Closure for an elastically recovering container

Abstract

The invention relates to a closure (V) for an elastically recovering container (5), with a self-sealing closure unit (V), comprising a membrane (M). According to the invention, a constructionally simple and functionally secure solution may be achieved, whereby the membrane (M) is planar in form before assembly and is clamped in place in the closure (V) along the periphery thereof and thus comprises a displacement (arrow x) in cross-section.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a closure for an elastically recovering container, having a self-closing closure unit with a membrane.

[0002] A self-closing membrane for discharging a free-flowing substance in a controlled manner is known, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,805. The membrane is realized as a hat-like blank. The hat periphery is clamped in between jaw-like elements of a screw cap. The central region of the membrane is indented counter to the discharge direction.

[0003] Elastically recovering containers are known from U.S. Pat. No. 3,395,836 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,252,257.

[0004] EP 0 386 495 proposes mounting a closure rotatably, such that it is limited by stops, in a discharge space. This leads alternately to throughflow release and a blocking position in respect of the liquid medium which is to be dispensed.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to form a closure of the generic type in a structurally straightforward and functionally reliable manner.

[0006] This object is achieved first and foremost in the case of a closure having the features of claim 1, this being based on the fact that the membrane is formed with a planar surface prior to installation and is secured with clamping action around the periphery in the closure, being deflected in cross-section in the process.

[0007] Such a configuration results in a closure of the generic type with increased use value. This is based in the high level of functional reliability achieved. The transfer from the planar state to deflection of the membrane secured with clamping action around the periphery gives rise to surprisingly advantageous discharging characteristics. The closing force and opening action are balanced. The layer cross-section comprises zones subjected to different stressing, this producing a gap-forming inlet. The deflection curvature extending, as it were, over an annular back makes its contribution as fiber in tension. The intensity of the securing with clamping action can be varied and thus also becomes a parameter. It is advantageous if the deflection is directed toward the container, that is to say is directed toward the oncoming flow of the medium which is to be discharged. The membrane expediently has a central dispensing slit. It is possible for this to be located along the diameter, that is to say to be a longitudinal slit, or for it to be in the form of a cross-slit. In a straightforward arrangement, the membrane is secured with clamping action between an upper closure part and a lower closure part. An arrangement of the membrane which renders the latter particularly stable for use purposes is achieved if the lower closure part forms a clamping edge on a clamping periphery. This clamping edge digs well, with good anchoring action, into the elastic material layer of the membrane. The clamping pressure can be used, at the same time, in order to produce a sealing action. An advantageous feature of the invention then consists in that the upper closure part, starting from a clamping zone formed by the clamping periphery of the lower closure part, extends centrally inward and, directed toward the container, runs to a location beneath the clamping periphery. This results in a highly stable structure, even in the case of a thin-walled configuration. As a development here, it is advantageous for the clamping periphery to be formed by the free end of a tube which is rooted in the lower closure part. A single-piece construction is present here. Furthermore, it is provided that the clamped-in membrane is tensioned in the manner of an eardrum in its central, free region. The region involved in the opening action is thus clearly defined, it also being possible for the eardrum-like tensioning to be utilized in respect of making the dispensing slit of this control element protrude in lip form. It is further the case that the dispensing slit of the clamped-in membrane has slit flanks which, in cross-section, run in a V-shaped manner in relation to one another and butt against one another in the region of the V-root. This ensures that the flanks are held together, with the effect of the dispensing slit being kept closed over a small surface area. A further feature of the invention consists in that the upper closure part and the lower closure part combined are disposed in a rotatable manner in a closure mount. For this purpose, use is made of surfaces with related contours in respect of the guiding and guided parts. In terms of angle of rotation, it is ensured that the combined upper closure part and lower closure part can be rotated between a dispensing position and a secured transporting position. A configuration of even independent importance is then achieved in that the lower closure part, together with the membrane, the tube and a base, forms a discharge space which has a through-passage opening in the base. As a result, a quantity which is directly ready for discharge in each case is present in front of the dispensing slit, advantageously for example in the case of the use form as an upside-down bottle. In respect of the secured transporting position which has been indicated, it proves to be beneficial that the pivoting capability of the upper closure part and lower closure part combined, on the one hand, makes it possible for the through-passage opening in the base to be aligned with an opening of the storage space of the container and, on the other hand, allows this opening to be closed by a wall portion, and if appropriate one such of the base, of the joined-together upper closure part and lower closure part. In order to achieve advantageous operating capability of the closure, provision is made for an actuating protrusion to be formed on the upper closure part for the purpose of pivoting the upper closure part with the lower closure part about the axis of rotation. An advantageous solution in terms of installation is provided in that the closure mount, in the region of its opening, has a flexibly attached collar which secures the unit comprising the upper closure part and lower closure part. It is ensured here that the collar, when demolded, is aligned with a cylindrical wall region of the closure mount. A straightforward solution in terms of structure and installation is achieved in that the collar is molded on integrally, allowing for a weak point in the direction of the closure-mount opening, and can be folded in with snap action so as to be inclined in the direction of the interior of the container. The collar passes beyond a dead-center line and is thus fixed in position. Correspondingly, the collar is formed in an encircling manner without any interruptions. As far as the geometrical configuration of the closure mount is concerned, with the exception of the collar, it is formed in the manner of a goblet. Goblet is intended to mean a substantially hemispherical zone which is adjoined in the upward direction by the usually cylindrical periphery typical of goblets. In respect of connecting the medium which is to be dispensed, it is provided that the closure mount has an attachment nozzle which is oriented centrally in the direction of the container and has container-side nozzle tapering. Such tapering forms the subject matter of German Patent Application DE 19 824 714, this also in respect of a particular latching system using an annular loop latched over mating latching means of the container. The annular loop widens in the circumferential direction and, by virtue of the restoring force, contracts tightly with latch-securing action. It then proves to be advantageous for the upper closure part and lower closure part combined, at least in part, to have a cross-sectionally circular surface line, adapted to the hollow mating contour of the closure mount. Allowance is also made here for the upper closure part and lower closure part combined, at least in part, to have a spherical surface. Otherwise, it may also be the case that the upper closure part combined with the lower closure part, in part, has a surface configuration which differs from the circular or spherical shape by way of a flattened portion. This may be done such that the flattened portion is located on that region of the combined upper closure part and lower closure part which is oriented outward when the closure is in a position in which it is secured for transportation. This achieves the situation where, possibly also with the upper closure part and lower closure part located in the secured transporting position, the closure provides a flattened portion on the upper side for use in the case of an upside-down bottle, obviously with given features dimensioned correspondingly.

