CONTAINER, CLOSURE, AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE

Info

Publication number: 20260217428
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 10, 2024
Publication Date: Jul 30, 2026
Inventors: Balint Hiltser (Lent), Jonathan Ralph De Jong (Arnhem), Geert Petrus Jacobus Scholte (Roggel), Bastiaan Pieter Hemmes (Eindhoven), Fredrik Cornelis Stam (Veldhoven), Charlotte Catherine Erik Devries (Wijchen)
Application Number: 19/146,370

Abstract

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods provided herein are useful for dispensing a fluid from a bottle that includes a closure cap with a flip-top lid, a base, and a tamper evident structure configured to indicate whether the closure cap has been previously opened. In some configurations, an area of the closure cap that a user manually leverages to open the cap includes a recess.

Description

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/438,459, filed Jan. 11, 2023, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/438,454, filed Jan. 11, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/438,467, filed Jan. 11, 2023. This application also is a continuation-in-part of International Application Number PCT/US/2023/010581, filed Jan. 11, 2023, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/298,522, filed Jan. 11, 2022. Each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to containers for fluids. More particularly, this disclosure generally relates to containers with closure caps.

BACKGROUND

Fluid containers are known for containing and dispensing fluids such as, e.g., personal care products and condiments, along with other foods and/or beverages. To easily dispense the contents of a container, these bottles often have closure caps with flip-top lids and openings in a base of the cap. In addition, for product or food safety purposes, tamper evident or package integrity features may be incorporated into such packaging.

For example, some fluid containers include a thin liner sealed to a neck of the container bottle. Depending on the structure of the closure cap, the liner provides a tamper evident indicator and may potentially assist with maintaining the product inside the bottle and/or the freshness thereof. In such configurations, a consumer unscrews or otherwise removes the flip-top closure cap from the bottle neck to access and remove the liner from the bottle. The liner is then typically discarded (as it is generally difficult to recycle such small components). In addition to the waste such packaging generates, consumers often find liner removal to be tedious and time consuming. Removal of the liner may also require fine motor skills and/or dexterity which may cause consumers with limited manual dexterity to have difficulty removing the liner and/or unscrewing the closure cap from the bottle. Furthermore, to determine if the bottle has been tampered with, a visual inspection of the liner is typically necessary. The inspection of the liner typically requires that the user remove the closure cap before inspecting the liner because the liner is disposed beneath the closure cap. This results in the need to remove the closure cap prior to purchasing the container bottle if one wants to confirm that the tamper evident feature has not been removed.

In other fluid containers, the closure caps include a tear strip that may be pulled or torn from a portion of the closure cap prior to initial opening, such that consumers may then open the closure cap upon removal of the tear strip. Similar to the liners on the bottle, such tear strips are generally completely removed from the closure cap and discarded in light of their smaller size that makes them difficult to recycle. For example, these are generally too small to include an indication of the type of plastic of which they are formed. Similar to the use of a liner, the tear strip may also require fine motor skills and/or dexterity, causing consumers with limited manual dexterity to have difficulty removing the tear strip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Disclosed herein are embodiments of systems, apparatuses and methods pertaining to a container, closure cap, and methods for manufacturing. This description includes drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a bottle with a cap in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a closure cap that may be employed with differently configured bottles in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a closure cap in an initial open configuration accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 2 in an initial closed configuration accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross sectional views illustrating a manufacturing configuration and an initially closed configuration of the closure cap of FIG. 2 in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a latching projection in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the closure cap in a subsequent open configuration.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure cap in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 7 in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 7 in a subsequent open configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9A is an enlarged, partial view of portion 9A of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure cap in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 10 in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 10 in a subsequent open configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 12A is an enlarged, partial view of portion 12A of FIG. 12.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure cap in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 13 in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are cross sectional views illustrating a manufacturing configuration and an initially closed configuration of the closure cap FIG. 13 in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a latching projection after an initial closing in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 13 in a subsequent open configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 17A is an enlarged, partial view of portion 17A of FIG. 17.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure cap in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 18 in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 18 in a subsequent open configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 20A is an enlarged view of portion 20A of FIG. 20.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure cap in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 21 in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 21 in a subsequent open configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 23A is an enlarged, partial view of portion 23A of FIG. 23.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure cap in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 24 in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 24 in a subsequent open configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 26A is an enlarged, partial view of portion 26A of FIG. 26.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure cap in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 27 in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 28A is an enlarged, partial view of portion 28A of FIG. 28.

FIGS. 29A-29C are side views illustrating a manufacturing configuration, a closing configuration, and an initially closed configuration of the closure cap of FIG. 27 in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure cap in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 30 in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 32A and 32B are side views illustrating a manufacturing configuration and an initially closed configuration of the closure cap of FIG. 30 in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view illustrating a latching projection after an initial closing in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 30 in a subsequent open configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure cap in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 35 in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 37A-37C are side views illustrating a manufacturing configuration, a closing configuration, and an initially closed configuration of the closure cap of FIG. 35 in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view illustrating a latching projection after an initial closing in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 35 in a subsequent open configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure cap in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 40 in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 41A is a partial, detail view of portion 41A of FIG. 41.

FIG. 42 is a cross sectional view illustrating a manufacturing configuration of the closure cap of FIG. 40 in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 42A is a partial detail view of portion 42A of FIG. 42.

FIG. 42B is a partial detail view of portion 42B of FIG. 42.

FIG. 42C is a cross sectional view illustrating an initially closed configuration of the closure cap of FIG. 40 in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 42D is a partial detail view of portion 42DA of FIG. 42C.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 40 in a subsequent open configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 43A is a partial detail view of portion 43A of FIG. 43.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 40 in a subsequent closed configuration after an initial opening in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 44A is a partial detail view of portion 44A of FIG. 44.

FIGS. 45A and 45B are top views of variants of closure cap of FIG. 40 in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure cap in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 46 in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 48 is a cross sectional view illustrating a manufacturing configuration of the closure cap of FIG. 46 in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 48A is a partial detail view of portion 48A of FIG. 48.

FIG. 48B is a cross sectional view illustrating an initially closed configuration of the closure cap of FIG. 46 in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 48C is a partial detail view of portion 48C of FIG. 48B.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 46 in a subsequent open configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure cap in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 50 in a partially open configuration after initial closure in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure cap in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 52 in a partially open configuration after initial closure in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure cap in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 54 in a partially open configuration after initial closure in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure cap in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 57A is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 56 in a partially open configuration after initial closure in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 57B is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 56 in a subsequent closed configuration after initial opening in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 58 illustrates a mechanism for retaining an element and separating a breakable member and after the breakable member separates from an extension tab.

FIGS. 59A-59C illustrate cross sectional views of other embodiments of latching configurations in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure cap in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 60A is a partial detail view of portion 60A of FIG. 60.

FIG. 61 is a partial perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 60 from inside of a base in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 61A is a partial detail view of portion 61A of FIG. 61.

FIG. 62 is a broken or partial perspective view illustrating a mechanism of engagement between an extension tab and a latching flange of a base in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 63A-63D are broken or partial perspective views illustrating a mechanism of engagement between an extension tab and a latching flange in a first position and further illustrating a mechanism of fixing the extension tab in a second position.

Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment may be omitted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure. Certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence when such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. The terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are systems, apparatus, and methods for dispensing a fluid from a bottle, such as a consumer or food products including, e.g., condiments or drinks. In some embodiments, a bottle includes a closure cap with a flip-top lid, a base, and a tamper evident structure or a package integrity feature that is configured to indicate whether the closure cap has been previously opened. In some configurations, a portion of the closure cap includes a recess that a user manually leverages to open the flip-top lid. A breakable member and/or a movable ring may be used as a tamper evident indicator. By one approach, upon initial opening, the breakable member may be broken, and/or the movable ring may be moved from the first position to the second position. When the breakable member is broken/torn and/or the movable ring is partially moved toward the secured second position, the broken breakable member and/or the movable ring may provide a tactile tamper evident indication. That is, after the initial opening, a consumer or user may be able to visually, or by tactile feel, determine that the closure cap was previously opened. This may be evidenced by the severed breakable member and/or the movable ring moved from the first configuration.

