Flip-Top Closure And Package

This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/492,698 filed Mar. 28, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

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.

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 or induction liner, or tear-member mechanisms. The lining is located on a top surface of the finish on the container. The use of foil liners tends to be expensive and also requires additional manufacturing steps in forming the package. Additionally, some users, especially those with upper extremity limitations, may have difficulty in manually removing the tamper-evident liners. The removal also may sometimes require using sharp utensils to cut from the finish when the liner is not easily peeled off. The use of liners also does not assist in post-consumer recycling efforts when the liners are not completely removed because the liners are almost always made from different materials than the closures and containers.

It would be desirable to provide a closure and package that overcomes such problems, while still performing desirable properties of a closure and package including providing tamper-evidency.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a tamper-evident, flip-top closure comprises a first closure portion, a second closure portion and a hinge. The first closure portion includes a polymeric top wall portion. The polymeric top wall portion includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. The polymeric top wall portion includes at least one tamper-evident winged section and a middle section. The at least one tamper-evident winged section and the middle section are detachably connected via a frangible connection. The at least one tamper-evident winged section forms an undercut. The exterior surface of the polymeric top wall portion includes a drivable structure to assist in threading the flip-top closure into a container. The second closure portion includes a polymeric annular skirt portion and a ledge. The ledge encompasses and extends outwardly from the polymeric annular skirt portion. The polymeric annular skirt portion includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. The exterior surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion forms an external thread formation. The ledge includes at least one locking protrusion. The interior surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion forms an opening therethrough. The hinge connects the first closure portion and the second closure portion. In an initially closed position of the flip-top closure, the undercut of the at least one tamper-evident winged section corresponds with and lockingly engages with the at least one locking protrusion. During movement of the hinge from the initially closed position to an open position, the frangible connection breaks leaving the at least one tamper-evident winged section being lockingly engaged with the at least one locking protrusion.

According to a configuration of the above implementation, the drivable structure is a recessed structure. The drivable structure may protrude outwardly from a remainder of the interior surface of the polymeric top wall portion.

According to a further configuration of the above implementation, the interior surface of the polymeric top wall portion includes at least one end extension extending therefrom and the second closure portion includes at least one end extension. The end extension of the polymeric top wall portion and the end extension of the second closure portion are configured and located to abut each other and assist in threading of the flip-top closure into the container. In another embodiment, the at least one end extension of the polymeric top wall portion is a plurality of end extensions and the at least one end extension of the second closure portion is a plurality of end extensions. The plurality of end extensions of the polymeric top wall portion and the plurality of end extensions of the second closure portion are configured and located to abut a respective one of each other and assist in threading of the flip-top closure into the container.

In a further aspect of the above implementation, the first closure portion further includes a first sealing ring and the second closure portion further includes a second sealing ring. One of the first and the second sealing rings is slightly larger than the other and forms a seal when the flip-top closure is in a closed position.

In yet a further aspect of the above implementation, the second closure portion further includes a mechanical closure stop that corresponds with a mechanical container stop of a container to prevent or inhibit further threading of the flip-top closure into the container. The mechanical closure stop is located father from the polymeric top wall portion than the external thread formation.

According to a configuration of the above implementation, the flip-top closure is polymeric.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a package comprising 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 interior surface of the neck portion includes an internal thread formation. The flip-top closure is configured for fitment into 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. The polymeric top wall portion includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. The polymeric top wall portion includes at least one tamper-evident winged section and a middle section. The at least one tamper-evident winged section and the middle section are detachably connected via a frangible connection. The at least one tamper-evident winged section forms an undercut. The exterior surface of the polymeric top wall portion includes a drivable structure to assist in threading the flip-top closure into the container. The second closure portion includes a polymeric annular skirt portion and a ledge. The ledge encompasses and extends outwardly from the polymeric annular skirt portion. The polymeric annular skirt portion includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. The exterior surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion forms an external thread formation. The external thread formation of the second closure portion is threadingly engaged with the internal thread formation of the container. The ledge includes at least one locking protrusion. The interior surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion forms an opening therethrough. The hinge connects the first closure portion and the second closure portion. In an initially closed position of the flip-top closure, the undercut of the at least one tamper-evident winged section corresponds with and lockingly engages with the at least one locking protrusion. During movement of the hinge from the initially closed position to an open position, the frangible connection breaks leaving the at least one tamper-evident winged section being lockingly engaged with the at least one locking protrusion.

