FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention in general, relates to a closure for a dispensing unit such as but not limited to a tube or a container, which has to be pressed or squeezed for extracting out the contents, which may be food or any other product, such as say toothpaste. More specifically, the present invention relates to a closure for a dispensing unit which comprises at least an additional opening different from the usual one atop the unit in respect of diameter, such that contents of varying diameter or shape can be selectively and conveniently dispensed from the unit, depending upon the choice of the user.

The user can very conveniently select the opening he or she needs, for dispensing the contents of the unit, without any substantial loss of contents. This is done by pulling off or by twisting/screwing off the closure very conveniently. In both the uses, there is only one loose part which is removed away from the tube/container. These aspects have several technical and practical advantages as described later in this specification.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a closure for a dispensing unit according to the preamble of claim 1.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Closures for dispensing contents from a dispensing unit are known to have varying shapes and methods of operation. Such a dispensing unit may for the sake of example only, be a tube or a container which has to be squeezed to bring out its contents through an opening, located at its top portion. It is common knowledge that such contents may be semi-solid food items such as mayonnaise or other liquids with different viscosity or may be similar other non- edible substances, such as say for example tooth paste or may be body cream and acrylic sealing or the like. All such substances, as discussed in the preceding paragraph, are covered within the scope of the present invention.

Most of the closures for such dispensing units in vogue such as the present day various types of caps for tubes and containers, offer only one way of opening for the content. The content can be squeezed through one size / shape hole. There is often no selection possible for different sizes or shapes, since the opening cannot be changed.

Furthermore, in known systems where a nozzle is cut in different possible places to have a different opening, are not reversible, and do not offer the possibility to choose.

CN202400396U A discloses a toothpaste tube having a tube body and a cap. An opening end of the tube body is movably connected with a thread having a through hole in the middle portion. The thread also has a cap at its top. The invention teaches that the tube and the thread can be separated and used by two different persons. However, it does not explain how to squeeze out varying contents with different diameters or shapes, from the same tube and that too selectively, by the same user. Furthermore, this document does not disclose pulling or unscrewing off the closure easily, to conveniently select holes of different shapes, for dispensing contents of different shapes.

CA 1057706 describes a dispenser for spaghetti, with a series of rings with different diameters for dispensing different portions of spaghetti from the dispenser. All said rings are connected to each other.

US 4.717.050 describes a closing device for a container, comprising three parts which are hinged to each other, a first part with relatively large opening

connected to the container, an intermediary part with a relatively smaller opening is hinge connected to the first part and a third and upper part is a tight lid hinge- connected to the two other parts.

EP 2184235 shows a similar solution, comprising two parts with apertures with different diameters and a lid. All these parts are hinged-connected to each other.

Yet similar devices are described in US 6.382.476, JP 2010030669, JP

2006137478A, JP 2008222277. The different parts of the devices are hinge- connected to each other.

JP 200221 1599 describes a device comprising two separate parts for placing on a container, where the container outlet has a relatively large opening, wherein the first part of the closing device is screwed to the container outlet and the second part (lid/stopper) is screwed onto the first part. The user can unscrew both these parts in order to have a large opening for dispensing the content or just the lid/stopper in order to expose a smaller dispensing opening.

CN 201381017 describes a special device for obtaining as much as possible of the cream remnants from a tube with a relatively hard outlet part. By this solution, a plug with a smaller diameter than the outlet opening of the tube is screwed into a plug with smaller diameter, in order to reduce the void volume of the tube and the remaining volume of cream in the outlet will be correspondingly smaller. The device is also provided with a hinged lid. JP 2005014968 describes a device comprising separate elements with nozzles with differing outlet diameter, which are placed in to the outlet opening of a container. A stopper with an aperture where the nozzle of the element protrudes is screwed onto and outside this element, and a tight lid which is hinge- connected to the stopper.

