WO2009101195A1

WO2009101195A1 - Fixture for ointment dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2009101195A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/051740
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philip William Farr; Keith Terence Roch Wilson
Original assignee: Glaxo Group Ltd
Current assignee: Glaxo Group Ltd
Priority date: 2008-02-14
Filing date: 2009-02-13
Publication date: 2009-08-20
Anticipated expiration: 2010-08-14
Also published as: GB0802759D0

Abstract

A fixture (1;1';101) for an ointment dispenser (60) having a dispensing outlet (64). The fixture comprises a base (10;10';110), defining a base body inlet (12;12';112); a base body outlet (16;16';116) and a base passage (19;19';119) for enabling ointment flow therebetween; provided to said body inlet, a base skirt (14;14';114) provided to said base body outlet, a closure (20;20';120) in the form of a reed valve (22; 22'; 122). The fixture also comprises a cap (30;3O';130) including a cap outlet (32;32';132) on said base in a capped position such as to cap off at least said base body outlet and said reed valve closure therefor whilst allowing for movement of the reed valve closure and flow of ointment between the base body outlet and said cap outlet when the reed valve closure is in a valve open position; and a lid (40;40';140) defining a pusher (42;42'; 142), which protrudes through the cap outlet to push the reed valve to and/or maintain the reed valve in a valve closed position.

Description

Fixture for Ointment Dispenser

Related Application

The present application claims priority from UK patent application No. 08 027 59.1 filed 14 February 2008.

Technical field

The present invention relates to a fixture defining a cap for use with an ointment dispenser, for instance a tube, of the type that is arranged to be of particular use for the dispensing of preparations in ointment form, such as for topical application. The ointment may be a drug preparation, although the invention is not restricted to this particular use.

Background to the invention

Ointment tubes for the storage and dispensing of drug and other preparations in ointment (e.g. paste or cream) form are well-known in the art. Such tubes typically comprise a tube container formed of a material that flexes under the application of manual squeezing pressure to allow the ointment to be dispensed from a tube dispensing outlet provided to the container. A collar is typically provided to the dispensing outlet for use in guiding release of the ointment through the collar. A screw top cap is often provided to the collar. Thus, the collar may be provided with an external thread arranged for threaded interaction with an internal thread provided to a skirt of the cap. In use, the cap is simply unscrewed from the collar to open up the dispensing outlet.

One problem encountered with such ointment tubes is that if the cap is left off or unscrewed for a length of time the ointment form contents may start to dry out.

Alternatively, dust or microbial contaminants may enter the tube container through the outlet, thereby contaminating the ointment preparation therein. Another problem that may be encountered is with seepage of the ointment form contents through the dispensing outlet even after the user has ceased applying manual squeezing pressure to the tube container. In solution to the above problems various one-way valve systems have been proposed that only allow for passage of ointment when manual squeezing pressure is applied to the tube container and which, otherwise act such as to close off that passage. Such one-way valve systems are often complex in form and therefore expensive to manufacture and/or require the application of substantial manual squeezing pressure for dispensing. The latter constraint may be of importance where the ointment tube is to be used by an elderly or unwell person, as is often the case where the tube is used for self-dispensing by the patient of ointment preparations.

In solution, the Applicant has now devised a cap for an ointment dispenser that incorporates a reed valve as a 'one-way valve'. The cap is further provided with a lid defining a locking element for locking of the reed valve into a valve closed position when the lid is in place on the cap.

PCT Patent Application No. WO-A-2007/128889 describes a cap for a packaging container including a base element defining a window associated with a movable strip for closing off of said window.

Summary of the invention

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a fixture for an ointment dispenser having a dispensing outlet provided with a collar, said fixture comprising

(i) a base in the form of a hollow base body defining a base body inlet; a base body outlet and a base passage for enabling ointment flow therebetween; provided to said body inlet, a base skirt arranged for mating interaction with said collar of said ointment dispenser; and

provided to said base body outlet, a closure in the form of a reed valve reversibly movable from a valve open to valve closed position; and

(ii) a cap including a cap outlet, said cap arranged for receipt by said base in a capped position such as to cap off at least said base body outlet and said reed valve closure therefor whilst allowing for movement of the reed valve closure and ointment flow between the base body outlet and said cap outlet when the reed valve closure is in the valve open position; and

(iii) a lid defining a pusher, said lid arranged for receipt by the cap in a lidded position, in which said pusher thereof protrudes through the cap outlet to push the reed valve to and/or maintain the reed valve in the valve closed position.

The dispenser may be an ointment tube, for instance a squeezable ointment tube (i.e. a tube which dispenses ointment when squeezed).

In embodiments, the ointment dispenser, which may be a tube, for instance of the squeezable type, is suitable for the storage and dispensing of (e.g. drug) preparations in ointment (e.g. paste or cream) form. Where the ointment dispenser is an ointment tube of the squeezable type, it typically comprise a tube container formed of a material that flexes under the application of manual squeezing pressure to allow the ointment to be dispensed from the tube dispensing outlet provided to the container.

The collar of the ointment dispenser is provided to the dispensing outlet for guiding release of the ointment through the collar. In embodiments, the dispensing outlet is provided with an ointment seal typically comprising a membrane (e.g. foil or plastic) arranged for puncturing at the time of first dispensing use of the dispensing outlet.

In embodiments, the fixture herein is arranged for screw type interaction with the collar. Thus, the collar is in embodiments, provided with an external thread arranged for threaded interaction with an internal thread provided to the fixture.

In embodiments, the hollow base body is of elongate form e.g. essentially tubular form. In embodiments, the base body inlet and base body outlet locate at opposing ends of the elongate (e.g. tubular form) body.

In embodiments, the base is provided with a base flow guide arranged for guiding flow of ointment within the base. In embodiments, the base flow guide comprises a guide tube that downwardly protrudes within the base.

The body inlet is provided with a base skirt arranged for mating interaction with the collar of the ointment dispenser. When so mated, ointment may then flow from the dispensing outlet of the ointment dispenser through the body inlet into the hollow base body. In embodiments, the base skirt is arranged for screw thread interaction with the collar of the ointment dispenser. Thus, in embodiments, the base skirt is provided with an internal thread arranged for threaded interaction with an external thread provided to the collar of the ointment dispenser.

