US20070039915A1

US20070039915A1 - Dispensing closure

Info

Publication number: US20070039915A1
Application number: US11/504,942
Authority: US
Inventors: Gerhard Jackel
Original assignee: Seaquist Loeffler Kunststoffwerk GmbH
Current assignee: Aptar Freyung GmbH
Priority date: 2005-08-17
Filing date: 2006-08-15
Publication date: 2007-02-22
Also published as: BRPI0603905A; CN1915757A; CN1915757B; MXPA06009299A; CA2554445A1; DE102005038929A1

Abstract

The invention pertains to a dispensing closure of plastic for fluid containers, wherein said dispensing closure consists of a closure body that can be fixed in a sealed fashion on a neck featuring the dispensing opening of the container and a cap that is coupled to the closure body by means of a hinge, wherein the top plate of said cap is provided with an integral sealing cone on its underside that is designed for engaging into the neck opening of the container in a sealing fashion, and wherein the dispensing closure is integrally injection-molded in the closed state and the cap is at least partially connected to the closure body by at least one predetermined breaking point between an annular cover of the closure body and a cap shell.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention pertains to a dispensing closure of plastic for fluid containers with a closure body that can be fixed in a sealed fashion on a neck featuring the dispensing opening of the container, and with a cap that is coupled to the closure body by means of a hinge and the top plate of which is provided with a sealing cone on its underside that is designed for engaging into the neck opening of the container in a sealing fashion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND TECHNICAL PROBLEMS POSED BY THE PRIOR ART

