WO2025162558A1

WO2025162558A1 - Dispensing closure for a container and container with such a closure

Info

Publication number: WO2025162558A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/052195
Authority: WO
Inventors: Derek Hindle
Original assignee: Aptar Freyung GmbH
Current assignee: Aptar Freyung GmbH
Priority date: 2024-01-30
Filing date: 2024-01-30
Publication date: 2025-08-07
Anticipated expiration: 2026-07-30

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dispensing closure (100) for a container, said dispensing clo- sure (100) comprising a dispensing unit (600) having a dispensing opening (422) for dispensing a fluid and a first sealing region (360) and a base unit (200) having a skirt portion (220) for attaching the base unit to the container and having a second sealing region (260). The dispensing unit (600) is at least partly movable relative to the base unit (200) along an x-direction of the dispensing closure (100) between a shut-off position in which the first sealing region (360) comes into sealing contact with the second sealing region (260) and a dispensing position in which the first sealing region (360) is at least partly out of contact with the second sealing region (260) thereby providing a through opening (500) for allowing a fluid to pass between the first sealing region (360) and the second sealing region (260) for being dispensed through said dispensing opening (422). The dispensing closure comprises a vent channel (320), said dispensing closure being arranged such that flow of air from an outside of the closure through the vent channel (320) to an interior volume of the container is not possible when said dispens- ing unit (600) is in its shut-off position.

Description

Dispensing Closure for a Container and Container with such a Closure

Description

The present invention relates to a dispensing closure for a container and to a container with such a closure.

Such closures are typically used for dispensing products contained in a container to which said closure is attached. The products to be dispensed are typically fluid products, especially liquids but also powdered or granular products, e.g. in the food and beverage area, but also in other applications, e.g. for cleaning substances, detergents or other products.

The present invention especially relates to a dispensing closure, through which the fluid material, especially a liquid, can be dispensed without the use of pump devices, like e.g. a mechanical pump. The dispensing fluid is typically dispensed from containers through such free flow dispensing closures using gravity. The dispensing closures can be especially used for large or so-called XXL containers, and it is specifically useful for so-called free flow dispensing closures, i.e. closures which do not comprise a pump device.

Such a dispensing closure is e.g. known from Wo 2018/171886 Al. The dispensing closure disclosed therein comprises a peripheral wall and a transverse wall being made of deformable material, so that the transverse wall and the peripheral wall are distorted when force is exerted onto a toggle member.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an enhanced dispensing closure, especially a free flow dispensing closure, or a container with such a dispensing closure.

This object is solved by a dispensing closure for a container according to claim 1 and by a container with such a closure according to claim 23. Claims 2 to 22 refer to specifically advantageous realizations of the closure according to claim 1. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a closure according to claim 24 or claim 25.

The dispensing closure according to the present invention comprises a dispensing unit having a dispensing opening for dispensing a fluid and a first sealing region, the dispensing closure according to the present invention further comprising a base unit having a skirt portion for attaching the base unit to a container, said base unit further having a second sealing region.

The dispensing unit is at least partly movable relative to the base unit along an x-direction of the dispensing closure (or at least one part or one element of the dispensing unit is or multiple parts or multiple elements of the dispensing unit are movable relative to the base unit) between a shut-off position, in which the first sealing region comes into sealing contact with the second sealing region, and a dispensing position, in which the first sealing region is at least partly out of contact with the second sealing region thereby providing a through opening for allowing a fluid product or material to pass between the first sealing region and the second sealing region for being dispensed through said dispensing opening.

Preferably, the movement along the x- direction is a movement along or in parallel to a central axis of the closure device, and the movement is linear or essentially linear movement.

The dispensing closure according to the present invention comprises a vent channel, said dispensing closure being arranged such that flow of air from an outside of the closure through the vent channel to an interior volume of the container is not possible when said dispensing unit is in its shut-off position.

The dispensing unit comprises an operating unit with spring means, said spring means preferably comprising bellows, wherein said dispensing closure is arranged such that said operating unit is biased into the shut-off position by said spring means such that said dispensing unit remains in its shut-off position and/ or moves into its shut-off position when no force is asserted by a user onto said operating unit.

Furthermore, said dispensing unit comprises a stem unit being connectable or connected to said operating unit, said stem unit comprising the first sealing region and comprising at least a part of said vent channel.

