TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a closure assembly. Aspects of the invention relate to a closure assembly for a dispensing container, and to a dispensing container comprising a closure assembly.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide a closure assembly for a container for dispensing a potable liquid. The container may, for example, comprise a jug or the like for dispensing a beverage, such as tea or coffee. When used to dispense beverages on a vehicle, such as an aircraft or a train, it is desirable to be able selectively to close the container to reduce the possibility of the contents being spilled. The closure assembly may comprise a closure member which can be opened and closed. However, the closure member may interfere with beverage makers, such as a coffee maker. To overcome this shortcoming, the closure member may be removable, for example via a screw thread or other mechanical fastener. However, the need to remove the closure member may be undesirable, for example when operating in a galley kitchen on an aircraft.

It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a closure assembly for a dispensing container and a dispensing container as claimed in the appended claims.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a closure assembly for a dispensing container, the closure assembly comprising:

at least one first closure member for selectively opening and closing a first aperture; an activation member operable to displace the at least one first closure member from a first closure member open position to a first closure member closed position;

wherein the activation member is movable from a first activation position to at least a second activation position, the at least one first closure member being disposed in the first closure member open position when the activation member is in the first activation position and being disposed in the first closure member closed position when the activation member is in the second activation position. At least in certain embodiments, the first aperture may be suitable for filling the dispensing apparatus. The first aperture may, for example, be formed at or in the top of the closure assembly to receive a liquid from a dispensing apparatus. The closure assembly may comprise a lid member and the first aperture may be formed in said lid member. The closure assembly is operable selectively to open and close the first aperture. The first aperture may be at least partially closed, preferably at least substantially completely closed, when each first closure member is disposed in the first closure member closed position. The first aperture may be at least partially open or at least substantially fully open when each first closure member is disposed in the first closure member open position. The closure assembly may be used to close the first aperture to reduce or prevent spillage of the contents of the dispensing container during transportation. The closure assembly has particular use with a dispensing container to be used in a vehicle, such as a boat, aircraft or train. The dispensing container may, for example, be suitable for dispensing a liquid, particularly a potable liquid or beverage. The dispensing container may, for example, be suitable for dispensing one or more of the following: tea, coffee and (hot or cold) water, etc.

The closure assembly may comprise a plurality of the first closure members. The closure assembly may comprise a plurality of like first closure members. The first closure members may be configured to cooperate with each other to close the first aperture.

The at least one first closure member and the activation member may comprise cooperating features for displacing each first closure member between the first closure member closed position and the first closure member open position.

The closure assembly may comprise a mounting member for mounting to the dispensing container. The mounting member may, for example, comprise a collar for mounting to a neck of the dispensing container.

The activation member could translate from the first activation position to the second activation position. Alternatively, or in addition, the activation member may be rotatable. For example, the activation may be rotatable about a central axis. The activation member may rotate from the first activation position to the second activation position. The first activation position may correspond to a first angular orientation; and the second activation position may correspond to a second angular orientation.

The activation member may be movable to a third activation position. The activation member may be movable from the second activation position to the third activation position. The activation member may translate from the second activation position to the third activation position. Alternatively, or in addition, the activation member may rotate from the second activation position to the third activation position. The third activation position may correspond to a third angular orientation.

The at least one first closure member may remain in the first closure member closed position when the activation member is displaced from the second activation position to the third activation position. The position of the at least one first closure member may remain at least substantially unchanged as the activation member is displaced from the second activation position to the third activation position.

The closure assembly may comprise one or more second closure member. The second closure member may be suitable for selectively opening and closing a second aperture. The second aperture may be at least partially closed, preferably at least substantially completely closed, when the second closure member is disposed in the second closure member closed position. The second aperture may be at least substantially fully open when the second closure member is disposed in the second closure member open position. The second aperture may be formed in the closure assembly or in the dispensing container. The second aperture may be separate from the first aperture. The second aperture may be suitable for pouring a liquid from the dispensing container. For example, the second aperture may be formed in a side of the closure assembly or a side of the dispensing container. A spout may be associated with the second aperture.

The second closure member may be movable from a second closure member open position to a second closure member closed position. The position of the second closure member may be adjustable to control the dispensing of a liquid from the dispensing container.

The second closure member may be coupled to or connected to the activation member. The second closure member may be mounted on the activation member, or formed integrally with the activation member. The second closure member may be part-cylindrical. The second closure member may extend substantially perpendicular to the at least one first closure member.

