TWO STAGE FLIP CAP CLOSURE

Abstract

The disclosed aspects relate to a closure that includes a skirt that operatively engages a container. The closure also includes a top operatively attached to the skirt at a hinge, wherein the top is configured for a partial open configuration or a full open configuration. Also provided is a container assembly that includes a container and a closure operatively attached to the container. The closure is configured to be in one of a first position, a second position, or a third position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/014,057 filed on Jun. 18, 2014, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The following description relates generally to a closure and more particularly to a two stage flip cap closure.

BACKGROUND

Dispensing closures and associated containers can be utilized with a vast variety of products, which can be in any number of forms (e.g., liquid, powder, solid, as a pill, and so on). In some cases, a variety of products are sold in sealed packages and utilize external packaging as a security feature.

Dispensing closures are typically produced by an injection molding process. There is a continuous need for dispensing closures that can be produced at a low cost and low capital expenditure. Further, there is a continuous need for dispensing closures that can be produced at faster cycle times, require less mold maintenance, have more design flexibility, and have better performance.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nor delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

An aspect relates to a closure that can include a skirt that operatively engages a container. The closure can also include a lid operatively attached to the skirt at a hinge, wherein the lid is configured for a partial open configuration or a full open configuration. In an example, when in the partially open configuration, the lid is at least partially in contact with the skirt. In another example, when in the full open configuration, the lid is moved away from the skirt.

Another aspect relates to a container assembly that can include a container and a closure operatively attached to the container. The closure can be configured to be in one of a first position, a second position, or a third position. In an example, the first position is a closed position. In another example, the second position is a partially open position. In a further example, the third position is a full open position.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, one or more aspects comprise features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of one or more aspects. These features are indicative, however, of but a few of various ways in which principles of various aspects may be employed. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings and the disclosed aspects are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various non-limiting embodiments are further described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrates example, non-limiting views of an implementation of a container closure according to an aspect;

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrates additional example, non-limiting views of an implementation of a container closure according to an aspect;

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrates additional example, non-limiting views of an implementation of a container closure according to an aspect; and

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrates additional example, non-limiting views of an implementation of a container closure according to an aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects. It may be evident, however, that the disclosed subject matter can be practiced without these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures and components may be shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing one or more of the aspects disclosed herein.

A container can hold various products, such as medications, foods, liquids, and so forth. As provided herein a container closure (or cap) can allow for access to the container contents using a full open dispensing capability and a less than full open dispensing capability. The less than full open dispensing capability can allow for more control of the amount of product that is dispensed. The full open dispensing capability can be achieved without the need to remove the closure from the container to which it is attached.

Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1A-1C illustrates example, non-limiting views of an implementation of a container closure 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1A depicts the container closure 100 in a closed position, FIG. 1B depicts the container closure 100 in a partially opened position, and FIG. 1C depicts the container closure 100 in a fully opened position.

With reference to FIG. 1A, the closure 100 can include a top 102 (or lid) and a skirt 104 (or body portion). As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the skirt 104 is configured to operatively engage a container 101 at a neck 114 of the container 101 located near the mouth or opening 107 of the container 101. For example, the skirt 104 can engage with the neck 114 of the container in a threaded manner or in a non-threaded manner. For example, the skirt 104 can include internal screw threads (not shown) that can operatively engage with complementary screw threads (not shown) on the neck 114 of the container 101. The skirt 104 can include an internal ledge portion 118 configured to rest on the upper perimeter region of the container neck 114 (e.g., an upper rim) at the opening 107 of the container when threaded thereon. When in engagement with the container, an opening of the closure 100 established when the top 102 is in the fully open position can correspond to the container opening 107 such that container contents 103 can be dispensed through the container opening 107. According to some aspects, internal threads are not utilized and the dispensing closure is engaged with the container through other means (e.g., snap-on, press-on, and so forth). For example, the closure 100 can operatively engage the container 101 by snapping onto the neck 114 portion of the container (e.g., screw threads are not utilized). However, other means of engaging the closure and the container can be utilized with the disclosed aspects.

In an aspect, the container 101 and closure 100 can be a two-piece structure. According to some aspects, the container and the closure are formed as a single piece or single unit. In other aspects, the top 102 can be molded separate from the skirt 104 (e.g., in a two-shot injection molding process). However, according to other aspects, the closure 100 is formed during a single injection molding process.

