Flip-top closure

Abstract

To provide a flip-top closure with a tamper-evident element that holds the closure opened while a user accesses the content of a container and that has all of the characteristics desired in the closure.SOLUTION: In a closed position, a locking tab extends outwardly from a center of a closure beyond a flexible tab and a connecting segment, a polymeric flexible tab has a flat outer surface with a convex upper surface. When opening the flip-top closure, the polymer locking tab moves and passes through the convex upper surface of the polymer flexible tab, thereby locking the flip-top closure in a fully open position, allowing the polymer locking tab to make contact with a mouth part of a container in the fully open position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 911,449, filed October 7, 2019, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to polymeric closures for packaging, and more particularly to hinged flip-top polymeric closures having tamper-evident elements. [Background technology]

[0003] Polymeric closures have been used on containers for many years in many applications. One type of polymeric closure that has been used on containers is a tamper-evident polymeric closure. Tamper-evident closures are used to prevent or inhibit tampering by providing a visible indicator to the user when the closure has been opened. This visible indicator typically splits the closure into two pieces when the tamper-evident element is broken.

[0004] Tamper-evident elements have been used in polymeric closures that are flip-top closures. Some flip-top closures have an upper tamper-evident element that includes a lid and a lower tamper-evident element that is on the bottom surface of the base. A potential drawback of these flip-top closures is that the upper tamper-evident element is separate from the rest of the closure and / or has a high probability of being tampered with. For example, the upper tamper-evident element may be a "pull-away" or "break-away" type element that can be separated from the rest of the closure and discarded. These upper tamper-evident elements are external elements that have a relatively high probability of being tampered with.

[0005] If the top tamper-evident element separates from the rest of the closure into two pieces, it is unlikely that part of the flip-top closure will be recycled with the rest of the closure and the container, which creates an environmental concern since so many containers have tamper-evident elements that can be separated into two or more pieces.

[0006] Another problem with flip-top closures is how to hold the closure open while the user is accessing the contents of the container. It is desirable to accomplish this without the flip-top closure already being split into multiple pieces. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] It would be desirable to provide a flip-top closure with a tamper-evident element that addresses these above-mentioned environmental concerns, while at the same time allowing the closure to remain open while the user accesses the contents of the container, and yet possesses all of the characteristics desired in a closure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one embodiment, the flip-top closure includes a first closure portion and a second closure portion. The first closure portion includes a polymeric top wall, a sealing mechanism extending downwardly from the polymeric top wall, and a polymeric annular skirt. The second closure portion includes a polymeric tamper-evident band. The first closure portion and the second closure portion are attached by a line of weakness. The first closure portion and the second closure portion are further attached via a hinge. The hinge is a front end. a hinge that aids in moving the closure between an open position and a closed position, the hinge including a polymer locking tab, a polymer flexible tab, and a plurality of polymer connecting segments, the locking tab extending outward from a center of the flip-top closure beyond the flexible tab and the plurality of connecting segments in the closed position, the locking tab configured to move past the flexible tab during movement of the flip-top closure to the open position, thereby locking the flip-top closure in a fully open position, the locking tab configured to abut a container mouth in the fully open position,

[0009] In one embodiment, a package includes a container and a flip-top closure. The container has a neck defining an opening. The container has an outward protrusion on the neck. The flip-top closure is configured to be secured to the neck of the container. The flip-top closure includes a first closure portion and a second closure portion. The first closure portion includes a polymeric top wall, a sealing mechanism extending downwardly from the polymeric top wall, and a polymeric annular skirt. The second closure portion includes a polymeric tamper-evident band. The first closure portion and the second closure portion are attached by a line of weakness. The first closure portion and the second closure portion are further attached via a hinge. The hinge assists in moving the closure between an open position and a closed position. The hinge includes a polymeric locking tab, a polymeric flexible tab, and a plurality of polymeric connecting segments. In the closed position, the locking tab extends outwardly from a center of the flip-top closure beyond the flexible tab and the plurality of connecting segments. During movement of the flip-top closure to the open position, the locking tab is configured to move past the flexible tab, thereby locking the flip-top closure in a fully open position, and the locking tab is configured to abut the neck of the container in the fully open position.

