A plastic closure embodying the principles of the present invention comprises a closure cap having a top wall portion, and an annular skirt portion depending from the top wall portion. The skirt portion includes an internal thread formation for threaded engagement with the external thread formation of an associated container. In order to facilitate high-speed application, and minimize the use of polymeric material, the closure is configured to exhibit a variation in retention force which decreases in a direction away from the top wall portion of the closure cap.

The invention provides a container (10) for the packaging of a fluent product (P) which off-gases, the container comprising: a container body (11) for receiving and storing product and a removable lid (12) for closing the container body; in which the lid is provided with a venting assembly (20, 23a, 23b, 24) extending into the container body; in which the venting assembly has a closed position which is effective to close the container body and a venting position permitting the venting of gas from the container body; whereby, when the container body is partially filled with a fluent product which off-gases, the venting assembly moves to the venting position in response to excessive pressure from accumulated gas, and reverts to the closed position upon release of the excessive pressure, thus effecting periodic venting of the container body; and whereby the spatial arrangement of the venting assembly within the container body provides for venting of the container body independently of the orientation of the container, whilst retaining the product within the container body. The container is especially suitable for the packaging of viscous or semisolid products which incorporate an oxidizing agent, such as creams or gels for the bleaching or colouring of hair.

Valve, comprising a base element and a snap ring or snap fingers extending there from, positioned around an opening through the base element, wherein within the snap ring or between the snap fingers a valve housing is provided, having at least one inlet opening and a spring loaded valve body, biased towards the base element and closing off the opening, wherein the valve body is operable through the opening for opening a fluid connection between the inlet opening or openings and the opening in the base element.

Beverage container and valve for a beverage container. Valve, comprising a base element and a snap ring or snap fingers extending there from, positioned around an opening through the base element, wherein within the snap ring or between the snap fingers a valve housing is provided, having at least one inlet opening and a spring loaded valve body, biased towards the base element and closing off the opening, wherein the valve body is operable through the opening for opening a fluid connection between the inlet opening or openings and the opening in the base element.

A container a side surface and a rim that defines an opening and an axis; a closure for the container; the container and closure having cooperating threads to move the closure axially as it is rotated; the closure having a seal against the side surface of the container; the thread portions of the container and closure are configured such that, as the closure rotates relative to the container, the seal moves parallel to the axis contacting three regions on the side surface of the container: a first region, configured such that, as the seal is moved across the region, the seal changes between states in which it is uncompressed and compressed between the container and closure; a second region, where the fluid bypasses part of the seal; and a third region where the seal forms a fluid-tight seal between the side surface and the closure.