Further, the closure 100 can engage the container 101 in a removable manner or in a non-removable manner. When snapped together, the closure can be utilized to eliminate the use of a liner, according to an aspect. The closure 100 can be installed upright on the top of a container 101 that has an opening or mouth that typically lies in a horizontal plane. For purposes of discussion, the vertical direction generally corresponds to an axial direction with reference to the geometry of the dispensing closure and the horizontal direction or horizontal plane is perpendicular to the axial direction of the dispending closure (e.g., the vertical direction). It should be understood that during molding, the dispensing closure could have a non-upright orientation.

An exterior portion of the skirt 104 can be smooth. In another implementation, an exterior portion of a skirt can have small vertical grooves or other textural features that can improve a person's ability to grip the dispensing closure for removal from the container (e.g., by unscrewing, by pulling the dispensing closure away from the container, and so on).

The top 102 of the closure 100 is pivotally attached to the skirt 104 via a hinge (not shown) located at a position of the closure 100 indicated by arrow 105. Included in at least a portion of the skirt 104 can be thumb tab 106. For example, the thumb tab 106 can be located on a external surface of the skirt 104 across (e.g., on an opposite side) of the hinge. In an aspect, the thumb tab 106 is a slightly indented area of the skirt 104. The thumb tab 106 can be configured to allow a user to insert a finger, thumb, or other object, under an edge or lip of the top 106 that hangs over the indented thumb tab 106 to facilitate opening the top 102. The dimensions of the thumb tab 106 can vary.

The top 102 is movable via the hinge. For example, the top 102 can be configured to move between a first position (e.g., closed position) depicted in FIG. 1A, a second position (e.g., a partially open position) depicted in FIG. 1B, and a third position (e.g., a fully open position) depicted in FIG. 1C. For example, the top 102 can be configured to selectively engage the skirt 104 in at least two positions (e.g., the closed position depicted in FIG. 1A and the partially open position depicted in FIG. 1B) and further configured to move away from the skirt 104. When the top 102 is in the closed position, the contents 103 of the container are sealed therein via the closure 100. When the top 102 is in the partially open position and the fully opened position, contents 103 of the container 101 to which the closure is attached can be accessed or dispensed.

The hinge can be a “living hinge,” a “pivoting hinge,” or another type of hinge. A living hinge is a hinge formed with the skirt 104 and the top 102 a single piece. A pivoting hinge is formed with the skirt 104 and the top 102 wherein the skirt 104 and the top 102 are formed as separate pieces and snapped together at the hinge to combine the two pieces. The hinge lies in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the skirt. The hinge allows for ease of moving the top 102, between the first position (FIG. 1A), the second position (FIG. 1B), and the third position (FIG. 1C). According to some aspects, the hinge can be constructed of a relatively thin wall that is configured to flex without breakage during an expected service life of the closure 100. The hinge allows the top 102 to be moved away from the skirt 104 (e.g., flipped up and flipped down) for dispensing of the contents 103 of the container and for closing the container (e.g., for storage of the contents of the container).

In an aspect, the top 102 is configured to cover the skirt 104 when closed and lift off and away from the skirt 104 via the hinge when pulled or pushed upwards and away from the skirt 104. For example, the top 102 can be configured to lift away or snap off of the skirt 104 via pulling or pushing of the top 102 upwards at or near a portion of the top that hangs over the thumb tab 106. When lifted away from the skirt 104, the top 102 remains attached to the skirt 104 via the hinge, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C. Once lifted away from the skirt 104, the top 102 can rotate relative to the skirt 104 via the hinge. For example, the top 102 can rotate about 180° relative to the skirt 104.

As shown in FIG. 1 C, when the top 102 is rotated greater than a specific angle relative to the skirt 104 (e.g., about 45°), the container opening 107 is completely revealed. This allows for full access to the contents 103 of the container 101 and for dispensing large quantities of the contents at time. The flipping or pivot action of the top 102 into the fully open position can provide access to the container contents 103 without the need to completely remove the closure 100 from the container 101 (e.g., allowing access to the container contents with minimal effort). Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, the top 102 is configured to establish a partial dispensing opening 112 between the top 102 and the skirt 104 when rotated less than the specific angle relative to the skirt 104. The partial dispensing opening 112 has a dimension smaller than the container opening 107, allowing for dispensing of a smaller and controlled amount of the contents 103 of the container 101 at a time.