Previous solutions (such as, e.g., the tear-away strips or sealed liners described above) include a separate tamper evident structure that is distinct from the container bottle or closure cap. The present disclosure allows for a container bottle to incorporate the tamper evident structure which allows for a container bottle that with fewer components. The closure cap according to the present disclosure allows for the entire closure cap (including the tamper evident structure) to be recyclable.

Accordingly, as compared to previous tamper evident options, the tamper evident structure(s) or package integrity feature(s) described herein provide a readily discernable visual or tactile tamper evidence indication that may not require a consumer to remove the cap from the bottle. The present disclosure also permits the tamper evident structure of the closure cap to remain attached to or secured with a portion of the closure cap, thus allowing for the potential recycling of a greater portion of the closure cap. The solutions and structures described herein also may be leveraged with other closure caps such as those described and disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2023/010581, filed Jan. 11, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a bottle with a cap in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a closure cap 1018″ that may be employed with differently configured bottles 12 in accordance with some embodiments. In addition, some of the bottles 12 may include neck features that prohibit the caps from being easily, manually removed from the bottle as discussed in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2020/039387, filed Jun. 24, 2020, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIG. 1A illustrates a packaged food product including a bottle 10 containing a fluid product 5, such as, e.g., a fluid food product including ketchup, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, mustard, or another similar fluid product.

In some embodiments, the bottle 10 includes a closure cap 1018 connected to a container body 12 via internal threads of the closure cap 1018 engaging external threads 16, 16″ (shown in FIG. 1B) of the container body 12. As discussed further below, the closure caps described herein may be incorporated into a variety of packaging solutions. FIG. 1A depicts the bottle in an upright position (i.e., the closure cap 1018 is substantially above the container body 12). The present disclosure further contemplates the bottle 10 to be stored in an inverted configuration such that the closure cap 1018 is substantially below the container body 12. In the inverted configuration, the container body 12 may rest on the closure cap 18. Accordingly, during storage and/or dispensing, the bottle 10 may have the closure cap 1018 positioned substantially above or below the container body 12.

While the bottle 10 may be used to contain a variety of fluids, in one illustrative approach, the dispensing bottle 10 includes a container body 12 with a thixotropic fluid (such as, e.g., a condiment) where the neck of the container body has threads thereon for engaging with threads of a closure cap 1018.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a closure cap 1018 in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1018 in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments. The closure cap 1018 includes a base 1020 and flip-top lid 1022, an extension tab 1085, and one or more breakable member 1025.

The flip-top lid 1022 may be hingedly connected to the base 1020. For example, the flip-top lid 1022 is connected to the base 1020 via a hinge 1019 such that the flip-top lid 1022 may pivot about the hinge 1019 between an open position as shown in FIG. 2, and a closed position as shown in FIG. 3. In a closed position, the flip-top lid 1022 and the base 1020 together form a recess 1070 in an outer wall 1098 of the closure cap 1018. The recess 1070 may be generally mouth shaped and have a mouth shaped opening. In some embodiment, the recess 1070 may be disposed in a space between the flip-top lid 1022 and the base 1020, along a portion of a side of the closure cap 1018. The recess 1070 may be opposite a hinge 1019.

To open the closure cap 1018 a user may move or pivot the flip-top lid 1022 from the closed position as shown in FIG. 3 to the open position as shown in FIG. 6 described further below. The recess 1070 may provide a grasping area such that a user may apply a force or a pressure at the recess 1070 to move the flip-top lid 1022 from the closed position to the open position. In use, a user or consumer may apply a force or pressure (such as via manual thumb pressure) to flip-top lid 1022. The force or pressure may be exerted by the user, such as using an extremity of the user, but may also come from other external sources such as a utensil or other instrument. Enough force or pressure may rotate/pivot or move a flip-top lid 1022 from the closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, the base 1020 may include a central portion 1030, through which an opening 1034 extends, and a substantially planar portion 1062. The substantially planar portion 1062 and the lower surface 1074 of the recess 1070 (i.e., the recess forming surface 1074 of the base 1020) may extend around the central portion 1030. Circumferential sides of the base 1020 include a circumferential ledge 1064 such that the base 1020 has an indented side surface 1053 that is indented from the side wall 1098 of the closure cap 1018. The indented side surface 1053 may extend around the substantially planar portion 1062. The base 1020 may include one or more base ridges 1054 near the top portion of the indented side surface 1053 such that the base ridges 1054 may form a recessed portion thereunder. In some embodiments, the base 1020 may include a pair of base ridges 1054, one is on one side of the recess 1070 (e.g., the left side of the recess 1070) and the other is on the other side of the of the recess 1070 (e.g., the right side of the recess 1070).

In some embodiments, the base 1020 may have a receiving element 1088 on the recess forming surface 1074. By one approach, the receiving element 1088 is disposed in the recess 1070 when the flip-top lid 1022 is in the closed position.

As shown in FIG. 2, the flip-top lid 1022 may have an interior projection 1090 on the undersurface thereof. The interior projection 1090 may be configured to block the opening 1034 in the base 1020 when the flip-top lid 1022 is in the closed position. The flip-top lid 1022 may include one or more lid ridge 1052 on the inner surface of the sidewall of the flip-top lid 1022 adjacent to the lower end 1023 of the flip-top lid 1022. In some embodiments, the flip-top lid 1022 may include a pair of lid ridges 1052 facing one another. The lid ridges 1052 may be configured to be disposed at the recessed portion formed under the base ridges 1054 of the base 1020 when the flip-top lid 1022 is in the close position.

The closure cap 1018 may further include an inset wall 1091. By one approach, the inset wall 1091 is disposed inward from the outside or side wall of the flip-top lid 1022 and extends from the lower or interior surface of the upper wall of the flip-top lid 1022. The inset wall 1091 may be disposed a distance from the outer wall (e.g., sidewall) of the closure cap 1018. When the flip-top lid 1022 is in the closed position, the inset wall 1091 may be disposed substantially vertically in the recess 1070 and extend from the flip-top lid 1022 to the base 1020. The flip-top lid 1022 also may have a headspace or cavity 1092 between the sidewall of the flip-top lid 1022 and the inset wall 1091.

The closure cap 1018 may further comprise an extension tab 1085 extending from the inset wall 1091 of the flip-top lid 1022. The extension tab 1085 may comprise a flange 1083 extending from the inset wall 1091 and a latching projection 1082 extending from the flange 1083. In some embodiments, the inset wall 1091 may have a cutout portion 1091′ (see FIG. 6) at the middle of its edge. The flange 1083 may be disposed at the cutout portion 1091′ such that the end of the flange 1083 and the end of the inset wall 1091 beside the cutout portion 1091′ may continuously extend. In some embodiments, the flange 1083 may be slightly smaller than the cutout portion 1091′ of the inset wall 1091 such that there may be a small gap between the inset wall 1091 and the flange 1083. In some embodiments, the latching projection 1082 may extend from the flange 1083 in a substantially same direction in which the flange 1083 extends from the inset wall 1091 such that the extension tab 1085 may be substantially in alignment with the inset wall 1091 in the initial open configuration and the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the flange 1083 of the extension tab 1085 has a greater width than the width of the receiving element 1088 of the base 1020.