The activation member may be movable from the second activation position to the third activation position. The second closure member may be disposed in the second closure member closed position when the activation member is in said first activation position and/or said second activation position. The second closure member may be disposed in the second open position when the activation member is in said third activation position. The second closure member may be disposed in a second closure member closed position when the activation member is in said first activation position. The second closure member may be disposed in a second closure member open position when the activation member is in said second activation position. The second closure member may be configured to move from said second closure member closed position to said second closure member open position as the activation member is moved from said first activation position to said second activation position.

The activation member is movable to a plurality of activation positions which correspond to respective operational configurations of the closure assembly. The closure assembly may be configured in a first operational configuration when the activation member is in the first activation position. The first operational configuration may be suitable for filling the dispensing container. For example, the first aperture may be open and the second aperture may be closed when the activation member is in the first activation position. The closure assembly may be configured in a second operational configuration when the activation member is in the second activation position. The second operational configuration may be suitable for carrying the dispensing container. For example, the first aperture and the second aperture may be closed when the activation member is in the second activation position. The closure assembly may be configured in a third operational configuration when the activation member is in the third activation position. The third operational configuration may be suitable for dispensing the contents of the dispensing container. For example, the first aperture may be closed and the second aperture may be open when the activation member is in the third activation position.

Each first closure member may comprise an activating member located in a respective cam track formed in the activation member. The activating member may comprise a projection, a boss or a stud which is located in the cam track. In use, the activating member travels along the cam track as the activation member is moved relative to the respective first closure members. The activating member may travel in the cam track to cause the first closure member to move from the first closure member open position to the first closure member closed position. The activating member may comprise a boss or other projection for travelling in the cam track. The activating member may be in the form of a cam follower (or a track follower), for example comprising a rotatable bearing located in the cam track.

Each cam track may comprise a first cam track sub-section. Each activating member may travel along the associated first cam track sub-section as the activation member is displaced from the first activation position to the second activation position. Each first closure member may be displaced between the first closure member open position and the first closure member closed position as the associated activating member travels in the first cam track sub- section. The first cam track sub-section may have a first profile. The first cam track sub-section may be substantially linear. The first cam track sub-section may be inclined at an acute angle to a radial direction.

The activation member may be movable from the second activation position to the third activation position. Each cam track may comprise a second cam track sub-section. Each activating member may travel along the second cam track sub-section as the activation member is displaced from the second activation position to the third activation position. Each first closure member may remain in the first closure member closed position as the associated activating member travels in the second cam track sub-section. The second cam track sub- section may have a second profile. The second profile may be different from the first profile.

The activation member may be rotatable about a rotational axis. The second profile of the second cam track sub-section may comprise or consist of a substantially circular arc centred on the rotational axis of the activation member.

Each first closure member may be pivotably mounted and, in use, may pivot from the first closure member open position to the first closure member closed position. Each first closure member may comprise a chamfered corner for positioning under the activation member when the first closure member is in the first closure member open position.

The closure assembly may comprise a plurality of the first closure members. Each of the plurality of the first closure members may comprise first and second edges for cooperating with adjacent first closure members. The first and second edges may be in the form of circular arcs. The first edge may be configured to cooperate with the second edge of an adjacent first closure member having a like configuration and disposed on a first side thereof. The second edge may be configured to cooperate with the first edge of an adjacent first closure member having a like configuration and disposed on a second side thereof.

The first edge may comprise a male profile; and the second edge may comprise a female profile. The first edge may comprise an elongate recess; and the second edge may comprise an elongate channel or recess.

The closure assembly may comprise engaging means for predisposing the activation member to locate in each activation position. The engaging means may, for example, comprise an engaging member for selectively locating in one of a plurality of recesses corresponding to the activation positions. The engaging means comprises a recess and/or an engaging member.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a dispensing container comprising a closure assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a plan view of a closure assembly for a dispensing container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an underside of the closure assembly shown in

Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a mounting member for mounting the closure assembly shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a neck of the dispensing container for receiving the mounting member shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a first closure member of the closure assembly shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an underside of an activation member for activating the closure assembly shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a top side of the activation member shown in Figure 6 with a thumb lever attached; and

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the thumb lever incorporating an engagement member for predisposing the activation member to locate in predefined activation positions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A closure assembly 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures. A dispensing container 2 comprising the closure assembly 1 is described herein by way of example. The closure assembly 1 functions as a lid for selectively opening and closing the dispensing container 2.