In particular, top 102 can include a downward extending portion 110 around a perimeter thereof and extending away from a bottom surface (internal portion) of the top 102. The downward extending portion 110 can be configured to engage an internal portion of the skirt 104, as depicted in FIG. 1B. The downward extending portion 110 can be an overhang that is created based on the top geometry. For example, the downward extending portion 110 can have a circumference slightly less than the circumference of the skirt 104 such that the downward extending portion 110 can fit within the skirt 104. In an aspect, as the top 102 is lifted away from the skirt 104, the downward extending portion 110 can remain in contact (e.g., touching) with an internal wall 120 of the skirt until a length of the downward extending portion 110 is raised above the top of the skirt 104. The length of the downward extending portion 110 can vary.

The downward extending portion 110 further includes dispensing opening 112 located at a position on the downward extending portion 110 that is adjacent to the thumb tab 106 (e.g., when the top 102 is in a closed position). The dimensions of the dispensing opening 112 can vary. In an aspect, (as depicted in FIGS. 1B and 1C), the dispensing opening 112 can have a height that is substantially the length of the downward extending portion 110 and a width that is substantially the width of the thumb tab 106. In other aspects, the dimensions of the dispensing opening can be adapted to the contents of the container 101 to facilitate controlled dispensing of the contents 103 of the container 101. For example, the dimensions of the dispensing opening 112 can match the dimensions of the contents (e.g., pills, pieces of candy, etc.) of the container 101 such that only fixed amount of the contents (e.g., one pill, one piece of candy, etc.) can be passed through the dispensing opening 112 at a time.

When the top 102 is in a closed position as shown in FIG. 1A, the container 101 is sealed via the closure 100. When the contents 103 of the container 101 are to be dispensed, the closure 100 can be opened to a partially opened position as depicted in FIG. 1B or a fully open position, as depicted in FIG. 1C. To move the top 102 into the partially open position depicted in FIG. 1B, a user can lift the top 106 by pressing upward on an underside of an edge or lip of the top formed above the thumb tab 106. In an aspect, the hinge is configured to fixate at first position and a second position. According to this aspect, the top 102 is configured to move into the partially open configuration in response to application of a force to the top 102 and fixation of the hinge at the first position, and the top 102 is configured to move into the full open configuration in response to application of another force to the top 102 and fixation of the hinge at the second position. For example, movement of the top 102 in an upward direction causes the hinge to stop at the first position. Further movement of the top upward and away from the skirt 104 can cause the hinge to move through the first position to a second position, which is the fully open position depicted in FIG. 1C. When in the fully open position, the top 102 is moved away from the skirt 104 such that the container opening 107 is completely exposed.

The partially open position of the closure 100 reveals the dispensing opening 112 located on the downward extending portion 110 of the top 102. When in the partially opened position, the top 102 is lifted away from the skirt 104 at a fixed angle relative to the skirt 104 such that the dispensing opening 112 is exposed. When in the partially open position, the top 102 is at least partially engaged in the skirt 104. For example, a lower region of the downward extending portion 110 can remains in contact with the internal wall 120 of the skirt 104 such that the container is otherwise sealed by the closure (aside from the dispensing opening).

According to some implementations, the top can include a first locking bead 108 (or ridge) and a second locking bead 116 located on the downward extending portion 110 above and below the dispensing opening 112. The skirt can further include a stopping/mating bead or ridge (not shown) located on the internal wall 120 of the skirt at or near the top perimeter/upper rim of the skirt and adjacent to the thumb tab 106. In an aspect, the first locking bead 108 can engage with mating bead to facilitate closure of the top 102. The second locking bead 116 can also engage with the mating bead when the top 102 is lifted away from the skirt 104 at the fixed angle to facilitate stoppage and holding of the top 102 (at least briefly) at the partially open position. In some aspects, the first locking bead 108 and the second locking bead 116 can be configured to disengage with the mating bead in response to light or medium pressure applied to the top 102 (e.g., pressing the top upward and away from the skirt). For example, the top can be configured to remain in the partially open configuration in response to engagement of the stopping bead located on the inner wall of the skirt 104 and the second locking bead 116 located on the downward extending portion. The stopping bead located on the inner wall of the skirt 106 and the second stopping bead 116 located on the downward extending portion can be configured to disengage in response to an upward force applied to the lid, and wherein the lid is configured to move into the full open configuration in response to application of the upward force to the lid and disengagement of the respective stopping beads.

