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 Application) This application claims priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 911,449, filed on October 7, 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference for reference purposes.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to polymer closures for packages, and particularly to hinge-type flip-top polymer closures having tamper-evident elements.

Background Art

[0003] Polymer closures have been used for containers in many applications for many years. One type of polymer closure used for containers is a tamper-evident polymer closure. A tamper-evident closure is used for the purpose of preventing or deterring tampering by providing the user with a visible indicator when it has been opened. This visible indicator typically divides the closure into two parts when the tamper-evident element is broken.

[0004] Tamper-evident elements have been used in polymer 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 on the bottom surface of the base. Potential drawbacks of these flip-top closures are that the upper tamper-evident element is separated from the other parts of the closure and / or is highly likely to be tampered with. For example, the upper tamper-evident element can be a "pull-away" or "break-away" type element that can be separated and discarded from the other parts of the closure. These upper tamper-evident elements are external elements that are relatively likely to be tampered with.

[0005] When the top tamper-evident element separates from the rest of the closure into two parts, the likelihood of that part of the flip-top closure being recycled together with the rest of the closure and the container is low. This raises environmental concerns because a great many containers have tamper-evident elements that can be separated into two or more parts.

[0006] Another issue with flip-top closures is how to keep them open while the user accesses the contents of the container. Ideally, this should be achieved before the flip-top closure is divided into multiple parts. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] It is desirable to provide a flip-top closure with a tamper-evident element that addresses these environmental concerns, keeps the closure open while the user accesses the contents of the container, and possesses all the desired characteristics of a closure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] 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 upper wall portion, a sealing mechanism extending downward from the polymer upper wall portion, and a polymer annular skirt portion. The second closure portion includes a polymer tamper-evident band. The first closure portion and the second closure portion are attached by a fragile wire. The first closure portion and the second closure portion are further attached via a hinge. The hinge is located in front The hinge assists in moving the closure between an open and a closed position. The hinge includes a polymer locking tab, a polymer flexible tab, and a plurality of polymer connecting segments. In the closed position, the locking tab extends outward from the center of the flip-top closure beyond the flexible tab and the plurality of connecting segments. As the flip-top closure moves to the open position, the locking tab is configured to move the flexible tab and pass through it, thereby locking the flip-top closure in the fully open position, and the locking tab is configured to contact the mouth of the container in the fully open position.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the package includes a container and a flip-top closure. The container has a neck portion that defines an opening. The container has an outward projection on the neck portion. The flip-top closure is configured to be fixed to the neck portion of the container. The flip-top closure includes a first closure portion and a second closure portion. The first closure portion includes a polymer upper wall portion, a sealing mechanism extending downward from the polymer upper wall portion, and a polymer annular skirt portion. The second closure portion includes a polymer tamper-evident band. The first and second closure portions are attached by a fragile wire. The first and second closure portions 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 polymer locking tab, a polymer flexible tab, and a plurality of polymer connecting segments. In the closed position, the locking tab extends outward from the center of the flip-top closure beyond the flexible tab and the plurality of connecting segments. As the flip-top closure moves to the open position, the locking tab is configured to move the flexible tab and pass over it, thereby locking the flip-top closure in the fully open position, and the locking tab is configured to contact the neck portion of the container in the fully open position.

[0010] According to one embodiment, a flip-top closure includes a first closure portion and a second closure portion. The first closure portion includes a polymer upper wall portion, a sealing mechanism extending downward from the polymer upper wall portion, and a polymer annular skirt portion. The second closure portion includes a polymer tamper-evident band. The first and second closure portions are attached by a fragile wire. The first and second closure portions 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 polymer locking tab, a polymer flexible tab, and a plurality of polymer connecting segments. In the closed position, the locking tab extends outward from the center of the flip-top closure beyond the flexible tab and the plurality of connecting segments. While the flip-top closure moves to the open position, the locking tab is configured to move the flexible tab and pass over it, thereby locking the flip-top closure in the fully open position, and the locking tab is configured to contact the flexible tab in the fully open position.

