initially sealed through the upper portion of the container neck 26 prior to permanently securing the closure 20 to the neck 26, and a conventional liner fixation process (with commented below). In the base collar 44, below the thread 46, the base collar 44 includes at least one detent tooth 50 (Figures 5, 6, 9, and 15) adapted to (1) deviate beyond the teeth of ratchet 29A anti-rotation of the container when the base 30 is screwed onto the container neck 26, and (2) abut against at least one of the ratchet teeth 29A anti-rotation container when a
torque on the base 30 in the unscrewing direction thus preventing unscrewing of the base 30 relative to the container 22. In the preferred embodiment, there are several detent teeth 50 of this type spaced evenly around the inner circumference of the collar of closure base 44. The closure base collar 44 may have any suitable configuration for housing a neck 26 projecting upwardly of the container 22 or for housing any other portion of a container received within a particular configuration of the internal collar of the container. closure base 44 - even if a container does not have a neck, per se. The main part of the container 22 can have a different cross-sectional shape from the neck of the container 26 and internal collar of the closure base 44. The collar in each of the closure base 44 can be adapted to be mounted on other types of container systems handling of fluid substances (for example, including devices, machines or dispersion equipment). In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the container neck receiving passage in the internal closure base collar 44 has a generally cylindrical configuration but includes the inwardly projecting thread 46. However, the base collar Close 44 can have other configurations. For example, the inner collar
Closure base 44 may have a prism configuration or a polygon configuration adapted to be mounted on the top of a container neck having a polygonal configuration. Said prismatic or polygonal configurations would not allow the use of a thread fixation, but other fixing means could be provided such as for example a pearl array and snap-fit slot, adhesive, or the like. As can be seen in Figure 10, the closure base 30 includes an inner sleeve 54 concentric with the internal collar 44, but located radially inwardly of said inner collar. The inner sleeve 54 projects axially downwardly from the inner edge of the closure base platform 40. The distal end of the inner base sleeve 54 defines an annular seal surface 56 (Figure 15) for sealing against the surface that faces upwardly of the liner 28 when the liner 28 is installed on the top of the neck of the container 26 and when the closure base 30 is installed on the neck of the container 26 as shown in Figure 8. When the closure base 30 is installed in the form of a thread on the neck of the container 26, a sufficient torque is applied to force the annular seal surface 56 tightly against a peripheral portion of the liner 28 on the neck of a container 26, in order to form an airtight seal
the liquids which remains effective after the subsequent perforation of the liner 28 or its otherwise breaking t when the closure 20 is actuated to open the container 22 as will be explained in more detail below. As can be seen in Figures 9 and 10, the inner base sleeve 54 defines a receiving passage that extends through the sleeve 54 and, in combination with the adjacent collar 44, defines a passage that extends fully through of the base 30. The receiving passage through the closure base 30 is adapted to receive the peak 30 in accordance with what is described in more detail below. At the top of the inner sleeve of the closure base 54, around the inner edge of the annular platform 40, there is an annular seal flange 60. The seal flange 60 is located axially outwardly from at least a portion of the sealing flange 60. 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 at the upper end of the length of the receiving passage through the base 30. The flange seal 60 extends radially inwardly from a peripheral portion of the upper end of the receiving passage defined by the inner sleeve 54, and the seal flange 60 has an annular seating surface defining an upper opening in the receiving passage .
