Twist and flip closure

Abstract

The flip-top closure includes first and second closure portions. The first closure portion includes a polymeric top wall portion, a sealing mechanism, and a polymeric annular skirt portion depending from the top wall portion. The skirt portion includes an internal thread structure for mating with a container. The second closure portion depends from the skirt portion and includes a polymeric tamper-evident band that is partially and removably coupled to the skirt portion by a frangible bond. The frangible bond extends partially around the periphery of the closure. The first and second closure portions are attached via at least one hinge. After the frangible bond is broken, the at least one hinge assists in moving the closure between an open position and a closed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 696,522, filed on July 11, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Technical Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to polymer closures for packages. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hinged flip - top polymer closure having an anti - tampering function.

[0003] [Background of the Invention] Polymer closures have been used for many applications in combination with containers for many years. One type of polymer closure that has been used for containers is an anti - tampering polymer closure. Anti - tampering closures are used to prevent or deter tampering by providing a visual indication to the user if the closure has been opened. Typically, after the anti - tampering feature is broken, this visual indication separates the closure into two distinct components.

[0004] The anti - tampering feature has been used for polymer closures that are flip - top closures. These flip - top closures typically have an upper anti - tampering feature that includes a lid and a lower anti - tampering feature on the bottom of the base. Potential drawbacks of these flip - top closures include the upper anti - tampering feature separating from the rest of the closure and / or having a higher likelihood of being tampered with. For example, the upper anti - tampering feature can be a "pull - away" or "separation" feature that separates from the rest of the closure and can be discarded. These upper anti - tampering features are external features that are more likely to be tampered with.

[0005] If the top tamper-evident feature is separated from the rest of the closure into two individual components, the portion of the flip-top closure is unlikely to be recycled along with the rest of the closure and the container. This scenario presents a potential environmental problem for a large number of containers that have tamper-evident features that can be separated into two or more individual components.

[0006] It is desirable to provide a flip-top closure that has tamper-evident features to address the aforementioned environmental issues while still performing all the desirable characteristics of a closure. [Overview of the project]

[0007] According to one embodiment, the flip-top closure includes a first closure portion and a second closure portion. The first closure portion includes a polymer sidewall portion, a sealing mechanism, and a polymer annular skirt portion hanging down from the polymer sidewall portion. The polymer annular skirt portion includes a female threaded structure for pairing with a male threaded structure of the container. The second closure portion hangs down from the polymer annular skirt portion and includes a polymer tamper-evident band that is partially and removably bonded to the polymer annular skirt portion by a fragile coupling. The fragile coupling partially extends around the periphery of the closure. The first and second closure portions are attached via at least one hinge. After the fragile coupling is broken, at least one hinge assists the closure in moving between an open position and a closed position.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the package comprises a container and a flip-top closure. The container has a neck portion defining an opening. The container has a male thread structure on the neck portion. The flip-top closure is configured as an attachment to the neck portion of the container to close the opening. The flip-top closure includes a first closure portion and a second closure portion. The first closure portion includes a polymer sidewall portion, a sealing mechanism, and a polymer annular skirt portion hanging down from the polymer sidewall portion. The polymer annular skirt portion includes a female thread structure for pairing with the male thread structure of the container. The second closure portion hangs down from the polymer annular skirt portion and includes a polymer tamper-evident band that is partially and removably attached to the polymer annular skirt portion by a fragile bond. The fragile bond partially extends around the periphery of the closure. The first and second closure portions are attached via at least one hinge. After a fragile joint is broken, at least one hinge assists the closure in moving between the open and closed positions.

[0009] According to one method, a package comprising a flip-top closure and a container is used. This method comprises providing a container having a neck portion defining an opening. The container has a male thread structure on the neck portion. A flip-top closure comprising a first closure portion and a second closure portion is provided. The first closure portion comprises a polymer sidewall portion, a sealing mechanism, and a polymer annular skirt portion hanging down from the polymer sidewall portion. The polymer annular skirt portion includes a female thread structure for mating with the male thread structure of the container. The second closure portion hangs down from the polymer annular skirt portion and includes a polymer tamper-evident band that is partially and removably bonded to the polymer annular skirt portion by a fragile bond. The fragile bond partially extends around the periphery of the closure. The first and second closure portions are attached via at least one hinge. The flip-top closure is attached to the neck portion of the container in the closed position. The first and second closure portions are twisted to break a fragile joint that partially connects the tamper-evident band and the annular skirt portion. After the fragile joint is broken, the closure is reversed from the closed position to the open position using at least one hinge.