By one illustrative approach, the latching projection 1082 is configured to be easily pressed into the receiving element 1088 of the base 1020 but not backed out or otherwise removed therefrom. When the flip-top lid 1022 is moved from the initial open position (FIG. 2) to the initial close configuration (FIG. 3), the latching projection 1082 is advanced into the receiving element 1088. The latching projection may include, for example, a barb, hook, snap-hook projection, and/or other structure for securely coupling the latching projection 1082 with a receiving element 1088. The receiving element 1088 may include, for example, a receiving opening, channel, cup, housing, grasping arms, and/or other structure for securely retaining the latching projection 1082 therein or therewith. In one exemplary embodiment, the latching projection 1082 is aligned with the receiving element 1088 as the latching projection 1082 is pressed into the receiving element 1088. The receiving element 1088, while shown here as a square shaped opening in FIG. 2, also may have a discrete configuration, such as an elongated linear element or discrete cups.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the latching projection 1082 may be generally arrow-shaped. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the latching projection 1082 may have an elongated portion 1082a and a barb or an arrowhead 1082b at the end of the elongated portion 1082a. While the end of latching projection 1082 of FIG. 2 took the form of the triangular-shaped barb, the end of the latching projection 1082 may have a different shape such as a diamond or spade-shape.

In some embodiments, the flip-top lid 1022 may include one or more breakable members 1025. The breakable members 1025 may be disposed on the edge of the extension tab 1085 surrounded by the inset wall 1091. For example, as mentioned, there may be a small gap between the inset wall 1091 and the flange 1083, and the breakable member(s) 1025 may be disposed at the gap and connect the flange 1083 to the inset wall 1091. As illustrated in FIG. 3, one or more breakable members 1025 may be disposed on upper portion/upper end of the flange 1083 (indicated in FIGS. 2, 4A, and 4B) facing the cutout end of the inset wall 1091. The upper portion/upper end of the flange 1083 may be the opposite of the portion/end from which the latching projection 1082 extends. In some embodiments, the side ends of the flange 1083 may face the cutout end of the inset wall 1091 but the breakable members may not be disposed at the gap between the side ends of the flange 1083 and the cutout end of the inset wall 1091.

The breakable members 1025 may be configured to break upon the application of sufficient pressure on the flip-top lid 1022 to move the flip-top lid 1022 from the initial closed position (FIG. 3) toward the subsequent open position (FIG. 6) (as discussed below). The breakable members 1025 may take a variety of forms, distributions, and/or configurations. As mentioned, the flange 1083 of the extension tab 1085 may be connected to the inset wall 1091 via the breakable member 1025 before the breakable member 1025 breaks or separates. The extension tab 1085 may be disconnected from the inset wall 1091 when the breakable members break upon the flip-top lid 1022 being moved from the initial closed position to the open position. In other words, the breakable members 1025 may connect the flange 1083 to the inset wall 1091 in the closed configuration prior to the initial opening of the flip-top lid 1022.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross sectional views illustrating a manufacturing configuration and an initially closed configuration of the closure cap 1018.

In some embodiments, the method of manufacturing the closure cap 1018 may include forming a molded closure cap in the initial open configuration or the manufacturing configuration. In one illustrative approach, the closure cap 1018 is created in a forming mold in the initial open configuration and, after molding, is ejected from the mold in this configuration as shown in FIG. 4A.

By one approach, the breakable members 1025 are molded along with the remainder of the closure cap 1018. In addition, the breakable members 1025 may be further weakened beyond their structural design, by the application of an implement or tool, such as, for example, a laser, knife, or die cut.

In one exemplary approach, the closure cap 1018 is molded in a unitary configuration. More particularly, the closure cap 1018 is typically made from a single, integral, unitary, one-piece structure and is comprised of the same material. In some approaches, the closure cap 1018 may be molded as a one-piece structure and ejected from the mold or printed as a one-piece structure.

Further, to form particular elements of the closure cap 1018, a variety of tools may be employed, such as, for example, one or more mold slides, lifts, pins, and/or other tools to create particular features during the molding operation. In addition, post-molding processing also may be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to specialized molding tools, such post-molding tools may include, e.g., a knife, laser, or die cutting device. In one illustrative example, the hinge 1019 or the gap between the inset wall 1091 and the flange 1083 may be formed, in part, via molding tools, whereas in another illustrative example, these may be formed, in part, using post-processing tools.

The method of manufacturing the closure cap 1018 may include, for example, moving the flip-top lid 1022 from the initial open position (FIG. 4A) to the initial closed position (FIG. 4B) after pulling out the molded closure cap from the mold. Prior to being shipped to consumers, the flip-top lid 1022 may rotate about the hinge 1019 from the initial open position (FIG. 4A) to the closed position (FIG. 4B) such that closure cap 1018 in the initial closed configuration may be formed. When the flip-top lid 1022 is in the initial closed position, the flip-top lid 1022 is positioned atop the base 1020 and the interior projection 1090 blocks the opening 1034 on the central portion 1030 of the base 1020. In addition, because the extension tab 1085 is connected to the flip-top lid 1022 via the breakable members 1025 in the initial open configuration (e.g., the configuration after pulling out from the mold but before the initial closure), when the flip-top lid 1022 is moved from the initial open configuration to the initial closed position by rotating about the hinge 1019, the extension tab 1085 and the breakable members 1025 move along with the movement of the flip-top lid 1022.

When the flip-top lid 1022 is in the closed position, the latching projection 1082 of the extension tab 1085 may be inserted through the receiving opening 1088 on the recess forming surface 1074 of the base 1020. The receiving opening 1088 may be deployed in a location corresponding to the latching projection 1082 when the flip-top lid is in the closed position. For example, the receiving opening 1088 may be disposed on the base 1020 in a position opposite or corresponding to the latching projection 1082. In this manner, as the latching projection 1082 extends toward the base 1020 and is advanced thereto, it may be inserted into the base 1020 by passing through the receiving opening 1088.

In some embodiments, in forming the closure cap in the initial close configuration from the initial open configuration, when the flip-top lid 1022 comes close to the base 1020 such that the barb/arrowhead 1082b of the latching projection 1082 contacts the upper surface of the base 1020 adjacent to the receiving opening 1088, the movement of the flip-top lid 1022 may be paused or stopped because the width of the receiving opening 1088 is slightly smaller than the maximum width of the barb/arrow head 1082b of the latching projection 1082 unless there is a force to keep moving the flip-top lid 1022 to the closed position. The force employed to fully seat the flip-top lid 1022 onto the base 1020 and keep moving the flip-top lid 1022 to the fully closed position may be applied in a variety of manner. The necessary force to snap the flip-top lid 1022 into the fully closed position may vary depending on the size and/or the flexibility of the barb/arrowhead 1082b and/or the upper wall of the base 1020 adjacent to the receiving opening 1088. When sufficient force is applied, the barb/arrowhead 1082b of the latching projection 1082 may snap into base 1020 passing through the receiving opening 1088 such that the barb/arrowhead 1082b is disposed under the receiving opening 1088 and the extension tab 1085 is fixedly attached to the base 1020. In this configuration, the elongated portion 1082a may be disposed within the receiving opening 1088. After the initial closure, the latching projection 1082 engages the receiving opening 1088 in the upper wall of the base near the recess 1070.

As mentioned, in some configurations, the width of the flange 1083 of the extension tab 1085 is greater than the width of the receiving opening 1088. In some embodiments, the width of the flange 1083 of the extension tab 1085 is slightly greater than the width of the receiving opening 1088. When the latching projection 1082 engages the receiving opening 1088, the flange 1083 of the extension tab 1085 may be disposed adjacent and/or above the receiving opening 1088.

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view illustrating a latching projection 1082 after the initial closure of the flip-top lid 1022. In the initial closed configuration, i.e., after the initial closure of the flip-top lid 1022 and prior to the subsequent opening of the flip-top lid 1022, at least a portion of the latching projection 1082, e.g., the barb/arrowhead 1082b, may be disposed under the upper wall of the base 1020.

