US20240228136A1

US20240228136A1 - Flip-top closure and a package

Info

Publication number: US20240228136A1
Application number: US18/151,324
Authority: US
Inventors: Isaac H. Horstman; Jeremy E. Morin
Original assignee: Closure Systems International Inc
Current assignee: Closure Systems International Inc
Priority date: 2023-01-06
Filing date: 2023-01-06
Publication date: 2024-07-11

Abstract

A tamper-evident, flip-top closure includes first and second closure portions and a hinge. The first closure portion includes a top wall portion and an annular skirt portion. The top wall portion forms a cavity, an opening therethrough, and opposing pivotable recesses. The second closure portion includes a plug and a pivotable support. The plug is received into the opening of the first closure portion. The pivotable support has first and second end extensions that are received into a respective one of the pivotable recesses. The hinge connects the first and second closure portions and includes at least one frangible connection. The cavity receives at least a part of the second closure portion. After the at least one frangible connection is broken, the second closure portion is moveable between a closed position and an open, flipped position by flipping and pivoting the second closure portion via the end extensions.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a polymeric closure for a package. More specifically, the present invention relates to a polymeric closure that is a flip-top closure with tamper-evidency.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Polymeric closures have been used in many applications over the years in conjunction with containers. One type of polymeric closure that has been used with containers is a tamper-evident polymeric closure. Tamper-evident closures are used to prevent or inhibit tampering by providing a visible indication to a user if the closure has been opened.
Some tamper-evident features for flip-top closures include the use of a foil liner or tear member mechanisms. The use of foil liners tends to be expensive and also requires additional manufacturing steps in forming the closure or package. The use of tear membrane mechanisms adds restrictions to the material forming the closure since they require a softer, more ductile polymeric material to meet removal force specifications. This limits the polymeric materials that can be used in forming the flip-top closure. It would be desirable to provide a closure that overcomes such problems, while still performing desirable properties of a closure including providing tamper-evidency.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a tamper-evident, flip-top closure includes a first closure portion, a second closure portion, and a hinge. The first closure portion includes a polymeric top wall portion and a polymeric annular skirt portion. The polymeric annular skirt portion depends from the polymeric top wall portion. The polymeric top wall portion forms a cavity and an opening therethrough. The polymeric top wall portion further forms opposing pivotable recesses. The second closure portion includes a plug and a pivotable support. The plug is sized and configured to being received into the opening of the first closure portion. The pivotable support has a first end extension and a second end extension. The first and second end extensions are sized and configured to be received into a respective one of the opposing pivotable recesses. The hinge connects the first closure portion and the second closure portion. The hinge includes at least one frangible connection. The cavity is sized and configured to receive at least a part of the second closure portion. After the at least one frangible connection is broken, the second closure portion is moveable between a closed position and an open, flipped position by flipping and pivoting the second closure portion with respect to the first closure portion via the first and second end extensions.
According to a configuration of the above implementation, the cavity is formed by a first side wall, a second side wall, an end wall, and a bottom.
According to a further configuration of the above implementation, the cavity is sized and configured to receive substantially all of the second closure portion. In one embodiment, the cavity is sized and configured to receive all of the second closure portion.
In a further aspect of the above implementation, the hinge includes a plurality of frangible connections. After the plurality of frangible connections is broken, the second closure portion is moveable between a closed position and an open, flipped position by flipping and pivoting the second closure with respect to the first closure portion via the first and second end extensions.
In yet a further aspect of the above implementation, the hinge includes a thinned section in the general middle thereof.
According to a configuration of the above implementation, the second closure portion further includes a side wall. The plug is located between the pivotable support and the side wall of the second closure portion.
According to a configuration of the above implementation, the side wall of the second closure portion forms a lifting extension.
According to another configuration of the above implementation, each of the opening and the plug has a tear-drop shape.