[0010] In one embodiment, a flip-top closure includes a first closure portion and a second closure portion. The first closure portion includes a polymeric top wall, a sealing mechanism extending downwardly from the polymeric top wall, and a polymeric annular skirt. The second closure portion includes a polymeric tamper-evident band. The first closure portion and the second closure portion are attached by a line of weakness. The first closure portion and the second closure portion are further attached via a hinge. The hinge assists in moving the closure between an open position and a closed position. The hinge includes a polymeric locking tab, a polymeric flexible tab, and a plurality of polymeric connecting segments. In the closed position, the locking tab extends outward from a center of the flip-top closure beyond the flexible tab and the plurality of connecting segments. The locking tab is configured to move past the flexible tab while the flip-top closure is moving to the open position, thereby locking the flip-top closure in a fully open position, and the locking tab is configured to contact the flexible tab in the fully open position.

[0011] According to another embodiment, a package includes a container and a flip-top closure. The container has a neck defining an opening. The container has an outward protrusion on the neck. The flip-top closure is configured to be secured to the neck of the container. The flip-top closure includes a first closure portion and a second closure portion. The first closure portion includes a polymeric top wall, a sealing mechanism extending downwardly from the polymeric top wall, and a polymeric annular skirt. The second closure portion includes a polymeric tamper-evident band. The first closure portion and the second closure portion are attached by a line of weakness. The first closure portion includes a polymeric tamper-evident band. The first closure portion and the second closure portion are further attached via a hinge, the hinge assisting in moving the closure between an open position and a closed position, the hinge including a polymer locking tab, a polymer flexible tab, and a plurality of polymer connecting segments. In the closed position, the locking tab extends outwardly from a center of the flip-top closure beyond the flexible tab and the plurality of connecting segments. During movement of the flip-top closure to the open position, the locking tab is configured to move past the flexible tab, thereby locking the flip-top closure in a fully open position, and the locking tab is configured to abut the flexible tab in the fully open position.

[0012] In one embodiment, the flip-top closure includes a first closure portion and a second closure portion. The first closure portion includes a polymeric top wall portion, a polymeric continuous plug seal extending downwardly from the polymeric top wall portion, a polymeric annular skirt portion, and a force-open tab extending from the polymeric annular skirt portion to assist in moving the flip-top closure between an open position and a closed position. The second closure portion includes a polymeric tamper-evident band. The first closure portion and the second closure portion are attached by a line of weakness. The first closure portion and the second closure portion are further attached via a hinge. The hinge assists in moving the closure between an open position and a closed position. The hinge includes a polymeric locking tab, a polymeric flexible tab, and a plurality of polymeric connecting segments. In the closed position, the locking tab extends outwardly from a center of the flip-top closure beyond the flexible tab and the plurality of connecting segments. During movement of the flip-top closure to the open position, the locking tab is configured to move past the flexible tab, thereby locking the flip-top closure in a fully open position, and the locking tab is configured to abut a container mouth in the fully open position.

[0013] The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the invention. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and drawings.

[0014] Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a flip-top closure in a closed position according to one embodiment.

[0016] [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a top view of the flip-top closure shown in FIG. 1A.

[0017] [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a rear view of the flip-top closure shown in FIG. 1A.

[0018] [Figure 1D] FIG. 1D is a front view of the flip-top closure shown in FIG. 1A.

[0019] [Figure 1E] FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 1E-1E of FIG. 1B.

[0020] [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of a package including the flip-top closure and container of FIG. 1A in a closed position according to one embodiment.

[0021] [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 2B-2B of FIG. 2A.

[0022] [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view taken generally along line 2B-2B of FIG. 2A, showing three different positions (positions AC) (with elements within the closure omitted for clarity).

[0023] [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of area 3B in FIG. 3A illustrating the interaction of the locking tab, flexible tab and container mouth in position A.

[0024] [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is an enlarged view of area 3B in FIG. 3A illustrating the interaction of the locking tab, flexible tab and container mouth at position B.

[0025] [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D is an enlarged view of region 3B in FIG. 3A illustrating the interaction of the locking tab, flexible tab and container mouth at position C.

[0026] [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view taken generally along line 2B-2B of FIG. 2A, illustrating four different positions (positions CE and A) (with elements within the closure omitted for clarity).

[0027] [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of area 4B in FIG. 4A illustrating the interaction of the locking tab, flexible tab and container mouth at position D.

[0028] [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is an enlarged view of area 4B in FIG. 4A illustrating the interaction of the locking tab, flexible tab and container mouth at position E.

[0029] [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a close-up view showing the interaction of a locking tab, a flexible tab and a container mouth in an open position according to another embodiment.