The dispensing closure according to the present invention provides an easy to manufacture device and a closure device which is easy to be operated by a user. The dispensing closure according to the present invention furthermore provides an auto closing function, with the effect that in situations where no force is exerted onto the dispensing closure, especially no force is exerted onto the operating unit of the dispensing unit, the dispensing closure will automatically move into its shut-off position. The dispensing closure also provides the user with an easy control, not only with respect to switching between shut-off position and operating position, but also with respect to a controlled dosing of the fluid material, especially the liquid, to be dispensed.

A further advantage of the dispensing closure according to the present invention is that the first and second sealing regions can be used for both stopping a dispensing of liquid and for closing the vent channel without the need to provide separate or additional elements therefore.

According to a preferred embodiment, said operating unit comprises a first part of said vent channel, set first part being preferably a part being close to a vent opening to the outside of the closure, for allowing air to stream in when a liquid material is dispensed, in order to avoid vacuum within the closure.

Further preferably the stem unit comprises a longitudinal middle section, which preferably extends along a central axis of said dispensing closure. Said stem unit preferably further comprises, preferably at first end region, a sealing section, wherein said sealing section comprises said first sealing region. This provides a preferred realization of the sealing section and the sealing region, being a unit or an element being separate from said operating unit. This also ensures that the manufacturing of the stem unit can be especially focused on its desired properties. It would be e.g. possible to use different materials for each of the elements or units.

Further preferably said stem unit comprises, preferably at a second end region, a connection section for connecting said stem unit to said operating unit. This not only enables an easy and reliable manufacturing process, but especially an easy and reliable assembly process of the units.

In a further preferred embodiment said stem unit comprises a second part of said vent channel, wherein said second part of the vent channel extends in a longitudinal direction within the middle section of said stem unit, wherein said longitudinal direction preferably being parallel to a central axis of such a dispensing closure, more preferably the second part of said vent channel extends mainly or partly along the central axis of such a dispensing closure.

By this specific arrangement all functions, especially dispensing and venting functions, can be realized in an easy and reliable way, while additional elements are not necessarily required. The stem unit therefore serves and fulfills two functions, namely, on the one hand it allows transferring the force exerted by a user to push or move the stem unit or the dispensing unit into its dispensing position, on the other hand the stem provides at least a major part of the vent channel. This avoids the necessity to provide further and multiple elements, being difficult to manufacture and to assemble, thereby lowering costs for manufacturing and enhancing reliability of the dispensing device.

In a further preferred embodiment said stem unit, preferably a second end region of said stem unit, forms, together with said operating unit, a vent volume, when said stem unit and said operating unit or connected with each other after assembly.

This vent volume is a part of the vent channel, and in a preferred embodiment the vent channel is in fluid connection with a first part of said vent channel and a second part of said vent channel, thereby connecting the first part and the second part of the vent channel.

In a preferred embodiment, the first part of the vent channel and the second part of the vent channel extend along different directions. In a preferred solution the second part of the vent channel extends in an x direction or parallel to a central axis of the closure, while the first part of the vent channel preferably extends in a direction perpendicular thereto, preferably in a dispensing direction. The vent volume provided between these two parts of the vent channel secures a specifically smooth venting function, especially lowering or reducing flow turbulences, which may have a negative effect on the venting function.

In a further preferred embodiment said stem unit comprises a third part of said vent channel, wherein said third part extends preferably from said second part of said vent channel in a direction different to said longitudinal direction, preferably in a direction perpendicular to or essentially perpendicular to said longitudinal direction. All elements of the closure are therefore most efficiently utilized for forming the necessary elements for the desired functions, while the vent flow is optimized.

In this respect, it has to be noted that such closures are typically used for large containers, so- called XXL containers, while the dispensing closure is attached at the side wall of the container. In this situation, the central axis of the closure extends essentially in a horizontal direction. With the first part and the second part of the vent channel extending essentially in a perpendicular direction to the central axis of the closure, the first part and the second part extend in the vertical direction when the closure is attached to the container. With the above described arrangement, therefore, the air passing from the outside to the vent channel into the closure moves essentially into the opposite direction compared to the liquid to be dispensed, first in an upward direction within the first part of the vent channel, then horizontally within the second part of the vent channel in the stem unit, and finally again in an upward direction. The air passing through the vent channel is therefore kept separate from the liquid to be dispensed over a long distance, being allowed to enter a volume in which also liquid is present only at the end of the third part of the vent channel. This essentially assures a smooth venting capability, reducing turbulences to a large extent, so that also a smooth dispensing of liquid is possible.