In embodiments, the base is provided with a base cutter arranged for cutting (e.g. puncturing or perforating) an ointment seal, which typically comprises a membrane (e.g. foil or plastic), provided to the dispensing outlet of the ointment dispenser at the time of first use of that dispensing outlet. In embodiments, the base cutter downwardly protrudes within the base skirt of the base.

In structural terms the reed valve may comprise a reed (e.g. flap or strip) comprised of a flexible material (e.g. a plastic polymeric such as polypropylene or a rubber material) that attaches to the base body and that may reversibly flex from the valve closed position, in which the reed closes off the base body outlet, to the valve open position, in which the reed is spaced from the base body outlet, which therefore becomes opened up.

In embodiments, the base comprises an upper base part and a lower base part that is arranged for fixing thereto (e.g. by fixing means, such as screw-fixing, snap-fit or push-fit). In embodiments, there is provided a tamper proof seal between the upper base part and the lower base part. In embodiments, the tamper proof seal must first be broken in order for the upper and lower base parts to be able to fix together. In embodiments, the tamper proof seal locates between fixing means provided for fixing of the upper base part to the lower base part such that, in use, the tamper proof seal must first be broken in order for the fixing means to move into a fixing position. In embodiments, the tamper proof seal comprises a spacer, which spaces the upper base part from the lower base part until that tamper proof seal is broken. In embodiments, the spacer comprises a transit ring locating between the upper base part and the lower base part.

In the capped position of the cap, there is allowed for both movement of the reed valve closure (i.e. from valve open to valve closed positions) and also for ointment flow (i.e. fluid communication) between the base body outlet and cap outlet when the reed valve closure is in the valve open position.

In embodiments, the cap fixes to the base by means of suitable base-cap fixing means, which in embodiments are selected from a screw thread, snap-fit and push- fit.

In embodiments, the cap is provided with a cap flow guide arranged for guiding flow of ointment within the cap. In embodiments, the cap flow guide comprises a guide tube (e.g. tapered) that downwardly protrudes within the cap. In embodiments, the cap flow guide extends through the base and in embodiments, in use, extends through the dispensing outlet of the ointment dispenser.

In embodiments, the pusher protrudes from the interior of the lid and in embodiments, is provided as an integral or fitted (e.g. push-in or snap-on) feature thereto. In embodiments, the pusher has the form of a finger such as a pointed (e.g. erect) finger form.

In embodiments, the lid fixes to the cap by means of suitable fixing means, which in embodiments are selected from a screw thread, snap-fit and push-fit. In other embodiments, the lid is provided integral with the cap (e.g. as an integral moulded part therewith).

In embodiments, the lid is provided as a flip-top lid to the cap. Thus, the lid mounts to the cap by means of a hinge or pivot and is movable (e.g. in flipped fashion) from the lidded position (i.e. lid flipped down) to an un-lidded position (i.e. lid flipped up or away). In embodiments, the lid is provided with grips (e.g. indents or grooves) and/or visual indications (e.g. arrows) to guide the user to correct (e.g. flip-top) opening of the lid such as by a thumb flip-up type operation of the user.

In embodiments, the lid is provided with a lid cutter arranged for cutting (e.g. puncturing or perforating) an ointment dispenser seal, which typically comprises a membrane (e.g. foil or plastic), provided to the dispensing outlet of the ointment dispenser at the time of first use of that dispensing outlet. In embodiments, the lid is provided with an upwardly extending top skirt. That is to say, the top skirt extends upwardly and away from the cap/base when the lid is in the lidded position. In embodiments, the lid cutter upwardly protrudes within the top skirt of the lid. In a typical first use operation, the lid cutter is thus, brought into cutting / puncturing contact with the ointment dispenser seal to cut / puncture open that seal. The lid cutter is then moved away from the dispenser and the base of the fixture mated with the collar and dispensing outlet of the ointment dispenser. In embodiments, one or more of the components of the fixture are made from a plasties material, for instance by moulding, typically injection moulding. Typically, the fixture as a whole is made from a plastics material. By way of example, the plastics material may be polypropylene (PP).

In embodiments, the reed valve is hingeably mounted in the fixture. The hinge may be a living hinge.

In embodiments, the fixture is in the form of a cap for the ointment dispenser.

In embodiments, the valve closed position is the rest or return position for the reed valve. The reed valve may be biased to the valve closed position. The reed valve may be resilient so as to tend to return to the valve closed position.

In embodiments, such as those hereinafter to be described with reference to the accompanying Figures of drawings, the reed valve is in the form of a resilient flap which is resiliently movable about a fixed point. The fixed point may be formed by interaction of a surface of the cap with the reed valve when the cap is received by the base. Thus, the reed valve is formed by a resilient section of the flap. The cap surface may be the surface of the cap in which the cap outlet is defined. When the flap is hingeably mounted in the fixture, the fixed point may the hinge point. Alternatively, as in the embodiments hereinafter to be described with reference to the accompanying Figures of drawings, the fixed point may be adjacent to the hinge point so that the resilient section is a distal section (relative to the hinge point) of the flap.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a fixture for use with a dispenser for dispensing a viscous medium from a dispensing outlet of the dispenser, the fixture comprising: a base for fixing to the dispenser, a passageway through which viscous medium from the dispenser is conveyable, the passageway having an inlet, for communication with the dispensing outlet of the dispenser, and an outlet, a valve movable from a closed position, which closes the passageway, to an open position which opens the passageway, and a lid movable from a closed position, which closes the passageway outlet, to an open position, which opens the passageway outlet, wherein the lid and the valve are configured and arranged such that: when the lid is in the closed position the lid maintains the valve in its closed position and, when the lid is in the open position the valve is free to move to its open position.

The fixture may be in the form of a cap for the dispenser.

The valve may be a reed valve, such as detailed elsewhere herein. The lid may have a pusher to push on the reed valve to maintain the reed valve in its closed position. The pusher may project through the passageway outlet to act on the reed valve. The pusher may be as detailed elsewhere herein.

The valve may be positioned in the passageway, for instance adjacent the outlet. The reed valve may be hingably mounted in the passageway.

The lid is mounted on the fixture for movement between its closed and open positions, for instance hingeably mounted. The lid may be a flip-top lid.