Dispensing closures of the above-mentioned type are usually injection-molded in such a way that the cap is in the open position, wherein the cap of the open dispensing closure is frequently closed after the injection-mauling process within the plastic injection-mauling machine by utilizing special tools.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based on the objective of manufacturing a dispensing closure of the initially cited type in a less complex fashion such that its manufacture can be realized in a simpler and more economical fashion.
According to the invention, this objective is attained in that the dispensing closure is integrally injection-molded in the closed state, wherein the cap is at least partially connected to the closure body by at least one predetermined breaking point between an annular cover of the closure body and a cap shell.
Practical characteristics for additionally developing the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.
In a first embodiment of the invention, the at least one predetermined breaking point extends in a horizontal plane that is arranged perpendicular to the main axis of the dispensing closure and ends to both sides of the hinge that connects the inner edge of the annular cover of the closure body to the outer side of the cap shell.
A second embodiment of the inventive dispensing closure features at least one predetermined breaking point that extends over 360°, as well as a band-shaped hinge on the outer side of the dispensing closure, wherein the ends of this band-shaped hinge are respectively coupled to the closure body and to the cap.
In all embodiments of the present invention, the web and/or the webs of the predetermined breaking point between the annular cover of the closure body and the bottom region of the cap shell may be arranged at the height of the upper side of the annular cover of the closure body. However, if the dispensing closure according to the invention is used for closing a container or a bottle that contains a beverage and the dispensing closure simultaneously serves as a drinking closure, through which the user can directly withdraw the beverage, it is preferred to utilize an embodiment of the predetermined breaking point, in which the single web or the webs of the predetermined breaking point between the annular cover of the closure body and the lower end region of the cap shell is arranged at the height of the underside of the annular cover. Due to this measure, the mouth of the user essentially comes in contact with smooth surfaces of the dispensing closure only.
In an additional development of the aforementioned embodiment of the invention, the cap has a contour in the shape of a truncated cone with a top plate, from the outer edge of which the cap shell extends to the annular cover of the closure body, wherein the cap can be fixed in its open position by means of a locking device. A cap that is shaped in the form of a truncated cone makes it possible to provide the closure body with a beak-shaped drinking spout, wherein the locking device locks the cap in its open position such that the user can withdraw the beverage situated in the container or the bottle from the dispensing closure in an unobstructed fashion. The locking device may be advantageously realized in the form of a tongue-and-groove connection between the rear side of the cap and the annular cover of the closure body. The locking groove may extend over a larger angle of the circumference and be slightly bent toward the upper side of the cap. The locking groove preferably has a rectangular cross section that approximately corresponds to the cross section of the locking web such that the cap is held in the open position and can be released manually.
In order to fix the dispensing closure on a container neck, the closure body may be provided with a round circumferential shell, e.g., a cylindrical shell that is provided with an internal thread for screwing the closure body on an external thread of the container neck in a sealed fashion. However, the inner side of the closure body shell may also be provided with at least one locking bead for snapping the closure body on the container neck, wherein the at least one locking bead of the closure body engages underneath at least one outer bead of the container neck.
The lower edge of the closure body shell may also be provided with a tamperproofing band that is arranged over a circumferential predetermined breaking line, wherein the tamperproofing band inseparably engages underneath an annular bead on the outer side of the container neck. It is particularly preferred to provide at least one supporting element that extends radially outward from the bottom region of the cap shell, namely a certain distance above the annular cover of the closure body. Due to this measure, containers or bottles equipped with the inventive dispensing closure can be stacked on top of one another without risking damages to the dispensing closures. The supporting element may be advantageously realized in a plate-shaped fashion. The radial length of the at least one plate-shaped supporting and closing element may approximately correspond to half the width of the annular cover of the closure body. The at least one supporting element preferably has an arc-shaped outer edge, the radius of which is smaller than the radius of the lower end region of the cap.
In a second embodiment of the dispensing closure according to the present invention, the at least one predetermined breaking point may extend around the entire closure, i.e., over 360°, wherein the cap is connected to the annular cover of the closure body by a band-shaped hinge, the ends of which are coupled to the rear side of the cap shell and to the upper side of the annular cover of the closure body, i.e., outside. In this case, the circumferential cap shell that is arranged parallel to the main axis of the dispensing closure may be provided with at least one closing element a certain distance above the annular cover of the closure body, wherein said closing element is preferably formed by the at least one supporting element and protrudes radially outward from two diametrically opposite sides of the cap. If the cap is in its closed position after the initial use of the dispensing closure and the destruction of the at least one predetermined breaking point, the at least one supporting and closing element lies on the annular cover of the closure body and thus limits the closing movement of the cap.