According to another configuration of the above implementation, an interior surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion includes an annular inwardly extension.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a package includes a container and a flip-top closure. The container has a neck portion defining an opening. The neck portion has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The flip-top closure is configured for fitment to the neck portion of the container for closing the opening of the container. The flip-top closure includes a first closure portion, a second closure portion, and a hinge. The first closure portion includes a polymeric top wall portion and a polymeric annular skirt portion. The polymeric annular skirt portion depends from the polymeric top wall portion. The polymeric top wall portion forms a cavity and an opening therethrough. The polymeric top wall portion further forms opposing pivotable recesses. The second closure portion includes a plug and a pivotable support. The plug is sized and configured to being received into the opening of the first closure portion. The pivotable support has a first end extension and a second end extension. The first and second end extensions are sized and configured to be received into a respective one of the opposing pivotable recesses. The hinge connects the first closure portion and the second closure portion. The hinge includes at least one frangible connection. The cavity is sized and configured to receive at least a part of the second closure portion. After the at least one frangible connection is broken, the second closure portion is moveable between a closed position and an open, flipped position by flipping and pivoting the second closure portion with respect to the first closure portion via the first and second end extensions.
According to a configuration of the above implementation, the cavity is sized and configured to receive substantially all of the second closure portion. In one embodiment, the cavity is sized and configured to receive all of the second closure portion.
According to a further configuration of the above implementation, the hinge includes a plurality of frangible connections. After the plurality of frangible connections is broken, the second closure portion is moveable between a closed position and an open, flipped position by flipping and pivoting the second closure with respect to the first closure portion via the first and second end extensions.
In a further aspect of the above implementation, the hinge includes a thinned section in the general middle thereof.
In yet a further aspect of the above implementation, the second closure portion further includes a side wall. The plug is located between the pivotable support and the side wall of the second closure portion.
According to a configuration of the above implementation, an interior surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion includes an annular inwardly extension. The exterior surface of the neck portion includes an A-collar. The annular inwardly extension and the A-collar assist in locking the flip-top closure to the container
According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a method of opening a package includes providing a package including a container and a flip-top closure. The container has a neck portion defining an opening. The neck portion has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The flip-top closure is configured for fitment to the neck portion of the container. The flip-top closure includes a first closure portion, a second closure portion, and a hinge. The first closure portion includes a polymeric top wall portion and a polymeric annular skirt portion. The polymeric annular skirt portion depends from the polymeric top wall portion. The polymeric top wall portion forms a cavity and an opening therethrough. The polymeric top wall portion further forms opposing pivotable recesses. The second closure portion includes a plug and a pivotable support. The plug is sized and configured to being received into the opening of the first closure portion. The pivotable support has a first end extension and a second end extension. The first and second end extensions are sized and configured to be received into a respective one of the opposing pivotable recesses. The hinge connects the first closure portion and the second closure portion. The hinge includes at least one frangible connection. The cavity is sized and configured to receive at least a part of the second closure portion. The at least one frangible connection is broken. The second closure portion is flipped and pivoted with respect to the first closure portion to move the closure between a closed position and an open, flipped position via the first and second end extensions.
According to a configuration of the above implementation, the hinge includes a plurality of frangible connections. After the plurality of frangible connections is broken, the second closure portion is moveable between a closed position and an open, flipped position by flipping and pivoting the second closure with respect to the first closure portion via the first and second end extensions.
According to a further configuration of the above implementation, an interior surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion includes an annular inwardly extension. The exterior surface of the neck portion includes an A-collar. The annular inwardly extension and the A-collar assist in locking the flip-top closure to the container.
The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. Additional features and benefits of the present invention are apparent from the detailed description and figures set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a flip-top closure in an open position before being assembled according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a bottom view of the flip-top closure of FIG. 1A in the open position before being assembled.