The lid may have a first part which mounts on the base and second part which is mounted on the first part for movement of the lid between its closed and open positions. In this instance, the pusher may be on the second part and the passageway outlet in the first part. Typically, the passageway inlet is presented by the base. The passageway outlet may be presented in the base or the first part of the lid.

The first part of the lid may be the cap as detailed elsewhere herein.

According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a dispenser for dispensing a viscous medium having a dispensing outlet, a lid for the dispensing outlet which is movable from a closed position which closes the dispensing outlet and an open position which opens the dispensing outlet, a valve movable from a valve closed position, which prevents the dispenser from dispensing through the dispensing outlet to a valve open position, which enables the dispenser to dispense through the dispensing outlet, wherein the lid and valve are configured and arranged such that in the lid closed position the lid and valve cooperate to maintain the valve in the valve closed position and in the lid open position the valve is free to move to its open position.

The valve may again be a reed valve, such as detailed elsewhere herein. The lid may have a pusher to push on the reed valve to maintain the reed valve in its closed position. The pusher may project through the dispensing outlet to act on the reed valve. The pusher may be as detailed elsewhere herein.

The valve may be positioned upstream of, and typically upstream of and in close proximity to, the dispensing outlet.

Typically, the viscous medium is an ointment, conveniently a cream or paste.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an assembly comprising an ointment dispenser, for example an ointment tube, having a dispensing outlet provided with a collar; and received by said collar, a fixture in accordance with the invention. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising as a first kit part, an ointment dispenser, for example an ointment tube, having a dispensing outlet provided with a collar; and as a second kit part that is receivable by said collar, a fixture in accordance with the invention.

Other aspects, embodiments and features in accordance with the invention are disclosed in the accompanying drawings and the associated descriptions thereof which now follow.

Each aspect of the invention can be modified to incorporate any one or more features of any one or more of the other aspects of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

By way of example, non-limiting embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figures 1 a to 1 c show sectional views of a first fixture in accord with the present invention comprising a base, a cap and a lid, with the fixture in respectively lidded, un-lidded and 'cap separated from base' positions;

Figures 2a and 2b show perspective views of a second fixture in accord with the present invention, closely corresponding to the first fixture of Figures 1 a and 1 b, in respectively lidded and un-lidded positions;

Figures 2c and 2d are respective sectional side views of the second fixture in lidded and un-lidded positions;

Figure 2e is a cross-sectional view taken on line 2e-2e in Figure 2c; Figure 2f is an underneath view of the cap and lid of the second fixture with the lid in an open position;

Figure 2g is a plan view of the base of the second fixture showing a reed valve closure in an open position;

Figure 3 shows a sectional side view of a third fixture in accord with the present invention in a lidded position and with a tamper-proof seal in place;

Figures 4a and 4b show sectional side views of the third fixture of Figure 3 in respectively lidded and un-lidded positions and with its tamper-proof seal removed;

Figure 5a shows a perspective view of the third fixture of Figure 3 in a lidded position and with its tamper-proof seal in place;

Figure 5b shows a perspective view of the third fixture in a lidded position and with its tamper-proof seal broken and in the process of being removed;

Figure 5c shows a perspective view of the third fixture in an un-lidded position and with its tamper-proof seal removed; and

Figures 6a to 6d show perspective views of sequential steps during an operation, in which the second fixture of Figures 2a to 2g is applied to and used in combination with an ointment tube.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Referring now to the drawings in more detail, Figures 1 a to 1 c show different views of a first fixture 1 herein that is arranged for fixing to a squeezable ointment tube, such as the squeezable ointment tube 60 shown in Figures 6a to 6d having a dispensing outlet 64 provided with a collar 66 to which the first fixture 1 is fixable. The first fixture 1 comprises a base 10 in the form of an elongate hollow base body defining a base body inlet 12; a base body outlet 16 and a base passage 19 for enabling ointment flow therebetween. The base 10 includes a base skirt 14 provided with an internal thread 15 and thus, arranged for mating interaction with the collar 66 of the ointment tube 60 shown on Figures 6a to 6d. The base body outlet 16 is provide with a reed valve closure 20 comprising a flexible reed strip or flap 22 (e.g. of plastic polymeric or rubber material) mounted at a top part 24 of the base and that is reversibly movable from a reed valve closed position (e.g. as shown at Figure 1 a) to a reed valve open position (e.g. as shown at Figures 1 b and 1 c). The reed valve closed position is the rest or normal position for the reed flap 22.

In this instance, the reed flap 22 is hinged to the top part 24 of the base 10 at a hinge point 22a so as to be moved between its closed and open positions by hinging about the hinge point 22a.

The first fixture 1 also includes a cap 30 defining a cap outlet 32 which is located in a top part (roof) 31 of the cap 30. The cap 30 is arranged for receipt by the base 10 in a capped position such as to cap off at least the base body outlet 16 and the reed valve closure 20 therefor whilst allowing for movement of the reed valve closure 20 between its closed and open positions. Accordingly, when the fixture 1 is fixed to an ointment tube and the tube squeezed, the ointment flows from the tube into the base passage 19 and, if the reed valve closure 20 moves to the reed valve open position (i.e. as shown at Figure 1 b) under the ointment flow pressure, the ointment then flows through the base body outlet 16 and the cap outlet 32. The freedom of the reed valve closure 20 to move from its closed position to its open position in response to the ointment flow will be understood shortly hereinafter. After removal of the squeezing force on the tube, the reed valve closure 20 returns to its closed position to close the base body outlet 16. . The base 10 and the cap 30 are able to be secured together by a snap-fit connection. As shown in Figures 1 a and 1 b, in this particular embodiment the snap- fit connection is formed through a bead 10a which extends about the outer peripheral side surface of the base 10 locating in a complementary groove 30a which extends about the inner peripheral side surface of the cap 30. Of course, the respective locations of the bead 10a and groove 30a could be reversed, or an alternative type of snap-fit utilised all together.

When the base 10 and the cap 30 are secured to one another, a seal is also formed between the outer and inner peripheral side surfaces of the base 10 and the cap 30.

As also shown in Figures 1 a and 1 b, in this particular embodiment a lip seal 3 extends about the outer peripheral side surface of the base 10 and seals with the inner peripheral side surface of the cap 30. Of course, the lip seal 3 could instead be provided on the inner peripheral side surface of the cap 30. Alternatively, some other type of seal arrangement could be used.