Other publications relating to this technical field are DE 4421220 C1 , EP

1508527 A1 and GB 1023028 A. Hence, need for closures for containers/tubes which offer more than one opening which can be selectively applied for squeezing out varying amounts of the contents, cropped up.

The registered Norwegian design numbered 082823, granted to Kavli Holding AS disclose openings for discharging contents of varying diameters from a container. The design shows a cap with a flip lid, consisting of a top part and a bottom part. Top part of the cap has three holes and the bottom cap has one hole. The bottom and the top are slided over each other to align the holes. Selection of different holes is possible by twisting the top part of the cap (sliding parts). This twisting operation is not very simple and user friendly and moreover, twisting the top of the cap creates a greasy, messy product where the content sticks/stays between the sliding parts. Further, the flip lid blocks the view, use. Furthermore, this arrangement leaves holes which are not in use and often have contents stuck to it, when not in use.

Hence, there is a long felt need for a closure for a dispensing unit which comprises at least an additional opening different from the usual one atop the unit in respect of diameter or shape, such that contents of varying shapes can be selectively and conveniently dispensed from the unit, depending upon the choice of the user, without any substantial loss of contents.

There is also a very important need for such a closure, which can be pulled open or twisted/screwed off, very conveniently, for selecting dispensing holes of varying shapes, whereby, contents of different shapes can be dispensed from the container, depending upon user choice.

The present invention meets the above needs and other needs associated therewith, by providing a closure for a dispensing unit, having a top portion detachably attached to at least one bottom portion. The latter has an opening atop it and is removably arranged above the usual opening atop a dispensing unit such that the openings can be selected conveniently by the user, for dispensing contents of varying diameters/shapes. According to the invention, the dispensing holes are of varying shapes and one portion of the closure can be pulled open or screwed/twisted off , for very easily selecting the dispensing hole, according to the choice of the user.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is the principal object of the present invention to provide a closure for a dispensing unit, which can be pulled off or may be screwed/twisted off for very easily selecting dispensing holes of different diameter or shape, whereby contents of different shapes can be dispensed from the container, depending upon user choice.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a closure for a dispensing unit, which comprises at least an additional opening of different diameter or shape, other than the usual one atop the unit in respect of diameter, such that contents of varying diameters can be selectively and conveniently dispensed from the unit, depending upon the choice of the user, without any substantial loss of contents. It is another object of the present invention to provide a closure for a dispensing unit, which ensures, that the view or use is not blocked by any part.

How the foregoing objects are achieved and some other advantageous features, still not disclosed in prior art, will be clear from the following non-limiting description.

All through the specification including the claims, the words, "closure", "dispensing unit ", "opening/hole", "tube/container", "nozzle", "cap", twisting/screwing off are to be interpreted in the broadest sense of the respective terms and includes all similar items in the field known by other terms, as may be clear to persons skilled in the art. Restriction/limitation, if any, referred to in the specification, is solely by way of example and understanding the present invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a closure for a dispensing unit, said dispensing unit contains a paste-like substance, which unit is equipped with a first opening at its top portion, said top portion comprises a cylindrical part with external threads, and also has at least a second opening which has a diameter/shape different from the first opening to ensure that flow of contents of varying diameters/shapes can be dispensed from the dispensing. Said closures is characterised in that the closure has a top portion which is removably secured to at least a bottom portion such that either the top portion can be selectively removed completely from the atop the bottom portion to expose only the second opening atop the bottom portion or the bottom portion having the top portion fitted on it, can be selectively completely removed as an intact single unit, from atop the first opening, to expose only the first opening, said top portion is a cap that is snap fitted or press fitted atop the second portion which is a nozzle, the nozzle opening atop the nozzle having a shape, different from the first opening at the top of the unit and that the nozzle with the cap snap fitted atop it as a single unit is screwed on to the top portion of the dispensing unit so as to cover the first opening located at the top of the dispensing unit.