FIG. 1C is a top perspective view of the flip-top closure of FIG. 1A in a closed position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1D is a bottom view of the flip-top closure of FIG. 1C in the closed position after being assembled.

FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional partial view of the flip-top closure of FIG. 1A in a closed position taken generally along a side opposite of a hinge.

FIG. 1F is a top perspective view of the flip-top closure of FIG. 1A in an open, flipped position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a neck portion or finish of a container according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a package including the flip-top closure of FIG. 1A and the container of FIG. 2 in a closed position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a top perspective view of the package of FIG. 3A in an open, flipped position after a tamper-evident feature has been broken according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional partial view of the flip-top closure of FIG. 1A and the neck portion of FIG. 2 in a closed position taken generally along a side opposite of a hinge.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate a flip-top polymeric closure 10 according to one embodiment. FIG. 1A, 1B illustrate the flip-top polymeric closure 10 in an open position before assembly. An assembled state of the flip-top polymeric closure 10 is a closed, but unopened state. FIGS. 1C-1E illustrate different views of the flip-top polymeric closure 10 in a closed position, while FIG. 1F illustrates the flip-top polymeric closure 10 in an open, flipped position. The flip-top polymeric closure 10 is generally cylindrically shaped and is desirably lightweight.
The flip-top polymeric closures of the present invention are configured to be placed on a container or bottle that contain product. More specifically, the flip-top polymeric closures of the present invention are configured for fitment to a neck portion or finish of the container for closing the opening of the container. A non-limiting example of a container that may be used with the flip-top polymeric closure 10 is shown with a container 108 in FIG. 2 (neck portion shown). The flip-top polymeric closure 10 is used with the container 108 to form a package 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The package 100 is shown and discussed in detail below with respect to FIGS. 3A-3C. The product contained in the package is typically a liquid product, but also may be a solid product or a combination of a liquid and solid product.
The flip-top polymeric closure is designed to be easily applied to the finish of the container, but which, however, results in the polymeric closure being locked to the container finish in one embodiment. At least a substantial portion of the flip-top polymeric closure is configured to remain with the container, which reduces environmental waste when the container is recycled.
Referring back to FIGS. 1A-1F, the flip-top polymeric closure 10 includes a first closure portion or base 12 and a second closure portion or lid 14. The second closure portion 14 is adapted to be flipped with respect to the first closure portion 12 via a hinge 50 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1A, 1B) as will be discussed in detail below. The first closure portion 12 includes a polymeric top wall portion 22 and a polymeric annular skirt portion 24. The polymeric annular skirt portion 24 depends from the polymeric top wall portion 22. The polymeric top wall portion 22 includes a top surface 30. As shown best in FIG. 1A, the polymeric top wall portion 22 forms a cavity 26 and an opening 28 therethrough. The cavity 26 is formed from or defined by a first side wall 32 a, a second side wall 32 b, an end wall 32 c, and a generally flat bottom 34. The cavity 26 is generally rectangular shaped as shown best in FIGS. 1A, 1B. The cavity 26 is sized and configured to receive at least a part of the second closure portion 14. The cavity 26 is desirably sized and configured to receive all or substantially all of the second closure portion 14. The shape of the cavity 26 generally corresponds to the shape of the second closure portion 14. It is contemplated that the shape of the cavity may vary from that depicted in, for example, FIGS. 1A, 1B.
The height of the first side wall 32 a varies from a first end (shown as first height H1) to a second end (shown as second height H2). The second height H2 is greater than the first height H1. The second height H2 is generally from about 0.2 to about 0.6 inch and, more specifically, from about 0.3 to about 0.5 inch. The first height H1 is generally from about 0.05 to about 0.3 inch and, more specifically, from about 0.1 to about 0.2 inch. The heights of the second side wall 32 b are similar or the same as the first side wall 32 a. The height H3 of the end wall 32 c is generally from about 0.2 to about 0.6 inch and, more specifically, from about 0.3 to about 0.5 inch.