The seal 3 between the base 10 and the cap 30 prevents ointment having passed the reed valve closure 20 flowing down between the sides of the base 10 and the cap 30 so that, in use, the ointment has to flow through the cap outlet 32.

The first fixture 1 also includes a lid 40 defining a pusher 42 of 'pointed finger' form as an integral part thereof, wherein the lid 40 mounts by means of flip-top hinge mounting 44 to the cap 30. The lid 40 is arranged for receipt by the cap 30 in a lidded position (i.e. lid closed), in which the pusher 42 thereof protrudes through the cap outlet 32 to push the reed valve closure 20 (if not self-returning) to, and maintain the reed valve closure in, the reed valve closed position (i.e. as shown in Figure 1 a). When, however, the lid 40 is flipped open to an un-lidded position (i.e. as shown in Figure 1 b) the pusher 42 is spaced from the reed valve closure 20 and thus, when the ointment tube is squeezed to expel ointment into the base passage 19, the ointment flow forces the reed flap 22 to the reed valve open position to allow flow of ointment through the base body outlet 16 and thence, through the cap outlet 32 for dispensing to the user.

The connection of the base 10 to the cap 30 is such as to ensure that the pusher 42 of the lid 40 keeps the reed valve closure 20 closed when the lid 40 is in its closed position and that there is sufficient clearance between the reed valve closure 20 and the roof 31 of the cap 30 to enable opening thereof, when the lid 40 is in its open position, for ointment to flow through the cap outlet 32.

The lid 40 is further provided with a lid cutter 48 defining a cutting end-point 49 that is arranged in use, for cutting through a seal which seals closed the dispensing outlet of a tube to which the fixture 1 is to be fixed. In more detail, the lid 40 defines an upwardly extending top skirt 46 and the lid cutter 48 upwardly protrudes within that top skirt 46. The cutter 48 is used to open the seal before the fixture 1 is fixed to the tube, as will be gathered by reference to Figures 6a to 6d where the ointment tube 60 has a seal 68 provided to the dispensing outlet 64.

Figures 2a-2g show a second fixture 1 ' which functions in the same way as the first fixture 1. For simplicity, like reference numerals are used to designate the like features of the first 1 and second fixtures 1 ' and only the different features of the second fixture 1 ' will be described in detail.

As clearly shown in Figure 2a, the lid 40' of the second fixture 1 ' is provided with thumb grips 43' and a visual indication in the form of an arrow 45' to guide the user to correct flip-opening of the lid 40'. Moreover, the base 10' is provided with a knurled outer peripheral side surface to facilitate gripping thereof.

A snap-fit connection is also provided to secure the lid 40' to the cap 30' in the lidded (lid closed) position and thus ensure that the pusher 42' on the lid 40' maintains the reed valve closure 20' in its closed position. In this particular embodiment, the snap- fit connection is formed through a groove 40a' in the inner peripheral side surface of the lid 40' which receives a complementary bead 30b' on the outer peripheral side surface of the cap 30'. Of course, the locations of the bead 30b' and groove 40a' could be reversed, or an alternative type of snap-fit utilised all together.

The roof 31 ' of the cap 30' and the flexible reed flap 22' are each provided with protrusions 30c', 22b' which engage one another when the cap 30' is received on the base 10', as shown in Figure 2c. The ensures that only that section 22c' of the flexible reed flap 22' on the opposite side of the protrusions 22b', 30c' to the hinge point 22a' is able to hinge or flex back and forth to open and close the base body outlet 16'. Thus, the open position of the reed valve closure 20' in the second fixture 1 ' is defined by the open position of the reed flap section 22c', as shown in ghost line in Figure 2d. It can therefore be gathered that the reed flap 22' now has a hinge or flex axis 23' (Figure 2d) about which the reed flap section 22c' hinges/flexes between open and closed positions relative to the base body outlet 16' which is spaced away from (i.e. distally of) the hinge point 22a' for the reed flap 22'.

In this way the reed valve distal section 22c' is provided with a resilient property which acts to maintain, and return, the reed flap 22' to its closed position with respect to the base body outlet 16'. Thus, in use, after subsidence or removal of the ointment flow force which causes the reed flap distal section 22c' to hinge/flex open about hinge axis 23' to allow ointment to flow through the base body outlet 16' and the cap outlet 32', the reed flap distal section 22c' self-returns to its closed position to prevent further flow of ointment through the base body outlet 16'. The pusher 42' will push the reed valve distal section 22c' fully to its closed position in the event the resilient force does not so fully return it.

The second fixture 1 ' also has an alignment aid to ensure the cap-lid unit 30', 40' is assembled to the base 10' so that (i) the protrusions 22b', 30c' engage, and (ii) in the lidded position, the pusher 42' of the lid 40' passes through the cap outlet 32' to hold the reed valve closure 20', and more particularly the reed valve distal section 22c' (on which the pusher 42' physically acts), in its closed position. In this particular embodiment, the base 10' and cap 30' are provided with male and female features which only engage in the correct angular orientation of the base 10' with respect to the cap 30'. In this instance, the male feature 2' is provided on the base 10' and the female feature 4' is provided on the cap 30', but of course this could be reversed. The male feature is a radially directed rib 2' on the outer peripheral side surface of the base 10' which interrupts the bead 10a'. The female feature is a recess 4' on the inner peripheral side surface of the cap 30' into which the rib is able to slide only when the cap 30' is correctly oriented over the base 10'.

Thus, only when the base 10' and cap 30' are correctly aligned can the cap 30' be slid onto the base 10' to provide the snap-fit connection 10a', 30a' therebetween. Once this snap-fit connection 10a', 30a' is established, the protrusions 22b', 30c' have engaged and the pusher 42' and the cap outlet 32' are correctly positioned with respect to the reed valve closure 20'.

It will also be observed that the inner peripheral side surfaces of the base 10' and the lid 40' of the second fixture 1 ' respectively present a pair of axial ribs 5' and a groove 40b'. These features aid handling of the components of the second fixture 1 ' during its assembly, in particular by apparatus for high-speed automated assembly of the second fixture 1 ' on a production line.