According to a configuration of the above implementation, the drivable structure is a recessed structure. The drivable structure may protrude outwardly from a remainder of the interior surface of the polymeric top wall portion.

According to a further configuration of the above implementation, the interior surface of the polymeric top wall portion includes at least one end extension extending therefrom and the second closure portion includes at least one end extension. The end extension of the polymeric top wall portion and the end extension of the second closure portion are configured and located to abut each other and assist in threading of the flip-top closure into the container. In another embodiment, the at least one end extension of the polymeric top wall portion is a plurality of end extensions and the at least one end extension of the second closure portion is a plurality of end extensions. The plurality of end extensions of the polymeric top wall portion and the plurality of end extensions of the second closure portion are configured and located to abut a respective one of each other and assist in threading of the flip-top closure into the container.

In a further aspect of the above implementation, the first closure portion further includes a first sealing ring and the second closure portion further includes a second sealing ring. One of the first and the second sealing rings is slightly larger than the other and forms a seal when the flip-top closure is in a closed position.

In yet a further aspect of the above implementation, the second closure portion further includes a mechanical closure stop and the container further includes a mechanical container stop. The mechanical closure stop corresponds with the mechanical container stop to assist in preventing or inhibiting further threading of the flip-top closure into the container. The mechanical closure stop is located father from the polymeric top wall portion than the external thread formation.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a tamper-evident, flip-top closure comprises a first closure portion, a second closure portion and a hinge. The first closure portion includes a polymeric top wall portion. The polymeric top wall portion includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. The polymeric top wall portion includes a plurality of opposing tamper-evident winged sections and a middle section therebetween. The plurality of opposing tamper-evident winged sections and the middle section are detachably connected via a respective one of a plurality of frangible connections. Each of the plurality of opposing tamper-evident winged sections forms a respective undercut. The exterior surface of the polymeric top wall portion includes a drivable structure to assist in threading the flip-top closure into a container. The second closure portion includes a polymeric annular skirt portion and a ledge. The ledge encompasses and extends outwardly from the polymeric annular skirt portion The polymeric annular skirt portion includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. The exterior surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion forms an external thread formation. The ledge includes a plurality of opposing locking protrusions. The interior surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion forms an opening therethrough. The hinge connects the first closure portion and the second closure portion. In an initially closed position of the flip-top closure, each of the undercuts of the plurality of opposing tamper-evident winged sections corresponds with and lockingly engages with a respective one of the plurality of opposing locking structures. During movement of the hinge from the initially closed position to an open position, the plurality of frangible connections breaks leaving the plurality of opposing tamper-evident winged sections being lockingly engaged with a respective one of the plurality of opposing locking protrusions.

According to a configuration of the above implementation, the drivable structure is a recessed structure.

According to a further configuration of the above implementation, the interior surface of the first closure portion further includes a plurality of end extensions extending therefrom and wherein the second closure portion further includes a plurality of end extensions. The plurality of end extensions of the first closure portion and the plurality of end extensions of the second closure portion are configured and located to abut a respective one of each other and assist in threading of the flip-top closure into the container.