The lower sleeve 54 and the seal flange 60 are adapted to receive portions of the peak 34. For this purpose, the inner sleeve 54 defines a generally cylindrical inner surface that includes at least one cam groove or a cam track 70 (FIG. 10). In the preferred embodiment, there are three slots or cam tracks 70 of this type. Each groove or track 70 is located axially inwardly of the seal flange 60. Preferably each cam track is in the form of a channel that opens radially inward and that extends partially around the inner circumference of the inner sleeve 54 as a portion thereof. or segment of a helical path. The three cam tracks 70, in the preferred embodiment, are equally spaced around the inner surface of the inner sleeve of closing base 54. As can be seen in Figures 10 and 15, with each cam track 70 there is associated a axially oriented slot 71 located at a predetermined circumferential location at one end of the associated cam track 70 to allow installation of the spout 34 in accordance with what is described below. Each slot 71 has one end open axially inwardly and one side has a curved inlet surface 75 (Figure 10 and 15). Each slot 71 has an axially outward end that terminates in a radially inwardly extending ramp 77 (Figure 15) that is adjacent to the
cam track 70, but slightly separated from it. With reference to cam track 70 illustrated in Figure 10, each cam track 70 may be considered, in the preferred embodiment, as extending in a partially helical configuration less than 360 ° around the inner sleeve of closure base 54 between a first end 81 and a second end 82. The associated slot 71 is located adjacent the first end 81 of the cam track 70. Likewise, in the preferred embodiment, the inner sleeve of the closure base 54 defines a first rib 91 which projects into the cam track 70 near the first end 81, and defines a second rib 92 projecting into the cam track 70 near the second end 82. The ribs 91 and 92 provide an indication of tactile feel and / or audible click of the initial position and final position of peak 34 during operation of peak 34 by the user as will be explained in more detail below. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, wherein a plug 32 is provided wherein the plug 32 is connected to the closure body 30 with a hinge 31 (Figure 9), the hinge 31 can be of any suitable type. One hinge shape 31 that can be used to advantage is the pressure action type hinge described in US Patent No. 6,321,923. Other types of hinges can be used. In certain applications, the hinge can be completely
omitted, and plug 32 does not have to be connected to body 30 at all. In other applications, it may be desirable to completely omit the plug 32. When a plug, such as the plug 32, is used, it may be desirable to provide a conventional bead bead (not shown) along a portion or portions of the plug. bottom edge of cap 32 and provide a corresponding conventional latch bead (not shown) or notch (not shown) about a portion or portions of the edge of the closure body platform 40. When the cap 32 is closed, the bead The plug bolt passes over the body bolt bead to provide a locked latch. To facilitate opening of the plug 32, the plug 32 may include an indentation (not shown) to function as a thumb elevator or thumb lifter (not shown), and the closure body 30 may also define a finger reception recess (not shown) or thumb restriction recess (not shown). The mobile peak 34 will be discussed below with reference to Figures 9, 13, and 14 among others. With reference to Figure 9, the peak 34 can be characterized in that it has an axially innermost portion 101, an intermediate portion of a smaller diameter 102, and an axially external portion 103. The axially outer portion 103 is a discharge end
fastener having a pair of diametrically opposite tongues 105 (Figure 9) that can be held by the user to twist or rotate the spout 34 (in the direction of rotation indicated by arrows 100 visible in Figures 1, 2, 11, 16, 17 at peak 34, in accordance with what is described in more detail below). The inside of the spout 34 is hollow and can be characterized by defining a spout passage extending through the spout. The intermediate portion of the spout 102 has a peripheral seal surface 108 (Figures 7, 8 and 10) adapted to be hooked in seal form by the annular seal flange surface 62 of the closure base. The seal engagement between the surfaces 608 and 108 offers a liquid tight sub-seal under static conditions as well as when the user rotates the spout 34 in accordance with what is discussed below. The innermost portion of the spout 101 at the axially inward end of the spout 34 defines at least one piercing element 120 (Figures 13 and 14) for piercing the skin 28 in accordance with what is described in detail below. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, two piercing elements 120 are provided in diametrically opposite locations in the innermost portion of the peak 101. In the preferred embodiment, each piercing element 120 includes four surfaces 121, 122, 123, and 124 that come together
generally at a location defining a narrow end, an edge or a point 126. As can be seen in Figures 13 and 14, at least one cam follower 130 projects radially outward from the lower portion of peak 101. In In the preferred embodiment, there are three cam followers 130 equally spaced around the circumference of the lower peak portion 101. As can be seen in Figure 13 each cam follower 130 includes an axially outward entry surface 136 for receiving the insert of the peak 34 in the closure base 30 in accordance with what is described below. Each cam follower 130 has a general configuration of a rectangular prism when viewed in cross section (Figure 13), but with the "cut" corner defined by the axially outward, additional input surface 136. Each cam follower 130 is adapted to be received in one of the cam tracks 70. For this purpose, each cam follower 130, when viewed in lateral elevation, preferably the shape of the arc of a segment or a propeller with the object of being received correspondingly in the channel of one of the helical cam tracks 70. In the preferred embodiment, the spout 34 is adapted to receive and hold the valve 36. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the particular valve 36, or any other type of valve, does not have to be used. In the modality
