Dispensing Closure

Abstract

A child resistant dispensing closure 1 having a smooth external surface. The closure 1 comprises a body 2 and a lid 3 , connected together by a hinge 5 . The lid 3 is held closed against the body 2 by a catch 6 . The closure 1 has a resilient ring 4 which in its deformed configuration co-operates with the catch 6 to unlock it and provides a lifting region 65 , by which a user may lift the lid 3 of the closure 1.

1 . A dispensing closure comprising
 a body for connection to a container,   a lid, moveable relative to the body between open and closed positions,   a catch arranged to lock the body and the lid together, when the lid is in its closed position, and   a resilient ring, having a normal and deformed state.   wherein the lid includes a top plate, which covers the ring in both its normal and deformed states and in its deformed state, the resilient ring unlocks the catch temporarily while defining a lifting tab, to allow the lid to be moved to its open position.   
   
   
       2 . The dispensing closure according to  claim 1 , wherein at least part of the catch is carried on the resilient ring. 
   
   
       3 . The dispensing closure according to  claim 1 , wherein the lid comprises a top plate and integral sidewall depending from the periphery thereof, the resilient ring is carried inside the lid and the lid includes a plurality of windows, through which the resilient ring may be pressed to cause deformation. 
   
   
       4 . The dispensing closure according to  claim 3 , wherein the sidewall includes a plurality of windows, finger tabs are carried by the resilient ring and the finger tabs protrude through the windows making it easier for a user to deform the resilient ring. 
   
   
       5 . The dispensing closure according to  claim 4 , wherein two substantially diametrically opposed finger tabs are provided to allow a user to squeeze the resilient ring, thereby deforming it to unlock the catch and expose the lifting tab. 
   
   
       6 . The dispensing closure according to  claim 1 , wherein the resilient ring is integral with the top plate and depends from the periphery thereof. 
   
   
       7 . The dispensing closure according to  claim 6 , wherein a gap is provided between adjacent surfaces of the body and the lid to accommodate axial movement of the resilient ring as it deforms. 
   
   
       8 . The dispensing closure according to  claim 7 , further comprising a shield to prevent access to the gap. 
   
   
       9 . The A dispensing closure according to  claim 8 , wherein the shield is segmented to allow access to the lifting tab. 
   
   
       10 . The dispensing closure according to  claim 1 , wherein the external surface of the closure is adapted to be smooth and continuous.