[0030] [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a close-up view showing the interaction of the locking tab, flexible tab and container mouth in the open position according to yet another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternatives, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail, it being understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed herein, but rather the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents and alterations falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0032] Figures 1A-1E show a polymeric flip-top closure 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The closure is configured to be placed over a container or bottle containing a product. The product is typically a liquid, but may also be a solid or a combination of liquid and solid. The polymeric flip-top closure 10 of Figures 1A-1E has a generally cylindrical shape. The flip-top closure is configured to remain intact from the container to help reduce environmental waste, yet provide a desirable tamper-evident feature and remain in an open position while a user is accessing the contents of the container.

[0033] Further referring to Figures 1A to 1E, the polymeric flip-top closure 10 includes a first closure portion or lid 12 and a second closure portion or base 14. The flip-top closure 10 is a one-piece closure. The housing part 12 and the second closure part 14 are connected via a hinge 16 .

[0034] 1E, the first closure portion 12 includes a polymeric top wall 22, a polymeric continuous plug seal 24, a polymeric top catch 26, a polymeric outer seal 28, a polymeric annular skirt 30, and a force-open tab 32. The second closure portion 14 includes a polymeric tamper-evident band 40.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1E, the polymeric continuous plug seal 24 extends downward from the polymeric top wall 22 to provide an internal sealing mechanism. When the flip-top closure 10 is in the closed position, the continuous plug seal 24 is spaced from the inner surface 30a of the polymeric annular skirt 30. In one embodiment, the polymeric continuous plug seal may include an engagement bump. The polymeric continuous plug seal 24 includes a first end 24a and a second end 24b. The second end 24b is located further from the polymeric top wall 22 than the first end 24a. The polymeric continuous plug seal 24 includes at least one engagement bump 24c at the second end 24b to aid in fitting the first closure part 12 into the container. It is desirable for the engagement bump 24c to emit an audible sound to notify the user when the flip-top closure 10 is in the closed position.

[0036] The polymeric top catch 26 extends downwardly from the polymeric top wall 22. When the flip-top closure 10 is in the closed position as shown in FIG. 1E, the polymeric top catch 26 is spaced from the inner surface 30a of the polymeric annular skirt 30. The polymeric top catch 26 helps provide a positive lock when the container mouth and closure are locked together. In this manner, the top catch 26 helps position the container mouth and closure when the container mouth and closure are placed together. The top catch 26 is typically continuous. In alternative embodiments, it is contemplated that the top catch may be discontinuous.

[0037] An outer polymer seal 28 extends downwardly from the polymer top wall 22 and provides an outer sealing mechanism. When the flip-top closure 10 is in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 1E, the outer polymer seal 28 is spaced from the inner surface 30a of the annular polymer skirt 30.

[0038] In other embodiments, the flip-top closure may include other sealing mechanisms. For example, the closure may include a polymeric lining that seals the closure. In this embodiment, the closure is formed from separate pieces, but functions as the one-piece closure described above, except for the different sealing mechanism. In other embodiments, the closure may include a polymeric outer seal, with or without a continuous plug seal.

[0039] The second closure portion 14 includes a polymeric tamper-evident band 40. The polymeric tamper-evident band 40 extends downwardly from the polymeric annular skirt portion 30 and is at least partially releasably connected to the polymeric annular skirt portion 30 via a frangible connection 42, as best seen in FIG. 1D. The frangible connection 42 extends substantially around the edge of the container. The frangible connection typically extends around about 60% to about 90% of the edge of the closure. More specifically, the frangible connection extends around about 70% to about 90% of the edge of the closure.

[0040] Referring again to Figures 1A-1E, the polymeric tamper-evident band 40 of the closure 10 is located at its bottom (i.e., the end opposite the polymeric top wall 22). As can be seen in Figures 1A and 1C-1E, the polymeric tamper-evident band 40 is the bottom tamper-evident element. The polymeric tamper-evident band 40 works in conjunction with the container to indicate to a user that access may have been gained to the contents of the container. More specifically, the polymeric tamper-evident band 40 is secured to the annular skirt portion 30 when the user opens the package by flipping the flip-top closure via the hinge 16. It is designed to be partially isolated from

[0041] The first closure portion 12 and the second closure portion 14 are attached by a hinge 16. The hinge 16 assists in moving the flip-top closure 10 between an open position and a closed position. In Figs. 1A-1E, the hinge 16 is in a closed position. As will be described below with reference to Figs. 3A-3D and 4A-4C, the hinge 16 is configured to flip from a closed position to an open position generally along arrow A in Fig. 3A and to flip from an open position to a closed position generally along arrow B in Fig. 4A. As shown in Figs. 1E and 3B, the hinge 16 is disposed outboard of the other portions of the closure 10. The hinge 16 is also elevated relative to the other portions of the closure 10. This is shown in Fig. 1E, where the top surface 16a is elevated relative to the other portions of the closure 10.