Preferred that valve 36 employs, the axially outer end portion 103 of the spout includes an annular bead 142 and an annular wall 144 extending axially inwardly. A portion of the fluid substance spout passage is defined by the annular wall 144. The spout passage within the upper portion of the annular wall 144 is protected by four arms 148 extending radially inward from the annular wall 144 as shown in FIG. it can be seen in Figures 11 and 14 and that they meet in a central portion 150. The distal end axially inward of the annular wall 144 defines a generally frustoconical surface 154 (Figure 13) that functions as an annular, angled holding surface inwards, or seat to engage the peripheral part of the valve 36 as will be explained in more detail below. The valve 36 is adapted to be mounted on the closure spout 34 as shown in Figure 8. The preferred form of the valve 36 is a flexible, pressure-operable slit-type valve, retained on the inside of the spout. 34 by means of the retention ring 38 in accordance with what is described in detail below. Valve 36 is preferably molded as a unitary structure from a material that is flexible, collapsible, resilient and elastic. This could include
elastomers, such as a synthetic thermosetting polymer, including silicone rubber, such as silicone rubber sold by Dow Corning Corp. in the United States of America under the commercial designation of D.C. 99-595-HC. Other suitable silicone rubber material is sold in the United States of America under the designation of acker 3003-40 or Wacker Silicone Company. Both materials have a hardness rating of 40 Shore A. The valve 36 can also be molded from other thermosetting materials or from other elastomeric materials, or from thermoplastic polymers or thermoplastic elastomers, including those based on in materials such as propylene, ethylene, urethane, and styrene thermoplastics, including their halogenated counterparts. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the valve 36 has the configuration and valve design commercially available in substantial accordance with that disclosed in the US Patent NO. 5,676,289 with reference to the valve 46 disclosed in the North American Patent NO. 5,676,289. The operation of a valve type of this kind is further described with reference to the similar valve designated by the 3d reference number in US Patent No. 5,409,144. The descriptions of these two patents are incorporated herein by reference to the extent pertinent and to the extent that they are not inconsistent
with the present. The valve 36 is flexible and changes in configuration between (1) a closed rest position (as shown closed in a vertical container in Figures 10 and 11) and (2) an active, open position (not shown). The valve 36 includes a flexible central portion or head 160 (Figures 8 and 10). When the valve 36 is not actuated, the head 160 has a concave configuration (when viewed from the outside of the closure spout 34). The head 160 preferably has two intersecting, planar, mutually perpendicular intersecting slots 162 of equal length that together define a normally closed dispensing orifice. The intersecting slits 162 define four fins or petals of the same size, generally in the form of sectors in the concave central head 160. The flaps open outwardly from the point of intersection of the slits 162 in response to a pressure differential increasing through the valve 36 when the pressure differential is of sufficient magnitude as is well-known in the US Patent. No. 5,409,144. The valve 36 may be molded with the slits 162. Alternatively, the valve slits 162 may be subsequently cut into the central head 160 of the valve 36 through suitable conventional techniques. As can be seen in Figure 8, valve 36 includes
a skirt or sleeve 164 extending from the central valve wall or head 160. At the outer end of the sleeve 164, a thin annular flange 168 (Figure 8) is observed extending peripherally from the sleeve 164 in a reverse angle orientation when the valve 36 is in the rest condition, not actuated. The thin flange 168 is fused with a much thicker, enlarged peripheral flange 170 having a generally dovetail-like cross section (as can be seen in Figure 8). To allow the valve 36 to approach the peak 34, the upper surface of the dovetail-shaped valve flange 170 has the same frustoconical configuration and angle as the frustoconical peak or seat surface 154. The other surface (is say, the bottom surface) of the valve flange 170 is held by the retainer ring 38 (Figures 8 and 9). The retaining ring 38 includes a frustoconical annular retaining surface 172, facing outwardly or upwardly (FIGS. 8 and 9) to engage the axially internal surface (i.e., the bottom surface) of the valve flange 170 a an angle corresponding to the angle of the adjacent internal surface of the dovetail configuration of the valve flange 170. The peripheral portion of the retention ring 38 includes a
outwardly projecting flange 178 (FIGS. 8 and 9) for snap engagement with annular bead 142 (Figures 8 and 13) projecting radially inwardly on the inner side of peak 34. Prior to installation of peak 34 in the closure base 30, the valve 36 can be inserted into the open bottom end of the spout 34 together with the retention ring 38. The valve flange 170 is temporarily deformed as the valve 36 is pushed past the spike 142 with the ring 38, and the valve flange 170 sits against the frusto-conical surface of spout or seat 154. The retention ring 38 can also be pushed past the retention bead 142 since there is sufficient flexibility in the annular ring. retension 38 and / or spout 34 to accommodate a temporary elastic deformation of the components as the retention ring flange 178 passes over the beak stud 142 and beyond it to create a snap-fit engagement. A device that compresses or holds the valve flange 170 against the frustoconical peak surface 154 (FIG. 8). This allows the region adjacent the inner surface of the valve sleeve 164 to be substantially open and free to accommodate movement of the valve sleeve 164 in accordance with what is described below. In alternative embodiments contemplated (not illustrated) the valve 36 can be suitably fixed on an attachment
