MXPA98008037A - Valve controlled distribution closure with dispers deflector - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a closure for a container having an opening, the closure comprising: a base for mounting on the container around the opening, a distribution valve positioned through the base and defining a hole that opens to allow flow therethrough in response to increased pressure within the container and which closes to prevent flow therethrough during the removal of the increased pressure, and a dispersion baffle at the base away from the valve, the baffle defines a plurality of distribution openings

Description

"VALVE CONTROLLED DISTRIBUTION CLOSURE WITH DISPERSION DEFLECTOR" TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to container closures. The invention relates more particularly to a dispensing closure for use with a pressure extraction type container wherein the dispensing closure has a valve that opens to distribute a product from the container, when the container is tightened and closed automatically when the clamping pressure is released.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND TECHNICAL PROBLEMS IMPOSED BY THE PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE The fine powder (e.g., body powder or cosmetic powder) can be conventionally packaged in a package having a dispensing closure that includes a container cover defining a plurality of dispensing openings or holes. A solid cap or lid is typically provided to be releasably secured in the cover to occlude the dispensing orifices when the container is not in use. This prevents spillage if the container is dropped or tipped. The coating can also help keep the contents cool and can reduce the entry of contaminants. The inventors of the present invention have discovered that it would be advantageous to provide an improved system for distributing a product, especially a powder. In particular, it would be desirable to provide a powder distribution system that does not require the use of a reclosable cover to prevent spillage if the package is inadvertently tilted. It would also be desirable to provide an improved dispensing system that eliminates or minimizes the admission of contaminants even when a lid is not placed in the container. A variety of packages, including distribution containers have been developed for personal care products that are in liquid form (shampoo, lotions, etc.). One type of closure for these kinds of packages includes a flexible, self-locking, slot-type dispensing valve mounted above the container opening. The valve has a slot or slits defining a normally closed orifice that opens to allow fluid to flow therethrough in response to increased pressure within the container when the container is tightened. The valve closes automatically to prevent the flow of fluid through it during the separation of the increased pressure. The closure designs using these valves are illustrated in U.S. Patent Number 5,271,531. Typically the closure includes a base mounted on the container neck to define a seat for receiving the valve and includes a retaining ring or housing structure for retaining the valve in the seat in the base. The closure can be provided with an articulated cover to cover the valve during shipping or when the package is packed to travel (or when the container is otherwise not used). See, for example, Figures 31-34 of U.S. Patent Number 5,271,531. The cover can keep the valve clean and / or protect the valve from damage. It would be desirable, however, to provide an improved closure system that could be used even more conveniently with a dispensing valve and which, in appropriate applications, eliminates the need to always use an outer cover. The inventors of the present invention have discovered that the use of this valve to distribute fluid and non-fluid materials (e.g., powders) may provide advantages in some applications. However, the inventors have also discovered that the distribution of some materials, (eg, powder) through a valve in a closure, can result in discharge that lacks desirable distribution pattern characteristics and / or flow characteristics. desirable mass. Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide a valve distribution system for materials, especially powders, wherein desirable distribution patterns and discharge quantities can be easily obtained. further, it would be beneficial if the components of the closure could be provided with an improved system to easily accommodate all the components during the manufacture of the closure. It would also be desirable if this improved closure could be provided with a design that would accommodate efficient, high-quality, high-volume manufacturing techniques with a reduced product rejection regime. In addition, this improved closure should advantageously accommodate its use with a variety of conventional packages having a variety of conventional package finishes, such as conventional threaded or press fit configurations. The present invention provides an improved closure that can accommodate designs that have the benefits and features discussed above.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, an improved dispensing closure is provided for an opening into the package interior. The closure uses a distribution valve. Depending on the application, the closure may also include a lid. The dispensing closure is especially suitable for use to distribute fine powder, e.g. body powder or cosmetic powder). The closure accommodates the distribution of the powder into desirable distribution patterns and at desirable mass flow rates or discharge rates. The closure includes a base to be mounted on the container around the opening of the container. A distribution valve is placed through the base. The distribution valve defines a hole that opens to allow flow therethrough in response to increased pressure within the container and closes to retain flow therethrough during the removal of the increased pressure. A dispersion baffle at the base out of the valve is provided to control the discharge characteristics. The baffle defines a plurality of distribution openings.