[0042] The angle through which the hinge 16 flips or rotates from the closed position to the open position is desirably at least about 200 degrees or about 215 degrees, and more desirably at least about 225 degrees or about 235 degrees. The hinge 16 may flip or rotate up to about 215 degrees or about 225 degrees. Desirably, the hinge 16 flips or rotates up to about 235 degrees. The hinge typically flips or rotates only an angle ranging from about 190 degrees to about 235 degrees, and more particularly, an angle ranging from about 190 degrees to about 225 degrees.

[0043] Referring again to FIG. 1C, the hinge 16 includes a locking tab 50, a flexible tab 52, and a number of connecting segments 54a, 54b. The locking tab 50 has a lower surface 50a (FIG. 1E), which will be described in more detail below. As best seen in FIG. 1E and FIG. 3B, in the closed position, the locking tab 50 extends outward from the center of the flip-top closure 10 beyond the flexible tab 52 and the number of connecting segments 54a, 54b. The locking tab 50 further includes a raised or thicker portion 50b than the rest of the hinge 16 to provide additional strength and support to the lower surface 50a. This is best seen in FIG. 3B, where the height H1 of the raised or thicker portion 50b is greater than the height H2 of the rest of the hinge 16. The raised portion 50b further assists in contacting the flexible tab 52 during the process of opening and closing the flip-top closure 10. This raised portion 50b helps prevent or inhibit the tamper-evident band 40 from being accidentally pulled away from the remainder of the closure 10 when the closure 10 is closed.

[0044] In one embodiment, the frangible connections 42 may be formed with molded-in-bridges. The bridge formation is typically formed using elements within the mold. In another embodiment, the frangible connection is formed by scoring or scored lines, notches, or the like. Formed using notches, leaders, nicks or other lines of weakness The line of weakness may be formed by continuously forming slits.

[0045] 2A and 2B, one non-limiting embodiment of a flip-top closure and container that make up the package is shown and described.

[0046] The closure 10 may be used with a container 108 that is used to form the package 100 of Figures 2A and 2B. The container 108 includes a neck 102 that defines an opening. The neck 102 of the container 108 has a continuous outer ring 110. The continuous outer ring 110 aids in positioning the tamper-evident band 40 on the neck 102 of the container 108 when the frangible connection 42 is broken. The closure 10 is placed over and locked to the neck 102 of the container 108, as described in more detail below.

[0047] The flip-top closure of the present invention may include an oxygen scavenger. The oxygen scavenger may be distributed throughout the closure or may be a separate layer. The oxygen scavenger may be added to the contents of the container. Any material that will aid in removing oxygen from within the container with little or no effect may be used.

[0048] The flip-top closure may include an oxygen barrier agent instead of or in addition to the materials listed above. The oxygen barrier agent may be added as a separate layer or may be integrated into the closure itself. The oxygen barrier agent helps to prevent or inhibit oxygen from passing through the closure into the container. These materials may include, but are not limited to, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). It is contemplated that other oxygen barrier agents may be used in the closure.

[0049] It is further contemplated that other elements may be included within the above closures. For example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 009979, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0349336, U.S. Patent No. 9,126,726, U.S. Patent No. 9,085,385, U.S. Patent No. 8,763,830, U.S. Patent No. 8,485,374, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009 / 0045158, and U.S. Patent No. 6,123,212 all contain elements that may be incorporated into the closures of the present invention. These documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0050] The top wall 22, the continuous plug seal 24, the top stop 26, the outer seal 28 and the annular skirt 30 are formed from a polymeric material. The top wall 22, the continuous plug seal 24, the top stop 26, the outer seal 28 and the annular skirt 30 are typically formed from an olefin (e.g., polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP)), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or mixtures thereof. An example of a polyethylene may be high density polyethylene (HDPE). It is contemplated that the top wall, the continuous plug seal, the top stop, the outer seal and the annular skirt may be formed from other polymeric materials. The tamper evident band 40 is typically formed from the same material as the top wall 22, the continuous plug seal 24, the top stop 26, the outer seal 28 and the annular skirt 30.