It is also preferred to arrange at least one snap-on or fixing bead on the outer side of the cap shell, wherein said bead engages underneath an inner edge of the annular cover of the closure body after the initial use of the dispensing closure and locks the cap in the closed position. Such a snap-on or fixing bead may be advantageously arranged a certain distance underneath the at least one supporting and closing element in such a way that the closing movement of the cap is limited by the contact of the at least one supporting and closing element with the annular cover of the closure body and the snap-on or fixing bead engages underneath the inner edge of the annular cover. In addition, the lower end of the closure body shell may be advantageously provided with an annular flange that can be connected in a sealed fashion to the edge of an opening in a cardboard beverage pack by means of welding.
It is also practical to provide a handling aid for opening the cap on the front of its upper side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in greater detail below with reference to several embodiments that are schematically illustrated in the figures. The figures show:
FIG. 1, a front view of a first embodiment of the dispensing closure according to the invention in the closed state;
FIG. 2, a side view of the dispensing closure according to FIG. 1;
FIG. 3, a rear view of the dispensing closure according to FIG. 1;
FIG. 4, a top view of the dispensing closure according to FIG. 1;
FIG. 5, an enlarged representation of the detail A in FIG. 2 that shows the position of a predetermined breaking web;
FIG. 6, an enlarged representation of the detail B in FIG. 2 that shows a locking device for the opened cap;
FIG. 7, an enlarged central longitudinal section of the dispensing closure according to FIGS. 1-6 with an open, locked cap;
FIG. 8, an enlarged representation of the encircled detail C in FIG. 7 with the locking device for the cap;
FIG. 9, a front view of a second embodiment of a dispensing closure according to the invention;
FIG. 10, a side view of the dispensing closure according to FIG. 9;
FIG. 11, a rear view of the dispensing closure according to FIG. 9;
FIG. 12, a top view of the dispensing closure according to FIG. 9;
FIG. 13, an enlarged representation of the detail D in FIG. 10 that shows a different position of a predetermined breaking web;
FIG. 14, a front view of a third embodiment of a dispensing closure according to the invention;
FIG. 15, a side view of the dispensing closure according to FIG. 14;
FIG. 16, a rear view of the dispensing closure according to FIG. 14;
FIG. 17, a top view of the dispensing closure according to FIG. 14;
FIG. 18, an enlarged representation of the encircled detail E in FIG. 15;
FIG. 19, an enlarged central longitudinal section of the dispensing closure according to FIG. 14 with open cap;
FIG. 20, an enlarged central longitudinal section of a fourth embodiment of a dispensing closure for a cardboard container with open cap;
FIG. 21, an enlarged central longitudinal section of the dispensing closure according to FIG. 20 in the closed state after its initial use;
FIG. 22, an enlarged representation of the encircled detail F in FIG. 21;
FIG. 23, a front view of a fifth embodiment of the dispensing closure according to the invention;
FIG. 24, a side view of the dispensing closure according to FIG. 23;
FIG. 25, a rear view of the dispensing closure according to FIG. 23;
FIG. 26, a top view of the dispensing closure according to FIG. 23, and
FIG. 27, an enlarged central longitudinal section of the encircled detail G in FIG. 23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Several embodiments of an inventive dispensing closure of plastic for fluid containers are illustrated in the figures and described below, wherein said dispensing closure consists of a closure body that can be fixed in a sealed fashion on a neck featuring the dispensing opening of the container and a cap that is coupled to the closure body by means of a hinge, wherein the top plate of said cap is provided with a sealing cone on its underside that is designed for engaging into the neck opening of the container in a sealing fashion, and wherein the dispensing closure is characterized in that it is integrally injection-molded in the closed state and the cap is at least partially connected to the closure body by at least one predetermined breaking point.
FIGS. 1 through 8 show a dispensing closure 30, in particular, for beverage bottles that consists of a closure body 32 and a cap 34 that is connected to the closure body 32 by an integral hinge 36 in FIG. 4 and integrally manufactured in the closed state of a plastic such as, e.g., polypropylene by means of injection-mauling.
The closure body 32 features an annular cover 38, from the outer edge of which a circumferential shell 40 (FIG. 2) protrudes in the direction of a not-shown flexible or rigid container. According to FIG. 5, the inner side of the shell 40 is provided with a fixing means in the form of an internal thread 42 or, e.g., at least one snap-on bead in order to tightly fix the closure body 32 on the neck of the container that is equipped with corresponding fixing means on its outer side. The outer side of the shell 40 is at least sectionally provided with a ribbing 44 in order to improve the grip. The lower edge of the shell 40 is provided with a tamperproofing band 48 that is arranged over at least one circumferential predetermined breaking point 46, wherein said tamperproofing band engages underneath an annular bead on the outer side of the container neck and is permanently held in this position such that the detaching or unscrewing of the closure body 32 from the container can be immediately detected. The predetermined breaking point 46 may consist of a single continuous, circumferential web of reduced wall thickness or of a plurality of webs of reduced wall thickness or thickness that are spaced apart from one another by identical or different clearances.
The cap 34 essentially has the shape of a truncated cone with a top plate 50 that extends about perpendicular to the main axis x-x of the dispensing closure 30, wherein horizontal gripping grooves are arranged on the upper front side of the cap 34 as a handling aid 52 in order to simplify the operation of the cap 34. According to FIG. 5, the bottom region 54 of a cap shell 55 that has the shape of a truncated cone is connected to an inner edge 39 of the annular cover 38 by at least one predetermined breaking point 56 at the height of the annular cover 38, wherein said predetermined breaking point circumferentially extends from the front side of the dispensing closure 30 to the two respective sides of the integral hinge 36, e.g., over at least approximately 270°.