More particularly, in one illustrative configuration, the barb/arrowhead 1082b of the latching projection 1082 may include a pair of sloping sides or surfaces expanding or extending outwardly from one another with a narrow or pointed top, such that the latching projection 1082 gently/gradually flexes the upper wall adjacent to the receiving opening 1088 to permit the latching projection 1082 to advance beyond the entrance of the receiving opening 1088. In one illustrative embodiment, the lowermost portion of the receiving opening 1088 is the entrance thereof. In one exemplary approach, the configuration of the latching projection 1082 also prohibits it from being backed out of or easily manually removed from the receiving opening 1088 without severing or breaking the latching projection 1082. In one exemplary embodiment, a leading portion of the projection 1082 (e.g., a leading end of the barb) corresponds with or is aligned with the receiving opening 1088 as the projection 1082 is pressed into the receiving opening 1088.

In the process of closing the flip-top lid 1022, the lid ridge 1052 of the flip-top lid 1022 may engage with the base ridge 1054 of the base 1020 such that the lid ridge 1052 and base ridge 1054 may together resist movement of the flip-top lid 1022 to the closed position but may be overcome by applying a force to snap the lid ridge 1052 and base ridge 1054 past one another such that the lid ridge 1052 snaps into the recessed portion under the base ridge 1054. In some configurations, the engagement of the lid ridge 1052 and base ridge 1054 once nested together helps retain the flip-top lid 1022 in the closed position. Indeed, once the flip-top lid 1022 is in the closed position, the lid ridge 1052 may engage with the base ridge 1054 such that the flip-top lid 1022 may remain in the closed position unless an opening force to open the flip-top lid 1022 is applied. The engagement between the lid ridge 1052 and the base ridge 1054 may prevent an inadvertent movement or force accidentally flipping the flip-top lid 1022 to the open position. This may be particularly useful during certain periods such as, for example, during shipping or stocking of the container on store shelves.

The lid ridge 1052 and base ridge 1054 may be made of a flexible material. In some embodiments, the entire closure cap 1018 may be made of a flexible material. The flexible material may include any kind of material that may be bent when a force is applied thereto. The amount of bending and the amount of force necessary to bend the material may vary. As mentioned below, a variety of plastic or polymer materials with such a flexibility may be suitable for use with these teachings.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the closure cap 1018 in a subsequent open configuration. After the initial closure, a user or consumer may apply a force to the flip-top lid 1022 in a direction substantially away from the base 1020. The movement of the flip-top lid 1022 away from the base 1020 may rotate or pivot the flip-top lid 1022 about the hinge 1019. Referring back to FIG. 3, by one approach, an upward force may be applied by engaging an upper edge or upper surface 1072 of the recess 1070. As illustrated, the upper surface 1072 of the recess 1070 is disposed of opposite the lower surface 1074 of the recess 1070. The upper surface 1072 of the recess 1070 may be a portion of the upper wall of the flip-top lid 1022 and the lower surface 1074 of the recess 1070 may be a portion of the upper wall of the base 1020. By another approach, a user may pull upward on the upper surface 1072 pulling the upper surface 1072 away from the base 1020. The flip-top lid 1022 may pivot about a hinge 1019 which may be substantially opposite the mouth-shaped opening of the recess 1070.

When the flip-top lid 1022 is in the open configuration, the interior projection 1090 of the flip-top lid 1022 is moved from obstructing or blocking an opening 1034 in the base 1020 to a position away from the opening 1034, such that the opening 1034 is unobstructed, and the fluid 5 in the bottle 10 may exit therethrough.

In use, the pressure applied by a user, or some other object, to the flip-top lid 1022 may rotate or move the flip-top lid 1022 from the initial closed position (FIG. 3) towards the subsequent open position (FIG. 6) about the hinge 1019. Because the extension tab 1085 is fixedly attached to the base 1020 via the engagement of the latching projection 1082 of the extension tab 1052 and the receiving opening 1088 of the base 1020 after the initial closure, this movement may separate, sever, or otherwise damage or break the breakable members 1025 instead of removing the extension tab 1085 from the base 1020. The breakable members 1025 may break or separate into at least one of a first piece and a second piece. Even when the breakable members 1025 break or separate into at least one of a first piece and a second piece, the at least one first piece and second piece both remain attached to the closure cap 1018. For example, the at least one first piece and second piece of the broken breakable members remain attached to at least the inset wall 1091 and/or the flange 1083 of the extension tab 1085. For example, if the breakable member 1025 is separated into two pieces, at least one piece of the breakable member 1025 is attached to the extension tab 1085 and the other piece of the breakable member 1025 is attached to the inset wall 1091. In this manner, the small piece of plastic forming the breakable members 1025 is much more likely to be recycled with the remainder of the closure cap 1018. Further, a user may visually and/or tactilely observe broken/torn or severed breakable members 1025, which allows the user to know that closure cap 1018 has been previously opened.

In addition, because the extension tab 1085 is fixedly attached to the base 1020 after the initial closure, the extension tab 1085 may also remain attached to the closure cap 1018 (i.e., the base 1020) after the initial closure, whether the flip-top lid 1022 is disposed in the closed configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 3, or is in the subsequent open configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 6. In this manner, the small piece of plastic forming the extension tab 1085 is also much more likely to be recyclable.

As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the closure cap 1018 may be used with a variety of bottles. In one illustrative configuration, a filled receptacle or container body is sealed with the fluid therein by a liner associated with the closure cap. For example, a liner, such as a liner of a paperboard, plastic, and/or metallic material may be secured to a neck of the container body to seal the fluid in the container bottle. In this manner, the containers may include multiple tamper evident features such as a liner secured to the neck of the container body, or a liner secured to the opening of the container body.

If a liner is included on the bottle neck, the closure cap 1018 typically includes a texture or multiple ribs (ribbing) 1080 on the outer skirt, on a lower portion of the sidewall to facilitate gripping of the closure cap 1018, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The ribs 1080 disposed on the lower sidewall of the base 1020 provide a gripping surface such that if someone desires to remove the entire closure cap 1018 from the container body 12, the user is able to more easily grasp the closure cap 1018 to disengage the internal threads 1032 (shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B) of the base from the external threads 16, 16″ (shown in FIG. 1B) of the neck. Further, the ribs 1080 also may be included on closure caps 1018 even if the associated bottle does not include a liner sealing the fluid within the container. In other configurations, the ribs 1080 may be removed from the closure cap 1018. For example, the bottle 12″ illustrated in FIG. 1B may be particularly well-suited for a closure cap 1018 without ribs as that bottle includes a structure to securely retain the closure cap on the bottle.

In yet other configurations, such as the bottles 10 described herein with a tamper evident feature according to the present disclosure beyond a liner, the closure cap 1018 is secured to the container body 12 without the incorporation of a liner therein.

Further, the teachings herein may be combined with a variety of bottle features such as those in U.S. patent Ser. No. 17/714,041 and International Patent Application No. PCT/US2020/039387, filed Jun. 24, 2020, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

In another configuration, the closure cap 1018 may be securely attached to the container body 12 or the container body 12″ (as shown in FIG. 1B). The present disclosure may permit the use of a container or bottle without a liner sealingly attached to the bottle neck, which avoids creating small pieces of plastic waste upon container opening. Furthermore, the inclusion of the tamper evident element on the exterior of the closure cap 1018, (e.g., breakable member), allows a food package to be sold without a liner, while still providing a safety or package integrity feature therein. Further, inclusion of a closure cap retention mechanism, such as discontinuous threads with a spaced thread portion and a ratchet or other projections engaging the space to prohibit removal of the closure cap from the bottle described in the above-identified application, allows the consumer to observe potential tampering from the exterior of the closure cap 1018 without concern that the closure cap 1018 may have been removed from the bottle 12 by being unthreaded or otherwise tampered with prior to purchase.

