Reclosable Dispensing Container Cap For Flowable Material Containers

Abstract

A reclosable dispensing container cap for dispensing flowable material from a container is disclosed. An inner cap is provided which defines a passageway adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a container nozzle. The inner cap defines a first aperture in fluid communication between the passageway and an exterior of the inner cap. An outer cap is provided to surround the inner cap such that the outer cap is slidably rotatable in relation to the inner cap between at least a first position and a second position. The outer cap defines a second aperture disposed along the outer cap such that the second aperture is in substantial registration with the first aperture when the outer cap is rotated to the first position and out of registration with the first aperture when the outer cap is rotated to the second position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to re-closable dispensing containers for flowable material, particularly non-liquids and semi-liquids such as tooth paste, creams, glue, condiments such as mayonnaise, catsup, and other materials of like consistency. In particular, the present invention relates to a novel cap structure useful with flowable material containers.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

When dispensing flowable material, such as tooth paste, for example from a collapsible container, the collapse of the container builds up pressure within the container which forces contents of the container out of the container through some form of exit portal in the container and positions the expelled contents for recovery of the contents by a user. When this mode of dispensing the contents from the container involves a non-liquid or semi-liquid flowable material, as opposed to a liquid material, cessation of pressure applied to collapse the container commonly results in delayed or continued expulsion of such contents after the user has released application of pressure applied for collapsing the container and has recovered the desired quantity of the container contents. This delayed delivery of container contents through the exit portal of the container provides a residue of contents proximate the exit portal which tends to dry over time with concomitant build up of an undesirable accumulation of container contents about the exit portal. Such accumulation of container contents not only is visually distasteful, it tends to be pushed from the exit portal by advancing container contents during a subsequent dispensing event. Due to the tenacity with which the dried accumulation adheres to the exit portal, excessive expulsion pressure often is needed to dislodge the dried accumulated contents. This action also often results in an even more undesired quantity of contents being expelled from the container during such subsequent use event by the user. In addition to this wasteful dispensing of the unwanted or unneeded container contents, the dried and hardened accumulated contents become an undesired part of such subsequently recovered container contents, even to the point of requiring disposal of such subsequently recovered contents and then repeating the dispensing and recovery action to acquire the desired quantity of “fresh” container contents. The common collapsible tubular container for tooth paste is one example of a prior container which exhibits this undesirable feature. In this instance, sanitation of the dispensed residual contents also may become a problem.

SUMMARY OF PRESENT INVENTION

In one embodiment, the process invention comprises a novel exit portal for a container designed to dispense individual quantities of a flowable material, such as for example a paste material, from the container at selectable spaced apart times. One embodiment of the present invention is adapted to be used with a container which includes a conventional threaded tubular dispensing nozzle associated with, (commonly integral with), and projecting from one end of the container. In one embodiment of the present invention, a substantially conical inner cap having an internally threaded open base and of a first color is provided. The internal threads of the inner cap are adapted to be threadably mounted on the external threads of the neck portion of the nozzle such that the inner cap may be tightened on the nozzle to secure the inner cap in place during repeated events of dispensing of flowable material out of the container over the anticipated life of the container. When so threaded on the nozzle neck, the distal end of the nozzle opens into the interior of the inner cap to develop a passageway for flow of container contents from the container through the nozzle, and into the interior of the inner cap. Further, the inner cap includes an aperture through the wall of the inner cap which provides for the outflow of container contents from the reservoir through the aperture.

The inner cap has applied thereover an outer cap of a contrasting color to the color of the inner cap. The outer cap snugly fits over and covers the outer surface of the inner cap while providing for rotation of the outer cap relative to the inner cap without permitting material physical separation of these caps from one another. In one embodiment, the outer cap is affixed to the inner cap by a rotationally slidable snap fit of the outer cap onto a peripheral groove defined on the exterior of the inner cap, thereby permitting rotation of the outer cap relative to the inner cap.