[0051] It is contemplated that the polymeric material may include additional ingredients such as nucleating agents, lubricants, bio-based fillers (e.g., sawdust, starch) and mineral-based fillers (e.g., calcium carbonate, talc). The polymeric material may be formed from post-consumer recycled resins.

[0052] The closures are typically formed by processes such as injection molding, compression molding, extrusion or a combination thereof.

[0053] The container 108 is also typically formed from a polymeric material. Non-limiting examples of materials used to form the polymeric container are polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or mixtures thereof. It is contemplated that the container may be formed from other polymeric or copolymeric materials. It is further contemplated that the container may be formed from glass or other materials. The container 108 typically has an enclosed oxygen barrier layer or oxygen barrier material incorporated therein.

[0054] One method of opening the container 108 to access the product therein involves first rotating or flipping the first closure part 12 relative to the second closure part 14, resulting in rupture and separation via the frangible connection 42. The rotation or flip is illustrated in Figure 3A, where position A is the closed position and position C is the fully open position. Position B is an intermediate position between the closed and open positions.

[0055] The flip-top closure 10 is moved along arrow A from the closed position to the open position by at least about 200 degrees or about 215 degrees, more preferably at least about 225 degrees or about 2 35 degrees. The hinge 16 may flip or rotate up to about 215 degrees or about 225 degrees. Desirably, the hinge 16 flips or rotates up to about 235 degrees. The hinge typically flips or rotates only by an angle ranging from about 190 degrees to about 235 degrees, and more particularly, only by an angle ranging from about 190 degrees to about 225 degrees.

[0056] Figure 3B illustrates the relationship between the locking tab 50 and the flexible tab 52 in the closed position (position A). As shown in Figure 3B, the lower surface 50a of the locking tab 50 is above and spaced from the upper surface 108a of the container 108. In this position (position A), the locking tab 50 is spaced from the flexible tab 52. The distance L1 between the locking tab 50 and the flexible tab 52 is generally from about 0.02 inches to about 0.2 inches, and more specifically, from about 0.2 inches to about 0.1 inches.

[0057] The flexible tab 52 includes an inward protrusion 52b that is configured to contact an outward protrusion of the container 108, thereby securing and locking the flip-top closure 10 and the container 108 together. The inward and outward protrusions may be continuous or non-contiguous. It is contemplated that the closure and container may be secured and locked together by other methods known in the art. For example, the closure and container may be secured and locked together by a continuous folded band, tab, or wing.

[0058] As flip-top closure 10 moves from position A to position B (FIG. 3C), locking tab 50 contacts flexible tab 52. As locking tab 50 continues to rotate, side 50c of locking tab 50 contacts top surface 52a of flexible tab 52. This is shown in FIG. 3C, which illustrates position B. As locking tab 50 continues to rotate from position B to position C, it rotates or pivots on flexible tab 52 and eventually disengages from flexible tab 52. Locking tab 50 is shown in FIG. 3D contacting top surface 108a of container 108.

[0059] 3D shows the locking tab 50 separated slightly from the flexible tab 52. Once the user has accessed the contents of the container, the locking tab 50 locks into place and remains in the open or flipped position.

[0060] 4A-4C show a fully open position (position C) and positions D and E before moving back to the closed position along arrow B. FIG. 4B (position D) shows the locking tab 50 just before it is released from the flexible tab 52. As shown in FIG. 4B, during the movement of the locking tab 50, the flexible tab 52 is bending outwardly from the container 108. This outward bending of the flexible tab 52 is indicated by the direction of arrow C. This outward bending of the flexible tab 52 is what is forced upon the locking tab 50 when it comes into contact. Specifically, the force F2 from the locking tab 50 is greater than the force F1 from the flexible tab 52, resulting in the flexible tab 52 bending outwardly (i.e., away from the container 108).

[0061] During the movement of the flip-top closure 10 from position D to position E, the locking tab 50 moves away from the flexible tab 52, causing the flexible tab 52 to return to its original or unbent position as shown in Figure 4C. In one method, when the locking tab 50 contacts the flexible tab during the movement from position D to position E, causing the flexible tab to move outward, the flexible tab 52 returns to its original or unbent position (Figure 4C), thereby producing an audible click or click.