More particularly, FIG. 1B illustrates a container body 12″ with discontinuous threads and projections 16″ that permit a closure cap 1018″ to be securely attached thereto such that the closure cap 1018″ may not be manually removed therefrom. The closure cap 1018″ includes the tamper evident structure or package integrity feature according to the present disclosure and also the threads and ratchet projections described above in co-pending U.S. patent Ser. No. 17/714,041 and International Patent Application No. PCT/US2020/039387, filed Jun. 24, 2020, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Furthermore, such a retention mechanism in the closure cap 1018″ prohibits one from unthreading the cap 1018″ from the container bottle 12″ thereby requiring that a user or consumer open the flip-top lid to access the contents in the container body 12″ once the closure cap 1018″ is attached thereto.

In some illustrative approaches, the closure cap is comprised of a single material, such as, for example, a polypropylene or other food grade plastic or polymer, or similar recyclable material. In operation, having the closure cap formed of a single material may increase the ease and likelihood of recycling the material. Further, having a package integrity feature or a tamper evident structure according to the present disclosure that does not fully detach from the remainder of the closure cap permits more of the plastic closure cap to be recycled.

By some approaches, the material may be chosen with a specific surface tension. For example, one or more surfaces of the closure cap 1018 may be rougher or textured to provide flow resistance and help control the flow of the fluid 5 being dispensed. Some of the interior surfaces of the closure cap 1018 may be textured to inhibit flow or may have a smooth surface to facilitate movement of the fluid 5 therethrough. A smooth surface may result in faster and/or less controlled fluid flow, and due to a reduction in surface tension, may also lead to leakage of the product or a separated component of the product. The finish of the material or the manner in which the element was formed also may impact the surface tension of the elements and help facilitate control of the fluid flow. For example, some portion of the closure cap 1018 may be formed in such a manner as to create a rough surface that might impact the flow of the fluid 5 passing therethrough.

The benefits of the containers disclosed herein may be further leveraged if the closure caps and/or bottles may be employed with a number of differently configured containers. Indeed, the teachings outlined herein including, for example, the container body and closure cap may be employed with a variety of other closure caps and container body features.

For example, the tamper evident feature or structure according to the present disclosure may be incorporated into a closure cap with an internal shaft and a disk that such that the contents or fluid 5 within the container body 12 can be dispensed or metered out. In one configuration, these teachings may be combined with a metering element such as that described in U.S. application Ser. Nos. 17/353,376; Ser. No. 17/353,326; Ser. No. 17/353,484; Ser. No. 17/353,446, all of which were filed Jun. 21, 2021, and in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2019/067485, filed Dec. 19, 2019, which claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Nos. 62/783,790, filed Dec. 21, 2018 and 62/903,245, filed Sep. 20, 2019, and International Patent Application No. PCT/US2020/035840, filed Jun. 3, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62/903,245, filed Sep. 20, 2019 which are all incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

Accordingly, if the closure cap 1018 is formed with an internal shaft and metering disk, the closure cap may be formed with or without a silicon membrane or rubber valve at the dispensing opening 1034. If the closure cap 1018 lacks a silicon membrane, the closure cap may be more easily recyclable.

Turning now to FIGS. 7-9, another embodiment of a closure cap 1118 is in accordance with some embodiments is illustrated. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1118 in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1118 in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1118 in a subsequent open configuration.

For conciseness and clarity, the reference numerals used for features of the closure cap of the embodiments described above that correspond to similar features of the closure cap 1118 of the current embodiment will be used with a prefix “11” instead of the prefix 10 used in FIG. 2-6. For example, a feature of the closure cap referenced by the reference numeral “1090” will be shown with the reference numeral “1190” with regard to the closure cap 1118. The closure cap 1118 may be incorporated into any dispensing bottle or container body in a manner similar to that described with prior embodiments. Further, the closure cap 1118 may be incorporated into any features of the closure cap of the previously described embodiments (for example, the closure cap 1018) and the closure cap of embodiments described later (for example, the closure caps 1218-2818) unless described otherwise. This also applies to other embodiments described hereafter.

Referring to FIG. 7, the closure cap 1118 includes a base 1120, a flip top lid 1122 hingedly connected to the base 1120, an inset wall 1191, an extension tab 1185 extending from the inset wall 1191, and one or more breakable members 1125. The flip-top lid 1122 is movable between an open position (FIGS. 7 and 9) and a closed position (FIG. 8). The flip-top lid 1122 and the base 1120 together form a recess 1170 in an outer wall of the closure cap 1118 when the flip-top lid 1122 is in the closed position. The recess 1170 may provide a grasping area configured such that a user applies a force to move the flip-top lid 1122 from the closed position to the open position. The inset wall 1191 is disposed a distance from the outer wall of the closure cap 1118 and, in some configurations, extends from an upper wall of the flip-top lid 1122. The extension tab 1185 may include a flange 1183 extending from the inset wall 1191 and a latching projection 1182 extending from the flange 1183. The breakable members 1125 are disposed between the inset wall 1191 and the flange 1183 and connect the inset wall 1191 and the flange 1183 when the flip-top lid 1122 is in the initial open position (FIG. 7) and the initial closed position (FIG. 8).

Referring to FIG. 7, the latching projection 1182 may comprise a pair of hooks, where each end of the hooks extends outwardly away from one another. In use, the gap between the two hooks allows the hooks to flex inwardly toward one another when the latching projection 1182 is passing through a receiving opening 1188 on the upper wall of the base 1120. A flange 1183 of the extension tab 1185 may be smaller than the flange 1083 of the closure cap 1018 of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the base 1120 may include a central portion 1130 and a substantially planar portion 1162. The substantially planar portion 1162 and the recess forming surface of the base 1120 may extend around the central portion 1130. In some embodiments, a sidewall of the central portion 1130 facing the recess 1170 may include a ledge 1136 near the top surface of the central portion 1130.

In some embodiments, the inset wall 1191 includes a ridge 1196 that extends from the inset wall 1191 (see FIG. 7). The ridge 1196 may be disposed on the inner surface of the inset wall 1191 which is opposite to the surface facing the recess and/or the sidewall of the flip-top lid. In some embodiment, the inset wall 1191 may have a cutout portion 1191′ (see FIG. 9) at the middle of its edge and the ridge 1196 may dispose adjacent to the cutout portion 1191′ of the inset wall 1191.

When the flip-top lid 1122 is moved to the closed position, the ridge 1196 of the inset wall 1191 may snap into under the ledge 1136 such that the ridge 1196 of the inset wall 1191 may engage the ledge 1136. The engagement between the ridge 1196 and the ledge 1136 may facilitate retaining the flip-top lid 1122 in the closed position unless sufficient force is applied to open the flip-top lid 1122. In this manner, the engagement between the ridge 1196 and the ledge 1136 may prevent an inadvertent movement or force from accidentally moving the flip-top lid 1122 to the open position. This may be particularly useful during certain times such as, for example, during shipping or stocking of the container on store shelves.

In some embodiments, the flange 1183 of the extension tab 1185 may be disposed adjacent to the edge of the inset wall 1191, and the breakable members 1125 may connect the flange 1183 of the extension tab 1185 and the inset wall 1191 such that breakable members 1125 may connect the extension tab 1185 and the inset wall 1191 when the flip-top lid 1122 is in the initial open position and initial closed position.

Similar to the previous embodiments, when the flip-top lid 1122 moves to the closed position from the initial open position, the latching projection 1182 is inserted into the base 1120 through the receiving opening 1088. By this mechanism, the extension tab 1185 may be fixedly attached to the base 1120. After the initial closure of the flip-top lid 1122, the flange 1183 of the extension tab 1185 is disposed on the recess forming surface of the base 1120 near the receiving opening 1188.

As mentioned, the breakable members 1125 are broken as or upon the flip-top lid 1122 being moved from the initial closed position (FIG. 8) toward the subsequent open position (FIG. 9). As shown in FIG. 9, even after the flip-top lid 1122 is moved from the initial close position to the subsequent open position (FIG. 9), the extension tab 1185 may remain fixed to the closure cap 1118, i.e., the base 1120, through the engagement of the latching projection 1182 and the receiving opening 1188. The broken or severed breakable member 1125 may also remain fixed to the closure cap 1118 as shown in FIG. 9. The broken breakable member 1125 may indicate that the flip-top lid 1122 has been previously open.