The dispensing container 2 is suitable for containing and dispensing a liquid. In the present embodiment, the dispensing container 2 is in the form of a jug for use on-board a vehicle, such as an aircraft, for dispensing a potable liquid or beverage. The dispensing container 2 is suitable for containing and dispensing a hot beverage such as coffee. The dispensing container 2 is configured for use in conjunction with a coffee machine (not shown). In particular, the dispensing container 2 is sized to locate in the coffee machine such that coffee is introduced directly into the dispensing container 2. The closure assembly 1 is suitable for use in a vehicle (not shown), such as an aircraft, where it may be desirable selectively to open and close the dispensing apparatus 2. The dispensing container 2 comprises a container body C (shown in Figure 4) for containing the liquid. The container body C may be formed from metal or may be moulded from a plastics material. The closure assembly 1 is mounted to a neck region CN of the container body C. As shown in Figure 4, an upper end of the neck region CN is open.

A plan view of a top of the closure assembly 1 in a closed configuration is shown in Figure 1 . An isometric view of a bottom of the closure assembly 1 in an open configuration is shown in Figure 2. The closure assembly 1 comprises a mounting member 3 (shown in Figure 3), a lid member 4, an activation member 5, a plurality of first closure members 6-n, a closing plate 7 and a thumb lever 8. As shown in Figure 3, the mounting member 3 comprises a truncated conical collar 3 for mounting to the container C. The truncated conical collar 3 may, for example, be adhesively or mechanically fastened to the container C. The mounting member 3 comprises a second aperture 10 and an associated pouring spout 1 1 for dispensing the liquid contents of the dispensing container 2. First and second mounting bosses 12 are formed on an inner surface of the truncated conical collar 3 to align the mounting member 3 relative to the dispensing container 2. Only one of the mounting bosses 12 is visible in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 4, the neck region CN of the container body C comprises first and second cut-outs 9 for receiving the mounting bosses 1 1. An outlet aperture 13 is also formed in the neck region CN of the container body C for alignment with the second aperture 10 formed in the mounting member 3. In use, liquid is dispensed from the dispensing container 2 by pouring through the second aperture 10. In the present embodiment, the mounting member 3 is configured to mount the closure assembly 1 to the container body C. In a variant, the lid member 4 could be configured to mount the closure assembly 1 directly to the container body C. Other techniques may be used to mount the closure assembly 1 on the container body C. For example, the mounting member 3 and the container body C may have cooperating threads for mounting the closure assembly 1.

The first closure members 6-n are each movable between a first closure member open position (shown in Figure 2) and a first closure member closed position (shown in Figure 1 ). The first closure members 6 are operable selectively to open and close a first aperture 7 formed in the lid member 4. The first aperture 7 is fully open when each of the first closure members 6-n is in the first closure member open position. Conversely, the first aperture 7 is at least substantially completely closed when each of the first closure member 6-n is in the first closure member closed position. The first aperture 7 is formed at the top of the closure assembly 1 and is typically used to fill the dispensing container 2. For example, the dispensing container 2 may be positioned on a coffee machine such that coffee is dispensed from the coffee machine through the first aperture 7 into the dispensing container 2. The first closure members 6 are arranged to form an iris assembly for selectively opening and closing the first aperture 7. Each of the first closure members 6 forms a blade (or petal) of the iris assembly. In the present embodiment, the closure assembly 1 comprises five (5) first closure members 6-n arranged to open and close the first aperture 7. The closure assembly 1 may comprise less than or more than five (5) first closure members 6-n. In the present embodiment, a centre hole remains open when the closure assembly 1 is in the closed configuration to accommodate a tea bag string and to allow improved closure of the first closure members 6-n. It will be understood that the closure assembly 1 may be configured such that there is no centre hole present in the closed configuration. The mounting arrangement of the first closure members 6-n will now be described.