FIG. 5 shows a predetermined breaking web 58 that is arranged at the height of the underside of the annular cover 38 of the closure body 32 and thus simplifies the handling of the dispensing closure 30 and provides better protection for the user if the dispensing closure 30 is fixed on a beverage container or a beverage bottle and the user directly drinks the beverage through the open dispensing closure 30 placed against the mouth. As described above with reference to the predetermined breaking point 46, the predetermined breaking web 58 may consist of a single continuous, circumferential web of reduced wall thickness or thickness or of a predetermined breaking web with a plurality of such predetermined breaking webs that are spaced apart by identical or different clearances in the circumferential direction of the closure.
FIG. 5 also shows that a sealing cone 62 extends downward from the bottom region 54 of the cap shell 55 in the shape of a truncated cone that is connected to the inner edge 39 of the annular cover 38, i.e., radially within the at least one predetermined breaking point 56, wherein said sealing cone engages in a sealing fashion into a neck opening of the container in the closed state. The sealing cone 62 is provided with a circumferential sealing bead 64 on the lower end of its outer side in order to additionally improve the sealing effect.
FIG. 6 shows a locking device 66 for the cap 34 that is indicated in the form of an encircled detail B in FIG. 2. When the cap 34 is opened, the predetermined breaking web 58 of the linear predetermined breaking point 56 is destroyed such that the cap 34 can be pivoted about the integral hinge 36 and locked in its open position by means of the locking device 66 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The locking device 66 consists of a locking groove 68 in the rear side of the cap 34 that extends in the shape of an arc in the circumferential direction and in the direction of the top plate 50 of the cap 34 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. This arc shape of the locking groove 68 in the circumferential direction of the cap shell 55 that has the shape of a truncated cone significantly simplifies the engagement with a locking web 70 that protrudes from the annular cover 38 of the closure body 32 about parallel to the main axis x-x of the dispensing closure 30 on the rear side of the dispensing closure 30. The locking web 70 has a cross section that essentially corresponds to that of the locking groove 68. Consequently, the cap 34 that is provided with a projecting handling aid 52 in this case is firmly but separably held in the open position as illustrated in FIG. 7 and in FIG. 8 that shows an enlarged representation of the encircled detail C in FIG. 7 such that the direct withdrawal of the container contents through the open dispensing closure 30 is simplified.
FIGS. 9 through 13 show a second embodiment of an inventive dispensing closure, wherein reference symbols that identify components identical or similar to the first embodiment are preceded by the numeral “2.”
In this second embodiment of a dispensing closure 230 that is illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 13, at least one plate-shaped supporting element 272 is provided that extends radially outward from both sides of the cap 234 perpendicular to the main axis x-x of the dispensing closure 230, namely a short distance above the annular cover 238 of the closure body 232. It serves for stacking identical containers or bottles on top of one another without damaging the dispensing closures 230. The at least one supporting element 272 protrudes toward about diametrically opposite sides in an arc-shaped fashion from the cap shell 255 of the cap 234 over a radial length of up to about half the width of the annular cover 238, wherein the radius of its arc-shaped outer edge is smaller than the radius of the bottom region 254 of the cap 234 in the shape of a truncated cone. The opening of the cap 234 about the integral hinge 236 also leads to the simultaneous destruction of the at least one predetermined breaking web 360 of the predetermined breaking point 256 in this case.
FIG. 13 shows an enlarged representation of the encircled detail B in FIG. 10, in which a single predetermined breaking web 260 of a predetermined breaking point 256 that continuously extends up to an integral hinge 236 in the circumferential direction is arranged at the height of the upper side of the annular cover 238, wherein this configuration provides certain advantages with respect to the injection-mauling technology in comparison with the predetermined breaking point 58 in FIG. 5.
FIGS. 14 through 19 show a third embodiment of an inventive dispensing closure 330 for bottles containing fluids, wherein this dispensing closure is also integrally injection-molded of plastic in the closed state, and wherein reference symbols that identify components identical or similar to the first embodiment are preceded by the numeral “3.”
The significant differences in comparison with the above-described embodiments can be seen in that the cap 334 is connected to the closure body 332 by means of a predetermined breaking point 356 that extends over 360° (FIG. 18), but may also consist of a single continuous, circumferential predetermined breaking web of reduced wall thickness or of several predetermined breaking webs of reduced wall thickness that are spaced apart from one another by identical and/or different clearances. In addition, the cap 334 has an essentially cylindrical shell 355, to the outer rear side of which one end of a band-shaped hinge 336 is coupled at 337, wherein the other end of this hinge is coupled to the annular cover 338 of the closure body 332 at 341 such that the hinge 336 extends between the cap 334 and the annular cover 338 of the closure body 332 at a radial distance from the cap shell 355.
FIG. 18 shows that a sealing cone 362 also extends downward from a bottom region 354 of the cap shell 355 that lies at the height of the annular cover 338 in this embodiment, wherein this sealing cone also serves for sealing an opening in the bottle neck when the bottle needs to be securely closed before the dispensing closure 330 is opened anew.