By some approaches, disposing both the extension tab 1185 (which functions as a tamper evident indicator) and the ridge 1196 that is configured to secure or hold the flip-top lid 1122 in the closed position on the inset wall 1191 may reduce the space and the materials necessary to make a closure cap. Indeed, such a configuration may permit the closure cap to have a reduced profile. Further, disposing both the extension tab 1185 and the ridge 1196 on the inset wall 1191 may simplify the manufacturing process because both elements may be made at the same time.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate another embodiment of a closure cap 1218 in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1218 in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1218 in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1218 in a subsequent open configuration. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 may be a variant of the closure cap 1118 illustrated in FIGS. 7-9. The closure cap 1218 illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 may have a similar structure to the closure cap 1118 illustrated in FIGS. 7-9. The closure cap 1218 illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 may have differences in a shape, structure, position and/or configuration of an extension tab 1285 and receiving openings 1288a, 1288b from the closure cap 1118 illustrated in FIGS. 7-9.

Referring to FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the extension tab 1285 includes a flange 1283 and a latching projection 1282. Similar to the latching projection 1182 in FIGS. 7-9, the latching projection 1282 in FIGS. 10-12 may comprise a pair of hooks but the gap between the hooks of the latching projection 1282 may be greater than the gap between the hooks of the latching projection 1182 (FIG. 7). Each of the pair of hooks of the latching projection 1282 may extend from the opposite ends of the flange 1283.

While the pair of hooks of the latching projection 1182 is configured to be inserted into a single receiving opening 1188 of the base 1120 (see FIGS. 7-9), each of the pair of hooks of the latching projection 1282 is typically configured to be inserted into discrete or separate receiving openings 1288a, 1288b. In some embodiments, the base 1220 includes two receiving openings 1288a, 1288b. By one approach, each of the two receiving openings 1288a, 1288b may be disposed on the recess forming surface of the base and each of the two receiving openings 1288a, 1288b may be in alignment with each of the pair of hooks of the latching projection 1282. The width of each of the two receiving openings 1288a, 1288b is narrower than the width of the flange 1283 of the extension tab 1285.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the flip-top lid 1222 is moved from the initial open position to the initial closed position, each hook of the latching projection 1282 is inserted into each of the receiving openings 1288a, 1288b and the flange 1283 of the extension tab 1285 is disposed above the two receiving openings 1288a, 1288b.

In use, when a user rotates or hinges the flip-top lid 1222 from the initial closed position (FIG. 11) towards the subsequent open position (FIG. 12), the breakable members 1225 may be broken instead of removing the extension tab 1285 from the base 1220. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 12A, after the subsequent opening, the extension tab 1285 and at least a portion of the broken breakable members 1225 may remain fixed to the base.

FIGS. 13-17 illustrate another embodiment of a closure cap 1318 in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1318 in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1318 in an initial closed configuration.

In some embodiments, the closure cap 1318 includes a base 1320, a flip top lid 1322 hingedly connected to the base 1320, an inset wall 1391, an extension tab 1385 extending from the inset wall 1391, and one or more breakable members 1325. The flip-top lid 1322 is movable between an open position (FIGS. 13 and 17) and a closed position (FIG. 14). The flip-top lid 1322 and the base 1320 together form a recess 1370 in an outer wall of the closure cap 1318 when the flip-top lid 1322 is in the closed position. The inset wall 1391 is disposed a distance from the outer wall of the closure cap 1318 and typically extends from the upper wall of the flip-top lid 1322. The extension tab 1385 may include a flange 1383 extending from the inset wall 1391 and a latching projection 1382 extending from the flange 1183. The breakable members 1325 are disposed between the inset wall 1391 and the flange 1383 and connect the inset wall 1391 and the flange 1383 when the flip-top lid 1322 is in the initial open position (FIG. 13) and the initial closed position (FIG. 14).

In some embodiments, the base 1320 may have an indented portion 1387 on the recess forming surface of the base 1320. The base 1320 may further have a receiving opening 1388 on the bottom surface of the indented portion 1387. The indented portion 1387 of the base 1320 may surround the receiving opening 1388 of the base 1320. In some embodiments, the indented portion 1387 may be disposed a distance from the mouth shaped opening of the recess 1370. In some embodiments, the width and the length of the indented portion 1387 are slightly greater than the width and length of the flange 1383 of the extension tab 1385. The width and/or the length of the receiving opening 1388 is smaller than the width and/or the length of the flange 1383.

In some embodiments, the inset wall 1391 may extend to contact or almost contact the lower surface 1374 of the recess 1370 when the flip-top lid 1322 is in the closed position. In other words, when the flip-top lid 1322 is in the closed position, the edge of the inset wall 1391 may contact the lower surface 1374 of the recess 1370 or there may be a slight gap between the edge of the inset wall 1391 and the lower surface 1374 of the recess 1370.

In some embodiments, the inset wall 1391 may not have a cutout portion on its lower edge and the lower edge of the inset wall 1391 may have a generally smooth curvature generally corresponding to the recess forming surface of the base. The flange 1383 of the extension tab 1385 may extend from the lower edge of the inset wall 1391 and may be generally parallel to the inset wall 1391 such that the flange 1383 may protrude from the lower edge of the inset wall 1391.

In some embodiments, the latching projection 1382 may extend in the same direction in which the flange 1383 extends from the inset wall 1391. In one approach, the latching projection 1382 may be an elongated projection having a generally arrow-shaped cross section. For example, the latching projection 1382 may have an elongated portion and a barb at one end of the elongated portion.

In some embodiments, a breakable member 1325 may be disposed between the inset wall 1391 and the flange 1383 of the extension tab 1385 before the initial opening of the flip-top lid 1322 (i.e., in the initial open configuration and in the initial closed configuration). The breakable member 1325 may be configured to break or separate into constituent pieces upon the flip-top lid 1322 moving from the initial closed position toward the open position.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are cross sectional views illustrating a manufacturing configuration and an initially closed configuration of the closure cap 1318. The method of manufacturing a closure cap 1318 may include forming a molded closure cap (such as that illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 15A) in a forming mold and then ejecting the closure cap from the forming mold in the initial open configuration. The ejected molded closure cap 1318 may be in the initial open configuration.

The manufacturing method may include moving the flip-top lid 1322 from the initial open position to the closed position after removing the closure cap 1318 from the forming mold. The flip-top lid 1322 may rotate about the hinge 1319 from the initial open position (FIG. 15A) to the closed position (FIG. 15B) to place the closure cap 1318 in the initial closed configuration. When the flip-top lid 1322 moves from the initial open position to the closed position, the inset wall 1391, the extension tab 1385 including the flange 1383 and the latching projection, and the breakable member 1325 move with the flip-top lid 1322. When the flip-top lid 1322 moves to the initial close position, the barb of the latching projection 1382 may snap into or under the recess forming surface of the base 1320 passing through the receiving opening 1388 and the flange 1383 of the extension tab 1385 may be disposed adjacent, in, or on the indented portion 1387.

FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view from the inside of the base 1320 illustrating the latching projection 1382 after the initial closing of the flip-top lid 1322 in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 16, the barb of the latching projection engages the receiving opening by latching onto and engaging the undersurface of the indented portion 1387 near the receiving opening 1388.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1318 in a subsequent open configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 17A is an enlarged view of a circled portion 17A of FIG. 17. In some embodiments, the flip-top lid 1322 may be moved from the closed position to the open position after the initial closing. In use, a force applied by a user, or some other object, to the flip-top lid 1322 may rotate or hinge the flip-top lid 1322 from the initial closed position (FIG. 14) towards the subsequent open position (FIG. 17). Because the extension tab 1385 is fixedly attached to the base 1320 via the engagement of the latching projection 1382 of the extension tab 1385 and the receiving opening 1388 of the base 1320, this movement may separate, sever, or otherwise damage or break the breakable members 1325 instead of removing the extension tab 1085 from the base 1320. As noted above, the piece(s) of the broken breakable members 1325 remain attached to at least the inset wall 1391 and/or the flange 1383 of the extension tab 1385.