More preferably, the interior portion of the cap and the exterior portion of the nozzle have matching shapes for snap fitting of the cap atop the nozzle and also for removing the cap from atop the nozzle said matching shapes also facilitating twisting or screwing off of the nozzle with cap atop it from atop the first opening , as a single intact unit.

Most preferably, such matching shapes also facilitate screwing on of the nozzle with cap atop it, on the first opening as a single intact unit. The screwing on/off operations are facilitated by matching interior of the nozzle and the threaded portion below the first opening and atop the dispensing unit.

According to an advantageous feature, the cap has a shape in its interior portion that fits into the second opening atop the nozzle to push back the content in the dispensing unit once the cap is snap fitted atop the nozzle and this feature also facilitates or solely causes screwing off/on operation of the nozzle with the cap atop it, from atop the first opening. According to another advantageous feature the cap is screwed on atop the nozzle and the nozzle having the cap atop it is snap fitted or press fitted atop the first opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

Having described the main features of the invention above, a more detailed and non-limiting description of some preferred embodiments are given in the following with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figures 1 a and 1 b are perspective and exploded views respectively, of the cap and the nozzle according to a preferred embodiment, showing how those are fitted one atop the other; Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e are views of some non-limiting possible shapes of the cap and the corresponding nozzle to explain the principle of snap fitting, and pulling off actions between the cap and the nozzle;

Figure 3 is an exploded view of a cap and a nozzle according to the preferred embodiment shown in figure 2a.

Figure 4a is a view of the interior of the nozzle shown in figure 1 a; figure 4b is a view of the exterior of the nozzle, while figure 4c is a top view of the nozzle; Figure 5a is a front view of the nozzle shown in figure 3;

Figure 5b is a sectional view of the nozzle along the line A-A in figure 5a;

Figure 5c is a bottom view of the nozzle; Figure 6a is a view of the exterior of the cap shown in figure 1 a; figure 6b is a view of the interior of the cap while figure 6c is a top view of the cap; Figure 7a is a front view of the cap shown in figure 6a while figure 7b is a sectional view along the line A-A in figure 7a;

Figure 7c is a bottom view of the cap; Figure 8a is an exploded view of the cap, the nozzle and the tube according to embodiment shown in figure 3;

Figure 8b is a view of the cap and the nozzle fitted on top of the tube; Figure 9 is an elaborate perspective view of the cap, nozzle and tube;

Figure 10a is a top view of the tube with only the nozzle fitted on it;

Figure 10b is a view of the shape of the content flowing out of the nozzle opening shown in figure 10a;

Figure 1 1 a is a view of the tube with the nozzle removed from its top; and

Figure 1 1 b a view of the shape of the content flowing out of the usual opening atop the tube, as shown in figure 1 1 a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following provides a detailed non-limiting description of some preferred embodiments of the present invention, which is purely exemplary.

In the accompanying figures, which describe one preferred embodiment, like reference numerals represent like features. Further, when it is referred to as "top", "bottom", "upward", "downward", "above" or "below" and similar terms , this is strictly referring to an orientation with reference to the normal orientation of the tube where the top portions of the figures imply the top of the tube. It should also be understood that the orientation, shape and numbers of the various components might be otherwise than shown in the drawings, without deviating from the principle of the invention.

It is also clarified that the preferred embodiment hereinafter, describes the working of a tube having a nozzle and a cap as a closure. The tube can be pressed or squeezed to bring out its contents, which may be food item such as mayonnaise or even tooth paste. It should be understood that the present invention embraces all similar dispensing units/containers/tubes and their closures and working principle described is applicable on all such dispensing units/containers/tubes and their closures. The preferred embodiments illustrated in the figures and described hereinafter explain functioning, with reference to tubes just by way of example.

At the outset, the structure of the various components of the closure according to the invention is first discussed and the functional part is described a little later, separately, to ensure perfect understanding of the working of the invention.