In a preferred embodiment, the closure also includes an articulated cover to move between a closed position covering the baffle, and an open position where the baffle is uncovered. Many other advantages of the features of the present invention, the following detailed description of the invention, the claims and the accompanying drawings will become readily apparent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings that form part of the specification, where like numbers are used to designate like parts throughout, Figure 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a first embodiment of a closure of the present invention shown in its place in a container; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the valve, of a slot separated from the closure illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a top plan view of the valve shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the valve shown in Figure 2; Figure 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane 5-5 in Figure 1, and Figure 5 shows, in solid lines, the valve in an open distribution position and shows, in lines of dashes, the valve in a closed position of non-distribution; Figure 6 is a perspective view of another form of a slit valve that can be used in the closure of the present invention; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane 7-7 in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view similar to Figure 5, but Figure 8 illustrates a second embodiment of the closure of the present invention employing the modified form of the valve illustrated in Figures 6 and 7; Figure 9 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view, similar to Figure 8, but Figure 9 illustrates a third embodiment of the closure of the present invention, wherein the third embodiment of the closure employs a valve of the type illustrated in Figures 2 to 4 and also employs an articulated lid; Figure 10 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view similar to Figure 9, but Figure 10 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the closure employing the valve illustrated in Figures 2 to 4; Figure 11 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view similar to Figure 10, but Figure 11 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the closure employing a cartridge assembly that includes the valve of the type shown in Figures 2 to 4; Figure 12 is a plan view of the cartridge used in the fifth embodiment illustrated in Figure 11; Figure 13 is a side elevational view partially in cross section that is generally taken along the plane 13-13 in Figure 12; Figure 14 is a perspective view of the cartridge illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, but the Figure 14 shows the cartridge in an open configuration before being assembled with the valve of the subsequent closure of the cartridge; Figure 15 is a plan view of the cartridge shown in Figure 14; and Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane 16-16 in Figure 15.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Although this invention is susceptible to the embodiment in many different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings disclose only some specific forms as examples of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described, and the scope of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims. For ease of description, the closure of this invention is described in different positions, and terms such as upper, lower, horizontal, etc., are used with reference to these positions. It will be understood, however, that the components of the closure can be manufactured and stored in orientations other than those described. Referring to the Figures, a first embodiment of a closure of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 and is generally depicted in Figures 1 and 5 by reference number 40. The closure 40 is adapted to be placed in a package, such as a package 42 (Figures 1 and 5) having a conventional mouth or opening 39 formed by a neck 43 (Figure 5) or other appropriate structure. The neck 43 typically has (but need not have) a circular cross-sectional configuration and the body of the container 42 may have another configuration in cross section, such as an oval cross-sectional shape for example. The closure 40 can be made of a thermoplastic material or other materials, compatible with the contents of the container. The package 42 can be stored and used in the orientation shown in Figure 1, where the closure 40 is on the top of the package 42. The package 42 can also be stored normally in an inverted position (not shown). When stored in the inverted position, the container 42 employs the closure 40 as a support base. The container 42 is a pressure extraction container having a flexible wall or walls that can be held by the user and compressed to increase the internal pressure within the container in order to squeeze the product out of the container through the closure (as will be explained). in detail below). The container wall typically has sufficient inherent resiliency so that when the pressure forces are removed, the container wall returns to its normal, non-strenuous shape. The closure 40 includes a base 50, a dispersion baffle 41 and a valve 46. In the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 5, the body 50 includes an internal angular wall 52 having a conventional thread 54 or other suitable means ( eg, a conventional press fit flange (not shown)) for engaging an appropriate cooperating means such as a thread 55 on the neck 43 of the container (Figure 5) to secure the base 50 of the container closure 42. upper part of the annular inner wall 52, the base 50 of the closure has a transverse cover 56 extending above the upper distal end of the neck 43 of the container. The cover 56 has an annular flexible seal 58 extending downwardly that is received against the inner edge of the neck 43 of the container in the opening 41 of the neck of the container in order to provide a leak tight seal between the cover 56 of the body of the container. closure and the neck 43 of the container. As illustrated in Figure 5, the cover 56 of the closure body defines a discharge opening 60 above the opening 39 of the container neck. A collar 62 projects upwardly from the cover 56 of the closure body around the discharge opening 60. An annular sleeve 64 of larger diameter is positioned outwardly of the collar 62 and projects upwardly from the cover 56 of the body. The sleeve 64 defines an annular groove 66 open inwards. In the preferred form of the valve 46 illustrated, the valve 46 is of known design employing a flexible resilient material that can be opened to distribute the product. Valve 46 is preferably made of thermosetting elastomeric materials such as silicone, natural rubber and the like. It is also proposed that the valve 46 be made of thermoplastic elastomers based on materials such as thermoplastic propylene, ethylene, urethane and styrene, including their halogenated duplicates. A valve that is similar to, and functionally analogous to, valve 46, is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,439,143. However, the valve 46 has a peripheral flange structure (which will be described in detail below) that differs from the flange structure of the valve shown in U.S. Patent 5,439,143. The description of the valve disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,439,143 is hereby incorporated by reference to the extent related to and to the extent not inconsistent therewith. As illustrated in Figures 2 to 5, the valve 46 includes a flexible central wall 96 having an outwardly concave configuration and defining at least one and preferably two distribution slots 98 extending through the wall 96. central. A preferred form of the valve 46 has two mutually perpendicular intersecting grooves 98 of equal length. The intersecting grooves 98 define four, fins or petals generally in the form of a sector in the concave central wall 96. As shown in Figure 5, the flaps open outwardly from the point of intersection of the slits 98 in response to an increased pressure of sufficient magnitude in the well known manner described in U.S. Patent Number 5,439,143. The valve 46 includes a skirt 100 (Figures 2 and 5) extending outwardly from the central wall 96 of the valve. At the outer (upper) end of the skirt 100, there is a thin annular flange 102 (Figures 2, 3 and 5) extending peripherally from the skirt 100 in an angled downward orientation. The thin flange 102 terminates in a much thicker peripheral enlarged flange 104, which has a generally dovetail-shaped cross section. To accommodate the valve seat 46 in the closure 40, the underside of the baffle 41 defines an annular, downwardly angled, grip surface 106 for engaging the top portion of the valve flange 104. The lower part of the valve flange 104 is meshed by an annular shoulder in the cover 56 of the base defining an annular seating surface 108 at an upward angle.