[0008] It is further conceivable to have a solution in which the lower closure part is rigidly connected to the closure mount. Provision is made here for the dispensing operation such that the upper closure part has a pivotable closure cap gripping over it. The arrangement here is one in which the closure cap has a discharge opening which is to be aligned with a dispensing opening of the upper closure part. It is also the case with this version that the closure cap can be moved into a secured transporting position, in which the dispensing opening has a subregion of the closure cap gripping over it with sealing action. Here too, on account of the bushing-like formation, the collar forms a movement-limiting means for the closure cap. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve a configuration in which, without an upper closure part and a lower closure part being provided, the closure cap interacts directly in a sealing manner with the opening of the closure mount. It is then provided that the closure cap has a circular cross-section which is adapted to the lower hollow spherical region of the closure mount. In this case, the closure cap has a sphere truncated in the manner of a secant or is in the form of a spherical segment. Also conceivable is a variant in which the closure cap is in the form of a cylinder truncated in the manner of a secant. In order for the closure cap to be secured in a structurally straightforward manner, it proves to be advantageous for the secant, in relation to the discharge opening, to be located on the far side of the axis of rotation. This is because this can be utilized for self-securing purposes.

[0009] The invention then relates to a membrane for forming a self-closing valve in a container closure according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to claim 1, which solution is characterized by the membrane being punched out of a membrane blank produced with a planar surface. Use is made of elastomeric material, for example SI, PE, TPE or TEE. It is advantageous if the membrane has a polygonal periphery line. This makes it possible to avoid, for example, radial folds. Loss-free production can even be achieved if the membrane has a uniform hexagonal periphery line, that is to be comparable to the hexagonal honeycomb structure.