According to a further preferred embodiment said dispensing unit comprises a dispensing channel which extends, starting from the dispensing opening, at least partly in a radial or essentially radial direction of the dispensing closure, said radial direction of the dispensing closure being perpendicular to a central axis of said dispensing closure.

Further preferably said dispensing unit comprises a first part of said vent channel, wherein said first part of said vent channel extends at least partly in parallel to said dispensing channel.

With these realizations, the flow of liquid during dispensing is realized antiparallel to the venting flow, while being kept separate from each other for a long extension, thereby even enhancing the above-mentioned functions and the undisturbed flow of both the liquid to be dispensed and of the air to be introduced into the container.

In a specifically preferred embodiment said dispensing unit comprises a vent channel having a first part, a second part and a third part, the second part extending in a longitudinal direction, preferably in parallel to a central axis (A) of said dispensing closure, while said first part and said third part extend, from opposing ends of the second part of the vent channel into directions being different from the longitudinal direction of the second part, preferably perpendicular or essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second part, while the first part extends from said second part in a different direction than said third part, preferably into an opposite or essentially opposite direction.

Further preferably, the first part of said vent channel extends in a vertical direction perpendicular to a central axis of said dispensing closure, wherein the first part of said vent channel extends from an outer vent opening which opens to the exterior of the dispensing closure for allowing air to stream into and through the vent channel.

In a further preferred embodiment, the dispensing closure comprises a third part of said vent channel, which extends in a vertical direction perpendicular to a central axis of said dispensing closure, wherein the third part of said vent channel extends from an inner vent opening which opens to an interior of the dispensing closure for allowing air to stream out of the vent channel. Even further preferably, said outer vent opening is, with respect to the vertical direction, positioned below a central axis of said dispensing closure and/ or said inner vent opening is, with respect to the vertical direction, positioned above a central axis of said dispensing closure.

With such arrangements, the above-mentioned functions of the dispensing closure are optimized. Notably, it is ensured that, during operation and when the closure is attached to the container, preferably, as mentioned above, on a side of the container, the air is vented through the vent channel along the central axis of the stem unit, while before entering the middle or second part of the vent channel, being directed in an upward direction, and after leaving the middle or second part of the vent channel, being again directed in an upward direction, so that an entry opening or an outer vent opening is at the lowest vertical position, while the opposite opening or an inner vent opening, through which the vent air leaves the vent channel, is at the highest vertical position of the vent channel. It been shown that such an arrangement leads to specifically positive results and a smooth functioning of the dispensing closure, especially a smooth dispensing of liquid.

In a further preferred embodiment, said spring means, preferably realized at least partly by bellows, extend about a predetermined length along a central axis of the dispensing closure, wherein said predetermined length of said spring means and the vent channel are dimensioned such that the vent channel or a middle part of the vent channel extends at least over 50%, more preferably at least over 80% into said predetermined length of said spring means, when said dispensing unit is in its shut-off position. These specific relative dimensions have proven to be a good support for the above-mentioned functions, also providing reliable feedback to the user, which helps/facilitates the user in handling the closure.

In a further preferred embodiment, said operating unit and said stem unit are designed such that they can be connected to each other by snap fitting. This enables an easy manufacturing process of each of the elements, especially by injection molding, and especially enables an easy and reliable assembly of the parts during the manufacturing process.

In a still further embodiment, said operating unit and said base unit are designed such that the spring means are, directly or indirectly, in contact with the base unit, preferably with a deck portion of the base unit, while the spring means are designed such that they are pre-biased, especially pre-compressed, when the dispensing closure is in its shut-off position. Further preferably said operating unit is designed such that it comprises a ringlike contact portion being in direct or indirect contact with the base unit, preferably with the deck portion of the base unit.

These features have the advantage that manufacturing is further simplified, while still realizing the desired functions or even enhancing the desired functions. A further specific advantage is that those elements of the dispensing unit, comprising the spring means, especially the bellows, do not have to be attached to the base element, while still ensuring that there is a sealing function between the dispensing unit, especially the operating unit, and the base unit, especially a deck or deck portion of the base unit. Any leakage of liquid is thereby securely avoided.