When the closure 100 is in the full open position shown in FIG. 1A, the top 102 can be moved fully away from the skirt 104 and container 101, while still being attached at the hinge. The full open position can represent a maximum opening size of the container 102 (which can correspond to the size of a mouth or the opening 107 of the container).

In some embodiments, the top 102 is configured to stop at various partially open positions such that different amounts of the dispensing opening is exposed. For example, in addition to the partially open position depicted in FIG. 1A wherein the entirety of the dispensing opening 112 is exposed, the top 102 can be configured to stop at one or more additional positions relative to the upper rim of the skirt 104 such that only a portion of the dispensing opening 112 is exposed. This can allows for formation of various sized dispensing openings to provide additional dispensing control.

Various mechanisms can be employed to control temporarily holding in place of the top 102 at the different partially opened positions. For example, the hinge can be configured to stop at different angles, thereby positioning the dispensing opening at different locations relative to the internal wall 120 of the skirt 104. In another example, downward extending portion 110 of the top can include additional stopping beads configured to engage with a mating bead on the internal wall 120 of the skirt and hold the top 102 at various predetermined angles relative to the skirt 104 such that different amounts of the dispensing opening are exposed.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate additional example, non-limiting views of an implementation of container closure 100 according to one or more embodiments described herein. In particular, FIGS. 2A-2C present vertical cross-sectional views of the internal features of the disclosed container closer 100 in a closed, a partially open, and a fully open position. FIG. 2A depicts the container closure 100 in the closed position, FIG. 2B depicts the container closure 100 in the partially opened position, and FIG. 2C depicts the container closure 100 in the fully opened position. Repetitive description of like elements employed in respective embodiments of the closures and containers described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the skirt 104 of closure 100 can be engaged with the neck 114 of container 101 in accordance with various aspects and implementation disclosed herein. With this configuration, the ledge portion 118 of the skirt 104 rests upon an upper rim 206 of the container 101, thereby establishing an “H” plane. The internal wall of the skirt 104 below the ledge portion 118 includes thread screws 202 which are engaged with complementary thread screws 204 included on the external portion of the neck 114 of the container 101.

When in a closed position as shown in FIG. 2A, the closure 100 is sealed around a diameter of the top and an upper portion of the skirt 104. For example, an underside of a lip 208 of the top 102 can be configured to engage an upper perimeter of the skirt 104 as depicted within circle 210. When in a partially open position as depicted in FIG. 2B, the top 208 is angled upwards and away from the skirt such that the dispensing opening 112 is exposed (e.g., at an angle established between a top surface of the top 102 and the ledge portion 118 being between about 10% to about 40%). In an aspect, when in the partially open position, a bead (e.g., locking bead 116) on the downward extending portion 110 of the top located below the dispensing opening 112 is engaged with a mating bead (not shown) located on the internal wall 120 of the skirt 104, as shown in the area of circle 212. In this partially open position, a single piece of the contents 103 of the container is capable of being dispensed at a time. In the fully opened position depicted in FIG. 2C, the top 102 can pivot approximately 180° relative to its position when closed (e.g., approximately 180° relative to the container opening).

According to some aspects, a back portion 214 of the top 102 can be angled or curved (following the arrow) to facilitate closure of the top 102 into the skirt 104. Further, a hinge 216 can be located at the back of the closure 100. The hinge 216 can be configured to operatively attach the top 102 to the skirt 104 in a movable arrangement as previously discussed.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate additional example, non-limiting views of an implementation of container closure 100 according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 3A depicts the container closure 100 in a partially opened position, and FIGS. 3B and 3C depict the container closure 100 in a fully opened position. Repetitive description of like elements employed in respective embodiments of the closures and containers described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate additional example, non-limiting views of an implementation of another container closure 400 according to one or more embodiments described herein. Container closure 400 includes same or similar features as container closure 100 with the modification of a shape of the top 402 of the closure. In particular, the top 402 of closure 400 has a substantially a flat surface while the top 102 of closure 100 has a has a beveled edge and a slightly curved or concave surface (relative to the bottom of the closure 100, as indicated by the dashed arrows shown in FIG. 1A). In addition, the size of the thumb tab 406 of container closure 400 is smaller than the thumb tab 106 of container closure 100. Repetitive description of like elements employed in respective embodiments of the closures and containers described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

In accordance with various embodiments, a logo or design can be provided on the top surfaces of closures 100 and 400 (e.g., on the outer surfaces of top 102 and top 402). According to some aspects, the closure 100 can be generally circular; however, other configurations are possible with the disclosed aspects. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 4A-4D, the skirt 104 has a hollow cylindrical shape and the top 102 has a circular shape.