The presence of the outer cap in covering relationship to the inner cap functions to establish opening and closure of the aperture through the inner cap. To this end, the outer cap also includes an aperture through the wall of the outer cap, such aperture being of like or similar size and geometry as the aperture in the wall of the inner cap, so that when such aperture of the outer cap is in register with the aperture of the inner cap, outflow of the contents of the container along an exit passageway including the nozzle, the inner cap passageway, and the registered apertures of the inner and outer caps to the exterior of the outer cap may occur. Closure of the aperture through the inner cap is affected by rotating the outer cap such that the apertures of the caps are out of register. Control over dispensing of the contents of the container is therefore effected by rotation of the outer cap into and out of register with the aperture of the inner cap. In one embodiment, the physical fit of the outer cap on the inner cap is selected to provide sliding physical engagement of the inner surface of the outer cap with the outer surface of the inner cap, thereby minimizing or fully eliminating any tendency of outflowing contents of the container from flowing between the contiguous surfaces of the inner and outer caps, and thereby precluding build up of container contents between the matching surfaces of the inner and outer caps at all times, irrespective of whether the apertures of the inner and outer caps are in register (open) or out of register (closed).

In certain embodiments, the rotation of the outer cap is limited in one of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions by a stop lug affixed to one of the inner and outer caps and which rides within a curved slot defined in the other of the inner and outer caps. Positioning of such stop lug and slot is chosen such that when the outer cap is rotated a distance sufficient to move the aperture of the outer cap out of register with the aperture in the inner cap, one end of the slot engages the stop to halt further rotation of the outer cap in the same direction. In similar manner, the opposite end of the slot is located such that when the outer cap is rotated to bring the aperture of the outer cap into register with the aperture of the inner cap, this opposite end of the slot engages the stop lug to halt further rotation of the outer cap beyond such registration. In certain embodiments, a user may look into the aperture of the outer cap and note the appearance of the contrasting color of the inner cap, thereby indicating that the aperture of the inner cap is closed.

In certain embodiments, the outer circumference of the perimetral flange of the outer cap is of a geometry providing an aid for grasping and rotation of the outer cap. In one embodiment, the diametral dimension of cross section of the outer cap is chosen to provide for fitting of the dispensing end of the container snugly within an outer shipping container, thereby stabilizing the position of the container within such shipping container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional exploded view of one embodiment of a reclosable dispensing container cap for flowable material containers of the present invention, along with a portion of a container for a flowable material;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of a reclosable dispensing container cap for flowable material containers and the container portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of a reclosable dispensing container cap for flowable material containers of FIG. 1, depicting the outer cap in a closed position in relation to the inner cap;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of a reclosable dispensing container cap for flowable material containers of FIG. 1, depicting the outer cap in an open position in relation to the inner cap;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional exploded view of another embodiment of a reclosable dispensing container cap for flowable material containers of the present invention, along with a portion of a container for a flowable material;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of a reclosable dispensing container cap for flowable material containers and the container portion of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the inner cap portion of the reclosable dispensing container cap for flowable material containers of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the outer cap portion of the reclosable dispensing container cap for flowable material containers of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment of a reclosable dispensing container cap for flowable material containers of FIG. 5, depicting the outer cap in a closed position in relation to the inner cap; and

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional exploded view of another embodiment of a reclosable dispensing container cap for flowable material containers of the present invention, depicting the inner cap integrally formed with a container for a flowable material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A reclosable dispensing container cap for flowable material containers incorporating various features of the present invention is disclosed herein and illustrated generally in the Figures. The reclosable dispensing container cap, or “reclosable cap,” is designed to dispense individual quantities of a flowable material, such as for example a paste material, from the container at selectable spaced apart times employing application of internal pressure within the container and against the container contents.