With reference to Figure 2, the first closure members 6-n are each pivotably mounted to the lid member 4 and pivot between respective open and closed positions. The closing plate 7 is provided to retain the first closure members 6-n in the closure assembly 1 and to ensure that the pivoting movement is constrained to an in-plane movement. Each of the first closure members 6-n is configured to cooperate with the adjacent first closure members 6-n disposed on opposing sides thereof. The first closure members 6-n each have at least substantially the same configuration. For the sake of brevity, only one of the first closure members 6-n is described herein with reference to the perspective view shown in Figure 5. The first closure member 6-1 comprises a pivoting mounting means 14-1 and an activating member 15-1. The pivoting mounting means 14-1 in the present embodiment is in the form of an aperture 14-1 for receiving a pivot pin (not shown) provided on the lid member 4. The activating member 15- 1 in the present embodiment is in the form of an activating boss 15-1 which locates in a respective cam track 16-1 formed in the activation member 5. The activating bosses 15-n each comprise a cylindrical projection. The cam tracks 16-n have a width substantially equal to the diameter of the activating bosses 15-n. The configuration of the cam tracks 16-n in the activation member 5 is described in more detail below. The activating boss 15-1 is configured to follow the cam track 16-1 to cause the first closure member 6-1 to pivot between the first closure member open position (shown in Figure 2) and the first closure member closed position (shown in Figure 1 ).

The first closure member 6-1 comprises a first edge 17-1 , a second edge 18-1 and a third edge 19-1. The first and second edges 17-1 , 18-1 are configured to cooperate with corresponding first and second edges 17-n, 18-n of adjacent first closure members 6-n. The first and second edges 17-1 , 18-1 have respective first and second profiles each comprising a substantially circular arc. The first edge 17-1 of the first closure member 6-1 is configured to cooperate with a second edge 18-2 of an adjacent first closure member 6-5 having a like configuration. The second edge 18-1 of the first closure member 6-1 is configured to cooperate with a first edge 18-1 of an adjacent first closure member 6-2 having a like configuration. The first edge 17-1 comprises an arcuate recess 20-1 ; and the second edge 18-1 comprises an arcuate rib 22-1. The arcuate recess 20-1 and the arcuate rib 21 -1 are arranged to overlap each other when the closure assembly 1 is in a closed configuration. At least in certain embodiments, this overlapping arrangement may enhance the seal formed when the closure assembly 1 is in the closed configuration. In a variant, the arcuate rib 21 -1 formed on the second edge 18-2 may be configured to locate in an arcuate groove or channel formed in the first edge 17-n of a like first closure member 6-1 . The third edge 19-1 of the first closure member 6-1 comprises a chamfered surface 22-1 to reduce or prevent fouling with the activation member 5 when the closure assembly 1 is in the open configuration.

The closure assembly 1 is operated by moving the activation member 5 between a plurality of different activation positions. In the present embodiment, the activation member 5 is movable between first, second and third activation positions. The activation member 5 is rotatable about a central axis XX of the closure assembly 1 . The first, second and third activation positions correspond to first, second and third angular orientations of the activation member 5 about the central axis XX. Thus, the activation member 5 rotated to change the operational configuration of the closure assembly 1. The thumb lever 8 is fixedly mounted to the activation member 5 to facilitate manual rotation. The activation member 5 comprises a second closure member 24. The second closure member 24 is operable at least partially to close the second aperture 10 formed in the mounting member 3. The second closure member 24 may thereby control pouring of the contents of the dispensing container 2 through the spout 1 1 . As described herein, the activation member 5 is rotatable about the central axis XX to displace the second closure member 24 relative to the second aperture 10, thereby selectively opening and closing the second aperture 10. The second closure member 24 in the present embodiment comprises a part-cylindrical member having a centre coincident with the central axis XX about which the activation member 5 rotates. In use, the second closure member 24 is radially inset from the neck region CN of the container body C. The width of the second closure member 24 (in a circumferential direction) is greater than that of the second aperture 10 such that the second closure member 24 can be positioned at least substantially to close the second aperture 10. In the present embodiment, the second closure member 24 is disposed diametrically opposite the thumb lever 8, as shown in Figure 7.

As outlined above, the mounting member 3 comprises first and second mounting bosses 12 which locate in the apertures 1 1 formed in the container body C. The lid member 4 comprises first and second bayonet hooks 24-1 , 24-2 for engaging the first and second mounting bosses 12. The first and second bayonet hooks 24-1 , 24-2 each comprise a cut-out for engaging the respective first and second mounting bosses 12. The first and second bayonet hooks 24-1 , 24-2 have different heights corresponding to the vertical heights of the first and second mounting bosses 12 such that the lid member 4 may be fitted in only one, pre-determined orientation. During assembly, the mounting member 3 is fastened to the container C, for example using an adhesive. The remainder of the closure assembly 1 is then removably mounted to the mounting member 3 by the first and second bayonet hooks 24-1 , 24-2. It will be understood that other techniques may be used to mount the closure assembly 1. The closing plate 7 is fastened to the first and second bayonet hooks 24-1 , 24-2. In particular, the closing plate 7 comprises first and second bushings 25-1 , 25-2 for receiving first and second mechanical fasteners which locate in radial bores formed in the first and second bayonet hooks 24-1 , 24-2. The closing plate 7 locates the first closure members 6-n in the closure assembly 1. The closing plate 7 may be formed from metal, such as stainless steel, or a plastics material.