The separation between the clamping surface of the cover 106 and the surface 108 of the settlement of the cover increases with the radial distance increased from the center of the valve 46. This configuration defines an annular cavity with a cross section having a tail shape of kite which generally conforms to the cross-sectional configuration of the flange 104 of the valve. This clamping arrangement securely retains the valve 46 in the closure 40 without requiring special internal support structures or support members adjacent to the interior surface of the cylindrical skirt 100 of the valve. This allows the region adjacent the valve skirt 100 to be essentially open and free to open to accommodate the movement of the valve skirt 100. When the valve 46 is properly mounted in the closed condition within the closure 40 as illustrated in the dashed lines in Figure 5, the valve 46 is recessed relative to the upper part of the base 50. However, when the container 42 is pressed to distribute the contents through the valve 46 (as described in detail in U.S. Patent Number 5,439,143), then the central wall 96 of the valve is forced outwardly from its recessed position as illustrated in solid lines in FIG. Figure 5. The baffle 41 extends above the valve 46. The baffle 41 includes a peripheral mounting flange 114 that is received between the inner collar 62 of the base and the outer sleeve 64 of the base as illustrated in the Figure 5. The tab 114 of the baffle includes an outwardly projecting annular shoulder 116 which is received within the annular groove 66 defined in the base sleeve 64. Preferably, the flange 116 of the baffle and the groove 66 of the base define a conventional snap-fit gear to retain the baffle 41 in position at the base 50 above the valve 46. The snap-fit gear between the base 50 and the baffle 41 holds the flange 104 of the valve in a leak-tight clamping gear between the base 50 and the baffle 41 as illustrated in Figure 5. In the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 5, the deflector 41 includes a lower annular cover 118 extending inwardly from the deflector mounting flange 114. The baffle 41 further includes an annular wall 120 extending upwardly from the cover 118 to provide an internal space for accommodating the movement of the valve 46 from the retracted closed position (illustrated in dashed lines in Figure 5) to the extended open position, which is (illustrated in solid lines in Figure 5). The annular wall 120 of the baffle terminates at its upper end in a transverse wall or outer baffle plate 122. The outer baffle plate 122 defines a plurality of distribution holes or openings 124 which in the preferred arrangement illustrated, are placed in a circular location around a solid central portion of the outer baffle plate 122. Preferably, the base 50, the valve 46 and the baffle 41 each have a generally circular configuration and are aligned along a common longitudinal axis as illustrated in Figures 1 and 5. The intersection of the valve grooves 98 remains on the longitudinal axis coincident with the center of the circular site of the openings 124 of the baffle. The non-perforated central portion of the baffle plate 122 within the circular array of openings 124 has a diameter that is greater than the length of each of the slots 98 of the valve. During use, the package 42 is tightened to increase the pressure within the package 42 above the ambient pressure. This forces the product into the container 42 towards the valve 46, and forces the valve 46 from the recessed or retracted position (illustrated in dashed lines in Figure 5) to the extended open position that is (illustrated in solid lines in FIG. Figure 5). When the valve 46 is subjected to an increased container pressure to open the valve, the central wall 96 of the valve (containing the slots 98) is displaced outwards while still retaining its generally concave configuration. The outward displacement of the concave central wall 96 is accommodated by the relatively thin flexible skirt 100. The skirt 100 moves from a closed rest position to the pressed position where the skirt projects outward towards the plate 122 of the external deflector. The valve 46 does not open (i.e., the slits do not open) until the central wall 96 of the valve has moved substantially completely to a fully extended position. Of course, as the central wall 96 of the valve moves outwards, the central wall 96 of the valve is subjected to compression forces directed radially inward which also tend to resist the opening of the slots 98. Likewise, the Central wall 96 of the valve usually retains its concave configuration outwardly as it moves forward and even after it reaches the fully extended position. However, if the internal pressure is sufficiently large, then the slots 96 of the valve 46 begin to open to distribute the product as illustrated in Figure 5. The product is expelled or discharged through the open slits 98. The product, which may be a liquid or a powder, is forced against the inner surface of the outer baffle plate 122 and also through the openings 124. A certain amount of the product being discharged which initially impinges on the inner surface of the plate The external deflector is forced radially and then through the apertures 124. Even when the discharge product is a fine powder, the combination of the valve 46 and the deflector 42 provides a desirable discharge pattern and discharge amount. A desirable dispersion pattern of the fine powder is achieved of course. In contrast, it has been found that when the