[0011] According to another embodiment, the package includes a container and a flip-top closure. The container has a neck portion defining an opening. The container has an outward projection on the neck portion. The flip-top closure is configured to be fixed to the neck portion of the container. The flip-top closure includes a first closure portion and a second closure portion. The first closure portion includes a polymer upper wall portion, a sealing mechanism extending downward from the polymer upper wall portion, and a polymer annular skirt portion. The second closure portion includes a polymer tamper-evident band. The first closure portion and the second closure portion are attached by a fragile wire. The part and the second closure part are further attached via a hinge. The hinge assists in moving the closure between an open position and a closed position, and the hinge includes a polymer locking tab, a polymer flexible tab, and a plurality of polymer connecting segments. In the closed position, the locking tab extends outward from the center of the flip-top closure beyond the flexible tab and the plurality of connecting segments. As the flip-top closure moves to the open position, the locking tab is configured to move the flexible tab and pass over it, thereby locking the flip-top closure in the fully open position, and the locking tab is configured to contact the flexible tab in the fully open position.

[0012] According to one embodiment, a flip-top closure includes a first closure portion and a second closure portion. The first closure portion includes a polymer upper wall portion, a polymer continuous plug seal extending downward from the polymer upper wall portion, a polymer annular skirt portion, and a forced-open tab extending from the polymer 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 polymer tamper-evident band. The first closure portion and the second closure portion are attached by a fragile wire. 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 polymer locking tab, a polymer flexible tab, and a plurality of polymer connecting segments. In the closed position, the locking tab extends outward from the center of the flip-top closure beyond the flexible tab and the plurality of connecting segments. As the flip-top closure moves to the open position, the locking tab is configured to move the flexible tab and pass over it, thereby locking the flip-top closure in the fully open position, and the locking tab is configured to contact the mouth of the container in the fully open position.

[0013] The above summary is not intended to represent any specific embodiment or all aspects of the present invention. Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and drawings.

[0014] Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reading the detailed description below and referring to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0026] [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view roughly along the line 2B-2B in Figure 2A, showing four different positions (positions CE and A) (elements within the closure are omitted for clarity).

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

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

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

[0030] [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is an enlarged view showing the interaction between the locking tab, the flexible tab, and the mouth of the container in the open position, according to yet another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] The present invention can be modified and altered in various ways, but specific embodiments are shown by the examples in the drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed herein, but rather is intended to include all modifications, equivalents, and alterations that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0032] Figures 1A to 1E show a polymer flip-top closure 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The closure is configured to rest on a container or bottle containing a product. The product is typically a liquid, but may be a solid or a combination of liquid and solid. The polymer flip-top closure 10 in Figures 1A to 1E generally has a cylindrical shape. The flip-top closure is configured to help reduce environmental waste by remaining attached to the container, while also providing a desirable tamper-evident feature and remaining open while the user is accessing the contents of the container.

[0033] Refer further to Figures 1A to 1E. The polymer flip-top closure 10 includes a first closure part or cover 12 and a second closure part or base 14. The flip-top closure 10 is a one-piece closure. The closure part 12 and the second closure part 14 are connected via a hinge 16.

[0034] As is most clearly shown in Figure 1E, the first closure portion 12 includes a polymer upper wall portion 22, a polymer continuous plug seal 24, a polymer upper locking portion 26, a polymer outer seal 28, a polymer annular skirt portion 30, and a forced-open tab 32. The second closure portion 14 includes a polymer tamper-evident band 40.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1E, the polymer continuous plug seal 24 extends downward from the polymer upper wall portion 22 and provides an internal sealing mechanism. When the flip-top closure 10 is in the closed position, the continuous plug seal 24 is separated from the inner surface 30a of the polymer annular skirt portion 30. In one embodiment, the polymer continuous plug seal may include an engagement bump. The polymer continuous plug seal 24 includes a first end 24a and a second end 24b. The second end 24b is located further away from the polymer upper wall portion 22 than the first end 24a. The polymer continuous plug seal 24 includes at least one engagement bump 24c on the second end 24b, which assists in fitting the first closure portion 12 into the container. It is desirable that the engagement bump 24c emit an audible sound to inform the user when the flip-top closure 10 is fitted into the closed position.

[0036] The polymer upper locking portion 26 extends downward from the polymer upper wall portion 22. When the flip-top closure 10 is in the closed position as shown in Figure 1E, the polymer upper locking portion 26 is separated from the inner surface 30a of the polymer annular skirt portion 30. When the mouth of the container and the closure are locked together, the polymer upper locking portion 26 assists in providing a clear lock. Thus, when the mouth of the container and the closure are positioned relative to each other, the upper locking portion 26 assists in positioning the mouth of the container and the closure. The upper locking portion 26 is typically continuous. In another embodiment, the upper locking portion may be discontinuous. In this specification, "mouth of the container" refers to the upper end of the neck of the container, i.e., the finish of the container.