Figures 1 a and 1 b are enlarged views of the cap 1 , nozzle 2 combination shown in figure 2b. Figure 1 a is a view of the cap 1 snap fitted atop the nozzle 2. How snap fitting is possible would be clear from figure 2b, particularly from the matching internal portion 1 a of the cap 1 and the external portion 2b of the cap 1 and the nozzle 2 respectively. These views also explain how the matching shapes of the cap 1 and the nozzle 2 ensure that these two remain intact as a single unit when screwed off from atop the tube 1 1 (best shown in figures 8b and 9).

It will be clear from subsequent description, particularly from the portion where functioning of the invention is described, that the cap 1 and the nozzle 2 constitute the closure of the dispensing tube 1 1 , (best shown in figures 8a, 8b, 1 1 a) and the nozzle 2 with the cap 1 atop it is placed on the top of the usual hole 10 of the tube 1 1 ((best shown in figures 8a, 8b, 1 1 a). The top middle portion of the cap 1 has a star shape 5a of the cap 1 , that can be used to break open any aluminum seal atop the usual hole 10 atop the tube 1 1 . Of course, the seal may be made of any other material as well. Advantageously, though not essentially, this star shape 5a may be designed to fit perfectly into the hole 10 for ensuring perforating the seal of the hole 10 precisely. This star shape 5a can also break open any seal, covering the nozzle hole 5b, if so designed. However, in the embodiments illustrated and discussed, no such seal is designed to cover nozzle hole 5b.

Figures 2a to 2e are views of certain exemplary shapes which the cap 1 and the corresponding nozzle 2 of the closure of the present invention can take. The cap 1 has an external portion 1 a and an internal portion 1 b. Similarly, the nozzle 2 has an external portion 2a and an internal portion 2b.

The embodiments shown in figures 2a to 2e explain that by virtue of the shape of the interior portion 1 b of the cap 1 and the corresponding matching exterior portion 2a of the nozzle 2, the functions of snap or press fitting of the cap 1 on the nozzle 2 take place and then while exposing the usual opening 10 of the tube 1 1 , twisting off the nozzle 2 with the cap 1 snap fitted atop it, are made possible. It should be understood that such intersecting shapes also facilitates easy removal of the cap 1 from atop the nozzle 2, by merely pulling off action, to expose the nozzle opening 5b, if desired by the user.

From figures 2a to 2e it would be also clear that due to bigger size of the cap 1 relative to the nozzle 2, there is some space between the nozzle surface 7 and the cap 1 to substantially reduce wastage of contents by squeezing, when the cap 1 is snap fitted atop the nozzle 2. Further, the bigger size of the cap 1 ensures that when it is pulled off from atop the nozzle 2, because of its size, it cannot be swallowed down by children. Of course, the nozzle 2 can be so designed that it cannot be taken off from atop the usual hole 10, without the cap 1 atop it.

Although not shown very clearly in the interior portions 1 b of the caps 1 in figures 2a to 2e, such interior portions can advantageously have a star shape 5d (to some extent shown in figure 7c which is a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the cap 1 ) pointing downwards, that matches with the star shaped nozzle opening 5b, when the cap 1 is snap fitted atop the nozzle 2. This helps to grip the nozzle 2 together with the cap 1 when the nozzle 2 with the cap 1 snap fitted atop it are screwed off from atop the tube 1 1 to expose the usual opening 10 (best shown in figure 8a). That apart, this star shape can push down any contents on the nozzle hole 5b, when the cap 1 is snap fitted atop the nozzle 2. It is within the scope of the present invention to design this star shape 5d and the star shape 5b on the nozzle 2 to have a different shape, which match with each other for gripping purpose.

It should be understood from the preceding description that the ways the cap 1 and nozzle 2 can be fitted together for subsequent twisting operation, may be varied and the present invention embraces all such designs.

Further, the diameter and/or shape of the nozzle opening 5b is different from the usual opening 10 atop the tube 1 1 as it would be clear from figures 8a, 8b and 1 1 a.

The role of the internal portions 2b of the nozzles 2 shown in figures 2a to 2 has been explained while discussing the functioning of the present invention.