The closure assembly 1 in the present embodiment can be configured in three different operational configurations. In a first operational configuration suitable for filling the dispensing container 2, the first aperture 7 is open and the second aperture 10 is closed. In a second operational configuration suitable for carrying (or otherwise transporting) the dispensing container 2, the first aperture 7 and the second aperture 10 are both closed. In a third operational configuration suitable for pouring contents of the dispensing container 2 through the spout 1 1 , the first aperture 7 is closed and the second aperture 10 is open. The closure assembly 1 is selectively configured in each of the first, second and third operational configurations by rotating the activation member 5 about the central axis XX. The first, second and third operational configurations are selected sequentially by rotating the activation member 5 in a first direction D1. The rotation of the activation member 5 in a second direction D2 (which is opposite to the first direction D1 ) reverses the sequential selection of the first, second and third operational configurations.

The activation member 5 is rotated to configure the closure assembly 1 in each of said first, second and third operational configurations will now be described. The closure assembly 1 is in the first operational configuration when the activation member 5 is disposed in the first activation position (a first angular orientation corresponding to the thumb lever 8 being located in a first position P1 ). The closure assembly 1 is in the second operational configuration when the activation member 5 is disposed in the second activation position (a second angular orientation corresponding to the thumb lever 8 being located in a second position P2). The closure assembly 1 is in the third operational configuration when the activation member 5 is disposed in a third activation position (a third angular orientation corresponding to the thumb lever 8 being located in a third position P3). As mentioned above, the activation member 5 comprises a plurality of cam tracks 16-n. Each of the plurality of cam tracks 16-n is configured to cooperate with a respective one of the activating bosses 15-n to displace the associated first closure member 6-n between open and closed positions. As shown in Figure 2, each activating boss 15-n locates in a respective one of the cam tracks 16-n. The activating bosses 15-n travel along the respective cam tracks 16-n as the activation member 5 is rotated about the central axis XX. The cam tracks 16-n each have the same configuration and a first one of the plurality of cam tracks 16-n will now be described with reference to Figure 6.

The first cam track 16-1 defines a first end-point 26A, a mid-point 26B and a second end-point 26C. The first cam track 16-1 is composed of a first cam track sub-section 16-1 A having a first profile and a second cam track sub-section 16-1 B having a second profile. The first and second cam track sub-sections 16-1 A, 16-B are formed contiguously. The first end-point 26A is formed at a first end of the first cam track sub-section 16-1 A. The mid-point 26B is formed at the junction between the first and second cam track sub-sections 16-1 A, 16-1 B. The second end-point 26C is formed at a second end of the second cam track sub-section 16-1 B. The first and second profiles of the first and second cam track sub-sections 16-1A, 16-B are different from each other. The first profile is substantially linear and extends outwardly at an acute angle relative to a radial axis of the activation member 5. The second profile comprises a substantially circular arc centred on the central axis XX. The radial position of the activating bosses 15-n change (i.e. increase or decrease) as they travel in the first cam track sub-section 16-1 A such that the first closure members 6-n pivot about their respective pivoting mounting means 14-n. When the activation member 5 is rotated in the first direction D1 , the activating bosses 15-n travel in a radially inwards direction within the first cam track sub-section 16-1 A. When the activation member 5 is rotated in the second direction D2, the activating bosses 15- n travel in a radially outwards direction within the first cam track sub-section 16-1 A. The radial position of the activating bosses 15-n remains substantially constant as they travel in the second cam track sub-section 16-1 B (irrespective of the direction of rotation). Thus, pivoting movement of the first closure members 6-n is reduced or prevented as the activating bosses 15-n travel in the second cam track sub-section 16-1 B.

The operation of the closure assembly 1 to transition between the first, second and third operational configurations will now be described. The description herein is directed to the sequential transition from the first operational configuration to the second operational configuration and then to the third operational configuration. It will be understood that this sequence can be reversed by reversing the direction in which the activation member 5 is rotated. Similarly, the closure assembly 1 may be operated to implement only part of this operating sequence, for example to transition from the first operational configuration to the second operational configuration and then back to the first operational configuration.