[0037] The polymer outer seal 28 extends downward from the polymer upper wall portion 22 and provides an external sealing mechanism. When the flip-top closure 10 is in the closed position as shown in Figure 1E, the polymer outer seal 28 is separated from the inner surface 30a of the polymer annular skirt portion 30.

[0038] In another embodiment, the flip-top closure may include other sealing mechanisms. For example, the closure may include a polymer lining material that seals the closure. In this embodiment, the closure is formed from separate parts but functions as the integrated closure described above, except that the sealing mechanism is different. In another embodiment, the closure may include a polymer outer seal, and may or may not include a continuous plug seal.

[0039] The second closure portion 14 includes a polymer tamper-evident band 40. The polymer tamper-evident band 40 extends downward from the polymer annular skirt portion 30, as best shown in Figure 1D, and is at least partially detachably connected to the polymer annular skirt portion 30 via a fragile connector 42. The fragile connector 42 extends substantially around the rim of the container. The fragile connector typically extends over approximately 60% to 90% of the rim of the closure. More specifically, the fragile connector extends over approximately 70% to 90% of the rim of the closure.

[0040] Refer again to Figures 1A to 1E. The polymer tamper-evident band 40 of the closure 10 is located at its bottom (i.e., the end opposite to the polymer upper wall portion 22). As can be seen from Figures 1A and 1C to 1E, the polymer tamper-evident band 40 is the lower tamper-evident element. The polymer tamper-evident band 40 works with the container to indicate to the user that there may have been access to the contents of the container. More specifically, the polymer tamper-evident band 40 indicates to the annular skirt portion 30 when the package is opened by the user flipping the flip-top closure via the hinge 16. It is designed to be partially separated from it.

[0041] The first closure section 12 and the second closure section 14 are attached by a hinge 16. The hinge 16 assists in moving the flip-top closure 10 between the open and closed positions. In Figures 1A to 1E, the hinge 16 is in the closed position. As will be described later with reference to Figures 3A to 3D and Figures 4A to 4C, the hinge 16 is configured to flip from the closed position to the open position generally along arrow A in Figure 3A, and from the open position to the closed position generally along arrow B in Figure 4A. As shown in Figures 1E and 3B, the hinge 16 is positioned further outward than the other parts of the closure 10. Furthermore, the hinge 16 is positioned higher than the other parts of the closure 10. This is shown in Figure 1E, where the top surface 16a is positioned higher than the other parts of the closure 10.

[0042] The angle by which the hinge 16 flips or rotates from the closed position to the open position is preferably at least about 200 degrees or about 215 degrees, and more preferably at least about 225 degrees or about 235 degrees. The hinge 16 can flip or rotate up to about 215 degrees or about 225 degrees. It is preferable that the hinge 16 flips or rotates up to about 235 degrees. The hinge typically flips or rotates only by angles in the range of about 190 degrees to about 235 degrees, and more specifically, by angles in the range of about 190 degrees to about 225 degrees.

[0043] Refer again to Figure 1C. The hinge 16 includes a locking tab 50, a flexible tab 52, and several connecting segments 54a, 54b. The locking tab 50 has a lower surface 50a (Figure 1E), which will be described in detail later. As is most clearly shown in Figures 1E and 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 several connecting segments 54a, 54b. The locking tab 50 further includes a raised or thicker portion 50b than the rest of the hinge 16 to give the lower surface 50a additional strength and support. This is most clearly shown in Figure 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 deter the tamper-evident band 40 from being accidentally pulled out from the other part of the closure 10 when the closure 10 is closed.

[0044] In one embodiment, the fragile connection portion 42 may be formed by molded-in-bridges. Bridge formation is typically formed using elements within a mold. In another embodiment, fragile connections are made by scoring or scored lines, notches, etc. Formed using notches, dashed lines (leader), breaks (nick), or other fragile lines This is possible. The fragile lines may be formed by continuously creating slits.

[0045] Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, an embodiment of a flip-top closure and container constituting the package, which is not limiting to the present invention, will be shown and described.

[0046] Closure 10 may be used with a container 108 used to form the package 100 shown in Figures 2A and 2B. The container 108 includes a neck portion 102 that defines an opening. The neck portion 102 of the container 108 is a continuous outer ring 110. The continuous outer ring 110 helps to position the tamper-evident band 40 on the neck portion 102 of the container 108 when the fragile connection portion 42 is broken. As detailed below, closure 10 is placed on the neck portion 102 of the container 108 and locked to the neck portion 102.

[0047] The flip-top closure of the present invention may contain an oxygen scavenger. The oxygen scavenger may be distributed throughout the closure or in a separate layer. The oxygen scavenger is contained within the container. Any material may be used as long as it helps remove oxygen from the container with little or no effect.