Figure 3 is an exploded view of the cap 1 and the nozzle 2 of the invention.

As can be seen from figure 3 and also from figure 2a which shows the exterior portion 2a of the nozzle 2, click features 4 are provided along the side of the exterior portion 2a of the nozzle 2. These features 4 can have a twofold function. Firstly, these serve to hold the cap 1 and the nozzle 2 together, once the cap 1 is snap fitted atop the nozzle 2. Secondly and specifically, these features 4 can also grip the nozzle 2 for twisting/screwing off operation of the nozzle 2 having the cap 1 snap fitted atop it as a single unit, from the top of the tube 1 1 , to expose the usual opening 10 of the tube 1 1 (best shown in figure 8a) These aspects have been taken up again, while explaining the functioning of the closure, later in this specification.

Figure 3 clearly shows the outside shape 8 of the cap 1 , which has ribs 9 around its outer surface for gripping purpose. However, this is an optional feature and it is possible to grip the cap 1 effectively, even in absence of such ribs.

In general, the cap 1 is so shaped such that it can effectively match the corresponding shape of the nozzle 2 and gets snap fitted atop the nozzle 2 with the click features 4 gripping the two parts together. The bigger size of the cap 1 relative to the nozzle 2 ensures that the nozzle 2, having the cap 1 snap fitted atop it, is twisted/screwed off atop the tube 1 1 for hole 10 (best shown in figure 8a). Of course, both the cap 1 and the nozzle 2 can have a big size so that children do not swallow the cap 1 and the nozzle 2 when the two are screwed off as a single intact unit from atop the hole 10. The click features 4 can also help to hold the cap 1 and the nozzle 2 together during twisting/screwing off operation. These aspects would be clear from the figures 3 and 2a which show the interior portions 1 a of the cap 1 and also the exterior portions 2a of the nozzle 2.

Of course, the click features 4 are present only in the embodiment in figure 3 and in figure 2a (the latter showing in detail the interior and exterior portion of the cap and nozzle in figure 3). In embodiments shown in figures 2b to 2e the cap 1 and nozzle 2 are held together at clicking points when the cap 1 is snap fitted atop the nozzle 2. During twisting off operation, it is the matching shape of the cap 1 and the nozzle 2 that grips these two together. This is also true for the preferred embodiment shown in figures 1 a and 1 b and also in figure 2b which constitute the interior view 1 b of the cap 1 and the exterior view 2a of the nozzle 2, shown in figures 1 a and 1 b. Referring to the nozzle 2 in figure 3, the top portion of the nozzle is conical and the outer profile 7 of the nozzle has the shape of a circle. In the embodiment shown in fig 2b, it is pentagonal. However, these shapes may vary as shown in the figures 2a to 2e and all such shapes/sizes/designs fall within the scope of the present invention.

The basal portion of the nozzle 2 has a collar 3. It will be clear from figure 9 and figure 10a in particular, that this collar 3 rests on the top 13 (best shown in figure 1 1 a) of the tube 1 1 when the nozzle 2 is placed atop the tube 1 1 and disengage from the top portion 13 (best shown in figure 1 1 a) of the tube 1 1 when the nozzle 2 is removed from the top of the tube 1 1 . However, this collar 3 may be altogether absent or may have a different shape as explained later in this specification. Figure 4a is an enlarged view of the internal portion 2b of the nozzle 2 shown in figure 2b. Figure 4b is an enlarged view of only the external portion 2a as shown in figure 2b. Figure 4c is a top view of the nozzle 2 shown in figures 4a and 4b.

Figure 5a is a front view of the nozzle 2 shown in figure 4b. Figure 5b is a sectional view along the line A-A in figure 5a. Figure 5c is the bottom view of the nozzle 2 only.

Figure 6a is an enlarged view of the exterior portion 1 a of the cap 1 in figure 2b. Figure 6b is the corresponding interior portion 1 b while figure 6c is a corresponding top view.

