Improvements in or relating to dispensing

Abstract

A dispensing closure for a container is provided. The closure includes docking means for allowing coupling of the closure with a further container.

1 . A dispensing pack comprising a closure and a donor container, the closure comprising a base and a lid connected by a hinge, the base comprising a dispensing orifice, the closure further comprising a self-closing valve for controlling flow of product from the container through the orifice, the donor container having a flexible sidewall and being squeezable, the closure base comprising a docking arrangement for releasably coupling the pack to a recipient container into which product from the donor container is to be dispensed, whereby the pack can be upended and docked with the recipient container without product being released and thereafter the donor container can be squeezed to cause dispensing of product through the orifice via the self-closing valve. 
     
     
         2 - 5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . The pack as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the docking arrangement is engageable into a container neck. 
     
     
         7 . The pack as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the docking arrangement is engageable around a container neck. 
     
     
         8 . The pack as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the docking arrangement is adapted to couple with a standard container neck. 
     
     
         9 . The pack as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the docking arrangement comprises an upstanding wall for fitting around a container neck. 
     
     
         10 . The pack as claimed in  claim 9 , in which the upstanding wall comprises two or more wall sections. 
     
     
         11 . The pack as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the docking arrangement comprises an annual wall defining the orifice and suitable for fitting into a container neck. 
     
     
         12 - 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . The pack as claimed in  claim 1 , in which at least part of the coupling of the pack to the recipient container via the docking arrangement has a loose fit. 
     
     
         17 . The pack as claimed in  claim 1 , in which at least part of the coupling of the pack to the recipient container via the docking arrangement has a tight fit. 
     
     
         18 . The pack as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the docking arrangement is adapted to couple with a spout. 
     
     
         19 . The pack as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the docking arrangement is adapted to couple with a sportscap. 
     
     
         20 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . The pack as claimed in  claim 10 , in which the wall sections are arcuate. 
     
     
         25 . A beverage enhancer dispensing pack comprising a closure and a donor container, the closure comprising a dispensing orifice and a self-closing valve for controlling flow of product from the donor container through the orifice, the donor container holding beverage enhancing product and being squeezable, the closure being releasably couplable with a recipient container into which product from the donor container is to be dispensed, whereby the pack can be upended and docked with the recipient container without product being released and thereafter the donor container can be squeezed to cause dispensing of product through the orifice via the self-closing valve. 
     
     
         26 . A dispensing closure comprising a base and a lid connected by a hinge arrangement, the base comprising a base top plate which includes an upstanding annular wall defining a dispensing passage, a pair of arcuate wall sections upstanding from the base top plate, the base top plate comprising a recess between the arcuate wall sections into which the lid fits when in a closed position, the lid including a lid top plate and a depending sidewall, the sidewall including arcuate wall sections corresponding to the base arcuate wall sections.