baffle 41 is omitted from closure, the discharge of certain kinds of fine powder through the valve 46 can result in a less desirable discharge. In particular, fine dust tends to discharge into a stream that moves at too high a rate and does not disperse outwardly toward a desirable pattern. The impact of this current on discharge particles (in the user's hand, for example) is undesirably high, and the quantity of the product that has been discharged may be too large. It has been found that the combination of the baffle 41 with the valve 46 reduces the mass flow rate and provides a desirable discharge pattern. The size, shape, number and pattern of the openings 124 can be varied as desired, depending on the characteristics of the product being distributed, depending on the distribution characteristics of the valve 46, and depending on the flow rate of the valve. mass of the product that is desired. The initial velocity and volume of the product discharged from the valve 46 is usually controlled by the design characteristics of the valve and of course by the magnitude of the force of the pressure and rate of application of the pressure force to the which container 52 is subjected. A second embodiment of a closure of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 8 and is generally depicted in Figure 8 by reference numeral 40A. The closure 40A is adapted to be placed in a container 42A and the container 42A may be identical to the flexible container 42 illustrated in Figures 1 and 5 and described in detail above. As with the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the closure and container of the second embodiment can be stored and used in the orientation where the closure 40A remains on the top of the container. The package 42A may also be stored normally in an inverted position (not shown). When the inverted position is stored, the package would use the closure 40A as a support base. The closure 40A includes a baffle 41A, the valve 46A, and the base 50A. The base 50A of the closure may be essentially identical to the base 50 described above with reference to the first embodiment of the closure 40 which is illustrated in Figures 1 to 5. The valve 46A is illustrated separately in Figures 6 and 7. Valve 46A is generally similar to valve 70 illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 of U.S. Patent Number 5,271,531. The description of that valve disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,271,531 is hereby incorporated by reference thereto to the extent related and to a degree not related thereto. The valve 46A includes a flexible central wall 96A having an outwardly concave configuration and defining at least one and preferably two distribution slits 98A extending through the central wall 96A. Valve 46A includes a skirt 100A extending downwardly from wall 96A. At the bottom of the skirt 100A, there is a peripheral flange 104A having a generally dovetail-shaped cross section. Valve 46A is mounted within closure 40A in a generally opposite orientation as compared to mounting valve 46 in the first embodiment of the closure illustrated in Figure 5. That is, with reference to Figure 8, valve 46A it has a normal closed condition where the valve is usually placed at the upper end of the base 50A. The valve 46A does not have a recessed or retracted orientation corresponding to the recessed orientation of the valve 46 of the first embodiment illustrated in the dashed lines in Figure 5. The valve 46A, however, is held within the closure essentially of the same way that the valve 46 of the first embodiment is held within the closure 50, as described above with reference to Figure 5. The baffle 41A of the closure is generally similar to the baffle 41 of the first embodiment that it is described above with reference to closure 40 illustrated in Figures 1 to 5. However, deflector 41A is shorter. That is, the baffle 41A does not project upwardly above the container at as much height as does the baffle 41 of the first embodiment. The baffle 41A may be shorter because the valve 46A, when opened (as illustrated in Figure 8), does not project upwards as much as the open valve 46 (Figure 5). The baffle 41A is held in a press fit gear with the base 50A, and the baffle 41A defines a plurality of discharge openings 124A in the plate 122A of the outer baffle. The valve 46A and the baffle 1A operate cooperatively to provide desirable distribution characteristics with respect to the product, either a liquid or a powder in essentially the same manner as described above with reference to the first embodiment of the closure 40 that is illustrated in Figures 1 to 5. Other types of valves, similar to, or different from valves 46 and 46A, may also be employed in the closure of the present invention. However, as the valves 46 and 46A of the flexible slit type described above have been found to work particularly well with the baffle (41 or 42A) to distribute the product, especially the fine powder. A third embodiment of the closure of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 9 and is generally represented in Figure 9 by the reference number 40B. The closure 40B includes a base 50B for mounting to a container 42B and for holding a valve 46B in engagement gear by means of a baffle 4IB. In the third embodiment illustrated in Figure 9, in package 42B, the base 50B, the baffle 41B and the valve 46B each have structures that are essentially identical to the structures 42B., 50, 41 and 46 correspondingly described above with reference to the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5. The