Figure 7a is a front view of the cap 1 shown in figure 6a, while figure 7b is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A in figure 7a. Figure 7c is a bottom view of the cap 1 .

Figure 8a is an elaborate exploded view of the closure shown in figure 3. It would be clear from this view that the cap 1 lies atop the nozzle 2, while the nozzle 2 with the cap atop it lies on top of the tube 1 1. It covers the usual opening 10 at the top portion of the tube 1 1. The tube 1 1 on its top portion 13 and immediately below the usual opening 10 has threaded portion 12. Now, looking at the interior portion 2b of the nozzle 2 in figure 2a in particular and the interior portions 2b in figures 2b to 2e in general, it would be clear that this interior portion 2b is screwed on atop the usual opening

10, along this threaded portion 12. It can be unscrewed from the top portion along this portion 12. Likewise, the nozzle 2 with the cap 1 snap fitted on its top, can be unscrewed as a whole as well along this portion 12. Figures 8b and 9 are views of the closure corresponding to figures 1 and 8a, which show how the cap 1 and nozzle are fitted atop the tube 1 1 . From these figures it would be particularly clear that the collar 3 of the nozzle 2 rests on the top portion 13 of the tube 1 1 when the nozzle 2 is atop the tube 1 1 . The collar may not be present as well or it may have a different shape from what is shown in figures 8b and 9. For example, it may be a big collar, easier to put on and safe for children. It may comprise of information and may be non-circular as well so that it does not roll easily. Figure 10a is a view which shows that the cap 1 has been removed from atop the nozzle 2 and the nozzle 2 is only atop the tube 1 1 covering the usual opening 10. At this stage, the contents come out only through the opening 5b atop the nozzle 2. The shape 5c, as shown in figure 10b corresponds to flow of contents through this opening 5b of the nozzle, which has a diameter/shape different from that of the usual opening 10 atop the tube, as shown in figure 1 1 a.

Figure 1 1 a is a view where the nozzle 2 and the cap 1 fitted on it have been removed from atop the tube 1 1 and the contents can now come out through only the usual opening 10. The flow 10a, as shown in figure 1 1 b, has a different diameter/shape as compared to the flow 5c (figure 10b) due to the difference in diameter/shape between the nozzle opening 5b and the usual opening 10.

There can be a seal, say an aluminum seal atop the usual opening 10 of the tube

1 1 . It can be broken by the shape 5a of the cap 1 (best shown in figure 1 ) How the various features function and interact with each other is now discussed with reference to the figures which are now described without elaborating the structural part, as that has been adequately covered hereinbefore.

Referring to figures 1 a and 1 b and to figures 2a to 2e, it would be clear that by virtue of the shape of the interior portion 1 b of the cap 1 and the corresponding matching exterior portion 2a of the nozzle 2, snap fitting of the cap 1 on the nozzle 2 takes place. Then, while exposing the nozzle opening 5b, the cap 1 is simply pulled off from the top of the nozzle 2 and the nozzle opening 5b is exposed. To expose the usual opening, the nozzle 2 with the cap 1 snap fitted atop it, is screwed off as a single intact unit, from atop the opening 10, to expose it. Actually, the cap 1 is so shaped such that it matches the shape of the corresponding nozzle 2 and gets snap fitted atop the nozzle 2, so that it remains intact on it during screwing off operation.

From figures 2a to 2e it would be clear that due to bigger size of the cap 1 relative to the nozzle 2, the twisting operation as explained in the preceding paragraph is facilitated. Further, there is some space between the nozzle surface 7 and the cap interior 1 b (best shown in figures 2a to 2e), to substantially reduce wastage of contents by squeezing, when the cap 1 is snap fitted atop the nozzle 2. However, both parts may be advantageously big so that children cannot swallow the cap 1 and nozzle 2 when removed as a single intact unit from atop the usual hole 10 of the tube 1 1 (figure 1 1 a). For that purpose, the nozzle 2 can have a shape so that it cannot be removed from atop the usual hole 10, without the cap 1 .