of unit assembly in the spout 34 or otherwise retained in the spout 34 by various means, including stamping, coining, glue, ultrasonic welding, etc. In another contemplated alternative embodiment (not illustrated) the closure peak 34 may be molded to form a unitary, generally rigid structure, and then the valve 36 may be molded by bi-injection into the spout 34 (or, optionally, in the spout 34). outer distal end of the spout 34) without the need for a retaining ring 38. When the valve 36 is mounted within the particular shape of the type 34 illustrated in Figures 8 and 11-14, the central head 160 of the valve 36 is recessed within the retaining ring 38. In the preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the valve head 160 in the center of the slits 162 (Figure 8) is located below the clamping surface 154 of the spout 34 when the valve 36 is closed. However, after the opening of the membrane 28 as described below, and when the inner part of the package is subsequently pressurized (and also typically inverted) to supply the contents through the valve 36, then the valve head 160 is forced outward from its recessed position (shown in Figure 8) towards the outer end of the gasket and beyond the retaining ring 38 - closer to the open end of the spout 34 - and the valve 36 opens.
In order to supply product, the membrane is first opened in accordance with what is described below and the package is then typically tipped down, or completely inverted (and also tightened if the container 22 is of the pressure-deformation type). A container that can be deformed by applying pressure 22 can be squeezed to increase the pressure inside the container 22 above the ambient external atmospheric pressure. This pushes the product in the container 22 towards the valve 36 and against it, and this pushes the valve 36 from the recessed or retracted position (shown in Figure 8) to an outward extension position (see, for example, the outwardly extending position of valve 46 substantially identical in Figure 5 of US Patent No. 5,676,289 (which also shows valve 46 in the rest position retracted in broken lines in Figure 5 and show valve 46 open in the extended position in solid lines in Figure 2-4)). The outward displacement 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 projection rest position inward to a pressurized position, displaced outwardly, and this occurs by the sleeve 154"rolling" on itself outward towards the outer end of the package.
However, when the internal pressure becomes sufficiently high after the valve head 160 has moved out to the position of maximum extension, the slits 162 of the valve 36 open to supply the fluid substance (not shown in the Figures) . The fluid substance is then expelled or discharged through the open slits 162. The dispensing action discussed above the valve 36 in the illustrated preferred form of a pressure-type package with a plug 32 will typically occur only after (1) that the cap 32 has been moved to the open position (Figure 7), (2) membrane 28 has been opened according to what is described below, (3) the package has been tilted down or inverted and (4) container 22 has been tight. The pressure on the inner side of the valve 36 will cause the opening of the valve 36 when the differential between the internal pressure and the external pressure reaches a predetermined level. Preferably, the valve 36 is designed to open only after a sufficiently large pressure differential acts on the valve 36 - as by applying a sufficiently increased pressure to the internal part of the container 22 (for example, by pressing the container 22 with sufficient force (if the container 22 is not a rigid container or by
the application of a sufficiently reduced (ie, vacuum) pressure to the exterior of the spout 34. According to the particular valve design, the open valve 36 may subsequently close when the pressure differential decreases, or the valve 36 may remain open yet if the pressure differential decreases to 0. In the preferred embodiment of the valve 36 illustrated in the preferred embodiment of the system shown in Figures 1-20, the valve 36 is designed to close when the pressure differential is reduced to a predetermined amount , or below that magnitude. Accordingly, when the pressure generated by squeezing the container 22 is released, the valve 36 closes and the valve head 160 retracts to its rest position, recessed within the peak 34. Preferably, the valve 36 is designed to resist the weight of the fluid on the inner side of the valve 36 when the container 22 is completely inverted. As a design of this type if the container 22 is inverted while the valve 36 is closed, but the container 22 is not squeezed, then the simple weight of the fluid substance on the valve 36 does not cause the opening of the valve 36, nor that the valve 36 remains open. Further, if the container 22 in which the closed valve 36 is mounted accidentally turns after the opening of the cap 32 and