[0048] The flip-top closure may include an oxygen barrier agent in place of or in addition to the above materials. The oxygen barrier agent may be added as a separate layer or integrated with the closure itself. The oxygen barrier agent helps prevent or inhibit oxygen from entering the container through the closure. These materials may include, but are not limited to, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). Other oxygen barrier agents may also be used within the closure.

[0049] Furthermore, other elements may be included within the closure described above. 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 Nos. 2009 / 0045158, and 6,123,212 all contain elements that may be incorporated into the closure of the present invention. These documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0050] The upper wall portion 22, continuous plug seal 24, upper locking portion 26, outer seal 28, and annular skirt portion 30 are formed from polymer materials. The upper wall portion 22, continuous plug seal 24, upper locking portion 26, outer seal 28, and annular skirt portion 30 are typically formed from olefins (e.g., polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP)), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or mixtures thereof. An example of polyethylene that can be used is high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The upper wall portion, continuous plug seal, upper locking portion, outer seal, and annular skirt portion may be formed from other polymer materials. The tamper-evident band 40 is typically formed from the same materials as the upper wall portion 22, continuous plug seal 24, upper locking portion 26, outer seal 28, and annular skirt portion 30.

[0051] The polymer material may also contain additional components such as nucleating agents, lubricants, bio-based fillers (e.g., sawdust, starch), and mineral-based fillers (e.g., calcium carbonate, talc). The polymer material may be formed from consumer-recycled resins.

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

[0053] Container 108 is also typically formed from a polymer material. Examples of materials used to form polymer containers that are not limited to the present invention include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or mixtures thereof. The container may be formed from other polymer or copolymer materials. Furthermore, the container may be formed from glass or other materials. Container 108 typically has a sealed oxygen barrier layer or an oxygen barrier material incorporated therein.

[0054] One method for opening container 108 and accessing the product inside involves first rotating or flipping the first closure portion 12 relative to the second closure portion 14. This results in breakage and separation via the fragile connection portion 42. The rotation or flip is shown in Figure 3A. In Figure 3A, 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] Move the flip-top closure 10 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 Flip or rotate 35 degrees. The hinge 16 can flip or rotate up to approximately 215 degrees or approximately 225 degrees. It is desirable for the hinge 16 to flip or rotate up to approximately 235 degrees. The hinge typically flips or rotates only by angles in the range of approximately 190 degrees to approximately 235 degrees, and more specifically, by angles in the range of approximately 190 degrees to approximately 225 degrees.

[0056] Figure 3B shows 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 away from the upper surface 108a of the container 108. In this position (position A), the locking tab 50 is away from the flexible tab 52. The distance L1 between the locking tab 50 and the flexible tab 52 is generally about 0.02 inches to about 0.2 inches, and more specifically, about 0.2 inches to about 0.1 inches.

[0057] The flexible tab 52 includes an inward projection 52b, which is configured to contact an outward projection of the container 108, thereby securing and locking the flip-top closure 10 to the container 108. The inward and outward projections may be continuous or discontinuous. The closure and the container may be secured and locked by other methods known in the art. For example, the closure and the container may be secured and locked by a continuous folding band, tab, or wing.

[0058] As the flip-top closure 10 moves from position A to position B (Figure 3C), the locking tab 50 comes into contact with the flexible tab 52. As the locking tab 50 continues to rotate, its side surface 50c comes into contact with the upper surface 52a of the flexible tab 52. This is shown in Figure 3C, which shows position B. As the locking tab 50 continues to rotate from position B to position C, it rotates or oscillates on the flexible tab 52 and eventually separates from the flexible tab 52. In Figure 3D, the locking tab 50 is in contact with the upper surface 108a of the container 108.

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

[0060] Figures 4A to 4C show the fully open position (position C), and positions D and E before returning to the closed position along arrow B. Figure 4B (position D) shows the locking tab 50 just before separating from the flexible tab 52. As shown in Figure 4B, the flexible tab 52 is bent outward from the container 108 while the locking tab 50 is moving. 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 forced when the locking tab 50 makes 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 outward (i.e., away from the container 108).

[0061] As the flip-top closure 10 moves from position D to position E, the locking tab 50 separates from the flexible tab 52, and the flexible tab 52 returns to its original position, i.e., the non-bending position, as shown in Figure 4C. In one way, if the locking tab 50 contacts the flexible tab during the movement from position D to position E and moves the flexible tab outward, the flexible tab 52 returns to its original position, i.e., the non-bending position (Figure 4C), thereby producing an audible sound or click.