In the embodiments shown in figures 1 a and 1 b and in figures 2b to 2e it is only the matching shapes of the cap 1 and the nozzle 2 that facilitate the twisting/screwing off operation. Further, the cap 1 and nozzle 2 are held together at clicking points when the cap 1 is snap fitted atop the nozzle 2.

Advantageously the click features 4 shown in the embodiment in figure 3 and in figure 2a serve the purpose of gripping the two parts together when the cap 1 is snap fitted atop the nozzle 2. The click features 4 can also help to hold the nozzle 2, when the nozzle 2 with the cap 1 snap fitted atop it is twisted off to expose the opening 10. Of course, the click features 4 are present only in the embodiment in figures 2a and 3 and it should be understood that the snap fitting of the cap 1 on the nozzle 2, pulling off of the cap 1 from atop the nozzle 2 and twisting off of the nozzle 2 with the cap snap fitted atop it can also be effectively undertaken without these click features 4.

Advantageously, when, the cap 1 is snap fitted atop the nozzle 2 then a star shape pointing downwards in the interior portion 1 b of the cap 1 (not shown in detail) , fits into the nozzle hole 5a and helps to push back any content on the nozzle hole 5b. This twisting operation is also enhanced (or might be also only possible depending on the design) by the star shape pointing downwards in the interior portion 1 b of the cap 1 by gripping the nozzle opening 5b. The shape 5d and the nozzle opening 5b can have other matching shapes as well for serving the purpose of gripping during twisting/screwing operation. Further, according to the present invention, it is also possible to have a design where twisting/screwing off operation is possible only by these matching features 5a, 5d.

The star shape 5a atop the cap 1 can help to grip while twisting/screwing off operation to expose the usual opening 10 atop the tube 1 1 , or can be the only way that the 2 parts grip together for twisting.

Now referring to the threaded portion 12 on the top 13 of the tube 1 1 in figures 8a and 1 1 a and the matching interior portion 2b of the nozzle 2 in figures 2a to 2e, it should be clear that the nozzle 2 is screwed atop the tube 1 along the threaded portion 12, with the cap 1 atop it. Figures 8b, 9 show how the entire arrangement now looks like.

There can be a situation when the user wants to use the nozzle opening 5b for squeezing out contents from the tube 1 1 . In that event the cap 1 is pulled off from atop the nozzle 2 very easily since the cap 1 is snap fitted on the nozzle 2 by virtue of the matching shapes between the cap 1 and the nozzle 2 as explained before. It can also be fitted in a different way, e.g. press fitted. Now the arrangement has a look similar to the view in figure 10a. The tube 1 1 is now pressed and the shape 5c of the contents would be as shown in figure 10b. In the embodiment shown the nozzle opening 5b has a smaller diameter than the usual opening 10 atop the tube (figure 1 1 a).

It is worth to understand referring also to the internal portions 2b of the nozzle 2 in figures 2a to 2e that when the contents flow out of the nozzle opening 5b; it also flows through the usual opening 10 (not seen in figure 10a since it is now covered). Actually, once the tube is pressed the contents flow out, through the usual opening and out through the nozzle opening 5b. Thus, at this stage both the openings 5b and 10 are being used and nothing is being unused. It should be understood that there can be several such nozzles with different nozzle openings to be exchanged. There could also be several such nozzles and nozzle openings 5b one atop the other, depending upon the requirement and all these possible designs fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, there can be a design where beneath the nozzle 2, there is a plastic nozzle.

The user might want to use only the usual opening 10 atop the tube. In that event, referring to the threaded portion 12 on the top 13 of the tube 1 1 in figures 8a and 1 1 a and the interior portion 2b of the nozzle 2 in figures 2a to 2e, the nozzle 2 with the cap 1 snap fitted on its top, is unscrewed along the threaded portion 12. The bigger size of the cap 1 facilitates easy and light twisting/unscrewing.