membrane 28, then the product still does not flow through valve 36 since valve 36 remains closed. In a preferred embodiment the petals of the valve 36 open outwardly only when the valve head 130 is subjected to a predetermined pressure differential acting in a gradient direction where the pressure on the inner surface of the valve head exceeds - by a predetermined amount - the local ambient pressure on the external surface of the valve head. The product can then be stocked through the open valve 36 until the pressure differential falls below a predetermined amount and until the petals close completely. If the preferred form of the valve 36 has also been designed to be sufficiently flexible to allow the penetration of ambient atmosphere in accordance with what is described in detail below, then the closing petals may continue to move inwardly to allow the valve 36 to open towards in as the direction of the pressure differential gradient reverses and the pressure on the external surface of the valve head exceeds the pressure on the inner surface of the valve head by a predetermined amount. For certain dispensing applications, it may be desirable that the valve 36 not only supply the product but also allow such penetration of the ambient atmosphere (
example, in order to allow a tight container (in which the valve is mounted) to return to its original shape). Such inwardly ventilating capacity can be provided by selecting an appropriate material for the valve construction, and by selecting appropriate thicknesses, shapes and dimensions for various portions of the valve head 160 for the particular valve material and the Global valve size. The size, flexibility, and resilience of the valve head, and in particular of the petals, can be designed or set in such a way that the petals deviate inwardly when subjected to a sufficient pressure differential acting on the head 160 and in a gradient direction that is reversed or opposite in relation to the pressure differential gradient direction during product assortment. Said differential pressure differential can be established when a user stops tightening a resilient container 22 in which the valve 36 is mounted. The resilience of the wall of the container (or of the walls) will cause the wall to return to the normal configuration of greater volume. The increase in volume inside the container will cause a temporary, transient fall in the interior pressure. When the internal pressure falls sufficiently below the outside ambient pressure, the pressure differential in the valve 36
It will be large enough to deflect the valve petals inward to allow penetration of the ambient atmosphere. In certain cases, however, the desired velocity or the desired amount of ambient atmosphere penetration may not occur until the tightened container is returned to a substantially vertical orientation that allows product flow under the influence of valve severity. towards the bottom of the container. It will be understood that the valve spout can be defined by structures other than the slits 162 illustrated. If the orifice is defined by slits, then the slits can assume many different shapes, sizes and / or configurations in accordance with the desired assortment characteristics. For example, the hole may include 5 or more slits. The dispensing valve 36 is preferably configured for use in combination with a particular container and with a specific type of product in order to achieve the exact desired characteristics of assortment. For example, the viscosity and density of the fluid product can factors in the design of the specific configuration of the valve 36 for liquids, as well as the shape, size, and strength of the container. The stiffness and durometer of the valve material as well as the size and shape of the valve head 160 are
also relevant valve characteristics for the desired assortment characteristics, and can be equated together with the container as with the substance to be dispensed from. Preferably, the valve 36 and the internal part of the spout 34 each have a generally circular configuration, and the valve 36 and. peak 34 are aligned along a common longitudinal axis. The central intersection of the valve grooves 162 is located on the longitudinal axis. The spout 34 can be characterized in that it has a discharge flow direction axially outwardly along the axis. In the preferred embodiment the structure of the beaker arms 148 and disk 150 (Figures 13 and 14) is located above the valve 36 to protect the valve 36 when the valve 36 is closed and open. With reference to Figure 7, the protection structure of the arms 148 and disk 150 is located far enough away from the valve 36 so as not to interfere with the opening of the valve 36 or adversely affect the assortment of the fluid substance. The novel closure system can be provided and used as a different type of valve (e.g., a mechanically operated valve) or without any valve, if desired. The assortment described above of a fluid substance through peak 34 is facilitated by the location of peak 34 in
the closure body or base 30. In particular, with reference to Figure 7, s can observe that the peak 34 is at least partially placed in the receiving passage in the base 30, and that the dischargeable end of the peak 34 projects axially outward relative to the base 30 beyond the seal engagement between the peak peripheral seal surface 108 and the sealing base surface 62 on the annular seal flange 60. The spout 34, with the valve 36 and the retainer 38 already assembled there according to the above described can initially be installed in the closure base 30 in an axially outward, non-puncturing location (Figures 1-7). The initial non-drilling location of the spout 34 can be conveniently defined in relation to the subsequent installation of the complete closure 20 in the container 22 on the membrane or liner 28 (which has previously been sealed at the top of the neck of the container 26) - - wherein the peak piercing elements 120 are above the membrane 28. The membrane 28 can be placed in the container 22 in the container filling line after the container 22 has been filled with the fluid substance and then technically sealed the container before the installation of the closure 20. If the membrane 28 is a liner that includes a layer of metal foil, the foil liner 28 may be technically sealed on the neck of the foil.