[0010] The above summary is not intended to represent any or all embodiments of the present invention. Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description and drawings below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from reading the detailed description below and from the drawings. [Figure 1A] This is a front plan view of a flip-top closure in the closed position according to one embodiment. [Figure 1B] This is a rear plan view of the flip-top closure in the closed position shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 1C] This is a side view of the flip-top closure in the closed position shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 1D] This is another side view of the flip-top closure of Figure 1A in the closed position. [Figure 2A] This is a front perspective view of the flip-top closure of Figure 1A in the closed position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 2B] This is a rear perspective view of the flip-top closure in Figure 1A when it is in the closed position. [Figure 2C] Figure 1A is a side perspective view of the flip-top closure in the closed position. [Figure 2D] Figure 2A is a bottom perspective view of the flip-top closure in the closed position. [Figure 2E] Figure 2B is a bottom perspective view of the flip-top closure in the closed position. [Figure 2F] Figure 2C is a bottom perspective view of the flip-top closure in the closed position. [Figure 3A] This is a cross-sectional view roughly along row 3A-3A in Figure 1A. [Figure 3B] This is a cross-sectional view roughly along row 3B-3B in Figure 1B. [Figure 3C] This is a cross-sectional view roughly along row 3C-3C in Figure 1C. [Figure 3D] This is a cross-sectional view roughly aligned with row 3D-3D in Figure 1D. [Figure 4A] Figure 1A is a top view of the flip-top closure. [Figure 4B] Figure 1A is a bottom view of the flip-top closure. [Figure 5A] Figure 1A is a front perspective view of a package including a flip-top closure and a container in the closed position according to one embodiment. [Figure 5B] This is a rear perspective view of the package in Figure 5A in the closed position. [Figure 5C] Figure 5A is a side perspective view of the package in the closed position. [Figure 6A] This is a cross-sectional view roughly aligned with row 6A-6A in Figure 5A. [Figure 6B] This is a cross-sectional view roughly aligned with row 6B-6B in Figure 5B. [Figure 6C] It is a cross-sectional view generally along line 6C-6C of FIG. 5C. [Figure 7] It is a side plan view of the closure and the container of FIG. 5A in the open position.

[0012] While the present invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] FIGS. 1A-1D, 2A-2F, 3A-3D and 4A-4B show a polymer flip-top closure 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The closure is configured to be disposed on a container or bottle for containing a product. The product is typically a liquid product, but may be a solid product or a combination of liquid and solid products. The polymer flip-top closure 10 is generally cylindrical. The flip-top closure is configured to be integral with the container while still providing a desirable tamper-evident function and reducing environmental waste. The flip-top closure of the present invention aids in reducing the upward removal force that would be required to break a tamper-evident band when the closure functions solely by a hinge design. In other words, the flip-top closure of the present invention aids in reducing the removal force required to open the closure when attached to the container.

[0014] Referring further to Figures 1A-1D, 2A-2F, 3A-3D, and 4A-4B, the polymer closure 10 includes a first closure portion or lid 12 and a second closure portion or base 14. The polymer closure 10 is a one-piece closure. The first closure portion and the second closure portion are joined via at least one hinge. As best shown in Figures 1B, 2B, and 2D, the first closure portion 12 and the second closure portion 14 include a first hinge 16a and a second hinge 16b. In another embodiment, the first closure portion and the second closure portion may be joined via a single hinge.

[0015] The first closure portion 12 includes a polymer upper wall portion 22, a polymer continuous plug seal 24 (see Figures 3A-3D), and a polymer annular skirt portion 26. The second closure portion 14 includes a polymer tamper-evident band 34.

[0016] As shown in Figures 3A-3D, the polymer continuous plug seal 24 hangs down from the polymer upper wall portion 22, providing a sealing mechanism. When the flip-top closure 10 is in the closed position, the continuous plug seal 24 is separated from the inner surface 26a of the polymer annular skirt portion 26.

[0017] In one embodiment, the polymer continuous plug seal may include an interlock bump. In such an embodiment, the polymer continuous plug seal includes a first end and a second end. The second end is positioned further from the polymer upper wall portion than the first end. The polymer continuous plug seal includes an interlock bump at the second end to assist in snapping the first closure portion into the second closure portion. The interlocking bump preferably provides the user with an audible indication that the first and second closure portions have already snapped into the closed position.