[0010] The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail hereinbelow with reference to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawing, in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 shows, in its basic version, the closure according to the invention in vertical section, with the container illustrated by chain-dotted lines, the closure being located in an intermediate position,

[0012] FIG. 2 shows the closure in the closed position, allowing an upside-down position,

[0013] FIG. 3 shows the closure in the open position, i.e. allowing the substance to be dispensed,

[0014] FIG. 4 shows the closure in perspective illustration,

[0015] FIG. 5 shows the closure in a closed position which does not allow the upside-down position,

[0016] FIG. 6 shows the closure in a modified embodiment, located in the closed position,

[0017] FIG. 7 shows the same embodiment in the open position, i.e. ready for dispensing,

[0018] FIG. 8 shows a further modification of the closure, in the closed position,

[0019] FIG. 9 shows the same embodiment in the open position,

[0020] FIG. 10 shows the closure with container in side vie, showing the mounting specification,

[0021] FIG. 11 shows a membrane in side view, surrounded by the membrane blank produced with a planar surface, the surrounding blank being indicated by chain-dotted lines, and

[0022] FIG. 12 shows the plan view of FIG. 11.

[0023] The closure, which is designated as a whole by V, is accommodated in a cup-like cap part 1. The substantially cylindrical wall 2 of the latter terminates on the container side with a planar end periphery 3. The end which is remote from the latter merges into a head plate 4 of the cap part 1. This slopes downward in the direction of the center of the cap part at an acute angle to a horizontal.

[0024] The closure V or its cap part 1 may be associated with a bottle-like container 5. The fastening means in this respect, reversible or irreversible, are not illustrated.

[0025] The container 5, realized as a so-called squeeze bottle, consists of elastically recovering material. Wall-surface portions at least can be squeezed. The liquid medium which is to be discharged is thus dispensed in a closure-controlled manner by displacement.

[0026] The core of the closure V is formed by a membrane M. This consists of elastomeric material, preferably of plastics material.

[0027] The membrane M, which serves for forming a self-closing valve, is produced by being punched out of a planar, plate-like material. The corresponding membrane blank 6 can be gathered from FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0028] The planar surface, which is still present in FIG. 11, continues into the adjacent regions, that is to say throughout the entire surroundings of the membrane blank 6.

[0029] The outline-forming punch lines are designated 7 in FIG. 12. They result in a polygonal periphery line or narrow surface 8 of the plate formation.

[0030] The polygonal periphery line or narrow surface 8 is of uniform configuration, with the effect that the membrane M has a hexagonal periphery line 8.

[0031] Membranes M with their outline configured in such a manner are free of punching waste.

[0032] During punching, it is also possible, at the same time, to provide for slitting, which can likewise be seen from FIG. 12, in order to achieve a dispensing slit 9. This is a single slit arranged along a diameter, with imaginary circle-arc connection of the corners of the hexagon.

[0033] The length of the dispensing slit and thickness of the membrane M can be used in order to achieve differently acting closures.

[0034] The membrane M, which is produced with a planar surface, is associated with the closure V with inverting deflection along arrow x. In relative terms, the periphery line or narrow surface 8 has maintained its original plane. This position is fixed by securing with clamping action in the vicinity of the periphery.

[0035] It is sufficient, if appropriate, for all practical purposes, if only the corner tabs of such a valve plate are gripped by being secured with clamping action.

[0036] The illustrated deflection along arrow x is directed toward the inside of the container, that is to say is oriented in the direction of the container 5.

[0037] The position is such that the dispensing slit 9 of the membrane M is located in the center, see FIG. 4.

[0038] The membrane M is located in a closure unit which is accommodated in a rotatable manner in the cap part 1 and comprises an upper closure part O and a lower closure part U. These parts form the clamping elements for fixing the membrane. By virtue of the two abovementioned elements being secured with clamping action, the membrane M is secured in a functionally reliable manner, the deflection along arrow x which can be gathered from the drawing being achieved, and finally maintained, in the process. The upper closure part O and lower closure part U are appropriately equipped in order to achieve the securing with clamping action, for which purpose the lower closure part U forms a clamping edge 11 on its clamping periphery 10 oriented in the direction of the head plate 4. The clamping edge, as can be seen, penetrates into that region of the membrane M which is to be fixed. A moderately tapered clamping edge 11 is present, if appropriate with a rounded end.