Referring to FIG. 17A, even after the initial opening of the flip-top lid, the flange 1383 of the extension tab 1385 may be disposed in the indented portion 1387. In some embodiments, the width, length, and depth of the indented portion 1387 are greater than the width, length, and depth of the flange 1383 such that the entire flange 1383 may be disposed in the indented portion 1387. By disposing the entire flange 1383 in the indented portion 1387, the flange 1383 may be disposed below the adjacent recess forming surface (i.e., lower surface 1374 of recess 1370) such that the flange 1383 may not disturb a user to access and use the recess 1370 when the user opens the flip-top lid 1322. In some embodiments, at least a portion of or the entire breakable members 1325 may be disposed in the indented portion 1387.

FIGS. 18-20 illustrate another embodiment of a closure cap 1418 in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1418 in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1418 in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1418 in a subsequent open configuration.

Referring to FIG. 18, the closure cap 1418 includes a base 1420, a flip top lid 1422 hingedly connected to the base 1420, an inset wall 1491, an extension tab 1485 extending from the inset wall 1491, and one or more breakable members 1425. The flip-top lid 1422 is movable between an open position (FIGS. 18 and 20) and a closed position (FIG. 19). The flip-top lid 1422 and the base 1420 together form a recess 1470 in an outer wall of the closure cap 1418 when the flip-top lid 1422 is in the closed position. The inset wall 1491 is disposed a distance from the outer wall of the closure cap 1418 and extends from an upper wall of the flip-top lid 1422. The extension tab 1485 may include a flange 1483 extending from the inset wall 1491 and a latching projection 1482 extending from the flange 1483. The breakable members 1425 are disposed between the inset wall 1491 and the flange 1483 and connect the inset wall 1491 and the flange 1483 when the flip-top lid 1422 is in the initial open position (FIG. 18) and the initial closed position (FIG. 19).

In some embodiments, the base 1420 may include an indented portion 1487 configured to receive the flange 1483 of the extension tab 1485 and a receiving opening disposed on the bottom surface of the indented portion 1487.

In some embodiments, the base 1420 may include a central portion 1430 and a substantially planar portion 1462. The substantially planar portion 1462 and the recess forming surface of the base 1420 may extend around the central portion 1430. In some embodiments, the indented portion 1487 may be disposed on the recess forming surface of the base 1420 and be in contact with the sidewall of the central portion 1430.

In some embodiments, the sidewall of the central portion 1430 facing the recess 1470 may include a ledge 1436 near the top surface of the central portion 1430. In some embodiments, the ledge 1436 is discontinuous such that the sidewall of the central portion 1430 facing the recess 1470 further includes a central flat, open, or non-ledged portion 1437 near the top surface of the central portion 1430. In some embodiments, the flat portion 1437 may be disposed between two portions of the ledge 1436 separated by the flat portion 1437. When the flip-top lid 1422 moves from the open position to the closed position, the extension tab 1485 may be configured to pass through the flat portion 1437. The flat portion 1437 may prevent the extension tab 1485 and/or the breakable member 1425 from being damaged when the flip-top lid 1422 moves from the open position to the closed position. In some embodiments, the flat portion 1437 may be in alignment with the indented portion 1487 of the base 1420.

When the flip-top lid 1422 is moved to the closed position, the ridge 1496 of the inset wall 1491 is configured to snap into or under the ledge 1436 such that the ridge 1496 of the inset wall 1491 may engage the ledge 1436. The engagement between the ridge 1496 and the ledge 1436 may assist or facilitate the flip-top lid 1422 being retained in the closed position unless sufficient force is applied open the flip-top lid 1322 is applied. The engagement between the ridge 1496 and the ledge 1436 may also prevent inadvertent movement of the flip-top lid 1422, such as during shipping or stocking of the container on store shelves.

Similar to the previous embodiments, when the flip-top lid 1422 moves to the closed position from the initial open position, the latching projection 1482 is inserted into the base 1420 through the receiving opening. By this mechanism, the extension tab 1485 may be fixedly attached to the base 1420. After the initial closure of the flip-top lid 1422, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the flange 1483 of the extension tab 1485 is disposed in the indented portion 1487 of the base 1420.

As mentioned, the breakable members 1425 are severed or broken when the flip-top lid 1422 moves from the initial closed position (FIG. 19) toward the subsequent open position (FIG. 20). As shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 20A (the enlarged view of the circled portion in FIG. 20), even after the flip-top lid 1422 is moved from the initial close position to the subsequent open position (FIG. 20), the extension tab 1485 typically remains fixed to the base 1420. The broken breakable members 1425 may also remain fixed to the closure cap 1418 as shown in FIG. 20. The broken breakable member 1425 may indicate that the flip-top lid 1422 has been previously open.

In some embodiments, while the flange 1483 of the extension tab 1485 may be disposed in the indented portion 1487, to increase the visibility of the breakable members 1425 and facilitate the recognition of whether the breakable members 1425 are broken or not, at least a portion of the breakable members 1425 may be disposed above the indented portion 1487.

By incorporating flat or non-ledged portion 1437, the indented portion 1487 may be configured to contact the sidewall of the central portion 1430, such that the extension tab 1485 and the breakable members 1425 may be disposed near or at the innermost side of the recess 1470. Disposing the extension tab 1485 at the innermost side of the recess 1470 may be advantageous because it may minimize a user's interference with and increase their access to the recess 1470. In this manner, when a user tries to open the flip-top lid 1422 using the recess 1470, it may be more manually accessible. Further, this arrangement may reduce the possibility of a user being injured by the broken breakable members 1425, even when the breakable members 1425 are not easily accessible, such as when a significant portion of the breakable members 1425 is disposed above the indented portion 1487.

As mentioned, disposing both the extension tab 1485 functioning as a tamper evident indicator and the ridge 1496 to hold the flip-top lid 1422 in the closed position on the inset wall 1491 may reduce the space and the materials necessary to make the closure cap 1418. Further, disposing both the extension tab 1485 and the ridge 1496 on the inset wall 1491 may simplify the manufacturing process because both elements may be formed at or around the same time.

FIGS. 21-23 illustrate another embodiment of a closure cap 1518 in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1518 in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1518 in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1518 a subsequent open configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 23A is an enlarged view of a circled portion of FIG. 23.

The closure cap 1518 illustrated in FIGS. 21-23 may be a variant of the closure cap 1418 illustrated in FIGS. 18-20. In some embodiments, the extension tab 1585 may be disposed such that the closure cap 1518 is asymmetrical. Assuming that the center of the opening of the recess 1570 is the front center of the closure cap 1518, the extension tab 1525 and the indented portion 1587 may be disposed at one side of the closure cap 1518. The flat or non-ledge 1537 also may be disposed on one side of the closure cap 1518 in alignment with the indented portion 1587. For example, the indented portion 1587 may be disposed on one side of the recess 1570 and the extension tab 1585 extends from a corresponding position at one side of the edge of the inset wall 1591. As illustrated in FIGS. 21-23, the indented portion 1587 may be disposed at the left side of the recess 1570 when viewed from the opening of the recess, and the extension tab 1585 may extend from the corresponding left side of the inset wall 1591. In other approaches, the indented portion 1587, extension tab 1585, and the flat, open or non-ledged portion 1537 of the base may be disposed at the right side of the closure cap 1518.

FIGS. 24-26 illustrate another embodiment of a closure cap 1618 in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1618 in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1618 in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1618 in a subsequent open configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 26A is an enlarged view of a circled portion of FIG. 26.