[0018] In another embodiment, the flip-top closure may include other sealing mechanisms. For example, the closure may include a polymer lining material that provides a seal to the closure. In this embodiment, the closure functions as the described integrated closure, except that it is formed from a different component but has a different sealing mechanism. In another embodiment, the closure may include a polymer outer seal with or without a continuous plug seal. It is conceivable that the flip-top closure may include other sealing mechanisms.

[0019] The polymer annular skirt portion 26 hangs down from the polymer upper wall portion 22. The polymer annular skirt portion 26 includes a female threaded structure 40 for pairing with the male threaded structure of the container. As shown in Figures 2D-2F, the female threaded structure includes a first closure lead 42, a second closure lead 44, and a third lead 46.

[0020] The first closure lead 42 begins near the polymer upper wall portion 22 at a first position 42a (see Figure 2E) and extends spirally to a second position 42b (see Figure 2F) closer to the tamper-evident band 34. Similarly, the second closure lead 44 begins near the polymer upper wall portion 22 at a first position (not shown) and extends spirally to a second position 44b (see Figure 2E) closer to the tamper-evident band 34. The first, second, and third closure leads 42, 44, and 46 are collectively referred to as triple-lead closure threads. The first, second, and third closure leads 42, 44, and 46 are continuous. As shown in Figures 2D-2F, the first, second, and third closure leads 42, 44, and 46 do not extend into the general area where the first and second hinges 16a and 16b are located.

[0021] As shown in Figures 2D-2F, the first, second, and third closure leads 42, 44, and 46 are offset from each other and do not extend collectively around the entire circumference of the closure. In one embodiment, the closure leads extend collectively around the inner circumference of the closure for about 225 to 325 degrees. In another embodiment, the closure leads extend collectively around the inner circumference of the closure for about 250 to 325 degrees. In a further embodiment, the closure leads extend collectively around the inner circumference of the closure for about 275 to 325 degrees. In a further embodiment, the closure leads extend collectively around the inner circumference of the closure for about 275 to 300 degrees.

[0022] It is preferable that the thread structure does not extend uniformly around the entire circumference. More specifically, it is preferable that the thread structure is absent in the area where at least one hinge is located. This helps to prevent or suppress (1) the thread structure potentially interfering with the desired functionality of at least one hinge, and (2) the second closure portion being moved and not remaining in its initial position.

[0023] The first, second, and third closure leads may be discontinuous. Furthermore, the female thread structure of the closure may differ from a helical thread structure. Other types or numbers of female thread structures may also be used in the closure. For example, the female thread structure may include a double thread structure having the first and second closure leads.

[0024] For example, as shown in Figures 1C, 1D, 2C, and 4A, the first closure portion 12 further includes a flip tab 28. The flip tab 28 is an extension that extends outward from the rest of the first closure portion 12. The flip tab 28 is generally thin and has a flat rectangular shape. The size and shape of the flip tab may differ from those shown in Figures 1C, 1D, 2C, and 4A. The flip tab 28 is generally located on the opposite side of the first and second hinges 16a, 16b. The flip tab 28 assists the user in reversing the closure 10 from the closed position to the open position. Specifically, when reversing the closure 10 from the closed position to the open position, the flip tab 28 provides a surface for the user to grip.

[0025] The polymer tamper-evident band 34 includes a second closure portion 14 hanging down from a polymer annular skirt portion 26 and partially detachably bonded by a fragile link 36. The tamper-evident band 34 is configured to partially detach the first closure portion 12 and the second closure portion 14 by twisting them together. This twisting is performed by torque generated by the user of the closure, resulting in the first closure portion 12 riding up so as to engage with the threaded structure of the container and break the fragile link 36.

[0026] The fragile joint 36 partially extends around the closure. As shown in Figures 2B and 2E, the fragile joint 36 does not extend into the area where the hinges 16a and 16b are located. As the fragile joint 36 approaches the location of the hinges 16a and 16b, it is shown in Figures 2B and 2E as having a shark-like or wavy shape. The rest of the fragile joint 36 is an almost straight line that coincides with the closure. It is conceivable that the fragile joint could be an almost straight line that coincides with the closure as a whole. It is conceivable that the fragile joint could have other shapes.

[0027] In one embodiment, the fragile bond extends about 225 to 325 degrees around the closure. In another embodiment, the fragile bond extends about 250 to 325 degrees around the closure. In a further embodiment, the fragile bond extends about 275 to 325 degrees around the closure.

