Dispensing closure and spout

Abstract

A dispensing closure for a flowable product, the closure comprising means for causing a varying product discharge direction.

1 . A dispensing closure for a flowable product, the closure comprising means for causing a varying product discharge direction. 
     
     
         2 . The closure as claimed in  claim 1 , in which, in use, the discharge direction is caused to be at least partly sinuous. 
     
     
         3 . The closure as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the closure comprises a spout. 
     
     
         4 . The closure as claimed in  claim 3 , in which the spout includes one or more interior flow-directing surfaces. 
     
     
         5 . The closure as claimed in  claim 4 , in which the surfaces comprise one or more ramps. 
     
     
         6 . The closure as claimed in  claim 4 , in which the surfaces are arranged in a spiral pattern. 
     
     
         7 . The closure as claimed in  claim 3 , in which the spout comprises one or more flow-directing slots. 
     
     
         8 . The closure as claimed in  claim 3 , in which the spout is movable. 
     
     
         9 . The closure as claimed in  claim 3 , in which the spout is a movable in response to product flow therethrough. 
     
     
         10 . The closure as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the closure is movable between an open position and a closed position. 
     
     
         11 . The closure as claimed in  claim 1 , in combination with a container. 
     
     
         12 . The closure as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the flowable product is a condiment. 
     
     
         13 . A spout with one or more integral flow-directing means to cause a varying, non-linear product discharge direction for a flowable product passing through the spout. 
     
     
         14 . The spout as claimed in  claim 13 , in which, in use, the discharge direction is caused to be at least partly sinuous. 
     
     
         15 . The spout as claimed in  claim 13 , further including one or more interior flow-directing surfaces. 
     
     
         16 . The spout as claimed in  claim 15 , in which the surfaces comprise one or more ramps. 
     
     
         17 . The spout as claimed in  claim 15 , in which the surfaces are arranged in a spiral pattern. 
     
     
         18 . The spout as claimed in  claim 13 , further comprising one or more flow-directing slots. 
     
     
         19 . The spout as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the spout is flexible. 
     
     
         20 . The spout as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein the spout is operable to oscillate in response to the passage of product passing therethrough.