It can further be seen from Figures 2d and 2g that the reed flap 22' and the base body outlet 16' have complementary tapering faces 22d', 16a' which engage one another when the reed flap 22' is in its closed position. These inter-engaging tapering surfaces 16a', 22d' aid closing and sealing of the base body outlet 16' by the reed flap 22' when in its closed position.

It can yet also be seen from Figures 2c and 2d that in this embodiment the cutter 48' is hollow. Figures 6a to 6d show sequential steps during a typical use operation, in which the second fixture 1 ' is applied to and used in combination with an ointment tube 60 of the type that is suitable for the storage and dispensing of preparations (e.g. drug preparations) in ointment (e.g. paste or cream) form. The ointment tube 60 is of relatively conventional form and comprises a squeezable tube container body 62 (only top part shown), which may for example be comprised of plastic or a thin metal laminate. The tube container body 62 of the ointment tube 60 is provided with a tube dispensing outlet 64 that is itself, provided with a threaded collar 66. The collar 66 is provided to the dispensing outlet 64 for guided dispensing of the ointment. Initially, as shown at Figure 6a, the dispensing outlet 64 is provided with an ointment tube seal 68 typically comprising a membrane (e.g. foil or plastic) arranged for puncturing at the time of first dispensing use of the dispensing outlet 64.

Thus, in the typical use operation, the second fixture 1 ' and the ointment tube 60 are initially spaced as shown at Figure 6a having typically been supplied as a kit of parts.

As previously described, the dispensing outlet 64 of the ointment tube 60 has a tube seal 68 in the form a membrane (e.g. foil or plastic) provided thereto. To unseal the ointment tube 60, as shown at Figure 6b, the fixture 1 ' is up-ended and the end-point

49' of the lid cutter 48' is brought into contact with the seal 68 thereof and downward pressure applied by the user on the lid 40' and its cutter 48' to cut open (e.g. puncture or perforate) the seal 68. The lid 40' and cutter 48' thereof is then moved away from the ointment tube 60. Subsequently, as shown at Figure 6c, the base skirt

14' of the fixture 1 ' is mated with the collar 64 of the ointment tube 60 and screw fixed thereto by means of threading interaction between the internal thread 15' of the base skirt 14' and the externally threaded collar 64 of the tube 60.

During storage, the second fixture 1 ' adopts the lidded configuration of Figure 2a, 2c and 6c in which the pusher 42' of the lid 40' acts on the reed valve closure 20' such as to close off the base body outlet 16'. Dispensing of ointment is thus prevented and ingress of contaminants and/or moisture into the ointment tube 60 is also substantially prevented. To allow for dispensing, the lid 40' is flipped open to the position of Figures 2b, 2d and 6d, in which the pusher 42' of the lid 40' is spaced from the reed valve closure 20', which is thus free to open. Application of squeezing pressure by the user on the squeezable body 62 of the ointment tube 60 causes ointment flow to be urged through the dispensing outlet 64 to base passage 19' and base body outlet 16' and thereby also pushes open the reed flap distal section 22c' of the reed valve closure 20', as shown in ghost line in Figure 2d. Ointment thus flows through the base body outlet 16' and thence through the cap outlet 32' for dispensing to the user. After dispensing, the resiliency of the reed flap distal section 22c' moves it back to its closed position and the lid 40' is flipped closed so that the pusher 42 keeps the reed valve closure 20 in the valve closed position of Figures 2a, 2c and 6c.

Figures 3 to 5c show different views of a third fixture 101 herein that is similarly arranged for fixing to an ointment tube having a dispensing outlet provided with a collar. The third fixture 101 is shown with subtly different styling as between the representations in Figures 3 and 4 and those in Figures 5a-5c, but these have no effect on the basic functioning and operation. For ease of cross-referencing, those features of the third fixture 101 which are like those in the first and second fixtures 1 , 1 ' are identified by like reference numerals.

The third fixture 101 comprises a base 110 in the form of an elongate hollow base body defining a base body inlet 112; a base body outlet 116 and a base passage 119 for enabling ointment flow therebetween. The base 110 includes a base skirt 114 provided with an internal thread 115 and thus, arranged for mating interaction with a collar of an ointment tube (not shown, but such as shown in Figures 6a-6d). There is also provided a base flow guide arranged for guiding flow of ointment within the base having the form of a guide tube 117 that downwardly protrudes within the base skirt 114. In addition, the guide tube 117 also defines a base cutter having a cutting end-point 118 that is arranged in use, for cutting through a seal provided to the dispensing outlet of the ointment tube. It will also be seen that the base 110 comprises an upper base part 111 and a lower base part 109 arranged for screw fixing by means of respective threaded sections 107, 108. As shown at Figures 3 and 5a, a tamper proof seal 150 in the form of a transit ring locates between the upper base part 111 and the lower base part 109 and is initially joined to the upper base part 111 by breakable join 152. In use, and as described in more detail hereinafter, that tamper proof seal 150 must initially be broken (as shown at Figure 5b) to allow the base parts 109, 111 to screw-fix together (as shown at Figures 4a, 4b and 5c).

The base body outlet 116 is provided with a reed valve closure 120 comprising a flexible reed strip or flap 122 (e.g. of plastic polymeric or rubber material) mounted at a top part 124 of the base and that is reversibly movable, by hinging about the hinge point 122a, from a reed valve closed position (as shown at Figure 4a) to a reed valve open position (e.g. as shown at Figure 4b).

The third fixture 101 also includes a cap 130 defining a cap outlet 132. The cap 130 is arranged for receipt by the base 110 in a capped position, effected by a snap-fit connection 110a, 130a, such as to cap off at least the base body outlet 116 and the reed valve closure 120 therefor whilst allowing for movement of the reed valve closure 120 and ointment flow between the base body outlet 116 and the cap outlet 132 when the reed valve closure 120 is in the reed valve open position (i.e. as shown at Figure 4b). As shown in Figures 5a-5c, the outer peripheral side surface of the cap 130 is knurled to assist gripping thereof.