With initial reference to FIG. 1, in the depicted embodiment of the present invention, a collapsible tubular container 10 of the type known in the art suitable for receipt and dispending of a flowable material 14, such as tooth paste or other flowable material, is provided with a nozzle 12 through which the contents of the container 16 may be dispensed. In the depicted embodiment, this nozzle includes a tubular neck portion 18 having a first end 20 which may be fixedly secured to a first end 22 of the tubular container, or, preferably, integrally formed with the container. The depicted nozzle 12 includes external threads 24 substantially along its length. The opposite second end 26 of the nozzle is open.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a substantially conical inner cap 28 is provided defining a sloping inner wall 34 and an apex 36. The inner cap 28 is internally threaded at its base 30 with threads 32, which match the external threads on the neck portion 18 of the nozzle 12. Accordingly, the base 30 of the inner cap 28 may be threaded onto the nozzle 12 to the extent that such inner cap 28 resists unintentional removal of the inner cap 28 from the nozzle 12. This mounting of the inner cap 28 onto the nozzle 12 further brings the sloping inner wall 34 of the apex 36 of the inner cap 28 into sealing engagement with the distal second end 26 of the nozzle 12 thereby defining, with the nozzle 12, a reservoir 38 for the receipt and storage of container contents within such reservoir. When the inner cap 28 is so mounted, the tubular nozzle 12 defines an open passageway between the interior of the container and the reservoir.

In the several Figures there is depicted an aperture 42 through the wall of the inner cap 28 proximate the apex 36 which provides for flow communication between the interior of the container 10, through the tubular portion of the nozzle 12, through the aperture 42 of the inner cap 28 to an exterior of the inner cap 28. Thus, when the aperture 42 of the inner cap 28 is uncovered, collapse of the container 10 may force contents 16 of the container 10 through the nozzle 12 and the reservoir 38 into and through the aperture 42 of the inner cap 28.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the inner cap 28 is substantially surrounded and covered by an outer cap 44 which exhibits an inner surface 46 of a geometry which permits the inner surface 46 of the outer cap 44 to snugly, slidably fit in covering relationship to the outer surface 48 of the inner cap 28 without generating material physical separation of these contiguous surfaces of the two caps 28, 44. In the depicted embodiment, such outer cap 44 further includes a bottom peripheral flange 50 proximate the base 52 of the outer cap 44 which overlies and slidably engages a corresponding peripheral flange 54 on the inner cap 28.

A circumferential lip 56 provided on the inner surface 46 of the outer cap 44 proximate a junction 58 of the flange 50 with the base 52 of the outer cap 44 is snap fitted into a corresponding circumferential groove 62 in an outer surface 48 of the inner cap 28, thereby ensuring continued snug engagement of the outer cap 44 on the inner cap 28 while simultaneously providing for rotation of the outer cap 44 relative to the inner cap 28.

As depicted in FIG. 1, the outer cap 44 is provided with an aperture 66 through its wall at an altitude 68 corresponding to that altitude 70 of the inner cap 28 along which the aperture 42 of the inner cap 28 is located. Rotation of the outer cap 44 relative to the inner cap 28 provides for selective location of the aperture 66 of the outer cap 44 along the corresponding altitudes 68, 70 such that the apertures 42, 66 may be aligned in register with one another, thereby completing the formation of an overall exit flow passageway 72 for container contents 16 from the interior of the container 10 to the exterior of the outer cap 44 where such contents may be recovered by a user.

In the illustrated embodiment, the degree of rotation of the outer cap 44 and its aperture 66 is bidirectionally limited. In the depicted embodiment, the peripheral flange 54 of the inner cap 28 is provided with an upstanding stop lug 74 in position to be slidably received within a slot 76 defined in the overlying flange 50 of the outer cap 44. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the length and location of a first end 78 of such slot 76 is selected to permit that degree of rotation of the outer cap 44 relative to the inner cap 28 which will locate the aperture 66 of the outer cap 44 out of register with the aperture 42 of the inner cap 28, thereby closing off the aperture 42 of the inner cap 28 (see FIG. 3). This action effects closing of the exit passageway 72 for dispensing of the contents of the container by reason of the solid wall of the outer cap 44 moving into overlying relationship to the aperture 42 of the inner cap 28.