According to a further preferred realization, said vent channel and/ or an outer vent opening and/ or an inner vent opening has or have a cross-section being smaller than the cross-section of the dispensing opening and/or than the cross-section of a dispensing channel, preferably being smaller by at least 50%, preferably by at least 70% or more preferably by at least 80%.

It is turned out that these relative dimensions specifically support and ensure the smooth dispensing of liquid, while at the same time realizing a smooth venting, so that venting is realized continuously, avoiding or at least reducing a pumping or bubbling effect.

According to a further preferred embodiment, said dispensing unit, comprising said spring means, especially the bellows, are made from polyethylene. By this specific structure, especially the bellows, the closure can be manufactured completely from polyethylene, preferably by injection molding. This has specific advantages especially when recycling used closures, thereby having a positive effect on the environment. Preferably the complete dispensing closure is made from polyethylene.

According to a further preferred embodiment the dispensing closure also comprises a protective cap, which is connectable, preferably releasably connectable, to said base element, for covering said dispensing element, especially said operating unit of said dispensing element. The protective cap ensures that the dispensing closure is not inadvertently operated, e.g. during transport.

The present invention also relates to a container for containing fluid material, especially large containers and so-called XXL containers, with a dispensing closure as described above. The dispensing closure is either connected or connectable, especially releasably connectable, to such containers.

The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a dispensing closure as described above, wherein said base unit as well as said operating unit and said stem unit of said dispensing unit are manufactured separately by injection molding. This has the advantage that each of the above-mentioned three elements can be manufactured separately, which makes manufacturing process easy and enables the use of less expensive injection molding tools or moulds.

According to a preferred realization of the method for manufacturing a dispensing closure, first of all the separate units are manufactured, especially the three above-mentioned units. Thereafter the operating unit is positioned on the base unit, preferably centered around a spout element extending from a deck portion of said base element. This ensures a proper positioning of the operating unit relative to the base unit. Only thereafter the stem unit is inserted, preferably through the spout element and preferably along a central axis of the dispensing closure, and then connected with said operating unit, preferably by snap fitting.

This order of the manufacturing steps makes the manufacturing process easy and reliable and therefore inexpensive, while a proper positioning of each of the elements relative to each other is ensured.

These and other advantages of the closure and the system as well as the manufacturing method according to the present invention will become even more apparent in view of the following figures showing a preferred embodiment of a closure according to the present invention.

Figure i shows a cross-sectional view of a dispensing closure according to the present invention, including a protective cap, while the dispensing closure is in its shut-off position,

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a base element of a closure according to the present invention,

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a dispensing unit of a closure according to the present invention, the dispensing unit comprising an operating unit and a stem unit, which are shown in an exploded view or at a state in which these units are not or not yet connected to each other, Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the dispensing unit of a closure as shown in figure 3, however with said operating unit and said stem unit being connected to each other (without the base unit),

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a dispensing closure according to the present invention, being in its dispensing position, and

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the dispensing closure as shown in figure 5 with liquid to be dispensed and venting air being indicated, the dispensing closure being attached to a neck of a container.

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a dispensing closure according to the present invention, comprising a base unit 200 and a dispensing unit 600, being attached to the base unit 200. The dispensing closure as shown in figure 1 also comprises a protective cap 800, which is releasably connected to the base element 200 and can be attached to and removed, preferably multiple times, by a user. The protective cap covers the dispensing unit 600, so that these elements are protected, avoiding any damages or avoiding undesired and inadvertent dispensing.

As can be seen in figure 1, the dispensing closure is in its shut-off position, with first sealing regions 360 being arranged at said dispensing unit 600, and in this embodiment, at a first end region of a stem unit 300 (see also Fig. 3), and with second sealing regions 260 being arranged at said base unit and being in sealing contact with each other so that no fluid can be dispensed.

Figure 2 shows the base unit 200 separately. The base unit 200 comprises a skirt 220, which is open into the direction of a container to which the dispensing closure shall be attached. The skirt 220 comprises fastening means for attaching the base 200 to a container, e.g. by snap fitting, however also other fastening means, like threading means or similar elements are possible.