The third fixture 101 also includes a lid 140 defining a pusher 142 of 'pointed finger' form as an integral part thereof, wherein the lid 140 mounts by means of flip-top hinge mounting 144 to the cap 130. The lid 140 is arranged for receipt by the cap 130 in a lidded position, in which the pusher 142 thereof protrudes through the cap outlet 132 to push the reed valve closure 120 (if not self-returning) to, and to maintain the reed valve closure 120 in, the reed valve closed position (i.e. as shown in Figure 4a). When, however, the lid 140 is flipped open to an un-lidded position (i.e. as shown in Figure 4b) the pusher 142 is spaced from the reed valve closure 120 and thus, the reed flap 122 may move to the reed valve open position upon a user squeezing the ointment tube to allow ointment from the ointment tube to flow through the base body outlet 116 and thence, through the cap outlet 132 for dispensing to the user. The ointment flow is indicated by the arrows in Figure 4b.

After a first or previous dispensing from the ointment tube through the fixture 101 , the next amount of ointment dispensed through the third fixture 101 would typically comprise ointment pending in the fixture 101 upstream of the reed valve closure 120, as a result of the previous dispensing(s). This is because at least the terminal portion of the ointment actually dispensed from the tube in any given dispensing event will only be dispensed into the area of the fixture 101 upstream of the reed valve closure 120 and be dispensed from the fixture 101 in a later dispensing event. This applies mutatis mutandis to the first and second fixtures 1 , 1 '.

It will be noted that the lid 140 is provided with thumb grip 145 to better enable the user to flip-open the lid 140.

In a typical use operation, the third fixture 101 and the ointment tube are initially spaced having typically been supplied as a kit of parts. In a first step, the base skirt 114 of the third fixture 101 is screwed onto the collar of the ointment tube (e.g. 66, Figure 6a). At this point, the tamper proof seal 150 is still in place, as shown at Figures 3 and 5a. The dispensing outlet of the ointment tube has a seal, which typically comprises a membrane (e.g. foil or plastic), provided thereto (e.g. 64 and 68, Figure 6a). To unseal the ointment tube, the tamper proof seal 150 must first be broken.

Thus, the user applies downward screwing pressure on the upper base part 111 , which initially causes weakening of the breakable join 152 between that upper base part and the transit ring 150, which thereby splays out as shown at Figure 5b. Application of further downward screwing pressure results in breaking of that join 152 and the transit ring 150 breaks off from the upper base part 111 such as to allow the upper base part 111 to fully screw onto the lower base part 109 as shown at Figures 4a and 5c. As this point is reached, the cutting end-point 118 of the base flow guide 117 is brought into contact with the seal of the ointment tube, which causes cutting (e.g. puncturing or perforating) open of that seal. Ointment may thus, now flow through the collar of the ointment tube into the base 110, and in particular through the base flow guide 117 (e.g. see arrows in Figure 4b).

As shown in Figure 3, the lower surface 150a of the transit ring 150 is tapered and rests on, or in close proximity to, a complementary tapered section 109a of the outer peripheral side surface of the lower base part 109. The inter-engagement of these tapering surfaces 109a, 150a on downward screwing of the upper base part 111 relative to the lower base part 109 facilitates the splaying out of the transit ring 150 and the resultant weakening/breaking of the breakable join 152.

It will be appreciated that the downward screwing of the upper base part 111 to break-off the transit ring 150 and to open the tube seal with the base flow guide 117 is effected by downward screwing of the upper base part 111 with the cap 130 and the lid 140. As shown in Figure 3, a snap-fit connection 110a, 130a exists between the cap 130 and the upper base part 111 , such as described above for the first fixture 1 , and the lid 140 is secured to the cap 130 at the hinge mounting 144. In addition, means may be provided to prevent relative rotation of the cap-lid unit 130, 140 on the upper base part 111 so that this unit rotates in unison with the upper base part 111.

It will be appreciated that during storage, the third fixture 101 adopts the lidded configuration of Figure 4a, in which the pusher 142 of the lid 140 acts on the reed valve closure 120 such as to close off the base body outlet 116. Dispensing of ointment is thus prevented and ingress of contaminants and/or moisture into the ointment tube is also substantially prevented. To allow for dispensing, the lid 140 is flipped open to the position of Figures 4b and 5c, in which the pusher 142 of the lid 140 is spaced from the reed valve closure 120, which is thus, free to open. Application of squeezing pressure by the user on the ointment tube, causes ointment flow to be urged through ointment flow guide 117 and base body outlet 116 and thereby, also pushes open the flap or strip 122 of the reed valve closure. Ointment thus, flows through the base body outlet 116 and thence, through the cap outlet 132 for dispensing to the user. After dispensing the lid 140 is flipped closed and the reed valve closure 120 returns to (if not self-returning), and is maintained in, the valve closed position of Figure 4a through the action of the pusher 142.

In the illustrated embodiments, the fixtures 1 , V, 101 are made from plastics materials by injection moulding, although other materials and/or manufacturing processes could be used. More particularly, the caps 30, 30', 130 and the lids 40, 40', 140 of the fixtures 1 , 1 ', 101 are integrally moulded, with the hinge mounting 44, 44', 144 being a living hinge. The hinge point 22a, 22a', 122a of the base 10, 10', 110 is also a living hinge. To aid the moulding of these parts with a living hinge, they are conveniently moulded from polypropylene (PP), although the skilled reader may contemplate other suitable plastics materials. The moulding of the second fixture 1 ' is aided by having a hollow lid cutter 48', and may be applied equally to the first fixture 1.

The components of the fixtures 1 , 1 ', 101 , and hence the fixtures 1 , 1 ', 101 themselves, have a generally circular cross-section.

The skilled reader will also appreciate that each illustrated fixture 1 , 1 ', 101 ' can be modified or varied to incorporate one or more features of the other fixtures 1 , 1 ', 101 and/or one or more features described in the Summary of the Invention. As an example, the first and third fixtures 1 , 101 may incorporate any one or more of the protrusions 22b', 30c', the alignment aid 2', 4', the snap-fit connection 30b', 40a', the assembly features 5', 40b' and the tapering surfaces 16a', 22d' of the second fixture 1 '.

The invention is suitable for use in dispensing any ointment, typically a cream or a paste product. The invention, including the illustrated embodiments, is suitable for use with ointment dispensers, such as a tube, and is particularly, but not exclusively suitable for squeezable ointment dispensers, such as squeezable tube dispensers.