[0062] According to another embodiment, it is contemplated that in the closed position, the underside of the locking tab may contact the flexible tab 52. For example, FIG. 5A shows the neck 102 of the container. In FIG. 5A, the locking tab 150 has a lower surface 150a, a side surface 150b, and a top surface 150d, which contacts the top surface 152a of the flexible tab 152. In this embodiment, the locking tab Locking tab 150 and flexible tab 152 function similarly to locking tab 50 and flexible tab 52 described above, differing only in their relationship to the open position.

[0063] 5B illustrates a locking tab 250 having a lower surface 250a, a side surface 250b, and a top surface 250d. Top surface 250d contacts both top surface 252a of flexible tab 252 and top surface 108a of container 108. In this embodiment, locking tab 250 and flexible tab 252 function similarly to locking tab 50 and flexible tab 52 described above, only differing in their relationship to the open position.

[0064] The polymeric closures of the present invention are particularly desirable for larger closures. For example, the present invention may be used with closures having diameters of 26 mm, 28 mm, and 38 mm. Thus, the present invention is desirably used with closures having diameters between about 25 mm and about 50 mm, and more particularly between about 25 mm and about 40 mm.

[0065] The polymeric closures of the present invention are desirable for both low and high temperature applications. The polymeric closures may be used in low temperature applications such as room temperature fill or cold fill. These applications include aseptic applications such as water, sports drinks, dairy products, and pressurized products such as carbonated soft drinks. It is believed that the polymeric closures formed by the process of the present invention may also be used in other low temperature applications.

[0066] The polymeric closures of the present invention may be used in high temperature applications such as hot fill, sterilization and retort applications. High temperature applications are generally performed at temperatures around 185° F., and hot fill with sterilization is generally performed at temperatures around 205° F. Retort applications are typically performed at temperatures above 250° F. It is believed that the polymeric closures of the present invention may also be used in other high temperature applications.

Claims

1. A flip-top closure, comprising: A first closure part and a second closure part, The first closure portion comprises: a polymeric top wall; a sealing mechanism extending downwardly from the polymeric top wall; a polymeric annular skirt; Including, The second closure portion includes: Includes a polymer tamper evident band, the first closure part and the second closure part are attached by a line of weakness; The first and second closure portions are further attached via a hinge, the hinge assisting in moving the flip-top closure between an open position and a closed position, the hinge including a polymer locking tab, a polymer flexible tab, and a plurality of polymer connecting segments, the polymer locking tab extending outward from a center of the flip-top closure beyond the polymer flexible tab and the plurality of polymer connecting segments in the closed position, the polymer flexible tab having a flat outer surface with a convex upper surface; When the flip-top closure is opened, the polymeric locking tab is configured to move past the convex upper surface of the polymeric flexible tab, thereby locking the flip-top closure in a fully open position, and the polymeric locking tab is configured to contact a container mouth in the fully open position. Flip top closure.

2. 2. The flip-top closure of claim 1, wherein when moved to the fully open position, a surface of the polymer locking tab contacts an upper end of the polymer flexible tab, and the surface of the polymer locking tab causes the polymer flexible tab to flex outwardly.

3. 2. The flip-top closure of claim 1, wherein in the open position, a top surface of the polymeric locking tab contacts both the convex top surface of the polymeric flexible tab and a top surface of the container.

4. 2. The flip-top closure of claim 1, wherein the sealing mechanism is a continuous polymeric plug seal having a first end and a second end, the second end being located farther from the polymeric top wall than the first end, and the continuous polymeric plug seal including at least one engaging protrusion on the second end to assist in fitting the flip-top closure in a closed position.

5. 2. The flip-top closure of claim 1, wherein said plurality of polymeric connecting segments is two connecting segments, and said polymeric locking tab and said polymeric flexible tab are disposed between said two connecting segments.

6. 10. The flip-top closure of claim 1, wherein the polymeric flexible tab includes an inward protrusion configured to contact an outward protrusion of a container, thereby securing the flip-top closure and the container together.

7. 7. The flip-top closure of claim 6, wherein a top surface of the inward protrusion of the polymeric flexible tab is configured to contact a bottom surface of the outward protrusion of the container.

8. 7. The flip-top closure of claim 6, wherein said inward protrusion of said polymeric flexible tab is triangular shaped.

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