container through well-known methods of induction heating or conductive heating. Other methods of thermal bonding or adhesive bonding can be used if the liner 28 does not contain a metal sheet. The present invention facilitates the installation of the spout 34 (with the valve 36 and the retaining ring 38 mounted therein) at the non-drilling location in the closure base 30 such that the piercing elements 120 of the spout 34 are initially spaced above of the upper surface of the liner or membrane 28 when the closure 20 is subsequently screwed into the container 22 on the membrane 28. With reference to the decoupling base 30 shown in Figure 10, it will be noted that each axially oriented slit 71 associated with one of the cam tracks 70 is located adjacent the upper end of the cam track 70. For initial installation of the peak 34 (which contains the valve 36 and the retaining ring 38), the peak 34 is located at the open end bottom of the closure base 30, and the peak 34 is then rotated as necessary to place each of the cam followers 130 of peak (Figures 11-14) in an axial alignment with a hen 71. In an automatic assembly process, the spout 34 (with the valve 36 and retaining ring 38. mounted there) can be held by conventional installation mandrel to rotate the spout 34 while the spout 34 also moves.
axially in the closure base 30 under an appropriate axial force (typically generated by an axially loaded spring assembly). With reference to the inverted closure base 30 illustrated in Figure 15, peak 34 (with valve 36 and retaining ring 38 mounted there) is rotated (either automatically with the installation mandrel or manually) in a counter direction clockwise when viewed downward toward the inverted closure base 30 in Figure 15. Rotation in the counterclockwise direction would cause the peak cam followers 130 (Figure 14) to move initially along the annular end surface 56 of the inner handle 54 until each cam follower 130 reaches the arcuate inlet surface 75 of one of the slots 71. Since an axial force is applied simultaneously to the peak of rotation 34 (either through an automatic installation mandrel or manually), the cam followers 130 slide along the entry surfaces 75 and into the slots 71. A rotation to This is avoided by the vertical wall of each slot 71 opposite the inlet surface 75. An automatically installed mandrel would employ a system in the opposite direction to the clockwise (as seen from the downward view in Figure 15). appropriate torque limiting rotation impeller that
would prevent the application of excessive torque on the spout 34 in order to avoid otherwise damaging the components as the spout 34 is pushed axially into the closure base 30 guided by the cam followers 130 in the slots 71. When the cam followers 130 reach the radially extending inwardly extending ramp 77 (Figure 15) at the end of each slot 71, each cam follower 130 travels along the ramp 77 and in the upper end of the associated track 70. There is sufficient flexibility in portions of the peak 34 and / or in portions of the closure base 30 to accommodate a temporary elastic deformation of the spout 34 and / or closure base 30 by an amount sufficient to allow Cam followers 130 slide on ramps 77 and enter cam tracks 70. This arrangement ensures that peak 34 (with valve 36 and retaining ring 38 mounted there) is initially located in its position. n non-drilling elevated within the closure base 30 such that the peak piercing elements 120 are located initially above the liner or membrane 28 as shown in Figure 8 when the closure 20 is subsequently screwed onto 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 a
certain resistance to the rotation of the spout 34 (in the counterclockwise direction as seen downward in the upper outer portion of the closure base 30 and spout 34 in Figure 2). If the user rotates the peak 34 in the counterclockwise direction as seen by looking down at the top of the peak 34 and closing base 30 in the 'Figure 2 then the initial resistance offered by the upper rib 91 (Figure 10) would have to be overcome, and as the follower of the peak 130 passes over the rib 91, a tactile sensation and / or audible click would indicate the rotation of the peak 34 moving away from the fully pierced non-drilling location. Similarly, if the user continued to rotate the peak 34 in the counterclockwise direction when looking down at the top of the peak 34 and closing base 30 in Figure 2, then the cam follower peak would eventually engage the ribs 92 (Figure 10) at 'the lower ends of the cam tracks 70. As the cam followers 130 pass over the lower ribs 92 and then pass beyond the lower ribs 92 in the opposite direction of rotation at the hands of the clock, the user could hear an audible click and the user could continue to rotate further only until the cam followers 130 rest on the lower ends of the cam tracks 70