The opening 28 allows a user to gain access to the contents of the container 108. The shape of the opening 28 is a tear-drop shape, which is shown best in FIG. 1B. This shape, for example, assists a user in allowing the contents to be smoothly and controllable poured or accessed from the container. The shape of the opening generally corresponds to the shape of a plug of the second closure portion as will be discussed below. It is contemplated that the shape of the opening may vary from that depicted in, for example, FIG. 1B. Some non-limiting examples of shapes that may form an opening include generally circular or oval.
The polymeric top wall portion 22 further forms opposing pivotable recesses 38 a, 38 b as shown in FIG. 1A. As will be discussed in detail below, the opposing pivotable recesses 38 a, 38 b assist in moving the second closure portion 14 between an open, flipped position and a closed position. The opposing pivotable recesses 38 a, 38 b are located near or at the top surface 30 of the polymeric top wall portion 22. The opposing pivotable recesses 38 a, 38 b are located away or opposite from the hinge 50. The opposing pivotable recesses 38 a, 38 b are formed in respective side walls 32 a, 32 b and are located near the end wall 32 c as shown in FIG. 1A.
An exterior surface 24 a of the polymeric annular skirt portion 24 is shown as being generally smooth. It is contemplated that the surface of polymeric annular skirt portion may be of other textures. The polymeric annular skirt portion 24 includes an annular inwardly extension 48 extending from an interior surface 24 b of the polymeric annular skirt portion 24 as shown in FIG. 1E. The annular inwardly extension 48, as will be discussed below, works in conjunction with an A-collar of a container to prevent or inhibit removal of the flip-top closure 10 from the container 108 in one embodiment. The annular inwardly extension 48 is shaped as an inverted, truncated pyramid. The annular inwardly extension 48 is desirably shaped for easier placement and very difficult removal from the interference with an A-collar of the container. It is contemplated that the annular inwardly extension may be shaped different than depicted in FIG. 1E.
It is contemplated that other mechanisms may be used in preventing or inhibiting removal of the flip-top closure from the container. One non-limiting example is a corresponding ratchet and lugs arrangement between the flip-top closure and the finish of the container. Another non-limiting example is a tamper-evident feature between the flip-top closure and the finish of the container that may allow for the flip-top closure to be removed from the container.
It is contemplated that an exterior surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion may include an inner seal. Such a seal would potentially assist in further preventing or inhibiting air, moisture or other potential contaminants from contacting the contents in the container.
Referring back to FIGS. 1A, IF, the second closure portion 14 includes a plug 60, a pivotable support or bar 62, a generally flat surface 64, and a side wall 66. The plug 60 is located between the pivotable support or bar 62 and the side wall 66. The plug 60 is sized and configured to being received into the opening 28. Thus, the plug 60 in combination with the opening 28 assists in providing sealing so as to prevent or inhibit air and moisture from reaching the contents of the container 108. The plug 60 in combination with the opening 28 also assists in preventing or inhibiting contents of the container 108 from leaving therefrom. The plug 60 is a tear-drop shape as shown best in FIGS. 1A, IF. As discussed above with the shape of the opening, the shape of the plug may vary from that shown in FIGS. 1A, IF such as generally circular or oval, for example. The shape of the plug needs to be shaped so as to be received by and at least generally correspond with the shape of the opening. The shape of the plug desirably is received into the opening with a tight clearance. Thus, the shapes of the plug and the opening are desirably identical or substantially identical.
Referring to FIG. 1A, the pivotable support or bar 62 includes a first end extension 62 a and a second end extension 62 b. The end extensions may be one integral piece in one embodiment. The first and second end extensions 62 a, 62 b are sized and configured to be received into a respective one of the opposing pivotable recesses 38 a, 38 b. Thus, the opposing pivotable recesses 38 a, 38 b are of a slightly larger size to enable the respective first and second end extensions 62 a, 62 b to be received therein. The first and second end extensions 62 a, 62 b are desirably snapped into a respective one of the opposing pivotable recesses 38 a, 38 b.
As shown best in FIG. 1F, the side wall 66 forms a lifting extension 70 that assists a user in opening the first closure portion 12 with respect to the second closure portion 14. The lifting extension 70 is located on an exterior surface 66 a of the side wall 66 in this embodiment. The lifting extension 70 is shaped and sized for a user to grasp or contact when opening the flip-top polymeric closure 10. The lifting extension 70 is located opposite of the pivotable support or bar 62.