Although the illustrated closures 100 and 400 have a particular size and shape, the disclosed aspects are not limited to these embodiments. Instead, the closure(s) can be any size or shape and the closures illustrated are for example purposes only. Further, the container(s) 101, on which the closure(s) 100 and 400 can be operatively attached, can also be any shape or size, which can be selected as a function of contents or product that is to be stored in the container. Examples, of container contents can include powder, granular items, solid or semi-solid contents including food items (e.g., ketchup, mustard, baby food, spices, cookies, cereal, peanuts, grains, and so forth) and non-food items, such as hardware (e.g., nuts, bolts, nails, fasteners, screws) as well as other items (e.g., rock salt, grass seed, sand, and so on). In another example, the container contents can be liquid or semi-liquid contents (e.g., water, orange juice, automotive oil, rubbing alcohol, and so forth). Other examples of container contents can include medicine (e.g., pharmaceutical products) and cosmetics. The container contents that can be utilized with the disclosed aspects are many and, therefore, will not be further discussed herein.

The closure(s) 100 and 400 and container(s) 101 can be the same color or can be different colors. For example, the container(s) can be clear and the closure(s) can be colored (opaque). In another example, both the container(s) and the closure(s) can be clear. In accordance with some aspects, the closure(s) and the container(s) can be made of the same material or of a similar material. According to other aspects, the closure(s) and the container(s) are formed of different materials. In an implementation, the container(s) and/or the closure(s) can be formed of a polymer material. According to some implementations, the closure(s) and/or the container(s) can be formed of an injection molded suitable thermoplastic material (e.g., polymer, polypropylene) or other material known in the art.

The closure(s) 100 and 400 may be illustrated as a unitary (e.g., a one-piece) structure having a first portion (e.g., a body portion) configured to engage the neck of the container(s) and a second portion (e.g., a lid portion) configured to be movable with respect to the first portion. In accordance with some aspects, the dispensing closure(s) can be formed as a multiple piece structure, wherein the body portion and the lid portion are operatively connected at a hinge. As previously mentioned, although the various aspects are illustrated as a generally circular dispensing closure(s) and/or container(s), the various aspects are not limited to this implementation. In accordance with some aspects, the dispensing closure(s) and/or container(s) can have a different geometric shape (e.g., oval, oblong, and so on).

As discussed above, the size of the container, the container opening 107 or mouth (e.g., portion of the container to which the closure engages), and/or the size (or varying sizes) of the dispensing opening 112 can be a function of the size of the contents to be stored in and dispensed from the container 101. If the contents are large or should be dispensed in large quantities, the container, the container mouth, and the dispensing closure can be large. On the other hand, if the contents are small and/or should be dispensed in small quantities, the container mouth and dispensing closure can be small.

The subject matter as described above includes various exemplary aspects. However, it should be appreciated that it is not possible to describe every conceivable component or methodology for purposes of describing these aspects. One of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that further combinations or permutations may be possible. Various methods or constructs may be employed to implement the subject invention, modifications, variations, or equivalents thereof. Accordingly, all such implementations of the aspects described herein are intended to embrace the scope and spirit of subject claims.

In view of exemplary articles of manufacture shown and described herein, methodologies for manufacturing, assembling, and using the one or more disclosed aspects may be implemented in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

While the foregoing disclosure discusses illustrative aspects and/or embodiments, it should be noted that various changes and modifications could be made herein without departing from the scope of described aspects and/or embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, described aspects are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within scope of appended claims. Furthermore, although elements of described aspects and/or embodiments may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. Additionally, all or a portion of any aspect and/or embodiment may be utilized with all or a portion of any other aspect and/or embodiment, unless stated otherwise.

To the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, the term “or” as used in either the detailed description or the claims is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from the context, the phrase “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, the phrase “X employs A or B” is satisfied by any of the following instances: X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form.