Non-squeezable ointment dispensers, for instance trigger and pump operated dispensers, could also benefit from the invention, and be used with the illustrated embodiments, since the function of the invention is to prevent loss of the ointment when the dispenser is not being used, for instance by oozing or leakage, irrespective of the form of the ointment dispenser.

The invention herein is suitable for, but not limited to, use in dispensing drug formulations, particularly for topical application to mammalian (e.g. human) skin. The invention can of course be used in dispensing ointment (typically a cream or paste) which is not a drug formulation; i.e. in non-drug applications, non-limiting examples of which being cosmetic products, consumer healthcare products (e.g. toothpaste) and the like. Each reference to "ointment" herein should be interpreted this broadly, except for any instance which expressly states otherwise.

Drug formulations which may be dispensed with the invention may be of the type used to treat skin and soft tissue infections, for example secondarily infected dermotoses or traumatic lesions and impetigo, and acne, by topical application.

Suitable drug preparations include those having anti-bacterial/anti-microbial properties and which are thus, suitable for the treatment of bactehal/microbial infections in animals, especially mammals, including humans, in particular humans and domesticated animals (including farm animals). The salts may be used for the treatment of infections caused by, for example, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and mycoplasmas, including, for example, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecal is, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus sp, Neisseria sp. , Legionella sp. , Chlamydia sp. , Moraxella catarrhalis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Mycoplasma gallisepticum. It will be appreciated that any reference to treatment herein includes acute treatment or prophylaxis as well as the alleviation of established symptoms.

It will be appreciated that a physician will usually determine the actual dosage which will be most suitable for an individual subject. The specific dose level and frequency of dosage for any particular individual may be varied and will depend upon a variety of factors including the activity of the specific compound employed, the metabolic stability and length of action of that compound, the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, mode and time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, the severity of the particular condition, and the individual undergoing therapy.

Ointment may be administered to the patient using an ointment provided with a fixture herein at a daily dosage of from 1.0 to 50 mg/kg of body weight. For an adult human (of approximately 70 kg body weight), from 50 to 3000 mg, for example about 1500 mg, of a compound according to the invention may be administered daily. Suitably, the dosage for adult humans is from 5 to 20 mg/kg per day. Higher or lower dosages may, however, be used in accordance with normal clinical practice.

Appropriate drugs may thus be selected from, for example, anti-bacterial/antimicrobial drug compounds e.g. pleuromutilin and any derivatives thereof. It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that, where appropriate, the drugs may be used in free base form or in the form of their salts, (e.g., as alkali metal or amine salts or as acid addition salts) or as esters (e.g., lower alkyl esters) or as solvates (e.g., hydrates) to optimise the activity and/or stability of the drug.

Preferred drugs are selected from those pleuromutilin derivatives described in PCT Patent Application Nos. WO99/21855 and WO2005/023,257, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference, and particularly mutilin 14- (exo-8- methyl-8-azabicyclo [3.2.1] oct-3-ylsulfanyl)-acetate (Example 50 of WO99/21855) and mutilin 14-(exo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo [3.2.1]oct-3-ylsulfanyl)-acetate 22-Deoxy- 22-sulfanylpleuromutilin (Example 58 of WO99/21855). One particularly preferred drug is retapamulin in its free base form as marketed by GlaxoSmithKline under the trade mark ALTABAX®.

Suitable drug preparations are for delivery in ointment form, including those formulated as creams, pastes, emulsions and suspensions. Suitable ointment form preparations typically include one or more active drug components and a pharmaceutical acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier. Acceptable carriers or diluents for therapetic use are well known in the pharmaceutical art, and are described, for example, in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Co. (A. R. Gennaro edit. 1985). The choice of pharmaceutical diluent, excipient or carrier can be selected with regard to the intended route of administration and standard pharmaceutical practice. The ointment preparations may thus comprise as - or in addition to - the excipient, diluent or carrier, any suitable binder (s), lubricant (s), suspending agents), coating agent (s), solubilising agent (s), preservative (s), stabiliser (s), dye (s), flavouring agent (s) and antioxidant (s). Examples of preservatives include sodium benzoate, sorbic acid and esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Such carriers or diluents may constitute from about 1 % to about 99.5% by weight of the formulation; more usually they will constitute up to about 80% by weight of the formulation. For example, one suitable ointment for use with the ointment tube with fixture herein contains the active compound suspended or dissolved in, for example, a mixture with one or more of the following: mineral oil, liquid petrolatum, white petrolatum, propylene glycol, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene compound, emulsifying wax and water.

One exemplary ointment formulation for use with the ointment tube herein comprises 1 % w/w retapamulin in its free base form (as marketed by GlaxoSmithKline under the trade mark ALTABAX®) in an ointment base preparation of petrolatum. It will be understood that the present disclosure is for the purpose of illustration only and the invention extends to modifications, variations and improvements thereto.

This application can have claims directed to any feature or combination of features described therein. They may take the form of product, method or use claims and may include, by way of example and without limitation, one or more of the following claims:

Claims

1. A fixture for an ointment dispenser having a dispensing outlet provided with a collar, said fixture comprising

(i) a base in the form of a hollow base body defining a base body inlet; a base body outlet and a base passage for enabling ointment flow therebetween;

provided to said body inlet, a base skirt arranged for mating interaction with said collar of said ointment dispenser; and

2. A fixture according to claim 1 , wherein the hollow base body is of elongate form.

3. A fixture according to claim 2, wherein the base body inlet and base body outlet locate at opposing ends of the elongate form body.

4. A fixture according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base skirt is arranged for screw thread interaction with the collar of the ointment dispenser.

5. A fixture according to claim 4, wherein the base skirt is provided with an internal thread arranged for threaded interaction with an external thread provided to the collar of the ointment dispenser.

6. A fixture according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the base is provided with a base cutter arranged for cutting through a seal provided to the dispensing outlet of the ointment dispenser.

7. A fixture according to claim 6, wherein said base cutter downwardly protrudes within the base skirt of the base.

8. A fixture according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the reed valve comprises a reed in the form of a flap or strip comprised of a flexible material.

9. A fixture according to claim 8, wherein said flexible material comprises a plastic polymeric or rubber material.

10. A fixture according to claim 9, wherein said plastic polymeric material is polypropylene.

11. A fixture according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cap fixes to the base by means of a base-cap fixing means, for example selected from the group consisting of a screw thread, snap-fit and push-fit.