third embodiment of the closure 40B differs only in the addition of a lid or lid 128B The lid 128B is preferably molded as a unitary part of the base 50B and hingedly connected thereto with a flexible articulated strip 130B. The cover 128B includes an internal annular seal wall 132B of a seal flange 134B projecting inwardly to engage the exterior surface of the baffle 41B outwardly of the deflector distribution openings 124B. In this way in case the package 42B is accidentally tightened or hit with sufficient force to effect the opening of the flexible valve 46B, the product will be retained within the cover 128B. When it is desired to distribute the product from the package 42B, the lid 128B is lifted up and moved to. pivot around the joint 130B to an open position. If desired, the closure may employ a bistable pressure-acting joint having a stable open self-holding position. In some applications, it may be preferable to provide the cover 128B as a separate movable component that does not adhere directly as a unitary part of the base 50B of the closure. A fourth embodiment of the closure of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 10 and is generally depicted in Figure 10 by the reference number 40C. The closure 40C includes a base 50C for mounting to a container 42C and for holding the flange 104C of a valve 46C in engagement gear by means of a baffle 41C having the distribution openings 124C. The valve 46C is identical and operates in the same manner as the valve 46 of the first embodiment described above with reference to Figures 1 to 5. In the fourth embodiment illustrated in Figure 10, the baffle 41C is molded as a unitary part of the closing base 50C. Because the baffle 41C is a unitary part of the base 50C, no press fit is required to retain a separate baffle at the base of the closure. In particular, as illustrated in Figure 10, the base of the closure 50C includes an upwardly extending wall 64C which is connected in a unitary manner to the annular cover 118C forming the lower part of the deflector 41C. The baffle portion 41C extending upwardly from the cover 118C is essentially identical to the corresponding upper portion of the baffle 41 of the first embodiment described above with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Because the deflector 41C is formed as a unitary part of the base 50C of the closure, means for accommodating the assembly of the components, and in particular, to accommodate the positioning of the valve 46C, must be provided. For this purpose, the valve 46C is held in position by means of a separate body 140C which holds the valve 46C against the deflector 41C. In particular, the body 140C defines an annular flexible seal 58C extending downward, which is generally analogous to the seal 58 described above with reference to the closure of the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5. The seal 58C is received against the upper inner edge of the container 42C to provide a leak tight seal. The body 140C of the closure also has a cover 56C defining a discharge opening 60C above the container opening. The upper surface of the cover 56C defines an annular seating surface 108C at an upward angle to engage the peripheral flange 104C of the valve 46C and hold the flange 104C tightly against an angled downward grip surface 106C defined by the baffle 41C . The body 140C includes an annular wall 62C that extends upwardly having a flange 144C projecting radially outwardly which is received in an annular recess 146C defined on the inner surface of the upper wall 64C of the base. The flange 144C engages an annular edge 148C projecting inwardly from the wall 64C of the base below the recess 146C. The snap-fit gear is made between the flange 144C of the body and the edge 148C of the base to securely hold the body 140C in place in engagement with the valve 46C. The baffle 41C, even though it is unitary with the upper end of the face 50C, it defines a plurality of distribution openings 124C that function in an essentially identical manner to that described above for the apertures 124A of the baffle of the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figures 1 and 5. A fifth embodiment of the closure of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 11 to 16 and is generally depicted in Figure 11 by the reference number 40D. The closure 40D includes a base 50D for mounting to a container 42D and for supporting a valve 46D, the valve support body 14OD, and a baffle 41D. In the fifth modality illustrated in the Figure 11, the package 42D, the base 50D, the baffle 41D, and the valve 46D each have structures which are generally similar to the corresponding structures 42, 50, 41 and 46 which are described above with reference to the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5. The fifth embodiment of the closure 40D differs mainly in that the internal support for the valve 46D is provided separately from the base 50D in the shape of the body 140D which, together with the deflector 41D and the 46D valve, defines a cartridge. The base 50D has a top annular wall 64D defining an annular groove 66D open inwardly. An annular flange 60D extends inward from the annular wall 64D below the slot 66D above the upper end of the container 42D. The inner end of the tab 60D defines an annular edge 61D. The above-described structure of the upper portion of the base 50D is adapted to receive and retain the valve support body 140D by the baffle 41D, and the valve 46D held between the body 140D and the baffle 41D.