Referring to FIG. 4, rotation of the outer cap 44 in a direction such as to move the stop lug 74 away from the slot first end 78 is stopped when the opposite second end 80 of the slot 76 engages the stop lug 74 of the inner cap flange 54. Thus, the location of the stop lug 74 and the second end 80 of the slot 76 in the flange 50 of the outer cap 44 may be chosen to halt rotation of the outer cap 44 when the aperture 66 of the outer cap 44 comes into register with the aperture 42 of the inner cap 42, thereby opening up the exit passageway 72 and allowing outflow of contents 16 of the container 10 to the exterior of the outer cap 44 in position for recovery of dispensed container contents by a user of the container.

When the dispensed contents of the container 10 are recovered by a user, the outer cap 44 may be rotated relative to the fixed inner cap 28 to relocate the aperture 66 of the outer cap 44 out of register with the aperture 42 of the inner cap 28, thereby closing the exit passageway 72. In several embodiments, a visual indicator is provided to indicate whether the exit passageway 72 is open or closed. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the inner cap 28 is colored a color 82 which contrasts the coloring of both the container contents 16 and the outer cap 44. In this embodiment, upon movement of the aperture 66 of the outer cap 44 out of register with the aperture 42 of the inner cap 28, the aperture 66 of the outer cap 44 may be cleared of dispensed container contents to the extent that the user may look into the aperture 66 of the outer cap 44 and see the contrasting color 82 of the inner cap 28, thereby providing a visual indication that the exit passageway 72 is closed.

Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, the outboard circumference 84 of the flange 50 of the outer cap 44 is of a geometry, (e.g., scalloped) which functions as an aid in grasping the outer cap 44 for rotation of the outer cap 44 in relation to the inner cap 28 when opening and closing the flow path 72 for dispensing of the contents of the container 10 via the registered apertures 42, 66 of the inner and outer caps 28, 44. Referring to FIG. 2, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer cap 44 is sized to fit neatly within a standard shipping/storage outer container 86 of the container 10 such that the outer cap 44 is configured to aid in stabilizing the container 10 within the shipping/storage outer container 86.

In one embodiment, the scalloped perimetral flange 50 of the outer cap 44 is maximized to enhance the ability of a user to grasp such scalloped flange 50 for retrieving the container 10 from a shipping or storage holder and subsequently grasping of the flange 50 of the outer cap 44 for rotation of such outer cap 44 in the course of aligning the apertures 42, 66 of the inner and outer caps 28, 44 for dispensing of the container contents 16, and thereafter counter rotating the outer cap 44 to close the exit passageway 72 against further flowable materials from exiting the container 10. This maximized size feature of the present embodiment is especially useful where the user suffers from loss of grasping strength due to stroke, Parkison's Disease, tremors, or other like ailments. Still further, the present enlarged scalloped flange 50 on the outer cap 44 eliminates the frustrations associated with prior art small caps such as dropping the cap onto the floor or into a sink drain. This latter advantage is enhanced by reason of the snap fit of the outer cap 44 onto the inner cap 28 whereby the rotation of the outer cap 44 relative to the inner cap 28 when opening and closing the exit passageway 72 for the contents of the container 10 is easily accomplished and without concern for inadvertent removal of the outer cap 44 from the inner cap 28.

FIGS. 5 through 9 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in one embodiment a substantially elongated inner cap 28a is provided having a substantially hollow spherical upper portion 88 in fluid communication with an elongated tubular central portion 90 and a tubular lower portion 92. The lower portion 92 of the inner cap 28a is provided with internal threading 32 which matches the external threads 24 on the nozzle 12 of the container 10, and a bottom peripheral flange 54 is provided at a lower end 94 of the inner cap lower portion 92. The aperture 42 of the inner cap 28a is provided through the wall of the spherical upper portion 88 of the inner cap 28a and provides for flow communication between the nozzle 12 of the container 10, through the tubular central and lower portions 90, 92 of the of the inner cap 28a, through the spherical upper portion 88 of the inner cap 28a, to an exterior of the inner cap 28.