Alternatively, the cap 1 is removed from atop the nozzle 2 and then the latter is unscrewed along the threaded portion 12. This is particularly applicable, if the user wants to use the usual opening 10, after using the nozzle opening 5b.

Of course, it is more convenient for the user to snap fit the cap 1 on the nozzle 2 again and then screw off the nozzle 2 and cap 1 together, as a single intact unit, to expose the usual opening 10, if the user wants to use the usual opening 10 after using the nozzle opening 5b. The bigger size of the cap 1 facilitates easy and light twisting/unscrewing. The big cap 1 can be easily made child safe so that it is cannot be swallowed. Alternatively, as explained hereinbefore both the cap 1 and the nozzle 2 can be big so that when the two are removed as a single unit from atop the usual opening 10 of the tube 1 1 , the single unit cannot be swallowed. Further, the nozzle 2 can be designed so that it cannot be removed, without the cap 1 , for example, it may not have a gripping facility. The arrangement now looks like as in figure 1 1 a which is a view where the nozzle 2 has been removed atop the tube 1 1 and the contents can now come out through only the usual opening 10. The flow 10a has a different diameter/shape as compared to the flow 5c (figure 10b) due to the difference in diameter/shape between the nozzle opening 5b and the usual opening 10. In the embodiment shown the nozzle opening 5b has a lesser diameter than the usual opening 10. Hence, the flow 10a has a bigger diameter/shape than flow 5c.

Thus, the new closure provides at least two different holes for the content of the container to be squeezed through. One hole is the existing hole from the container, the extra hole is in the nozzle.

The steps of operation, in a nutshell, are somewhat like the following in that order:

Cap 1 is snap fitted on top of nozzle 2 to cover the opening 5b. Then nozzle 2 with the cap 1 on top of it, is screwed on to the top of the tube 1 1 to cover the hole 10. For selection purpose, if usual opening 10 is opted, then the nozzle 2 with the cap 1 on its top is screwed off as a single unit, to expose the usual opening 10. If only the nozzle opening 5b is opted then the cap 1 is simply removed from atop the nozzle 2 by pulling off the cap 1 .

Thus the openings 5b, 10 can be selected quite easily by pulling off or screwing off operations. No hindrance in visibility of the hole is caused during either use, because, during either use, there is always only one part that is taken off completely and removed away from the container/tube for reaching the content. More precisely, either the cap 1 is removed away from the nozzle 2 to expose the nozzle opening 5a or the nozzle 2 and cap 1 as one intact unit is twisted/screwed off and removed away, from atop the usual opening 10. The invention makes it possible to keep using the threaded container, but add a different way of opening that functions together with unscrewing.

The extra nozzle makes it possible to have very different shape holes on the same container for different content, for different use situations. The added functionality on the existing threaded container creates possible extra value for any kind of container with any kind of content.

It is also within the scope of the present invention to have a design such that the cap 1 can be screwed on atop the nozzle 2 and then the two as a single unit can be snap fitted or press fitted atop the usual opening 10 of the tube 1 1. In that event, if the nozzle opening 5b is needed then the cap 1 is screwed off from the top of the nozzle 2. If the usual opening 10 atop the tube 1 1 is needed, then the nozzle 2 having the cap 1 screwed on its top, is pulled off from the top of the tube 1 1 to expose the usual opening. Here also, the operation is as convenient as what is described before. The desired opening is selected, just by pulling off or by screwing off the closure of the dispensing unit and hence satisfies the objectives of the present invention.

From the foregoing description and also from the appended claims it would be clear to persons skilled in the art, that all the objectives of the present invention are achieved.

The present invention has been described with reference to some preferred embodiments and drawings for the sake of understanding only and it should be clear to persons skilled in the art, that the present invention includes all legitimate modifications within the ambit of what has been described hereinbefore and claimed in the appended claims.