Together, the body 140D, the valve 46D and the deflector ID define a standardized cartridge. As illustrated in Figures 14 to 16, the body 140D and the baffle 41D of the cartridge are initially manufactured in an "open" condition wherein the body 140D and the baffle 41D are molded as a unitary structure. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the body 140D and 41D are molded together from an appropriate thermoplastic material such as a unitary structure with a joint 130D (Figures 15 and 16) extending therebetween and connecting the body 140D and the deflector 41D . The baffle 41D is molded with a central upper baffle plate 122 having a plurality of distribution openings 124D in a circular location. The cartridge also includes the flexible resilient slit-type dispensing valve 46D (Figure 11) which is mounted on the body 140D and which is retained therein by the baffle 41D when the cartridge is in the closed configuration (Figures 11 and 13). ). The valve 46D is identical to the valve 46 of the first embodiment which is described above with reference to Figures 1 to 5. The valve 46D includes a skirt 100D and a peripheral flange 104D having a generally shaped cross section. dovetail. The valve 46D is placed in the body 140D of the cartridge and fastened thereto by the baffle 41D which is closed above the top of the valve 46D to form the fully assembled cartridge as shown in Figures 11 to 13. To accommodate the seating of the valve 6D in the cartridge, the underside of the cartridge baffle 41D defines an annular downwardly angled surface 106D ( Figures 11 and 16) to engage the upper part of the valve flange 104D. The lower part of the flange 104D of the valve is meshed by an annular shoulder in the body 140D defining a surface 108D of seating at an upward angle (Figures 11 and 16). The spacing between the clamping and seating surfaces 106D and 108D, respectively, increases with the radial distance increased from the center. This configuration defines a cavity with a cross section that has a dovetail shape that is generally conformed to the configuration of the flange 104D of the valve.