In the illustrated embodiment, the inner cap 28a is surrounded and covered by a substantially conical outer cap 44a. An apex portion 96 of the outer cap 44a defines an inner spherical surface 98 having a geometry which permits the inner spherical surface 98 of the outer cap 44a to snugly, slidably fit in covering relationship to the spherical upper portion 88 of the inner cap 28a without generating material physical separation of these contiguous surfaces of the two caps 28a, 44a. The apex portion 96 of the outer cap 44a further defines an aperture 66 through its wall at an altitude corresponding to that altitude of the inner cap 28a along which the aperture 42 of the inner cap 28a is located, such that rotation of the outer cap 44a relative to the inner cap 28a provides for selective location of the aperture 66 of the outer cap 44a in registration with the aperture 42 of the inner cap 28a, thereby completing the formation of an overall exit flow passageway 72 for container contents 16 from the interior of the container 10 to the exterior of the outer cap 44a.

A lower boundary of the inner spherical surface 98 of the outer cap 44a terminates to define a circumferential inner lip 56a to allow the outer cap 44a to be snap fitted into a corresponding circumferential groove 62a defined by the intersection between the upper portion 88 and central portion 90 of the inner cap 28a, thereby ensuring continued snug engagement of the outer cap 44a on the inner cap 28a while simultaneously providing for rotation of the outer cap 44a relative to the inner cap 28a. In the depicted embodiment, a lower peripheral edge 100 of the outer cap 44a extends downwardly and outwardly to the outer perimeter 102 of the peripheral flange 54 of the inner cap 28a, such that the outer cap 44a overlies and slidably engages the peripheral flange 54 of the inner cap 28a.

In the depicted embodiment, the inner cap 28a is provided with a central flange 104 surrounding an intersection between the central portion 90 and the lower portion 92 of the inner cap 28a. The central flange 104 defines a channel 76a which is adapted to slidably receive and engage an internally protruding stop lug 74a defined along an interior surface 46a of the outer cap 44a. As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the length and location of a first end 78a of such slot 76a is selected to permit that degree of rotation of the outer cap 44a relative to the inner cap 28a which will locate the aperture 66 of the outer cap 44a out of register with the aperture 42 of the inner cap 28a, thereby closing off the aperture 42 of the inner cap 28a. Conversely, the location of a second end 80a of such slot 76a is selected to permit rotation of the outer cap 44a relative to the inner cap 28a to locate the aperture 66 of the outer cap 44a in registration with the aperture 42 of the inner cap 28a, thereby opening the aperture 42 of the inner cap 28a and completing the formation of an overall exit flow passageway 72 for container contents 16 from the interior of the container 10 to the exterior of the outer cap 44a. In the illustrated embodiment, a slight constriction 106 of the slot 76a is defined at a distance from each of the first and second ends 78a, 80a, of the slot 76a approximately equal to the overall width of the stop lug 74a. Each of the constrictions 106 of the slot 76a provides at least some measure of frictional resistance to sliding of the stop lug 74a along the slot 76a beyond the constriction 106, yet does not completely prevent sliding of the stop lug 74a along the slot 76a beyond the constriction 106. Thus, in this embodiment, rotation of the outer cap 44a relative to the inner cap 28a sufficient to slide the stop lug 74a beyond one of the constrictions 106 and to locate the stop lug 74a at the corresponding end 78a, 80a of the slot 76a results in engagement of the stop lug 74a by the corresponding constriction 106 to frictionally secure the stop lug 74a at the corresponding end 78a, 80a of the slot 76a, thereby releasably securing the outer cap 44a in its position relative to the inner cap 28a at the respective limit of rotation provided by the slot 76a and stop lug 74a.

Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the portion of the wall forming the apex 96 of the outer cap 44a, and specifically the portion of the wall of the outer cap 44a surrounding the aperture 66 of the outer cap 44a is of a relatively thin width as compared to the remainder of the outer cap 44a. Such thin width of the wall of the outer cap 44a surrounding the aperture 66 serves to reduce the overall volume of the aperture 66. Thus, in this embodiment, after dispensing of contents 16 from within the container 10 to an exterior of the outer cap 44a, and upon movement of the aperture 66 of the outer cap 44a out of register with the aperture 42 of the inner cap 28a, retention of container contents 16 within the aperture 66 of the outer cap 44a external to the inner cap 28a is minimized. Referring to FIG. 9, as discussed above, any container contents 16 retained within the aperture 66 may be cleared therefrom to the extent that the user may look into the aperture 66 of the outer cap 44a and see the contrasting color 82 of the inner cap 28a, thereby providing a visual indication that the exit passageway 72 is closed

Referring to FIG. 9, the outer surface 108 of the outer cap 44a defines a plurality of indentations 110 which allow the outer cap 44a to define a geometry, (e.g., scalloped) which functions as an aid in grasping the outer cap 44a for rotation of the outer cap 44a in relation to the inner cap 28a when opening and closing the flow path 72 for dispensing of the contents of the container 10 via the registered apertures 42, 66 of the inner and outer caps 28a, 44a. Referring to FIG. 6, the inner and outer caps 28a, 44a are sized to span a width dimension of the container 10 such that the combination of the inner and outer caps 28a, 44a blend to the natural size, shape, and contour of the container 10. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inner and outer caps 28a, 44a can be sized to conform to other dimensional requirements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It will be understood that the reclosable dispensing container cap for flowable material may be combined with a container to produce a reclosable dispensing container for flowable material without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, the inner cap 28b is integrally formed with the container 10a. An outer cap 44b is provided which is adapted to substantially cover and surround the inner cap 28b. A lower peripheral edge 100 of the outer cap 44b extends downwardly and outwardly toward the container 10a, such that the outer cap 44a overlies and slidably engages a portion of the container 10a proximate the inner cap 28b. In this embodiment, the inner cap 28b is non-removable from the container 10a, such that upon emptying the contents 16 of the container 10a, the inner and outer caps 28b, 44b may be discarded with the empty container 10a.

From the foregoing description, it will be understood by one of skillin the art that a reclosable dispensing container cap for flowable material is disclosed. The reclosable dispensing container cap for flowable material provides a clean and reliable means of opening and sealing a flowable material container for dispensing of flowable contents within the container. While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A reclosable dispensing container cap for dispensing flowable material from a container having a nozzle, said reclosable dispensing container cap comprising:

an inner cap defining a passageway adapted to be placed in fluid communication with the container nozzle, said inner cap defining a first aperture in fluid communication between said passageway and an exterior of said inner cap; and

an outer cap adapted to surround an outer surface of said inner cap, said outer cap being slidably rotatable in relation to said inner cap between at least a first position and a second position, said outer cap defining a second aperture disposed along said outer cap such that said second aperture is in substantial registration with said first aperture when said outer cap is rotated to said first position and out of registration with said first aperture when said outer cap is rotated to said second position;

whereby rotation of said outer cap to said first position aligns said first and second apertures to establish an overall exit flow passageway for container contents from the interior of the container to an exterior of the outer cap, and whereby rotation of said outer cap to said second position misaligns said first and second apertures to allow said outer cap to substantially close off said first aperture.

2. The reclosable dispensing container cap of claim 1, wherein said inner cap defines an internally threaded base adapted to be threaded onto an externally threaded container nozzle to secure said inner cap in fluid communication with the nozzle.

3. The reclosable dispensing container cap of claim 1, said outer cap defining a contoured portion adapted to assist in gripping said outer cap to rotate said outer cap in relation to said inner cap.

4. The reclosable dispensing container cap of claim 3, said contoured portion comprising a peripheral flange proximate a base of said outer cap.