[0039] The abutment of the clamping edge 11 of the lower closure part U is formed by a freely projecting, rotationally symmetrical arm 12 of the upper closure part O. This projects in the direction of the center of the closure V and, by corresponding projecting toward the container, is responsible for the illustrated deflection x. Overall, the upper closure part O there forms an as it were scythe-like silhouette, circumscribing an exposed inverted rim.

[0040] This is because the inside of the arm 12 tapers in shallow conical form in the direction of the approaching clamping periphery 10, so that the result, in a sloping region achieved in this way, is a clamping action which is beneficial for combining the two parts O and U. The procedure for this purpose is such that the upper closure part O, starting from a clamping zone formed by the clamping periphery 10 of the lower closure part U, which extends centrally inward and, directed toward the container 5, runs to a location beneath the clamping periphery 10. The clamped-in membrane M is tensioned in the manner of an eardrum in its central, free region 13. Moreover, in the region of the free ends 12′ of the rotationally symmetric arm 12, these free ends giving rise to a pushing-out action, an upwardly directed bend 14 is produced, this bend being convex as seen from the side of the container 5. The edge 11 and the smaller-diameter end 12′ run concentrically, in a radially offset manner in order to achieve mutual overlapping.

[0041] The bend 14 in conjunction with the tensioning results in advantageous discharging characteristics for the medium which is to be dispensed. A gap-forming opening contour of the dispensing slit 9 is achieved without good self-closure being obstructed. It can be gathered that the dispensing slit 9 in the clamped-in membrane M has slit flanks 15 which, as seen in cross-section, run in a V-shaped manner in relation to one another and butt against one another in the region of the V-root. The slit opening diverges toward the container.

[0042] The clamping periphery 10 forms the upwardly oriented end, that is to say the end which is oriented in the direction of the head plate 4, of the tube 16 which is rooted in the lower closure part U. The tube is substantially cylindrical, while conforming with the demolding-specific requirements. The tube 16 may be stepped on the inside, with the effect of reducing the cross-section in the direction of the free end.

[0043] The upper closure part O and the lower closure part U are connected to one another in the region of a central zone 17 to form the said closure unit. A weld connection may be provided. It would also be possible to realize 17 as an adhesive joint. The lengths of the two unit-forming parts are such that the abovedescribed securing with clamping action is indeed achieved by the clamping edge 11 of the tube 16, but the encircling clamping edge does not result in any severing. Rather, 16 functions as a clamping ram.

[0044] The upper closure O and lower closure part U combined in this way extend in a rotatable manner in a closure mount 18. The axis of rotation about which the closure unit carrying the membrane M rotates is designated y. This geometrical axis of rotation y is embodied by a dome-like formation of the closure unit and of the closure mount 18. A spherical configuration which goes beyond the equator is provided.

[0045] Bearing beads 19 are formed in order to minimize the surface friction during rotation or pivoting of the unit. These bearing beads are located on the inside of the closure mount 18. They are located above the equator and thus develop a certain arresting action in respect of the closure unit. Such beads are also formed as sealing lips in the drawing. No more specific details will be given here.

[0046] The combined upper closure part O and lower closure part U can be rotated between a dispensing position and a secured transporting position. The dispensing position, in respect of the basic version, can be gathered from FIG. 3, whereas the secured transporting position can be gathered from FIG. 2.

[0047] The respective end positions are defined by stops. The corresponding stops are located such that the pivoting capability of the upper closure part O and lower closure part U combined, on the one hand, makes it possible for a through-passage opening 20 in the base to be aligned with an opening 21 of the storage space 22 of the container 5 and, on the other hand, allows this opening 21 to be closed by a wall portion 23 of the joined-together upper closure part O and lower closure part U.

[0048] The wall portion may be supplemented, as is illustrated, by a corresponding wall portion of a base 24 of the joined-together upper closure part O and lower closure part U. This can be gathered from the central position—for all practical purposes forming the turning point of the rotary movement—of the closure unit carrying the membrane M, this central position being shown in FIG. 1.

[0049] The through-passage opening 20 is located in the center of the base 24. The latter, the tube 16 and the membrane M form a discharge space 25 in the lower closure part U.