According to a yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a package comprises 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 interior surface of the neck portion includes an internal thread formation. The flip-top closure is configured for fitment into 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. The polymeric top wall portion includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. The polymeric top wall portion includes a plurality of opposing tamper-evident winged sections and a middle section therebetween. The plurality of opposing tamper-evident winged sections and the middle section are detachably connected via a respective one of a plurality of frangible connections. Each of the plurality of opposing tamper-evident winged sections forms a respective undercut. The exterior surface of the polymeric top wall portion includes a drivable structure to assist in threading the flip-top closure into a container. The second closure portion includes a polymeric annular skirt portion and a ledge. The ledge encompasses and extends outwardly from the polymeric annular skirt portion. The polymeric annular skirt portion includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. The exterior surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion forms an external thread formation. The external thread formation of the second closure portion is threadingly engaged with the internal thread formation of the container. The ledge includes a plurality of opposing locking protrusions. The interior surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion forms an opening therethrough. The hinge connects the first closure portion and the second closure portion. In an initially closed position of the flip-top closure, each of the undercuts of the plurality of opposing tamper-evident winged sections corresponds with and lockingly engages with a respective one of the plurality of opposing locking structures. During movement of the hinge from the initially closed position to an open position, the plurality of frangible connections breaks leaving the plurality of opposing tamper-evident winged sections being lockingly engaged with a respective one of the plurality of opposing locking protrusions.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a tamper-evident, snap-on, flip-top closure comprises a first closure portion, a second closure portion and a hinge. The first closure portion includes a polymeric top wall portion. The polymeric top wall portion includes at least one tamper-evident wing. The at least one tamper-evident wing is detachably connected to a remainder of the polymeric top wall portion via a frangible connection. The at least one tamper-evident wing forms an undercut. The second closure portion includes a polymeric top wall portion and a polymeric annular skirt portion encompassing and extending from the polymeric top wall portion of the second closure portion. The polymeric top wall portion of the second closure portion forms at least one locking recess that includes an undercut. The at least one locking recess is sized and configured to receive the at least one tamper-evident wing thereon. The hinge connects the first closure portion and the second closure portion. In an initially closed position of the snap-on, flip-top closure, the undercut of the at least one tamper-evident wing corresponds with and lockingly engages with the at least one locking recess. During movement of the hinge from the initially closed position to an open position, the frangible connection breaks leaving the at least one tamper-evident wing being lockingly engaged with the at least one locking recess.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a package comprises 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 interior surface of the neck portion includes an internal thread formation. The flip-top closure is configured for fitment into 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. The polymeric top wall portion includes at least one tamper-evident wing. The at least one tamper-evident wing is detachably connected to a remainder of the polymeric top wall portion via a frangible connection. The at least one tamper-evident wing forms an undercut. The second closure portion includes a polymeric top wall portion and a polymeric annular skirt portion encompassing and extending from the polymeric top wall portion of the second closure portion. The polymeric top wall portion of the second closure portion forms at least one locking recess that includes an undercut. The at least one locking recess is sized and configured to receive the at least one tamper-evident wing thereon. The hinge connects the first closure portion and the second closure portion. In an initially closed position of the snap-on, flip-top closure, the undercut of the at least one tamper-evident wing corresponds with and lockingly engages with the at least one locking recess. During movement of the hinge from the initially closed position to an open position, the frangible connection breaks leaving the at least one tamper-evident wing being lockingly engaged with the at least one locking recess.

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.

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.

illustrate a polymeric flip-top closureaccording to one embodiment.illustrate the polymeric flip-top closurein a closed position in top perspective and side views, respectively.illustrate the polymeric flip-top closurein an open position in top perspective and side views, respectively. The polymeric flip-top closureis generally cylindrically shaped.

The polymeric flip-top closures of the present invention are configured to be placed in a container or bottle that contain product. More specifically, the polymeric flip-top closures of the present invention are configured for fitment into 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 polymeric flip-top closureis shown with a containerin. The polymeric flip-top closureis used with the containerto form a packageaccording to one embodiment of the present invention. The packageis shown and discussed in detail below with respect to. 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 polymeric flip-top closure is designed to be applied into the finish of the container, and is configured to be extremely difficult to remove therefrom. The polymeric flip-top closure is configured to remain with the container, which reduces environmental waste when the package is recycled. It is also desirable for the container to be made of the same material as the flip-top closure to assist in post-consumer recycling. The polymeric flip-top closure is desirably lightweight and the container to be used with the polymeric closure is also desirably lightweight. By being lightweight, the design of the polymeric flip-top closure aids in significantly reducing material usage in the package.

Referring back to, the polymeric flip-top closureincludes a first closure portion or lidand a second closure portion or base. The first closure portionis adapted to be flipped with respect to the second closure portionvia a hinge, as will be discussed in detail below.