[0028] Referring back to Figures 1A-1D and 2A-2F, the outer surface 26b of the polymer annular skirt portion 26 may also include a plurality of ridges 26c thereon. The plurality of ridges 26c may assist the user in (1) twisting the first closure portion 12 and the second closure portion 14 to break the fragile bond 36; and / or (2) gripping when moving the flip-top closure 10 between the closed and open positions.

[0029] Referring particularly to Figures 2A-2F, the polymer tamper-evident band 34 of the closure 10 is positioned at its bottom (for example, the end opposite the polymer upper wall portion 22). The tamper-evident band 34 hangs from the annular skirt portion 26 by a fragile bond 36 and is partially detachably attached. As seen in Figure 1C, for example, the polymer tamper-evident band 34 has a lower tamper-evident feature. The tamper-evident band 34 operates in conjunction with the container to indicate to the user that the contents of the container may have been accessed. More specifically, the tamper-evident band 34 is designed to partially detach from the annular skirt portion 26 if the user opens the package by twisting the container and gaining access to it.

[0030] The first closure portion 12 and the second closure portion 14 are attached by the first hinge 16a and the second hinge 16b. The hinges 16a and 16b assist in moving the flip-top closure 10 between the open and closed positions. The hinge 16b (hinge 16a is hidden) is shown in the open position together with the closure 10 and the container 108 in Figure 7. The hinges 16a and 16b are shown in the closed position in Figures 1B and 2B. As shown in Figures 1B and 2B, the first closure portion 12 and the second closure portion 14 assist in forming spaces 50a and 50b adjacent to hinge 16a. Similarly, the first closure portion 12 and the second closure portion 14 assist in forming spaces 52a and 52b adjacent to hinge 16b. The space assists in creating optimal hinge performance by assisting the opening and closing of the first closure portion with respect to the second closure portion. The space may be of a different size and shape than those shown in Figures 1B and 2B.

[0031] The first closure portion 12 further includes a first projection 54 positioned between the first and second hinges 16a, 16b. The second closure portion 14 further includes a second projection 56 positioned between the first and second hinges 16a, 16b. The first and second projections 54, 56 are spaced apart from each other and assist in providing an audible sound when the closure 10 is moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0032] The hinges 16a and 16b are adapted to reverse or rotate at least about 130 degrees from the closed position to the open position, substantially along arrow B in Figure 7. It is more preferable that the hinges 16a and 16b reverse or rotate at least about 150 degrees, and more preferably at least 170 degrees, from the closed position to the open position. If a single hinge is used, it is conceivable that the hinge be adapted to reverse or rotate at least 130 degrees, more preferably about 150 degrees, and more preferably at least 170 degrees from the closed position to the open position.

[0033] After the rotation of hinges 16a and 16b, which results in the closure 10 moving from the closed position to the open position, hinges 16a and 16b are preferably configured to snap shut so that the user is not obstructed by the first closure portion 12 when drinking the contents from the container. To close the container, hinges 16a and 16b are unsnapped and then rotated back so that the container is in the closed position.

[0034] In one embodiment, the fragile joint 36 may be formed by a molded bridge. The molded bridge is typically formed using a shape within a mold. In another embodiment, the first and second fragile joints may be formed using a cut or cut line, notch, leader, nick, or other fragile line.

[0035] One non-limiting example of a container forming a flip-top closure and package is shown and discussed in conjunction with Figures 5A-5C and 6A-6C. Closure 10 may be used with a conventional container in one embodiment. Closure 10 may be used with other containers.

[0036] The closure of the present invention may be used with a container 108 used to form the package 100 shown in Figures 5A-5C and 6A-6C. Part of the container 108, shown in Figures 5A-5C and 6A-6C, includes a neck portion 102 that defines an opening. The neck portion 102 of the container 108 includes a male thread structure 104 and a continuous outer ring 110. The male thread structure 104 includes a first finish lead 142 and a second finish lead 144 (Figures 6A-6C). The male thread structure 104 (finish leads 142, 144) engages with the corresponding female thread structure 30 (closure leads 42, 44, 46) to seal the package 100.

[0037] The first finish lead 142 begins near the open end of the container 108 and extends spirally to a second position closer to the closed end of the container. Similarly, the second finish lead 144 begins near the open end of the container 108 and extends spirally to a second position closer to the closed end of the container. The first and second finish leads 142, 144 are continuous. The first positions of the first and second finish leads 142, 144 are preferably spaced about 180 degrees apart from each other and thus begin on the opposite side of the neck 102 of the container 108. The male thread structure of the container may have discontinuous leads.