A handling aid 352 protrudes forward from the cap shell 355, but could also consist of a depression in the cap shell 355 in this case.
At least one supporting element 372 realized similar to that of the first embodiment is also provided in this case in order to stack the bottles or containers on top of one another.
In addition, a tamperproofing band 348 is provided analogous to the first and second embodiments.
FIG. 19 shows the dispensing closure 330 in the opened state, wherein the remains of the at least one predetermined breaking web 360 are shown on the inner edge 339 of the closure body 332 and in the bottom region 354 of the cap shell 355, and wherein this figure also shows the hinge- like couplings 337 and 341 of the band-shaped hinge 336.
FIGS. 20 through 22 show a fourth embodiment of a dispensing closure 430 according to the present invention that is integrally injection-molded of plastic in the closed state, wherein reference symbols that identify components identical or similar to the above-described embodiments are preceded by a numeral “4.”
This fourth embodiment of the dispensing closure 430 is intended for cardboard packs, particularly cardboard beverage packs. To this end, the underside of a closure body 432 is provided with an annular flange 433 to be welded into an opening in the cardboard pack containing a fluid or beverage. The closure body 432 is once again integrally connected to the round cap 434 by a predetermined breaking point 456 that extends over 360° and consists of a single continuous predetermined breaking web or a plurality of predetermined breaking webs that are spaced apart from one another, as well as by an outer band-shaped hinge 436. The hinge 436 is coupled to the outer rear side of the cap shell 455 and to the annular cover 438 of the closure body 432 analogous to the third embodiment.
One significant difference in comparison with the above-described embodiments is a circumferential snap-on or fixing bead 435 arranged a short distance above the at least one 360° predetermined breaking point 456 on the cap shell 455. The remains of at least one predetermined breaking web that is arranged on the upper side of an inner edge 439 and destroyed when the cap 434 is opened are identified by the reference symbol 460 and illustrated on the inner edge 439 of the annular cover 438 as well as on the cap shell 455. The inner edge 439 features an inclined surface 447 that lies underneath the predetermined breaking point 456 and extends downward and outward, wherein this inclined surface forms the outer side of a circumferential predetermined breaking groove, the opposite groove wall of which is formed by the cap shell 455. According to FIG. 22, the snap-on or fixing bead 435 engages underneath the destroyed predetermined breaking point 456 on the inner edge 439 of the cover 438 when the cap 434 is reclosed, wherein said bead ultimately adjoins the inclined surface 447 such that the cap 434 is fixed in its reclosed position.
FIGS. 23 through 27 show a fifth embodiment of an inventive dispensing closure 530 for cardboard packs, wherein reference symbols that identify components identical or similar to the above-described embodiments are preceded by a numeral “5.”
In FIGS. 23 through 27, the circumferential cap shell 534 is realized cylindrical referred to the main axis x-x of the dispensing closure 530 and provided with at least one supporting element 572 a certain distance above the annular cover 538 of the closure body 532, wherein said supporting element simultaneously serves as a closing element that protrudes radially outward from two diametrically opposite sides of the cap 534 and lies on the annular cover 538 of the closure body 532 in the closed position of the cap 534 after at least one predetermined breaking point 556 was destroyed due to the initial use of the dispensing closure 530.
In addition, at least one snap-on bead 535 is arranged on the outer side of the cap shell 555 a certain distance underneath the at least one flange-shaped supporting and closing element 572, wherein said bead engages underneath the inner edge 539 of the annular cover 538 of the closure body 530 in the closed position of the cap 534 after the initial use of the dispensing closure 530 and thus locks the cap.
According to FIGS. 23 through 25 and, in particular, FIG. 27, the fixing or snap-on bead 535 is arranged on the outer side of the cap shell 555 at a height that lies about centrally between the annular cover 538 and the at least one plate-shaped supporting and closing element 572. After the cap 534 is initially opened by destroying the at least one predetermined breaking point 556 extending over 360°, this supporting and closing element 572 strikes against the annular cover 538 of the closure body 532 at the end of the closing movement of the cap 534 and seals the opening of the closure body 532 surrounded by the cover 538.
The outer side of the cap shell 555 that extends between the supporting and closing element 572 and the annular cover 538 serves as a sealing surface 545 when the cap 534 is reclosed after the initial opening of the dispensing closure 530. In this case, the axial spacing between the circumferential fixing or snap-on bead 535 and the supporting element 572 is chosen such that the fixing bead 535 assumes the position shown in FIG. 21, i.e., it adjoins the inclined surface 547 on the inner edge 539 of the annular cover 538 in a sealing fashion.
As in the above-described embodiments, a sealing cone 562 also extends downward from the cap shell 555 in this case and serves as a seal if the dispensing closure 530 needs to be securely closed after the initial use or fluid withdrawal from the cardboard pack.
In addition, a handling aid 552 for opening the cap 534 is provided on the front upper side thereof.
It is obvious that the cap 534 can be additionally pressed into the opening of the closure body 532 after the destruction of the at least one predetermined breaking web 560 of the 360° predetermined breaking point 556, namely such that the snap-on or fixing bead 535 now engages underneath the inner edge 539 of the annular cover 538 that was previously connected to the cap shell 554 by the predetermined breaking point 556 and its at least one predetermined breaking web 560. A reliable seal of the cardboard pack therefore is also ensured after the dispensing closure 530 is reclosed due to the contact between the snap-on bead 535 and the inclined surface 547 underneath the inner edge 539 of the annular cover 538.