The first closure portionincludes a polymeric top wall portion. The polymeric top wall portionincludes an exterior surfaceand an interior surfaceThe polymeric top wall portion includes at least one tamper-evident winged section and a middle section.

In this embodiment, the first closure portionincludes first and second tamper-evident winged sectionsThe first and second tamper-evident winged sectionsare located on opposing ends of the first closure portionas shown in. The first and second tamper-evident winged sectionsand the middle sectiontherebetween are detachably connected via respective frangible connectionsEach of the first and second tamper-evident winged sectionsforms a respective undercutThis is best shown in. The undercutsas will be discussed below, assist in providing tamper-evident to the polymeric flip-top closure. It is contemplated that the first closure portion may include exactly one tamper-evident winged section instead of the plurality of tamper-evident winged sectionsshown in.

The first closure portionfurther including a drivable structureto assist in threading the polymeric flip-top closureinto a container (e.g., container). The drivable structureis located on the exterior surfaceof the polymeric top wall portion. The drivable structureis typically a recessed structure. One non-limiting example of a recessed drivable structureis shown inas a recessed flower-like structure. The recessed flower-like structureis located in a general center of the first closure portion. This location assists in more evenly distributing the force in threading the flip-top closure into the container. The recessed drivable structure in one embodiment protrudes outwardly from a remainder of the interior surface of the first closure portion.

It is contemplated, however, that the location of the drivable structure may differ from that shown in. It is noted that a driver for threading the polymeric flip-top closure into a container would need to have a corresponding structure to engage into and rotate the recessed structure of the drivable structure.

It is contemplated, however, that other recessed structures may be formed on an interior surface of the polymeric flip-top closure to assist in threading the closure into the container. These other recessed structures may be polygonal or non-polygonal shapes. One non-limiting example of another recessed structure is shown in, which will be discussed below. It may be desirable to have a recessed shape that is not a standard shape (e.g., not hexagonal) so that a user would not have a standardized tool tin an attempt to unthread the polymeric closure from the container.

To prevent or inhibit tampering, the recessed structure (e.g., the recessed flower-like structure) may be covered by a non-removable sticker, tape or label. A non-removable label, tape or stickeris shown in package′ ofcovering the hidden recessed flower-like structure.shows a package′ that is identical to the packageofexcept that the removable label, tape or stickerhas been added to the polymeric flip-top closurethat covers the recessed flower-like structure. The non-removable label, tape or stickerprevents or inhibits a user from attempting to unthread the polymeric flip-top closurefrom the containerand gain access to the contents in the container.

It is contemplated that other tamper-evident features may be used to prevent or inhibit access to the recessed structure. These other potential tamper-evident features must be removed and/or broken, which leaves evidence of potential tampering or access into the container. One non-limiting example of such a tamper-evident feature would be a polymeric plug that resides in the recessed structure. Another non-limiting example would be a shrink wrap that covers the recessed structure.

It is contemplated that a protruding structure may be used on the exterior surface of the first closure portion instead of a recessed structure. Depending on the tamper-evident feature, a protruding structure, however, will likely to be more tamper-prone.

As shown best in, the recessed flower-like structureextends into the interior surfaceof the polymeric top wall portion. The recessed flower-like structureprotrudes downwardly from a general remainder of the interior surfaceof the polymeric top wall portion. The interior surface also forms at least one opposing end extension extending from the recessed structure.

In the embodiment of, the recessed flower-like structureincludes a pair of opposing end extensionsextending therefrom. The plurality of opposing end extensionsas will be discussed below, assists in transmitting and directing force for threading the polymeric flip-top closureinto the container. Each of the pair of opposing end extensionsis of a generally triangular shape. It is contemplated that the pair of opposing end extensions may be other shapes and sizes including both polygonal and non-polygonal shapes.

The interior surfaceof the polymeric top wall portionfurther includes a first sealing ring, which in conjunction with a second sealing ringof the second closure portion, forms a seal in the polymeric flip-top closure. This sealing mechanism is referred to as an inner seal. Such an inner seal potentially assists in further preventing or inhibiting air, moisture or other potential contaminants from contacting the contents in the container. The first sealing ringofis shown as being a generally circular shape. It is contemplated that other shapes may be used in forming a first scaling ring including a generally oval shape.