at the fully lowered location of the peak 34 (which is the most axially inward position of the peak 34 relative to the closure base 30 and at said location the peak cutting elements 120 would project significantly below the elevation of the membrane 28 if the closure 20 was mounted in a container on said membrane 28). After proper assembly of the closure 20 with the spout 34 initially located in the non-puncturing location, fully raised, the closure 20 can be screwed into the top of a container (eg, the container 22) that has been filled with a substance fluid and sealed with a liner (eg, membrane 28). The operation of the closure 20 for opening the container sealed with the membrane 28 is described below with reference to some of the Figures. Figures 1 and 8 show the peak 34 in the initial installation orientation of the peak 34 in the closure 20 where the peak 34 is at the maximum elevation location (i.e. more axially external location) relative to the base d closing 30 and where the piercing elements 120 s find their location furthest from the membrane 28 (for example, above it). Figures 17 and 18, on the other hand, show the peak 34 at the location more axially inward relative to the closure base 30. When the peak 34 is rotated for the first time by the user in
the counter-clockwise direction from the position shown in Figure 1 (the higher, non-drilling position) to the lowered position shown in Figure 16-20, peak 34 and drill elements 120 there ( Figures 19 and 20) move downward (axially inwardly) in such a manner that the membrane 28 is initially pierced by the tip 126 d of each piercing element 120. As the spout 34 continues to be rotated by the user to open the membrane 28 (by rotating the spout 34 in the counterclockwise direction when looking down at the top of the floor 34), the piercing elements 120 move in a clockwise direction when it is seen in Figure 20 from the inner part of the container 22 facing upwards in the membrane 28. The tips 128 of the piercing elements 120 are moved axially further towards ntro in the membrane 28 and through said membrane as each piercing element 120 moves in a circular arc (Figure 20). As the piercing elements 120 move further into the membrane 128 and through it, the width of the perforation, rupture, cut or opening produced by each piercing element 120 becomes larger as each piercing element 120 increases. as soon as its width with an increasing distance
toward . up (ie, axially outward) from the tip 126 (see, for example, the rear view of the cutting element 120 visible in Figure 12). Perforation and cutting of the membrane 128 by each element 120 creates a flap 190 in the membrane 28. For each flap 190 it is narrower at its free distal end and becomes wider away from the free distal end. The width of the fin increases to a maximum width resulting from engagement with the maximum width of the piercing element 120 in the upper part of the piercing element 120 where the piercing element 120 fuses with the remainder of the bill 34. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, as each piercing element 120 travels in an arc-shaped path through the membrane 28 each piercing element 120"furrows" essentially the flange 190 from a circular arc cut of length 45 Or opening in the membrane 28. The fins 190 remain connected to the rest of the membrane 28, and therefore no separate residual pieces are created. The opening, or break, or cut that is formed through the action of each piercing element 120 in the membrane 28 is preferably long enough to extend a little beyond the length of the piercing element 120 to provide a flow passage sufficient for the fluid substance to be supplied - even if
piercing elements 120 remain in the lowered position extending into a portion of the membrane 28 and through said portion. Accordingly, the user need not twist the spout 34 in the reverse direction of rotation in order to move the spout 34 back to the non-puncturing, fully elevated location. The piercing peak 34 may remain at the fully lowered location, and sufficient flow may pass through the cut, torn or open regions of the membrane 28 adjacent to the trailing ends of the piercing elements 120. The length of each track The cam 70 can be designed to facilitate the creation of a sufficiently long opening in the membrane 28 to allow the assortment of the fluid substance through the openings in the membrane 28. A highly viscous substance may require a cam track arrangement longer to provide longer circular arc cuts or openings in the membrane 28 in order to provide a larger flow area. A less viscous substance may not require such a long cam track arrangement. Alternatively, or additionally, the thickness of the upper portions of the cutting elements 120 could be increased in order to offer wider cuts or openings in the membrane 28. In an alternative design currently contemplated (not illustrated), only one track of cam 70 instead of three