[0050] The opening 26 located on the upper side of the membrane M allows the substance approaching the dispensing slit 9 to advance out of the discharge space 25, which forms an antechamber, and to advance outward via the opening. This dispensing position can be gathered, as has already been indicated, from FIG. 3.

[0051] An actuating protrusion 27 is seated, such that it is easily accessible for gripping purposes, on the upper closure part O. This protrusion is an upwardly projecting strip portion. A collar 28 forms a counterstop here. The collar is located in the region of a closure-mount opening 29 and serves, at the same time, as an arresting part for securing the unit comprising the upper closure part O and lower closure part U once the latter has been placed in position.

[0052] The collar 28 is flexibly attached. When demolded (see chain-dotted depiction in FIG. 1), the collar 28 is aligned with a cylindrical connecting region 30 between the inner periphery of the head plate and the lower portion of the closure mount 18. From this aligned position with the connecting region 30, the collar 28 can be folded in. This then results in the situation which is illustrated by solid lines in FIG. 1. In this case, the collar 28 is aligned with the head plate 4, having the same inclination as the latter. The folding-in movement of the collar 28, which obviously passes beyond a dead-center line, is defined via a weak point 31. This forms the material bridge between the collar 28 and the closure-mount opening 29, which, as can be gathered, decreases in inside diameter such that the unit O/U is steadied or the reduced annular opening can serve as limiting stops for the actuating protrusion 27.

[0053] The collar 28 is formed in an encircling manner without any interruptions. With the exception of the collar 28, the closure mount 18 is formed in the manner of a goblet; the concavely round, hollow lower portion is adjoined by a cylindrical one, formed by the cylindrical connecting region 30.

[0054] An attachment nozzle 32 is used in order to transfer the liquid medium from the storage space 22 into the region of the closure unit. The nozzle is seated at the lowermost point of the closure mount 18. The free end of the attachment nozzle 32 merges into nozzle tapering 33. This allows easy centering on the neck mouth of the container 5 or opening 21 of the storage space 22.

[0055] As can be gathered from the drawing, the upper closure part O and lower closure part U combined, at least in part, have a cross-sectionally circular surface line, adapted to the closure mount 18. Accordingly, they may form a shallow-cylindrical closure-unit body. Even deviations from this are conceivable, for example in the form of a rotationally symmetrical cutting disk (based on mutually opposite truncated cones).

[0056] It is even conceivable to have a configuration in which the upper closure part O and lower closure part U combined, at least in part, have a spherical surface.

[0057] Moreover, there is also a special form of the basic version insofar as the upper closure part O combined with the lower closure part U, in part, have a surface configuration which differs from the circular or spherical shape by way of a flattened portion 34. This can be seen in use from FIG. 2. It is oriented outward, but is set back in relation to the top or the upper side of the head plate 4. It is consequently possible for the dispenser to be used as an upside-down bottle.

[0058] If a correspondingly situation is not desired, it is possible for the closure unit to be of spherical configuration throughout, as can be gathered from FIG. 5. In this case, the outer surface of the “sphere” there projects to a marked extent beyond the upper side of the head plate 4. Accordingly, the container cannot be set down in the manner explained. The variant according to FIG. 5 is of otherwise comparable construction. The designations are adopted from the basic version, for the most part without being repeated in the text.

[0059] In contrast, in this case the head plate 4 runs substantially horizontally. The collar 28 can be folded in here with thermal fixing if snap action is not envisaged.

[0060] The development of the closure V which can be gathered from FIGS. 6 and 7 provides a modification to the extent that, in this case, the lower closure part U is rigidly connected to the closure mount 18. Elements with the same function are also designated here in a manner corresponding to the basic version. The tube 16 has outer latching protrusions 35. These interact with latching noses 36 of the upper closure part O. In this case too, the latter forms a rotationally symmetrical arm 12, albeit one which continues into an upwardly directed extension, creating a dispensing opening 37. This extends from the opening 26. The dispensing opening 37 is circumscribed by a frustoconical nozzle 38. The ends 12′ of the encircling arm 12 run integrally into the foot of the nozzle 38 at a corner. The bends 14, accordingly, have strong abutments.

[0061] The upper closure part O has a closure cap 39 gripping over it. The latter, of dome-like configuration, is guided on the correspondingly formed upper closure part O, to be precise in a stop-limited manner.