Claims

1. A dispensing closure (30; 230; 330; 430; 530) made of a plastic material for fluid containers, with a closure body (32; 232; 332; 432; 532) that can be fixed in a sealed fashion on a neck featuring the dispensing opening of the container and a cap (34; 234; 334; 434; 534) that is coupled to the closure body (32; 232; 332; 432; 532) by means of a hinge (36; 236; 336; 436; 536), wherein the top plate (50; 250; 350; 450; 550) of said cap is provided with an integral sealing cone (62; 262; 362; 462; 562) on its underside that is designed for engaging into the neck opening of the container in a sealing fashion, characterized in that the dispensing closure (30; 230; 330; 430; 530) is integrally injection-molded in the closed state and the cap (34; 234; 334; 434; 534) is at least partially connected to the closure body (32; 232; 332; 432; 532) by at least one predetermined breaking point (56; 256; 356; 456; 556) between an annular cover (38; 238; 338; 438; 538) of the closure body (32; 232; 332; 432; 532) and a cap shell (55; 255; 355; 455; 555).

2. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one predetermined breaking point (56; 256) extends in a horizontal plane of the dispensing closure (30; 230) that is arranged perpendicular to the main axis (x-x) of the dispensing closure (30; 230) and ends to both sides of the hinge (36; 236) that connects the inner edge (39; 239) of the annular cover (38, 238) of the closure body (32; 232) to the outer side of the cap shell (55; 255).

3. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one web (260) of the predetermined breaking point (256) between the annular cover (238) of the closure body (232) and the bottom region (254) of the cap shell (255) is arranged at the height of the upper side of the annular cover (238) of the closure body (232).

4. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one web (58) of the predetermined breaking point (56) between the annular cover (38) of the closure body (32) and the bottom region (54) of the cap shell (55) is arranged at the height of the underside of the annular cover (38) of the closure body (32).

5. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the cap (34; 234) has the contour of a truncated cone with a top plate (50; 250), from the outer edge of which the cap shell (55; 255) extends to the annular cover (38; 238) of the closure body (32; 232), wherein the cap (34; 234) can be fixed in its open position by a locking device (66; 266).

6. The dispensing closure according to claim 5, characterized in that the locking device (66; 266) consists of a tongue-and-groove connection (68, 70; 268, 270) between the rear side of the cap (34; 234) and the annular cover (38; 238) of the closure body (32; 232).