As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, the hinge 50 connects the first closure portion 12 and the second closure portion 14. The hinge 50 is shown in FIG. 1A in its unfolded position before assembly. The hinge 50 is shown in its folded position in FIG. 1C. Thus, the hinge 50 is flexible in that it can be moved from an unfolded position to a folded position. The hinge 50 is continuous and is one integral component. The hinge 50 includes at least one frangible connection. The hinge 50 as shown best in FIGS. 1A, 1B includes a plurality of frangible connections 52 a, 52 b. The plurality of frangible connections 52 a, 52 b extends substantially or completely across the hinge 50. As will be discussed below, the plurality of frangible connections 52 a, 52 b assists in providing tamper-evidency to a user on whether the second closure portion 14 has been moved from an open position to a closed position.
The hinge 50 includes a thinned section 54 (shown best in FIG. 1B) that assists the hinge 50 in folding. The thinned section 54 is located in the general middle of the hinge 50. The thickness of the hinge 50 is generally from about 0.15 to about 0.5 inch and, more specifically, from about 0.20 to about 0.30 inch. The thinned section 54 of the hinge 50 is generally from about 0.10 to about 0.40 inch and, more specifically, from about 0.15 to about 0.25 inch. Referring to FIG. 1B, the area or areas 56 a, 56 b of the hinge 50 adjacent to the thinned section 54 may be thicker than the remainder of the hinge 50 to provide extra support to the hinge 50 because of the thinned section 54. The areas 56 a, 56 b adjacent to the thinned section are generally about from about 0.02 inches to about 0.05 inches thicker than the remainder of the hinge 50. The shape of the hinge 50 may be contoured to assist in folding and generally corresponding to the shape of the exterior surface 24 a of the polymeric annular skirt portion 24.
Once closed, the hinge 50 interferes with the ability to move the flip-top polymeric closure 10 to an open, flipped position. To move the flip-top polymeric closure 10 into an open, flipped position, at least one of the frangible connections 52 a, 52 b needs to be broken. Removing or damaging the hinge 50 shows clear visual evidence to a user that the closure may have been tampered with. Thus, the hinge 50 provides tamper-evidency to a user. If only one of the frangible connections 52 a, 52 b is broken, the hinge 50 will remain with either the first or the second closure portion 12, 14. If both of the frangible connections 52 a, 52 b are broken, then the hinge will not be connected to either the first or the second closure portion 12, 14 and, thus, will be separated from the remainder of the flip-top closure in this embodiment.
The plurality of frangible connections 52 a, 52 b may be formed by molded-in-bridges in one embodiment. In this embodiment, the molded-in-bridges are formed using a feature in the mold. The plurality of frangible connections is in the form of scoring or scored lines, notches, leaders, nicks or other lines of weaknesses.
It is contemplated that the hinge may be a plurality of hinges in another closure embodiment. The plurality of hinges would each have at least one frangible connection and desirably each would have a plurality of frangible connections (e.g., two frangible connections).
The flip-top closures of the present invention may include an oxygen-scavenger material. This oxygen-scavenger material may be distributed within the closure or may be a separate layer. The oxygen-scavenger material may be any material that assists in removing oxygen within the container, while having little or no effect on the contents within the container.
Alternatively, or in addition to, the flip-top closures may include an oxygen-barrier material. The oxygen-barrier material may be added as a separate layer or may be integrated within the closure itself. The oxygen-barrier materials assist in preventing or inhibiting oxygen from entering the container through the closure. These materials may include, but are not limited to, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). It is contemplated that other oxygen-barrier materials may be used in the closure.
The flip-top polymeric closure 10 is typically made of a polyolefin (e.g., polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP)) or blends thereof. One example of a polyethylene that may be used is high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), or the combination thereof. It is contemplated that the flip-top closure may be made of other polymeric materials.
The flip-top polymeric closure is typically light weight. The flip-top polymeric closure is generally from about 8 to about 30 grams and typically is from about 8 to about 20 grams. In other embodiments, the flip-top polymeric closure is from about 10 to about 17 grams, or from about 12 to about 17 grams. The flip-top polymeric closure in a further embodiment is from about 8 to about 15 grams, or from about 10 to about 15 grams.
The flip-top polymeric closures are typically formed by processes such as injection or compression molding.
