Closure

Abstract

A dispensing closure for a flowable product is provided. The closure comprises a dispensing channel having a dispensing orifice, and a separate flow control member movable with respect to the dispensing channel. The flow control member is movable from a sealed position in which it prevents product flow through the dispensing orifice and an unsealed position in which fluid can flow around and/or within the flow control member to reach the dispensing orifice.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A dispensing insert comprising
 a moulded one-piece insert with a sidewall, at one end of the sidewall are a plurality of petals,   wherein, associated with each of the petals, is an arcuate energising ring section.   
     
     
         13 . The insert of claim  1 , wherein the petals are generally triangular. 
     
     
         14 . The insert of claim  1 , wherein the energising ring sections are formed at the base of the petals 
     
     
         15 . The insert of claim  1 , wherein the petals are formed in a raised/open position whereby there is no post-formation slitting operation required to separate the petals. 
     
     
         16 . The insert of claim  1 , wherein the plurality of petals comprises four petals each having a respective energising ring section. 
     
     
         17 . The insert of claim  1 , wherein the geometry of the insert in the as-moulded condition is selected so that when the insert is inserted into a closure, and radially and/or axial inward pressure is applied to the insert by the closure, the petals close to provide a seal. 
     
     
         18 . The insert of claim  1  in combination with a closure. 
     
     
         19 . The combination of claim  7 , wherein the closure has a depending annular projection which engages the energising ring sections when the insert is assembled into the closure, which helps to close the petals. 
     
     
         20 . The combination of claim  6 , wherein a snap-fit seal is achieved between an insert sealing bead and a corresponding projection on a surface of an inner radial wall of the dispensing closure. 
     
     
         21 . The combination of claim  9 , wherein the surface of the inner radial wall of the closure is formed so as to help retain the insert in place, by the inner radial wall having a reduced diameter at the lower end such that the insert has to be forced past this reduced diameter before reaching the section of the closure which has a slightly greater diameter, the diameter of the section of the closure, which is slightly reduced in diameter, is less than the maximum diameter of the insert, as measured in the plane of the annular sealing bead. 
     
     
         22 . A method of providing a dispensing closure with a flow control insert, comprising the steps of:
 injection moulding an insert with a plurality of petals formed in an open position associated, with each of the petals having an associated arcuate energising ring section; and   providing a dispensing closure, the closure has a depending annular projection which engages the energising ring sections when the insert is assembled into the closure; and   using the closure to offer a positive pressure against the open petals to close them upon assembly to the closure, and using the depending annular projection to engage the energising ring sections to help close the petals.