Additionally, in the subject description, the word “exemplary” (and variants thereof) is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.

Claims

1. A closure, comprising:

a skirt that operatively engages a container; and

a lid operatively attached to the skirt at a hinge, wherein the lid is configured to pivot relative to the skirt via the hinge and move into a partially open configuration and a full open configuration.

2. The closure of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a top side and a lower portion, and when in the partially open configuration, the lower portion is at least partially in contact with the skirt.

3. The closure of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a top side and a lower portion, and when in the full open configuration, the lid is moved away from the skirt and the lower portion is not in contact with the skirt.

4. The closure of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a downward extending portion configured to fit within the skirt, and when in the partially open configuration, the lid is partially lifted away from the skirt and a dispensing opening formed within the downward extending portion is exposed.

5. The closure of claim 4, wherein the skirt operatively engages the container around an opening of the container, and the dispensing opening has a dimension smaller than a dimension of the opening of the container.

6. The closure of claim 5, wherein when in the full open configuration, the opening of the container is entirely exposed.

7. The closure of claim 4, wherein when in the partially open configuration, a portion of the downward extending portion remains in contact with an inner wall of the skirt.

8. The closure of claim 4, wherein the hinge is configured to fixate at first position and a second position, and the lid is configured to move into the partially open configuration in response to application of a force to the lid and fixation of the hinge at the first position and the lid is configured to move into the full open configuration in response to application of another force to the lid and fixation of the hinge at the second position.

9. The closure of claim 4, wherein the skirt comprises a first stopping bead on an inner wall of the skirt and the lid is configured to remain in the partially open configuration in response to engagement of the first stopping bead with a second stopping bead located on the downward extending portion.

10. The closure of claim 9, wherein the first stopping bead and the second stopping bead are configured to disengage in response to an upward force applied to the lid, and the lid is configured to move into the full open configuration in response to application of the upward force to the lid and disengagement of the first stopping bead with the second stopping bead.

11. A container assembly, comprising:

a container;

a closure operatively attached to the container and configured to move between a first position, a second position, and a third position, wherein the first position seals contents of the container within the container, the second position allows for dispensing of a first amount of the contents of the container at a time, and the third position allows for dispensing of a second amount of the contents of the container at a time, the second amount being larger than the first amount.

12. The container assembly of claim 11, wherein the first position is a closed position, the second position is a partially open position, and the third position is a full open position.

13. The container assembly of claim 11, wherein the closure comprises:

a skirt that operatively engages a container; and

a lid operatively attached to the skirt at a hinge, wherein the lid is configured to pivot relative to the skirt via the hinge and move into the first position, the second position, or the third position.

14. The container assembly of claim 13, wherein the lid comprises a downward extending portion configured to fit within the skirt, and when in the second position, the lid is partially lifted away from the skirt and at least a portion of a dispensing opening formed within the downward extending portion is exposed while a portion of the downward extending portion remains in contact with an inner wall of the skirt.

15. The container assembly of claim 14, wherein the skirt operatively engages the container around an opening of the container, and the dispensing opening has a dimension smaller than a dimension of the opening of the container.

16. The container assembly of claim 15, wherein when in the third position, the opening of the container is entirely exposed.

17. The container assembly of claim 14, wherein the closure is further configured to move between the first position, the second position, the third position and a fourth position, the fourth position allows for dispensing of a third amount of the contents of the container at a time, and the fourth amount being larger than the second amount.

18. The container assembly of claim 17, wherein when in the third position, the lid is partially lifted away from the skirt and the dispensing opening formed within the downward extending portion is entirely exposed while another portion of the downward extending portion remains in contact with an inner wall of the skirt.

19. A closure, comprising:

a skirt that operatively engages a container; and

a lid operatively attached to the skirt at a hinge, wherein the lid is configured to pivot relative to the skirt via the hinge and move into a partially open configuration and a full open configuration, wherein the lid comprises: a downward extending portion configured to fit within the skirt, and when in the partially open configuration, the lid is partially lifted away from the skirt and a dispensing opening formed within the downward extending portion is exposed.

20. The closure of claim 19, wherein the skirt operatively engages the container around an opening of the container, the dispensing opening has a dimension smaller than a dimension of the opening of the container, and when in the full open configuration, the opening of the container is entirely exposed.