The base unit 200 comprises a deck portion 250, from which a spout like element 240, having a dispensing opening or dispensing channel, extends. As can be well seen also in figure 2, base element comprises second sealing regions 260, which are, in this embodiment, arranged in a ringlike form and in the vicinity of the spout like element 240. Figure 3 shows a dispensing unit 600 comprising an operating unit 400 and a stem unit 300. The dispensing unit 400 and the stem unit 300 are shown in a non-connected condition or in an exploded view in order to better visualize the design of each of the elements. The stem unit 300 comprises, at a second end region of the stem unit 300, a connection section 305 for connecting said stem unit 300 to said operating unit 400.

The operating unit 400 comprises a ringlike contact portion 450, which comes into contact with the deck portion 250 of the base unit, see especially figure 1 and figure 2. The dispensing unit further comprises bellows 430, exemplified in Fig. 3 as spring elements, and a dispensing channel 420 with a dispensing opening 422 for dispensing a liquid material or product to the outside in a dispensing direction F.

The operating unit 400 further comprises a part of the vent, namely a first part 320a of the vent channel, having an outer vent opening 342. As can be well seen in figure 3, the first part 320a of the vent channel extends, at least over its major portion, in this embodiment parallel to the dispensing channel 420, with the dispensing opening 422 being arranged directly beside the outer vent opening 342. In this respect it has to be noted that in other embodiments the the first part 320a of the vent channel can be also arranged slightly inclined relative to the dispensing channel 420.

In this respect, it has to be noted that the figures show the dispensing closure or elements of the dispensing closure in a position which is usual during operation and when being attached to a container (not shown), normally to a side portion or side wall of the container.

The z-direction as indicated in the drawings is therefore the vertical direction, with the x- direction, being perpendicular to the z-direction, being parallel to a central axis A of the dispensing closure. The dispensing direction F therefore is in the vertical direction, enhancing the dispensing of the liquid, simply by gravity.

The stem unit 300 comprises a longitudinal middle section 310, extending along the central axis A of the dispensing closure, and the stem unit also comprises a second part 320b of the vent channel, extending within the middle section 310 of the stem unit 300. The stem unit 300 further comprises a third part 320c of the vent channel, said third part 320c extending in a vertically upward direction and having an inner vent opening 322, through which air can enter into the dispensing closure. The stem unit 300 can be connected to the operating unit 400, in this embodiment by snap fitting, as shown in figure 4.

Figure 4 shows the stem unit 300 and the operating unit being connected to each other. With respect to the elements of each of the units it is especially referred to the above-mentioned description.

As can be especially seen in figure 4, the stem unit 300, when being attached to the operating unit 400, forms a vent volume 325 being arranged between the first part 320a and the second part 320b of the vent channel. Thereby the complete vent channel is realized, starting from an outer vent opening 342, through which air can enter from the outside into the first part 320a, through which it passes to the vent volume 325, then through the second part 320b and the third part 320c until reaching the inner vent opening 322, through which air can be led to the inside of the dispensing closure, and consequently, depending on whether the dispensing closure is in its shut-off position or in its dispensing position, into a container to which the dispensing closure is attached.

Figure 4 shows the arrangement of the vent channel, with the outer vent opening 342 being at the lowest position in a vertical direction or gravity direction, while the inner vent opening 322 being in the highest position in a vertical direction or gravity direction. This ensures smooth venting operation.

The liquid material or product to be dispensed can pass essentially in the opposite direction (when compared with the air flow entering through the vent channel) and outside the vent channel, finally being dispensed through the dispensing channel 420 and out of the dispensing opening 422 in a dispensing direction F, i.e. in a downward direction following gravity.

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the dispensing closure too in a completely assembled form and being in its dispensing position. As can be seen in figure 5, the first sealing region 360, being arranged at the stem unit 300, and the second sealing region 260, being arranged at the base unit 200, are separated from each other, thereby creating a through opening 500, through which the liquid material or product can pass from the container, into the dispensing unit and can be dispensed through the dispensing channel 420 and out of the dispensing opening 422.

The first sealing region 360 as well as the second sealing region 260 have a ringlike form, with slightly slanted contact surfaces, which ensures a proper sealing effect. The ringlike contact portion (450, see figure 3) is in contact with the deck portion 250 of the base element 200. This ensures that no liquid material or product can be leaked out of the dispensing closure, with the exception of the desired dispensing through the dispensing opening 422.