5. The reclosable dispensing container cap of claim 4, said peripheral flange having a perimeter defining a scalloped geometry.

6. The reclosable dispensing container cap of claim 1, said outer cap being in engagement with said inner cap to ensure continued snug engagement of said outer cap on said inner cap while simultaneously providing for rotation of said outer cap relative to said inner cap.

7. The reclosable dispensing container cap of claim 6, said outer cap defining a circumferential lip provided on an inner surface of said outer cap adapted to snap fit into a corresponding circumferential groove in an outer surface of said inner cap.

8. The reclosable dispensing container cap of claim 1, wherein rotation of said outer cap relative to said inner cap is limited between said first and second positions.

9. The reclosable dispensing container cap of claim 1 further including a slot defined by one of said inner and outer caps and a stop lug defined by the other of said inner and outer caps, said stop lug being slidably received within and engaged by said slot to limit rotation of said outer cap relative to said inner cap between said first and second positions.

10. The reclosable dispensing container cap of claim 1 further including an indicator for indicating whether said first aperture is closed off by said outer cap.

11. The reclosable dispensing container cap of claim 10, wherein an outer surface of said inner cap proximate said first aperture is of a color in contrast to a color of said outer cap, whereby inspection of said second aperture to determine whether said inner cap color is visible through said second aperture provides indication of whether said first aperture is closed off by said outer cap.

12. A reclosable dispensing container cap for dispensing flowable material from a container having a nozzle, said reclosable dispensing container cap comprising:

an inner cap having a substantially spherical upper portion, a tubular central portion, and a lower portion, said inner cap defining a passageway between said upper, central, and lower portions, said lower portion defining a fastener adapted to place said passageway in fluid communication with the container nozzle, said inner cap upper portion defining a first aperture in fluid communication between said passageway and an exterior of said inner cap; and

an outer cap defining an upper portion having an inner surface mated to said inner cap upper portion, said outer cap being slidably rotatable in relation to said inner cap between at least a first position and a second position, said outer cap defining a second aperture disposed along said outer cap upper portion such that said second aperture is in substantial registration with said first aperture when said outer cap is rotated to said first position and out of registration with said first aperture when said outer cap is rotated to said second position;

whereby rotation of said outer cap to said first position aligns said first and second apertures to establish an overall exit flow passageway for container contents from the interior of the container to an exterior of the outer cap, and whereby rotation of said outer cap to said second position misaligns said first and second apertures to allow said outer cap to substantially close off said first aperture.

13. The reclosable dispensing container cap of claim 12, said inner cap defining a first peripheral flange proximate said inner cap lower portion, said outer cap defining a lower portion extending toward a perimeter of said first peripheral flange.

14. The reclosable dispensing container cap of claim 13, said outer cap lower portion defining a contoured surface for assisting in gripping said outer cap to rotate said outer cap in relation to said inner cap.

15. The reclosable dispensing container cap of claim 12, wherein rotation of said outer cap relative to said inner cap is limited between said first and second positions.

16. The reclosable dispensing container cap of claim 12 further including a slot defined by one of said inner and outer caps and a stop lug defined by the other of said inner and outer caps, said stop lug being slidably received within and engaged by said slot to limit rotation of said outer cap relative to said inner cap between said first and second positions.

17. The reclosable dispensing container cap of claim 16, said inner cap defining a second peripheral flange proximate an intersection of said inner cap central and lower portions, said second peripheral flange defining said slot.

18. The reclosable dispensing container cap of claim 12 further including an indicator for indicating whether said first aperture is closed off by said outer cap.

19. The reclosable dispensing container cap of claim 18, wherein an outer surface of said inner cap proximate said first aperture is of a color in contrast to a color of said outer cap, whereby inspection of said second aperture to determine whether said inner cap color is visible through said second aperture provides indication of whether said first aperture is closed off by said outer cap.

20. The reclosable dispensing container cap of claim 12, wherein said upper portion of said outer cap surrounding said second aperture is of a width less than the width of the remainder of said outer cap.