This clamping arrangement securely retains the valve 46D in the body 140D of the cartridge without requiring special internal support structures or support members adjacent the skirt 100D. This allows the adjacent region of the valve skirt 100D to be essentially open and free to open to accommodate movement of the valve skirt 100D. When the valve 46D is properly mounted within the body 140D as illustrated in Figure 15, the valve 46D is recessed relative to the upper part of the baffle 41D of the cartridge. This provides considerable space for the 46D valve to be articulated up to an open distribution position (analogous to the open position of the valve 46 in Figure 5. As explained above with respect to the first embodiment of the closure 40 which is illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, when the product is dispensed through the 46D valve , the valve is displaced outwardly from the recessed position, the cartridge body 140D and the baffle 41D having exterior configurations that allow the baffle and body to be held together in the closed configuration (Figures 11-13). body 140D has an annular edge 144D (Figure 18) that extends around the periphery of the upper edge of the body (except at the joint 130D where the edge 144D is interrupted.The baffle 41D defines an annular groove 146D and the edge 148D (Figures 11, 13 and 16) for receiving the edge 144D of the body in the snap-fit gear when the deflector 41D is closed above the installed valve 46D.The closed cartridge (comprising the body 140D, the baffle 41D, and the valve 46) is adapted to mate with the base 50D of the closure. To this end, the baffle 41 has an annular edge 116D projecting outwards (Figures 11-15) to be received in the base groove 66D (Figure 11) the snap action gear. The body 140D includes an annular seal wall 58D to seal against the inner edge of the container 42D. The product within the package 42D can be dispensed from the package 42D by squeezing the package sufficiently to force the product through the valve 46D. Typically, this is done by first inverting or tilting the container 42D so that the valve 46D is oriented to generally discharge downwardly. Typically, the product inside the container flows down under the influence of gravity and fills the neck region of the container. The product flows against the inside of the 46D valve. The valve 46D is preferably designed so that the weight of the product does not deflect the valve out under normal static conditions. However, if the internal pressure within the containers is increased sufficiently by squeezing the container, then the increased pressure (which would include the weight of the liquid inside the container if the container is reversed) will bypass the central wall of the valve outward and open The valve. A variety of different sizes and shapes of containers can be easily provided with a closure 40D having a standardized cartridge. The cartridge, including the valve 46D, can be provided in a universal design having a normal shape and normal dimensions. The interior of the base 50D of the closure can be provided with a receiving region of a normal shape and size for the normal cartridge. In this way only the skirt of the base 50D needs to be changed as necessary to accommodate a neck of the container having a specific size and shape. (Wall 58D of the seal could be omitted in appropriate applications so that the normal small diameter cartridge (comprising body 140D, valve 46D and baffle 41D) could be adjusted in a variety of larger necks of different packages).