A neck portion or finish 102 of the container 108 is shown in FIG. 2 . The container 108 is used with the flip-top polymeric closure 10 in one embodiment. The container 108 includes the neck portion 102 that defines an opening 114. The neck portion 102 has an exterior surface 102 a and an interior surface 102 b (see FIGS. 2 and 3C). The neck portion 102 of the container 108 includes an A-collar 106. The annular inwardly extension 48 of the polymeric annular skirt portion 24 is snapped under the A-collar 106. The A-collar 106 includes an undercut in one embodiment to assist in locking with the annular inwardly extension 48. The A-collar 106, in conjunction with the annular inwardly extension 48, prevents or inhibits the flip-top polymeric closure 10 from being lifting upwardly and away from the container 108.
The container 108 is typically made of polymeric material. One non-limiting example of a material to be used in forming a polymeric container is high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP) or blends using the same. It is contemplated that the container may be formed of other polymeric or copolymer materials. It is also contemplated that the container may be formed of glass. The container 108 typically has an encapsulated oxygen-barrier layer or oxygen barrier material incorporated therein.
To open the container 108 and gain access to the product therein, the second closure portion 14 is initially flipped with respect to the first closure portion 12. To initiate this process, at least one of the frangible connections 52 a, 52 b needs to be broken before the second closure portion 14 can be moved from its closed position. FIG. 3A shows the flip-top polymeric closure 10 and the container 108 of the package 100 in a closed position. If only one of the frangible connections 52, 52 b is broken, the hinge 50 remains connected to either the first or the second closure portion 12, 14 depending on which one of the frangible connections is broken.
In another process, which is typical, both of the frangible connections 52 a, 52 b are broken. In this process, the hinge 50 is separated from the remainder of the closure 10. Whether one or both of the frangible connections 52 a, 52 b is broken, this indicates to a user that the second closure portion 14 may have been moved with respect to the first closure portion 12 from a closed position to an open, flipped position.
After at least one of the frangible connections 52 a, 52 b is broken, a user in one method will then grasp the lifting extension 70 and pull upwardly (in the direction of Arrow B) and then inwardly (in the direction of arrow C) to the open, flipped position as shown best in FIGS. 1F, 3B. In another method, a user contacts the exterior surface 66 a of the side wall 66 in an area abutting the lifting extension 70 with a finger or a thumb and pushes upwardly (in the direction of Arrow B) and then inwardly (in the direction of arrow C) to the open, flipped position. The flipping and pivoting of the second closure portion 14 with respect to the first closure portion 12 is assisted by the first and second end extensions 62 a, 62 b that are each positioned within a respective one of the opposing pivotable recesses 38 a, 38 b. Once in the open, flipped position, a user may gain access to the contents of the container.
When the closure 10 is moved from a closed position to an open, flipped position, the plug 60 of the second closure portion 14 is removed from the opening 28. FIG. 3B shows the polymeric closure 10 and the container 108 of the package 100 after the flipping has been completed. It is desirable for the second closure portion 14 to flip or rotate at least about 90 degrees from a closed position to an open position. In another embodiment, the second closure portion 14 may be flipped at least about 115 or about 135 degrees. To assist in flipping the second closure portion 14 further (i.e., at a greater degree), a top portion 30 of the polymeric top wall portion 22 may be chamfered.
The flip-top polymeric closures of the present invention are desirable in both low-temperature and high-temperature applications. The polymeric closures may be used in low-temperature applications such as an ambient or a cold fill. These applications include aseptic applications such as dairy products, water, sports drinks, and pressurized products such as carbonated soft drinks. It is contemplated that other low-temperature applications may be used with the polymeric closures formed by the processes of the present invention.
The flip-top polymeric closures of the present invention may be exposed to high-temperature applications such as hot-fill, pasteurization, and retort applications. A hot fill application is generally performed at temperatures around 185° F., while a hot fill with pasteurization is generally performed at temperatures around 205° F. Retort applications are typically done at temperatures greater than 250° F. It is contemplated that the polymeric closures of the present invention can be used in other high-temperature applications.
While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A tamper-evident, flip-top closure, the closure comprising:

a first closure portion including a polymeric top wall portion and a polymeric annular skirt portion, the polymeric annular skirt portion depending from the polymeric top wall portion, the polymeric top wall portion forming a cavity and an opening therethrough, the polymeric top wall portion further forming opposing pivotable recesses;

a second closure portion including a plug and a pivotable support, the plug being sized and configured to being received into the opening of the first closure portion, the pivotable support having a first end extension and a second end extension, the first and second end extensions being sized and configured to be received into a respective one of the opposing pivotable recesses; and

a hinge connecting the first closure portion and the second closure portion, the hinge including at least one frangible connection,

wherein the cavity is sized and configured to receive at least a part of the second closure portion,

wherein after the at least one frangible connection is broken, the second closure portion is moveable between a closed position and an open, flipped position by flipping and pivoting the second closure portion with respect to the first closure portion via the first and second end extensions.

2. The closure of claim 1, wherein the cavity is formed by a first side wall, a second side wall, an end wall, and a bottom.

3. The closure of claim 1, wherein the cavity is sized and configured to receive substantially all of the second closure portion.

4. The closure of claim 3, wherein the cavity is sized and configured to receive all of the second closure portion.

5. The closure of claim 1, wherein the hinge includes a plurality of frangible connections, and wherein after the plurality of frangible connections is broken, the second closure portion is moveable between a closed position and an open, flipped position by flipping and pivoting the second closure with respect to the first closure portion via the first and second end extensions.

6. The closure of claim 1, wherein the hinge includes a thinned section in the general middle thereof.

7. The closure of claim 1, wherein the second closure portion further includes a side wall, the plug being located between the pivotable support and the side wall of the second closure portion.

8. The closure of claim 7, wherein the side wall of the second closure portion forms a lifting extension.

9. The closure of claim 1, wherein each of the opening and the plug has a tear-drop shape.

10. The closure of claim 1, wherein an interior surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion includes an annular inwardly extension.

11. A package comprising:

a container having a neck portion defining an opening, the neck portion having an exterior surface and an interior surface; and

a flip-top closure being configured for fitment to the neck portion of the container for closing the opening of the container, the flip-top closure including a first closure portion, a second closure portion, and a hinge, the first closure portion including a polymeric top wall portion and a polymeric annular skirt portion, the polymeric annular skirt portion depending from the polymeric top wall portion, the polymeric top wall portion forming a cavity and an opening therethrough, the polymeric top wall portion further forming opposing pivotable recesses, the second closure portion including a plug and a pivotable support, the plug being sized and configured to being received into the opening of the first closure portion, the pivotable support having a first end extension and a second end extension, the first and second end extensions being sized and configured to be received into a respective one of the opposing pivotable recesses, the hinge connecting the first closure portion and the second closure portion, the hinge including at least one frangible connection, the cavity being sized and configured to receive at least a part of the second closure portion,

12. The package of claim 11, wherein the cavity is sized and configured to receive substantially all of the second closure portion.

13. The package of claim 12, wherein the cavity is sized and configured to receive all of the second closure portion.

14. The package of claim 11, wherein the hinge includes a plurality of frangible connections, and wherein after the plurality of frangible connections is broken, the second closure portion is moveable between a closed position and an open, flipped position by flipping and pivoting the second closure with respect to the first closure portion via the first and second end extensions.

15. The package of claim 11, wherein the hinge includes a thinned section in the general middle thereof.

16. The package of claim 11, wherein the second closure portion further includes a side wall, the plug being located between the pivotable support and the side wall of the second closure portion.

17. The package of claim 11, wherein an interior surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion includes an annular inwardly extension and wherein the exterior surface of the neck portion includes an A-collar, the annular inwardly extension and the A-collar assist in locking the flip-top closure to the container.

18. A method of opening a package, the method comprising:

providing a package including a container and a flip-top closure, the container having a neck portion defining an opening, the neck portion having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the closure being configured for fitment to the neck portion of the container, the flip-top closure including a first closure portion, a second closure portion, and a hinge, the first closure portion including a polymeric top wall portion and a polymeric annular skirt portion, the polymeric annular skirt portion depending from the polymeric top wall portion, the polymeric top wall portion forming a cavity and an opening therethrough, the polymeric top wall portion further forming opposing pivotable recesses, the second closure portion including a plug and a pivotable support, the plug being sized and configured to being received into the opening of the first closure portion, the pivotable support having a first end extension and a second end extension, the first and second end extensions being sized and configured to be received into a respective one of the opposing pivotable recesses, the hinge connecting the first closure portion and the second closure portion, the hinge including at least one frangible connection, the cavity being sized and configured to receive at least a part of the second closure portion;

breaking the at least one frangible connection; and

flipping and pivoting the second closure portion with respect to the first closure portion to move the closure between a closed position and an open, flipped position via the first and second end extensions.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the hinge includes a plurality of frangible connections, and wherein after the plurality of frangible connections is broken, the second closure portion is moveable between a closed position and an open, flipped position by flipping and pivoting the second closure with respect to the first closure portion via the first and second end extensions.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein an interior surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion includes an annular inwardly extension and wherein the exterior surface of the neck portion includes an A-collar, the annular inwardly extension and the A-collar assist in locking the flip-top closure to the container.