[0062] In another embodiment, the lower surface of the locking tab may contact the flexible tab 52 in the closed position. For example, Figure 5A shows the neck portion 102 of the container. In Figure 5A, the locking tab 150 has a lower surface 150a, a side surface 150b, and a top surface 150d, and the top surface 150d is in contact with the top surface 152a of the flexible tab 152. In this embodiment as well, the locking tab The 150 and flexible tab 152 function similarly to the locking tab 50 and flexible tab 52 described above, differing only in their relationship to the open position.

[0063] In another embodiment, Figure 5B shows a locking tab 250. The locking tab 250 has a bottom surface 250a, a side surface 250b, and a top surface 250d. The top surface 250d is in contact with both the top surface 252a of the flexible tab 252 and the top surface 108a of the container 108. In this embodiment as well, the locking tab 250 and the flexible tab 252 function similarly to the locking tab 50 and the flexible tab 52 described above, differing only in their relationship to the open position.

[0064] The polymer closures of the present invention are particularly desirable for relatively large closures. For example, the present invention can be used with closures with diameters of 26 mm, 28 mm, and 38 mm. Thus, the present invention is preferably used for closures with diameters between approximately 25 mm and approximately 50 mm, more specifically between approximately 25 mm and approximately 40 mm.

[0065] The polymer closures of the present invention are suitable for both low-temperature and high-temperature applications. The polymer closures can be used in low-temperature applications such as room-temperature or low-temperature filling. These applications include sterile applications for water, sports drinks, dairy products, and pressurized products such as carbonated soft drinks. Polymer closures formed by the process of the present invention may also be used in other low-temperature applications.

[0066] The polymer closures of the present invention may be used in high-temperature applications such as high-temperature filling, sterilization, and retorting. High-temperature applications are generally carried out at temperatures around 185 degrees Fahrenheit, and high-temperature filling with sterilization is generally carried out at temperatures around 205 degrees Fahrenheit. Retorting applications are typically carried out at temperatures above 250 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also conceivable that the polymer closures of the present invention may be used in other high-temperature applications.

Claims

1. It is a flip-top closure, It comprises a first closure section and a second closure section, The first closure part is, Polymer upper wall section, A sealing mechanism extending downward from the polymer upper wall portion, A polymer annular skirt section, Includes, The second closure part is, Includes polymer tamper-evident bands, The first closure portion and the second closure portion are attached by a fragile wire, The first closure portion and the second closure portion are further attached via a hinge, the hinge assists in moving the flip-top closure between an open position and a closed position, the hinge includes a polymer locking tab, a polymer flexible tab, and a plurality of polymer connecting segments, the polymer locking tab extending outward from the center of the flip-top closure beyond the polymer flexible tab and the plurality of polymer connecting segments, the polymer flexible tab having a flat outer surface with a convex upper surface, When the flip-top closure is opened, the polymer locking tab moves and is configured to pass over the convex upper surface of the polymer flexible tab, thereby locking the flip-top closure in the fully open position, and the polymer locking tab is configured to contact the finish of the container in the fully open position. Flip-top closure.

2. The flip-top closure according to claim 1, wherein when it moves to the fully open position, the surface of the polymer locking tab contacts the upper end of the polymer flexible tab, and the surface of the polymer locking tab causes the polymer flexible tab to bend outward.

3. The flip-top closure according to claim 1, wherein in the open position, the upper surface of the polymer locking tab contacts both the convex upper surface of the polymer flexible tab and the upper surface of the container.

4. The flip-top closure according to claim 1, wherein the sealing mechanism is a polymer continuous plug seal having a first end and a second end, the second end being located further from the polymer upper wall than the first end, and the polymer continuous plug seal includes at least one engaging projection at the second end to assist in fitting the flip-top closure into the closed position.

5. The flip-top closure according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of polymer connecting segments are two connecting segments, and the polymer locking tab and the polymer flexible tab are positioned between the two connecting segments.

6. The flip-top closure according to claim 1, wherein the polymer flexible tab includes an inward projection configured to contact an outward projection of the container, thereby securing the flip-top closure to the container.

7. The flip-top closure according to claim 6, wherein the upper surface of the inward projection of the polymer flexible tab is configured to contact the bottom surface of the outward projection of the container.

8. The flip-top closure according to claim 6, wherein the inward projection of the polymer flexible tab is triangular in shape.

9. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the hinge is configured to flip at least 200 degrees.

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