Figure 6 shows the embodiment shown in figure 5, while additionally the liquid material or product to be dispensed is visualized as indicated by hatching. As can be especially seen in figure 6, essentially the complete interior of the dispensing closure is filled with the liquid material or product, with the exception of the vent channel comprising three parts 320a, 320b, and 320c.

The dispensing closure is attached to a neck 920 of a container 900, the container being a large container or a so-called XXL-container, which is however only partly and schematically shown. As can be seen in figure 6 the neck 920 is positioned between the skirt 220 and an extension 222, extending parallel to the skirt 224 for holding and/or securing and for sealing the dispensing closure to the neck 920 of the container 900.

The liquid material or product can pass through the ringlike through opening 500 and can be dispensed in the dispensing direction F, however, the liquid material or product cannot leak out of the dispensing closure at other parts of the dispensing closure.

Furthermore, as to the specific arrangement of the venting channel, the liquid material or product also does not enter into the venting channel, but external air is passing through the three parts 320a, 320b, and 320c, leaves the venting channel through the inner vent opening 322 and can then, also due to the effects of gravity, enter the volume of the container to avoid building up of a vacuum in the container due to dispensing of the liquid material or product, so that a smooth dispensing of the liquid material or product is ensured.

It is clear to the expert that various amendments can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the attached claims, and any features disclosed in connection with the embodiments or the general description can be important for realizing the invention, either alone or in any combination thereof.

Claims

1. Dispensing closure (100) for a container, said dispensing closure (100) comprising: a dispensing unit (600) having a dispensing opening (422) for dispensing a fluid and a first sealing region (360) and a base unit (200) having a skirt portion (220) for attaching the base unit to the container and having a second sealing region (260), the dispensing unit (600) being at least partly movable relative to the base unit (200) along an x-direction of the dispensing closure (100) between a shut-off position in which the first sealing region (360) comes into sealing contact with the second sealing region (260) and a dispensing position in which the first sealing region (360) is at least partly out of contact with the second sealing region (260) thereby providing a through opening (500) for allowing a fluid to pass between the first sealing region (360) and the second sealing region (260) for being dispensed through said dispensing opening (422), the dispensing closure comprising a vent channel (320), said dispensing closure being arranged such that flow of air from an outside of the closure through the vent channel (320) to an interior volume of the container is not possible when said dispensing unit (600) is in its shut-off position, characterized in that the dispensing unit (600) comprises an operating unit (400) with spring means (430), said spring means (430) preferably comprising bellows, wherein said dispensing closure is configured such that said operating unit (600) is biased into the shut-off position by said spring means (430) such that said dispensing unit (600) remains in its shut-off position and/or moves into its shut-off position when no force is excerted by a user onto said operating unit (400), and said dispensing unit (600) comprises a stem unit (300) being connectable or connected to said operating unit (400), said stem unit (300) comprising the first sealing region (360) and comprising at least a part (320b, 302c) of said vent channel (320).

2. Dispensing closure according to claim 1, wherein said operating unit (400) comprises a first part (320a) of said vent channel (320).

3. Dispensing closure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said stem unit (300) comprises a longitudinal middle section (310), preferably extending along a central axis (A) of said dispensing closure (100).

4. Dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said stem unit (300) comprises, at a first end region, a sealing section, said sealing section comprising said first sealing region (360).

5. Dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said stem unit (300) comprises, at a second end region, a connection section (305) for connecting said stem unit (300) to said operating unit (400).

6. Dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said stem unit (300) comprises a second part (320b) of said vent channel (320), which extends in a longitudinal direction within a middle section (310) of said stem unit (300), said longitudinal direction preferably being parallel to a central axis (A) of said dispensing closure (100).

7. Dispensing closure according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said second end region of said stem unit (300) forms, together with said operating unit (400) a vent volume (325).

8. Dispensing closure according to claim 7, wherein a first part (320a) of said vent channel (320) is in fluid connection with a second part (320b) of said vent channel (320) via said vent volume (325).

9. Dispensing closure according to one of the claims 6 to 8, wherein said stem unit (300) comprises a third part (320c) of said vent channel (320), wherein said third part (320) extends from said second part (320b) of said vent channel (320) in a direction different to said longitudinal direction, preferably in a direction being perpendicular to or essentially perpendicular to said longitudinal direction.

10. Dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said dispensing unit (600) comprises a dispensing channel (420) which extends, starting from the dispensing opening (422), at least partly in a radial or essentially radial direction of the dispensing closure (100), said radial direction of the dispensing closure being perpendicular to a central axis (A) of said dispensing closure.

11. Dispensing closure according to claim 10, wherein said dispensing unit (400) comprises a first part (320a) of said vent channel (320), wherein said first part (320a) of said vent channel (320) extends at least partly in parallel to said dispensing channel (420).

12. Dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said dispensing unit (400) comprises a vent channel (320) having a first part (320a), a second part (320b) and a third part (320c), the second part (320b) extending in a longitudinal direction, preferably in parallel to a central axis (A) of said dispensing closure (100), while said first part (320a) and said third part (320b) extend, from opposing ends of the second part (320b) of the vent channel (320), into directions being different from the longitudinal direction of the second part (320b), preferably perpendicular or essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second part (320b), while the first part (320a) extends from said second part (320b), in a different direction than said third part (320c), preferably into an opposite or essentially opposite direction.

13. Dispensing closure according to one of the claims 2 to 12, wherein the first part (320a) of said vent channel (320) extends in a vertical direction (z- direction) perpendicular to a central axis (A) of said dispensing closure, wherein the first part (320a) of said vent channel (320) extends from an outer vent opening (342) which opens to the exterior of the dispensing closure for allowing air to stream into and through the vent channel (320).

14. Dispensing closure according to one of the claims 2 to 13, wherein the dispensing closure comprises a third part (320c) of said vent channel (320), which extends in a vertical direction (z-direction) perpendicular to a central axis (A) of said dispensing closure, wherein the third part (320c) of said vent channel (320) extends from an inner vent opening (322) which opens to an interior of the dispensing closure for allowing air to stream out of the vent channel (320).

15. Dispensing closure according to claim 13 or 14, wherein said outer vent opening (342) is, with respect to the vertical direction (z- direction) positioned below a central axis (A) of said dispensing closure and/or wherein said inner vent opening (322) is, with respect to the vertical direction (z- direction), positioned above a central axis (A) of said dispensing closure.

16. Dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said spring means (430), preferably said bellows (430), extend about a predetermined length along a central axis (A) of the dispensing closure, wherein said predetermined length of said spring means and the vent channel are dimensioned such that the vent channel or a middle part (320b) of the vent channel (320) extends at least over 50%, more preferably at least over 80% into said predetermined length of said spring means, when said dispensing unit (600) is in its shut-off position.

17. Dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said operating unit (400) and said stem unit (300) are designed such that they can be connected to each other by snap fitting.

18. Dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said operating unit (400) and said base unit (200) are designed such that the spring means (430) are, directly or indirectly, in contact with the base unit (200), preferably with a deck portion (250) of the base unit (200), while the spring means (430) are designed such that they are pre-biased, especially pre-compressed, when the dispensing closure is in its shut-off position.

19. Dispensing closure according to claim 18, wherein said operating unit (400) is designed such that it comprises a ringlike contact portion being in direct or indirect contact with the base unit (200), preferably with the deck portion (250) of the base unit (200).

20. Dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said vent channel (320) and/or an outer vent opening (342) and/or an inner vent opening (322) has or have a cross-section being smaller than the cross-section of the dispensing opening (422) and/or than the cross-section of a dispensing channel (420), preferably being smaller by at least 50%, preferably by at least 70% or more preferably by at least 80%.

21. Dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said dispensing unit (600), comprising said spring means (430), and/or said base unit (200) is or are made from polyethylene.

22. Dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a protective cap (800), connectable to said base element (200) for covering said dispensing element (600), especially said operating unit (400) of said dispensing element (600).

23. Container for containing fluid material with a dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, said dispensing closure (100) being connected or connectable, especially releasably connectable, to the container.

24. Method for manufacturing a dispensing closure according to one of the claims 1 to 22, wherein said base unit (200) as well as said operating unit (400) and said stem unit (320) of said dispensing unit (600) are manufactured separately by injection molding.

25. Method according to claim 24, wherein after injecting molding of the separate units, first the operating unit (400) is positioned on the base unit (200), preferably centered around a spout element (240) extending from a deck portion (250) of said base element (200), while only thereafter the stem unit (300) is inserted, preferably through the spout element (240), and connected with said operating unit (400), preferably by snap fitting.