[0038] The male screw thread structure of the container may differ from that disclosed with respect to container 108.

[0039] After the fragile joint 36 is broken, if the first closure portion 12 is unscrewed from the neck 102 of the container 108, the continuous outer ring 110 assists in positioning the tamper-evident band 34.

[0040] The closure of the present invention may include an oxygen-absorbing material. This oxygen-absorbing material may be distributed within the closure or may be in a separate layer. The oxygen-absorbing material may be any material that helps remove oxygen from the container with little or no effect on the contents of the container.

[0041] Alternatively, or in addition, the closure may include an oxygen barrier material. The oxygen barrier material may be added as a separate layer or integrated into the closure itself. The oxygen barrier material helps prevent or block oxygen from entering the container through the closure. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). Other oxygen barrier materials may be used in the closure.

[0042] Furthermore, other features may be included in the above-mentioned closure. For example, U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2018 / 009979, 2017 / 0349336, U.S. Patent Nos. 9,126,726, 9,085,385, 8,763,830, 8,485,374, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009 / 0045158, and 6,123,212 all contain features that may be incorporated into the closure of the present invention. All of these cited documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0043] The upper wall portion 22, the continuous plug seal 24, and the annular skirt portion 26 are made of polymer material. The upper wall portion 22, the continuous plug seal 24, and the annular skirt portion 26 are typically made of olefins (e.g., polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP)), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or mixtures thereof. An example of polyethylene that may be used for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is shown. The upper wall portion, the continuous plug seal, and the annular skirt portion may be made from other polymer material. The tamper-evident band 34 is typically made of the same material as the upper wall portion 22, the continuous plug seal 24, and the annular skirt portion 26.

[0044] Closures are typically formed by processes such as injection molding, compression molding, extrusion molding, or a combination thereof.

[0045] The container 108 is typically made of polymer material. One non-limiting example of materials used in forming a polymer container is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or mixtures using these. The container may also be formed from other polymer or copolymer materials. It is also possible that the container is made of glass. The container 108 typically has an encapsulated oxygen barrier layer or oxygen barrier material incorporated therein.

[0046] One way to open container 108 and access the product inside is to twist the first and second closure portions 12, 14 to break the fragile bond 36 that connects the tamper-evident band 34 to the annular skirt portion 26. The fragile bond breaks when the first and second closure portions 12, 14 are rotated and the first closure portion 12 engages with and rides up on the threads of container 108. At this point, the first and second closure portions 12, 14 are partially separated from each other. This indicates that the closure 10 may have been accessed, as the tamper-evident band 34 is partially separated from the rest of the closure via the fragile bond 36.

[0047] After the fragile joint 36 is broken, the closure 10 is flipped from the closed position to the open position using the hinges 16a, 16b and the flip tab 28 (if present). The first closure portion 12 is rotated at least about 130 degrees, preferably at least about 150 degrees, or at least about 170 degrees relative to the second closure portion 14. After the lid 10 is flipped, the product can be accessed within the container 10. More specifically, after the fragile joint 36 is broken, the first closure portion 12 is flipped, and the user can bend the first closure portion 12 back so that they can drink from the container. As described above, the hinges 16a, 16b are preferably configured to snap shut so that the user is not obstructed by the first closure portion 12 when drinking the contents from the container. To close the container, the hinges 16a, 16b are unsnapped and then rotated back so that the container returns to the closed position.

[0048] The polymer closure of the present invention is desirable for both low-temperature and high-temperature applications. The polymer closure can be used in low-temperature applications such as ambient or cold filling. These applications include sterile applications for water, sports drinks, dairy products, etc., and pressurized products such as carbonated soft drinks. Other low-temperature applications are intended to be used in conjunction with the polymer closure of the present invention.

[0049] The polymer closures of the present invention can be subjected to high-temperature applications such as high-temperature filling, pasteurization, and retort processing. High-temperature filling is generally performed at temperatures around 185°F, while high-temperature filling for pasteurization is generally performed at temperatures around 205°F. Retort processing is typically performed at temperatures higher than 250°F. The polymer closures of the present invention are considered to be usable in other high-temperature applications as well.