7. The dispensing closure according to claim 6, characterized in that the locking groove (68; 268) extends over a larger angle of the circumference and is slightly bent toward the upper side of the cap (34; 234).

8. The dispensing closure according to claim 7, characterized in that the locking groove (68; 268) has a rectangular cross section, wherein the cross section of the locking web (70; 270) approximately corresponds to the cross section of the locking groove such that the cap (34; 234) is held in the open position, but can be manually released.

9. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure body (32; 232; 332) has a cylindrical shell (40; 240; 340) that is provided with an interior thread (42; 242; 342) for screwing the closure body (32; 232; 332) on an external thread of the container neck in a sealed fashion.

10. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, characterized in that a shell (40; 240; 340) extending downward from the annular cover (38; 238; 338) of the closure body (32; 232; 332) is provided with at least one locking bead on its inner side in order to snap the closure body (32; 232; 332) on the container neck, wherein the at least one locking bead of the closure body (32; 232; 332) engages underneath at least one outer bead of the container neck.

11. The dispensing closure according to claim 10, characterized in that a tamperproofing band (48; 248; 348) is fixed on the lower edge of the shell (40; 240; 340) of the closure body (32; 232; 332), namely over at least one predetermined breaking point (46; 246; 346), wherein the tamperproofing band (48; 248; 348) engages underneath an annular bead on the outer side of the container neck.

12. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one supporting element (272; 373; 572) extends radially outward from the bottom region (254; 354; 554) of the cap shell (55; 255; 355).

13. The dispensing closure according to claim 12, characterized in that the at least one supporting element (272; 372; 572) is realized in a plate-shaped fashion and arranged a certain distance above the annular cover (238; 338; 538) of the closure body (232; 332; 532).

14. The dispensing closure according to claim 13, characterized in that the radial length of the at least one plate-shaped supporting element (272; 372; 572) approximately corresponds to half the width of the annular cover (238; 338; 538) of the closure body (232; 332; 532).

15. The dispensing closure according to claim 12, characterized in that the at least one supporting element (272; 372; 572) has an arc-shaped outer edge, the radius of which is smaller than the radius of the bottom region (254; 354; 554) of the cap shell (255; 355; 555).

16. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one predetermined breaking point (356; 456; 556) extends around the entire closure and the cap (334; 434; 534) is connected to the annular cover (338; 438; 538) of the closure body (332; 432; 532) by a band-shaped hinge (336; 436; 536), the ends of which are coupled to the rear side of the cap shell (355; 455; 555) and to the upper side of the annular cover (338; 438; 538) of the closure body (332; 432; 538).

17. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one snap-on bead (435; 535) is arranged on the outer side of the cap shell (455; 555) and engages underneath the inner edge (439; 539) of the annular cover (438; 538) of the closure body (432; 532) after the initial opening of the dispensing closure (430; 530).

18. The dispensing closure according to claim 17, characterized in that the snap-on bead (535) is arranged on the outer side of the cap shell (555) a certain distance underneath the supporting and closing elements (572) in the original state of the dispensing closure (530) and engages underneath the inner edge (539) of the annular cover (538) of the closure body (532) after the initial opening of the dispensing closure (530).

19. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the circumferential cap shell (555) arranged perpendicular to the main axis (x-x) of the dispensing closure (530) is provided with at least one supporting and closing element (572) a certain distance above the annular cover (538) of the closure body (532), wherein said supporting and closing element protrudes radially outward from two diametrically opposite sides of the cap (534) and limits the closed position of the cap (534) on the annular cover (538) of the closure body (532) after the predetermined breaking point (556) is destroyed due to the initial use of the dispensing closure (530).

20. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottom region (453; 553) of the cap shell (455; 555) of the closure body (432; 532) is provided with an annular flange (433; 533) that can be fixed in a sealed fashion on the edge of an opening in a cardboard beverage pack by means of welding.

21. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, characterized in that a handling aid (52; 253; 352; 452; 552) for opening the cap (34; 234; 334; 434; 534) is provided on the front side thereof.