The activating bosses 15-n are located at (or proximal to) the first end-point 26A when the activation member 5 is disposed in the first angular orientation (which corresponds to the first activation position of the activation member 5). In this position, the activating bosses 15-n are in their radially outermost position and the first closure members 6-n are disposed in their fully open position. The activation member 5 is configured such that the second closure member 24 at least substantially closes the second aperture 10 formed in the mounting member 3. Thus, the closure assembly 1 is in the first operational configuration when the activation member 5 is in the first angular orientation such that the activating bosses 15-n are at the first end-point 26A. The rotation of the activation member 5 in the second direction D2 displaces the activating bosses 15-n in a radially inwards direction as they travel in the first cam track sub-section 16-1 A. The radially inwards movement of the activating bosses 15-n pivots the first closure members 6-n from their respective open positions towards a closed position. The activating bosses 15-n are located at (or proximal to) the mid-point 26A when the activation member 5 is disposed in the second angular orientation (which corresponds to the second activation position of the activation member 5). In this position, the activating bosses 15-n are in their radially innermost position and the first closure members 6-n are disposed in their closed position such that the first aperture 7 is closed. The activation member 5 is configured such that the second closure member 24 at least substantially closes the second aperture 10 formed in the mounting member 3. Thus, the closure assembly 1 is in the second operational configuration when the activation member 5 is in the second angular orientation such that each of the activating bosses 15-n is at the mid-point 26B of the associated cam track 16-n. The continued rotation of the activation member 5 in the second direction D2 causes the activating bosses to travel along the second cam track sub-section 16-1 B. The radial position of the activating bosses 15-n remains substantially unchanged as they travel along the second cam track sub-section 16-1 B. Thus, the first closure members 6-n are held in the closed position as the activation member 5 is rotated towards the second end-point 26C. However, the activation member 5 is configured such that the second closure member 24 is rotated away from the second aperture 10 to progressively open the pouring spout 1 1. The activating bosses 15-n are at (or proximal to) the second end-point 26C when the activation member 5 is disposed in the third angular orientation (which corresponds to the third activation position of the activation member 5). In this position, the first closure members 6-n are still in their closed position such that the first aperture 7 is closed. However, the second closure member 24 is displaced away from the second aperture 10 formed in the mounting member 3 such that the second aperture 10 is fully open. Thus, the closure assembly 1 is in the third operational configuration when the activation member 5 is in the third angular orientation.

It will be understood that the angular orientation of the activation member 5 is continuously variable between the first and second end-points 26A, 26C. The extent to which the second aperture 9 is opened may be controlled, for example to adjust pouring. These adjustments may be made while the first aperture 7 is closed by the closure members 6-n. In the present embodiment, the closure assembly 1 comprises engagement means for predisposing the activation member 5 to locate in each of the first, second and third angular orientations. The engagement means thereby predisposes the closure assembly 1 to operate in one of the first, second and third operational configurations. The engagement means in the present embodiment comprises first, second and third recesses 27A, 27B, 27C (shown in Figure 2) formed in a side of the lid member 4. The first, second and third recesses 27A, 27B, 27C correspond to the first, second and third positions P1 , P2, P3 of the thumb lever 8. As shown in Figure 8, the thumb lever 8 comprises an engaging member 28 for locating in each of the first, second and third recesses 27A, 27B, 27C. The engaging member 27 comprises a protuberance 29 which is spring biased towards the lid member 4 so as to engage the first, second and third recesses 27A, 27B, 27C. The activation member 5 is thereby predisposed to releasably locate in each of said first, second and third orientations corresponding to the respective first, second and third operational configurations. The lid member 4 and/or the thumb lever 8 are formed of a resilient material and to change between the operational configurations the user must apply sufficient rotational force to overcome the spring bias and displace the engaging member 27 from the first, second and third recesses 27A, 27B, 27C. Additional intermediate recesses (not shown) may be provided to predispose the activation member 5 to rest in additional intermediate positions, for example partially to open the second aperture 9. The intermediate recesses may, for example, be smaller than those corresponding to each of the first, second and third angular orientations of the activation member 5. The thumb lever 8 comprises a projection 30 which locates in a recess formed in the activation member 5 and is fastened by a mechanical fastener (not shown), such as a screw.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.