It is contemplated that other sealing mechanisms may be used, if desirable, to prevent or inhibit air, moisture or other potential contaminants from contacting the contents in the container.

It is contemplated that the first closure portion may have a lifting aid to assist a user in opening the first closure portion with respect to the second closure portion. The lifting aid may be a lifting extension or a lifting indentation that assists a user in opening the first closure portion with respect to the second closure portion. If a lifting aid were used, it would be shaped and sized for a user to grasp or contact when opening the polymeric flip-top closure. The lifting aid would be located generally opposite of the hinge.

Referring to, The second closure portionincludes a polymeric annular skirt portionand a ledgeencompassing and extending outwardly from the polymeric annular skirt portion. The polymeric annular skirt portionincludes an exterior surfaceand an interior surfaceThe exterior surfaceof the polymeric annular skirt portionforms an external thread formation.

The external thread formationis for mating engagement with an internal thread formation of a container. The external thread formationis shown inas being continuous threading. The external thread formationin this embodiment is a helical formation. It is contemplated that the external thread formation may be discontinuous. One non-limiting example is an external thread formation including a first closure lead and a second closure lead. It is also contemplated that the external thread formation of the closure may differ from a helical thread formation. It is also contemplated that other external thread formations may be used in the closure to mate with a corresponding internal thread formation of the container.

The interior surfaceof the polymeric annular skirt portionalso includes a mechanical closure stopshown in. As will be discussed below, the mechanical closure stopworks in conjunction with a mechanical container stop to prevent or inhibit the polymeric flip-top closure from being overthreaded (i.e., over torqued) into the container. The mechanical closure stopis located father from the polymeric top wall portionthan the external thread formation.

The ledge of the second closure portion includes at least one locking protrusion. In this embodiment, the ledgeincludes a plurality of locking protrusionsEach of the locking protrusionsincludes a respective undercut,The locking protrusionscorrespond with the first and second tamper-evident winged sectionsrespectively, to from a tamper-evident structure indicating that the container may have been accessed. Specifically, the undercutsof lockingly engage respective undercutsThis is best shown in.

The second closure portionincludes the second sealing ring. The second scaling ring, in conjunction with the first sealing ring, forms an inner seal as discussed above. One of first and the second sealing rings,is slightly larger than the other to assist in forming an abutting relationship when the polymeric flip-top closure is in a closed position. The second sealing ringis shown as being a generally circular shape. It is contemplated that other shapes may be used in forming the second sealing ring including a generally oval shape.

The second closure portionin this embodiment includes a pair of opposing end extensionsThe pair of opposing end extensionsextends from the second scaling ringand is in a generally triangular shape. It is contemplated that the pair of opposing end extensions may be other shapes and sizes including both polygonal and non-polygonal shapes.

The pair of opposing end extensionsengages the pair of opposing end extensionsrespectively, when threading the polymeric flip-top closureinto the container. The pair of opposing end extensionsin conjunction with the pair of opposing end extensionsassists in transmitting and directing force from the drivable structureto thread the closureinto the container.

The interior surfaces of the ledgeand the polymeric annular skirt portionform an openingthrough the second closure portion. The openingallows a user to gain access to the contents of the container. The shape of the openingis shown as being generally circular in shape in. This shape, for example, assists a user in allowing the contents to be smoothly and controllable poured or accessed from the container. It is contemplated that the shape of the opening may vary from that depicted in, for example,. Some non-limiting examples of shapes that may form an opening include generally oval or tear-dropped.

As shown in, the height Hof the first closure portionis generally from about 0.08 to about 0.20 inch and, more specifically, from about 0.1 to about 0.15 inch. The height Hof the second closure portionis generally from about 0.25 to about 0.75 inch and, more specifically, from about 0.35 to about 0.65 inch. The height Hof the first closure portionis less than the height Hof the second closure portionin this embodiment. The height Hof the polymeric flip-top closureis generally from about 0.3 to about 1 inch and, more specifically, from about 0.5 to about 0.75 inch in this embodiment.