In addition, the use of a normal cartridge with a normal valve allows the use of a single manufacturing process to assemble the valve in the cartridge. The cartridge can then be easily operated at a high rate of speed by automatic machinery that installs the cartridge in the base 50D of the closure. This eliminates the need to directly handle a small flexible valve during installation on the 50D base of the larger seal. The use of a unit cartridge (which includes the unit body, the articulation and the deflector and the separate valve) minimizes the number of separate parts that must be handled. In addition, the pressure engagement of the cartridge baffle 41D with the cartridge body 140D allows a relatively quick and efficient assembly process to retain the valve 46D. Subsequently, the press fit gear of the cartridge in the base 50D of the closure accommodates relatively high speed reduction with a minimum product reject rate. In addition, the use of a separate cartridge easily accommodates the creation of a multiple color closure. The cartridge can be manufactured in one color, and the closure housing can be molded in another color.

If desired, the baffle 41D of the cartridge or the base 50D could be provided with an articulated lid or lid (not shown) similar to the lid 128B shown in FIG. 9. Alternatively, a separate fully removable lid could be provided. It will be readily apparent from the foregoing detailed description of the invention and the illustrations thereof that numerous other variations and modifications may be made without deviating from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts or principles of this invention.

Claims (13)

CLAIMS:

1. A closure for a container having an opening, the closure comprising: a base for mounting to the container around the opening; a distribution valve positioned through the base and defining a hole that opens to allow flow therethrough in response to increased pressure within the container and which closes to prevent flow therethrough during the removal of increased pressure; and a dispersion baffle at the base outward of the valve, the baffle defines a plurality of distribution openings.

The closure according to claim 1, wherein the base, the valve and the baffle are separate structures; and the baffle is in snap-fit engagement with the base to hold the valve between the baffle and the base.

The closure according to claim 1, wherein the closure includes a cover hinged on the base to move between a closed position covering the baffle and an open position where the baffle is uncovered.

The closure according to claim 1, wherein the baffle is a unitary extension of the body.

The closure according to claim 1, wherein the closure further includes a body in a snap-fit gear with the deflector to hold the valve between the body and the deflector; the body, deflector, and valve cooperatively define a cartridge; and the cartridge is in snap-fit engagement with the base to be placed through the opening of the container.

The closure according to claim 5, wherein the deflector is articulated in the body.

The closure according to claim 5, wherein the baffle is in snap-fit engagement with the base; and the body is meshed with the base.

The closure according to claim 5, wherein the body is in snap-fit engagement with the base.

9. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the distribution openings in the dispersion baffle are placed in a circular location around a solid central portion. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the valve includes an annular flange; and the closure includes a pair of generally opposite first and second clamping surfaces for clamping the valve flange. The closure according to claim 10, wherein the first and second clamping surfaces are defined by the base of the dispersion baffle, respectively. The closure according to claim 10, wherein the closure further includes a body in a snap-fit gear with the dispersion baffle for securing the valve between the deflector and the body; the body defines the first clamping surface and the dispersion deflector defines the second clamping surface; the body, the valve, and the deflector cooperatively define a cartridge; and the cartridge is in snap-fit engagement with the base. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the baffle is a unitary extension of the base and the closure further includes a body in the snap-fit gear with the base to hold the valve against the baffle.