Claims

1. A first closure portion comprising a polymer upper wall portion, a sealing mechanism, and a polymer annular skirt portion that hangs down from the polymer upper wall portion and includes a female threaded structure for engaging with the male threaded structure of the container; A flip-top closure comprising: a polymer tamper-evident band hanging down from a polymer upper wall portion and partially and removably bonded to a polymer annular skirt portion by a fragile bond, the polymer tamper-evident band having a fragile bond that partially extends around the periphery of the closure; The first closure portion and the second closure portion are attached via at least one hinge, and after the fragile connection is broken, at least one hinge assists the closure to move between the open and closed positions. The at least one hinge includes a first hinge and a second hinge, The fragile connection is a flip-top closure having a wavy shape near the first and second hinges.

2. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the closure comprises a polyolefin.

3. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the hinge is adapted to rotate at least about 150 degrees from a closed position to an open position.

4. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the fragile joint extends about 225 degrees to about 325 degrees around the periphery of the closure portion.

5. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the remaining portion of the fragile joint is substantially straight and coincides with the circumference of the closure.

6. The first closure portion further includes a first projection positioned between the first hinge and the second hinge, The second closure portion includes a second projection positioned between the first hinge and the second hinge, The closure according to claim 1, wherein the first projection and the second projection are spaced apart from each other, and assist in providing an audible sound when the closure is moved from a closed position to an open position.

7. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the first and second closure portions assist in forming spaces adjacent to the first and second hinges, respectively.

8. A container having a neck portion defining an opening, with male screw threads formed on the neck portion; A flip-top closure comprising a first closure portion and a second closure portion, configured as an attachment to the neck portion of a container for closing an opening, The first closure portion includes a polymer upper wall portion, a sealing mechanism, and a polymer annular skirt portion hanging down from the polymer upper wall portion. The polymer annular skirt portion includes a female thread structure for fitting with the male thread structure of the container. The second closure portion hangs down from the polymer annular skirt portion and is partially and detachably attached to the polymer annular skirt portion by a fragile bond. The fragile bond extends partially around the closure, The first closure portion and the second closure portion are attached via at least one hinge, After a fragile joint is broken, at least one hinge assists the closure in moving between the open and closed positions. Flip-top closure; and, A package that includes, At least one hinge includes a first hinge and a second hinge, The fragile joint has a wavy shape near the first and second hinges of the package.

9. A method of using a package that includes a flip-top closure and a container, A container having a neck portion defining an opening is provided, wherein the container has a male screw thread structure in the neck portion; To provide a flip-top closure comprising a first closure portion and a second closure portion, wherein the first closure portion comprises a polymer upper wall portion, a sealing mechanism, and a polymer annular skirt portion hanging down from the polymer upper wall portion, the polymer annular skirt portion comprising a female threaded structure for engaging with a male threaded structure of a container, the second closure portion hanging down from the polymer annular skirt portion and partially detachably coupled to the polymer annular skirt portion by a fragile joint, the fragile joint partially extending around the periphery of the closure, the first and second closure portions being attached via at least one hinge, the flip-top closure being attached to the neck portion of a container and in a closed position, the at least one hinge comprising a first hinge and a second hinge, and the fragile joint having a wavy shape near the first and second hinges; Twisting the first and second closure portions in such a way as to break the fragile connection that partially joins the tamper-evident band and the annular skirt portion; After the fragile joint is broken, use at least one hinge to reverse the closure from the closed position to the open position. A method that includes this.

10. A first closure portion comprising a polymer upper wall portion, a sealing mechanism, and a polymer annular skirt portion that hangs down from the polymer upper wall portion and includes a female threaded structure for engaging with the male threaded structure of the container; A flip-top closure comprising: a polymer tamper-evident band hanging down from a polymer upper wall portion and partially and removably bonded to a polymer annular skirt portion by a fragile bond, the polymer tamper-evident band having a fragile bond that partially extends around the periphery of the closure; The first closure portion and the second closure portion are attached via at least one hinge, and after the fragile connection is broken, at least one hinge assists the closure to move between the open and closed positions. The at least one hinge includes a first hinge and a second hinge, The fragile joint has a wavy shape near the first hinge and the second hinge, The first closure portion further includes a first projection positioned between the first hinge and the second hinge, The second closure portion includes a second projection positioned between the first hinge and the second hinge, The first projection and the second projection are spaced apart from each other and assist in providing an audible sound when the closure is moved from the closed position to the open position. The first space is formed between the first and second projections and the first hinge, and the second space is formed on the opposite side of the first hinge. A flip-top closure wherein a third space is formed between the first and second protrusions and the second hinge, and a fourth space is formed on the opposite side of the second hinge.

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