Cam tracks 70 have to be provided. They could also provide more than three cam tracks. It will also be noted that only that one cam follower or more than three cam followers could be employed in alternative modes (not illustrated). However, in the presently preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-20, three cam tracks 70 are used in the closure base 30 to receive three cam followers 130 in the peak 34, and this arrangement offers a good balance and operation . It should be noted that the locations of the cam tracks 70 and cam followers 130 could be reversed. That is, in an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), a cam track or cam tracks could be provided on the radially outer surface of the peak 34, and the cam follower or cam followers (eg, pins or other protuberances) could extending radially inward from the inner sleeve 54 of the closure base on the tracks at 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 reference to Figure 8, it will be noted that the peak 34 can not be removed from the closure base 30 by the
overlapped engagement of the closure base flange 60 with the widened bottom portion 101 of the peak 34. Finally, in the preferred embodiment, wherein the closure base 30 is also equipped with at least one detent tooth 50 (FIG. ) to engage ratchet teeth 29A anti-rotation in the container (Figures 6 and 9), the closure 20 can not be easily by the user. Accordingly, the packaging remains safe and relatively resistant to tampering. If someone bent the spout 34 to pierce the membrane 28 and then iso rotate the spout 34 back to the raised position, a subsequent user could determine whether the membrane 28 has been punctured by initially tilting the container and / or squeezing the container to see if the fluid substance can be stocked. If the fluid substance can be dispensed, this would offer an indication in the sense that the membrane 28 has been previously broken. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-20, wherein a pressure operated valve 36 is installed in the spout 34, it may not be necessary in certain applications to also provide a plug 32. However for the purpose of maintaining polka or otos foreign materials outside the spout 34, the use of a plug 32 would generally be desirable. The peak 34 in the closure system of the present invention
it can be easily and effectively operated to perforate (eg, puncture, tear, tear, cut, etc.) the membrane 28 initially placed to maintain the integrity of the fluid substance that must be discharged. The closure system does not require the complete removal of a separate element (such as membrane 28) before downloading the contents, which eliminates the possibility of losing an important component of the system * supplier. Modes of the present invention in which the spout 34 (and the retaining ring 38 of the valve 36 employs) and the closure base 30 are separately manufactured components (such as the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-20) can be assembled relatively simple by the manufacturer. The system of the present invention allows use with gaskets wherein the membrane 28 is sealed on top of the container 22 and through said top portion as well as with other optional designs wherein the membrane 28 can be fastened on the underside of the container. the closure base 30 instead of being held in the upper part of the container 22, or in addition to being held over the upper part of the container. When the present invention employs the optional valve 36 (as in the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-20), the valve 36 offers additional advantages as per
example avoid spillage of fluid substance if the opened container is accidentally overturned. Also, the valve 36 may offer additional control of the assortment process (including minimizing, if not eliminating, the dripping of fluid material from the spout 34 after completion of the assortment process by the user). The valve 36 may also function to eliminate or minimize the entry of contaminants, even if an external cap 32 is not provided to close over the top of the spout 34. The spout closure system of the present invention allows the use of the membrane 28 , such as a conventional liner, without requiring the removal of the liner from the container or system. The dispenser closure system of the present invention allows the user to comfortably open a membrane (such as a conventional liner 28) without having to manipulate the container to first expose the membrane and without requiring removal of the membrane per se. The membrane or liner, after drilling, remains in the system in such a way that it does not present a garbage problem or a child drowning problem. It will be readily apparent from the above detailed description of the invention and from the illustrations thereof that numerous other variations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope
true of the novel concepts or principles of this invention.