[0062] The said closure cap 36 itself contains a opening, which creates a dispensing path. The opening comprises an upwardly projecting discharge opening 40. The latter can be aligned with the dispensing opening 37 of the upper closure part O. This gives rise to the open position.

[0063] As can further be gathered from the illustration of the drawing, the closure cap 39 can be moved into a secured transporting position, in which the dispensing opening 37 has a subregion of the wall of the closure cap 39 gripping over it with sealing action (see FIG. 6).

[0064] The discharge opening 40 has yet a further task to perform, namely that of an actuating protrusion 27. The actuating protrusion 27 here is formed directly in the manner of a bushing-like formation on the closure cap 39.

[0065] However, the bushing-like formation of the closure cap 39 is utilized, at the same time, in relation to stops. It can be gathered that, on account of the bushing-like formation, the abovedescribed collar 28 forms a movement-limiting means for the closure cap 39.

[0066] The ready-for-dispensing open position of this version can be gathered from FIG. 7.

[0067] The variant according to FIG. 8 has a reduced number of components to the extent that the closure cap 39 there, pivoting about y, interacts directly in a sealing manner with the opening 21 of the closure mount 18. The upper closure part O and lower closure part U are dispensed with. The closure cap 39 is realized as a sphere or rotary cylinder. Keeping with the example of a sphere, the closure cap 39 has an outline or cross-section which goes beyond the equator and is adapted to the lower hollow spherical region of the closure mount 18. The discharge opening 40 is configured in the manner of a bushing, forming the actuating handle 27 explained above. In terms of stops, the same conditions are provided as have been described for the variant of FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0068] The closure cap 39, furthermore, has a sphere truncated in the manner of a secant or is in the form of a spherical segment. The secant 41, which serves as a flow-connecting hollow or incoming-flow inlet, is directed toward the opening 21. A cylindrical closure cap 39 would have such a secant 41 in the same way. It is located, in relation to the discharge opening 40, on the far side of the axis of rotation y. The overhang in this respect, directed toward the opening 21, is of such a magnitude that there is still space for stop beads 42 on the lateral surface, these beads interacting with a horizontal latching protrusion 43 of the closure mount 18, to be precise with the effect of perceptible restored blocking of the end positions of the closure cap 39 in each case.

[0069] The attachment nozzle 32, which adjoins the underside of the closure mount 18, has a considerably larger diameter than that of the basic version. Nevertheless, in this case too, the attachment nozzle 32 of larger cross-section has the abovedescribed nozzle tapering 33.

[0070] FIG. 10 shows a mounting specification for the closure unit O/U by way of flattened portions 44, which are provided at the two poles of a horizontal axis of the sphere and are supported, with guidance, on balanced vertically running mating walls 45 of the closure mount 18. The basic geometrical shape of the sphere is also depicted for comparison.

[0071] All features disclosed are (in themselves) pertinent to the invention. The disclosure content of the associated/attached priority documents (copy of the prior application) is hereby also included in full in the disclosure of the application, also for the purpose of incorporating features of these documents in claims of the present application.

Claims

1. Closure (V) for an elastically recovering container (5), having a self-closing closure unit (V) with a membrane (M), characterized in that the membrane (M) is formed with a planar surface prior to installation and is secured with clamping action around the periphery in the closure (V), being deflected (arrow x) in cross-section in the process.

2. Closure according to claim 1 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the deflection (arrow x) is directed toward the inside of the container.

3. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the membrane (M) has a central dispensing slit (9).

4. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the membrane (M) is secured with clamping action between an upper closure part (O) and a lower closure part (U).

5. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the lower closure part (U) forms a clamping edge (11) on its clamping periphery (10).

6. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the upper closure part (O), starting from a clamping zone formed by the clamping periphery (10) of the lower closure part (U), extends centrally inward and, directed toward the container (5), runs to a location beneath the clamping periphery (10).

7. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the clamping periphery (10) is formed by the free end of a tube (16) which is rooted in the lower closure part (U).

8. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the clamped-in membrane (M) is tensioned in the manner of an eardrum in its central, free region (13).

9. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the dispensing slit (9) of the clamped-in membrane (M) has slit flanks (15) which, in cross-section, run in a V-shaped manner in relation to one another and butt against one another in the region of the V-root.

10. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the upper closure part (O) and the lower closure part (U) combined are disposed in a rotatable manner in a closure mount (18).

11. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the upper closure part (O) and the lower closure part (U) combined can be moved about a fixed axis of rotation (y).

12. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the combined upper closure part (O) and lower closure part (U) can be rotated between a dispensing position and a secured transporting position.

13. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the lower closure part (U), together with the membrane (M), the tube (16) and a base (24), forms a discharge space (25) which has a through-passage opening (20) in the base.

14. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the pivoting capability of the upper closure part (O) and lower closure part (U) combined, on the one hand, makes it possible for the through-passage opening (20) in the base to be aligned with an opening (21) of the storage space (22) of the container (5) and, on the other hand, allows this opening (21) to be closed by a wall portion (23), and if appropriate one such of the base (24), of the joined-together upper closure part (O) and lower closure part (U).

15. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that an actuating protrusion (27) is formed on the upper closure part (O) for the purpose of pivoting the upper closure part (O) with the lower closure part (U) about the axis of rotation (y).

16. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the closure mount (18), in the region of its opening (29), has a flexibly attached collar (28) which secures the unit comprising the upper closure part (O) and lower closure part (U).

17. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, in that the collar (28), when demolded, is aligned with a cylindrical connecting region (30) of the closure mount (18).

18. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, in that the collar (28) is molded on integrally, allowing for a weak point (31) in the direction of the closure-mount opening (29), and can be folded in with snap action so as to be inclined in the direction of the interior of the container (5).

19. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the collar (28) is formed in an encircling manner without any interruptions.

20. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that, with the exception of the collar (28), the closure mount (18) is formed in the manner of a goblet.

21. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, in that the closure mount (18) has an attachment nozzle (32) which is oriented centrally in the direction of the container (5) and has container-side nozzle tapering (33).

22. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the upper closure part (O) and lower closure part (U) combined, at least in part, has a cross-sectionally circular surface line, adapted to the closure mount (18).

23. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the upper closure part (O) and lower closure part (U) combined, at least in part, has a spherical surface.

24. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the upper closure part (O) combined with the lower closure part (U), in part, has a surface configuration which differs from the circular or spherical shape by way of a flattened portion (34).

25. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the flattened portion (34) is located on that region of the combined upper closure part (O) and lower closure part (U) which is oriented outward when the closure is in a position in which it is secured for transportation.

26. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that, possibly also with the upper closure part (O) and lower closure part (U) located in the secured transporting position, the closure (V) has a flattened portion (34) on the upper side for use in the case of an upside-down bottle.

27. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the lower closure part (U) is rigidly connected to the closure mount (18).

28. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the upper closure part (O) has a pivotable closure cap (39) gripping over it.

29. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the closure cap (39) has a discharge opening (40) which is to be aligned with a dispensing opening (37) of the upper closure part (O).

30. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the closure cap (39) can be moved in to a transporting position, in which the dispensing opening (37) has a subregion of the closure cap (39) gripping over it with sealing action.

31. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, in that the discharge opening (40) is formed directly on a bushing-like formation of the closure cap (39).

32. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that, on account of the bushing-like formation, the collar (28) forms a movement-limiting means for the closure cap (39).

33. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that, without an upper closure part (O) and a lower closure part (U) being provided, the closure cap (39) interacts directly in a sealing manner with the opening (21) of the closure mount (18).

34. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the closure cap (39) has a circular cross-section which is adapted to the lower hollow spherical region of the closure mount (18).

35. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the closure cap (39) has a sphere truncated in the manner of a secant or is in the form of a spherical segment.

36. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the closure cap (39) is in the form of a cylinder truncated in the manner of a secant.

37. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the secant (41), in relation to the discharge opening (40), is located on the far side of the axis of rotation (y).

38. Membrane M for forming a self-closing valve in a container closure V according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to claim 1, characterized by the membrane (M) being punched out of a membrane blank (6) produced with a planar surface.

39. Membrane according to claim 38 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the membrane (M) has a polygonal periphery line (8).

40. Membrane according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the membrane (M) has a uniform hexagonal periphery line (8).