12. A fixture according to any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the base is provided with a base flow guide arranged for guiding flow of ointment within the base.

13. A fixture according to claim 12, wherein said base flow guide comprises a guide tube that downwardly protrudes within the base.

14. A fixture according to claim 13, wherein the base flow guide extends through 5 the base skirt.

15. A fixture according to claim 14, wherein in use, the base flow guide extends through the dispensing outlet of the ointment dispenser.

10 16. A fixture according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the base comprises an upper base part and a lower base part arranged for fixing thereto and additionally comprising a tamper proof seal between the upper base part and the lower base part.

15 17. A fixture according to claim 16, wherein said tamper proof seal comprises a spacer, which spaces the upper base part from the lower base part until that tamper proof seal is broken.

18. A fixture according to claim 17, wherein said spacer comprises a transit ring 20 locating between the upper base part and the lower base part.

19. A fixture according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the pusher is provided as an integral part of the lid.

25 20. A fixture according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the pusher is provided as a push-in or snap-on part of the lid.

21. A fixture according to any of claims 1 to 20, wherein the pusher has the form of a pointed finger.

30

22. A fixture according to any of claims 1 to 21 , wherein the lid fixes to the cap by means of fixing means, for example selected from the group consisting of a screw thread, snap-fit, hinge and push-fit.

5 23. A fixture according to any of claims 1 to 21 , wherein the lid is integral with the cap.

24. A fixture according to any of claims 1 to 23, wherein the lid is provided as a flip-top lid to the cap.

10

25. A fixture according to any of claims 1 to 24, wherein the lid is provided with grips and/or visual indications to guide the user to correct opening of the lid.

26. A fixture according to any of claims 1 to 24, wherein the lid is provided with a 15 lid cutter arranged for cutting through a seal provided to the dispensing outlet of the ointment dispenser.

27. A fixture according to claim 26, wherein the lid defines an upwardly extending top skirt and said lid cutter upwardly protrudes within said top skirt.

20

28. An assembly comprising an ointment dispenser having a dispensing outlet provided with a collar; and received by said collar; and a fixture according to any of claims 1 to 27.

25 29. An assembly according to claim 28, wherein said ointment dispenser is an ointment tube and comprises a tube container formed of a material that flexes under the application of manual squeezing pressure to allow dispensing of ointment from said dispensing outlet.

30. An assembly according to either of claims 28 or 29, wherein the collar is provided with an external thread arranged for threaded interaction with an internal thread provided to the base skirt of the fixture.

5 31. An assembly according to any of claims 28 to 30, wherein the ointment dispenser contains a preparation of one or more drugs in ointment form.

32. An assembly according to claim 31 , wherein said preparation comprises at least one active drug component and at least one pharmaceutical acceptable

10 excipient, diluent or carrier.

33. An assembly according to claim 32, wherein said at least one active drug component is an anti-bacterial or anti-microbial drug compound.

15 34. An assembly according to either of claims 32 or 33, wherein the at least one active drug component is selected from pleuromutilin and any derivatives thereof.

35. An assembly according to claim 34, wherein the at least one active drug component is selected from mutilin 14- (exo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo [3.2.1] oct-3-

20 ylsulfanyl)-acetate and mutilin 14-(exo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo [3.2.1]oct-3-ylsulfanyl)- acetate 22-Deoxy-22-sulfanylpleuromutilin.

36. An assembly according to any of claims 32 to 35, wherein the at least one active drug component is in free base form.

25

37. A kit of parts comprising as a first kit part, an ointment dispenser having a dispensing outlet provided with a collar; and as a second kit part that is receivable by said collar, a fixture according to any of claims 1 to 27.

30 38. A lit of parts according to claim 37, wherein said dispensing outlet is provided with a seal arranged for cutting open at the time of first dispensing use thereof.

39. A fixture for use with a dispenser for dispensing a viscous medium from a dispensing outlet of the dispenser, the fixture comprising: a base for fixing to the dispenser, a passageway through which viscous medium from the dispenser is conveyable, the passageway having an inlet, for communication with the dispensing outlet of the dispenser, and an outlet, a valve movable from a closed position, which closes the passageway, to an open position which opens the passageway, and a lid movable from a closed position, which closes the passageway outlet, to an open position, which opens the passageway outlet, wherein the lid and the valve are configured and arranged such that: when the lid is in the closed position the lid maintains the valve in its closed position and, when the lid is in the open position the valve is free to move to its open position.

40. The fixture of claim 39 in the form of a cap for the dispenser.

41. The fixture of claim 39 or 40, wherein the valve is a reed valve.

42. The fixture of any one of claims 39 to 41 , wherein the lid has a pusher to push on the reed valve to maintain the reed valve in its closed position.

43. The fixture of claim 42, wherein the pusher projects through the passageway outlet to act on the reed valve in the closed position of the lid.

44. The fixture of any one of claims 39 to 43, wherein the valve is positioned in the passageway adjacent the outlet.

45. The fixture of any one of claims 39 to 44, wherein the lid is mounted on the fixture for movement between its closed and open positions.

46. The fixture of any one of claims 39 to 45, wherein the lid has a first part which 5 mounts on the base and second part which is mounted on the first part for movement of the lid between its closed and open positions.

47. A dispenser for dispensing a viscous medium having a dispensing outlet, a lid for the dispensing outlet which is movable from a closed position which closes the

10 dispensing outlet and an open position which opens the dispensing outlet, a valve movable from a valve closed position, which prevents the dispenser from dispensing through the dispensing outlet to a valve open position, which enables the dispenser to dispense through the dispensing outlet, wherein the lid and valve are configured and arranged such that in the lid closed position the lid and valve cooperate to

15 maintain the valve in the valve closed position and in the lid open position the valve is free to move to its open position.

48. The dispenser of claim 47, wherein the valve is a reed valve.

20 49. The dispenser of claim 47 or 48, wherein the lid has a pusher to push on the reed valve to maintain the reed valve in its closed position.

50. The dispenser of claim 49, wherein the pusher projects through the dispensing outlet to act on the reed valve when the lid is in the closed position.

25

51. The dispenser of any one of claims 47 to 50, wherein the valve is positioned upstream of, and optionally in close proximity to, the dispensing outlet.