The closure cap 1618 illustrated in FIGS. 24-26 may be another variant of the closure cap 1418 illustrated in FIGS. 18-20. In some embodiments, the closure cap 1618 includes a pair of extension tabs, such as, e.g., a first extension tab 1685a and a second extension tab 1685b. In addition, the closure cap 1618 also may include a corresponding pair of indented portions, such as, e.g., a first indented portion 1687a and a second indented portion 1687b. Similarly, the closure cap 1618 also may include a pair of flat or open portions such as, e.g., a first flat or open portion 1637a and a second flat or open portion 1637b.

In some embodiments, assuming that the center of the opening of the recess 1670 is a front center of the closure cap 1618, the first extension tab 1685a, the first indented portion 1687a, and the first flat or open portion 1637a are disposed on one side (e.g., a first side) of the closure cap 1618 and the second extension tab 1685b, the second indented portion 1687b, and second first flat or open portion 1637b are disposed on the other side (e.g., a second side) of the closure cap 1618. In this manner, the extension tabs 1685a, 1685b are disposed generally symmetrically about the closure cap 1618.

In some embodiments, each of the pair of extension tabs 1685a, 1685b, the pair of indented portions 1687a, 1687b, and the pair of flat or open portions 1637a, 1637b may be disposed symmetrically. For example, the first extension tab 1685a, the first indented portion 1687a, and the first flat or open portion 1637a are disposed on the left side of the closure cap and second extension tab 1685b, the second indented portion 1687b, and the second flat or open portion 1637b are disposed on the left side of the closure cap 1618 and left side and right side of the closure cap 1618 may be symmetrical.

FIG. 27 illustrates another embodiment of a closure cap 1718 in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1718 in a closed configuration before the initial opening.

Similar to the previous embodiments, the closure cap 1718 includes a base 1720, a flip top lid 1722 connected to the base 1720 via a hinged connection 1719. The flip-top lid 1722 is movable between an open position (FIG. 27) and a closed position (FIG. 28). The flip-top lid 1722 and the base 1720 together form a recess 1770 in an outer wall of the closure cap 1718 when the flip-top lid 1722 is in the closed position. The outer wall of the closure cap 1718 may include a sidewall 1797 of the base 1720 and a sidewall 1799 of the flip-top lid 1722.

Referring to FIGS. 27-28, the closure cap 1718 includes a first tab 1752 on the sidewall 1799 of the flip-top lid 1722 and a second tab 1753 on the sidewall 1797 of the base 1720. In some embodiments, the first tab 1752 and second tab 1753 are disposed on a first side of the recess 1770. The first tab 1752 and the second tab 1753 may be aligned with one another when the flip-top lid 1722 is in the closed position.

When the flip-top lid 1722 is in the initial closed position as illustrated in FIG. 28, a first welded connection 1754 may be disposed/formed between the first tab 1752 and the second tab 1753. The first welded connection 1754 may securely connect the first tab 1752 and the second tab 1753 such that the first welded connection 1754 may securely connect the flip-top lid 1722 and base 1720 before the opening after the initial closure.

The first welded connection 1754 may be configured to break upon the flip-top lid 1722 being moved from the initial closed position to the open position such that a secured connection between the first tab 1752 and the second tab 1753 may be broken.

The closure cap 1718 may further include a third tab 1752′ and a fourth tab 1753′ at a second side of the recess. The third tab 1752′ may be disposed on the sidewall 1799 of the flip-top lid 1722 and a fourth tab 1753′ may be disposed on the sidewall 1797 of the base 1720. The third tab 1752′ and the second tab 1753′ may be aligned with one another when the flip-top lid 1722 is in the closed position.

When the flip-top lid 1722 is in the initial closed position before the subsequence opening as illustrated in FIG. 28, a second welded connection 1754′ (shown in FIG. 29C) may be disposed between the third tab 1752′ and the fourth tab 1753′. The second welded connection 1754′ may securely connect the third tab 1752′ and the fourth tab 1753′ such that the second welded connection 1754′ may securely connect the flip-top lid 1722 and base 1720.

Similar to the first welded connection 1754, the second welded connection 1754′ may be configured to break upon the flip-top lid 1722 being moved from the initial closed position to the open position such that a secured connection between the third tab 1752′ and the fourth tab 1753′ may be broken.

When the closure cap 1718 includes the first welded connection 1754 and the second welded connection 1754′, both the first welded connection 1754 and the second welded connection 1754′ may securely connect the flip-top lid 1722 and the base 1720 when the flip-top lid 1722 is in the initial closed position before the subsequence opening, and both the first welded connection 1754 and the second welded connection 1754′ may be broken upon when the flip-top lid being moved from the initial closed position to the open position. In some embodiments, the first welded connection 1754 and/or the second welded connection 1754′ may be dot welded.

In some embodiments, the sidewall of the closure 1718 cap may further include a first indented portion 1755 where the first welded connection 1754 is disposed. The first indented portion 1755 may be located on the first side of the recess 1770 (e.g., at or adjacent to the one side end of the mouth shaped opening of the recess 1770). A first portion 1756 of the first indented portion 1755 may be disposed on the sidewall 1799 of the flip-top lid 1722 and a second portion 1757 of the first indented portion 1755 may be disposed on the sidewall 1797 of the base 1720. Each of the first portion 1756 and second portion 1757 of the first indented portion 1755 may form about half of the first indented portion 1755. The first tab 1752 may be disposed on the first portion 1756 of the first indented portion 1755 and the second tab 1753 may be disposed on the second portion 1757 of the first indented portion 1755.

In some embodiments, the sidewall of the closure cap 1718 may further include a second indented portion 1755′ to dispose the second welded connection 1754′. The second indented portion 1755′ may be disposed on the second side of the recess 1770 (e.g., at or adjacent to the other side end of the mouth shaped opening of the recess 1770). A first portion 1756′ of the second indented portion 1755′ may be disposed on the sidewall 1799 of the flip-top lid 1722 and a second portion 1757′ of the second indented portion 1755′ may be disposed on the sidewall 1797 of the base 1720. Each of the first portion 1756′ and second portion 1757′ of the second indented portion 1755′ may form about half of the second indented portion 1755′. The third tab 1752′ may be disposed on the first portion 1756′ of the second indented portion 1755′ and the fourth tab 1753′ may be disposed on the second portion 1757′ of the second indented portion 1755′.

In some embodiments, the first tab 1752 and the second tab 1753 may include a narrowed portion therebetween. The narrowed portions of the first tab 1752 and the second tab 1753 may form the first welded connection 1754. In some embodiments, the first welded connection 1754 may have a narrower width than the adjacent portion of the first tab 1752 and the second tab 1753 and/or the maximum width of the first tab 1752 and the second tab 1753. The narrower width of the first welded portion may reduce a force necessary to break the first welded connection 1754. Similarly, the third tab 1752′ and the fourth tab 1753′ may include a narrowed portion therebetween and the second welded connection 1754′ may have a narrower width than the adjacent portion of the third tab 1752′ and the fourth tab 1753′ and/or the maximum width of the third tab 1752′ and the fourth tab 1753′. In some configurations, the narrowed portion between the tabs also is the location where the connection fails or separates upon opening of the closure cap. Further, in some configurations, the frangible or failure area is configured to visually identify that the closure cap has been previous opening. In this manner, the breakable, separation, or failure area may result in an uneven, rough, or visually apparent line, surface, or area that may indicate to a user that the closure cap has been previously opened.

FIGS. 29A-29C are side views illustrating a manufacturing configuration, a closing configuration, and an initially closed configuration of the closure cap 1718 after forming the first and second welded connections 1754, 1754′. Although FIGS. 29A-29C only show the second side of the recess 1770, the third and fourth tabs 1752′, 1753′, the second welded connection 1754′, and the second indented portion 1755′, the first and second tabs 1752, 1753, the first welded connection 1754, and the first indented portion 1755 may be formed in the same manner.

Referring FIG. 29A, the method of manufacturing a closure cap 1718 may include forming a molded closure cap. The closure cap can be molded in and then ejected from a forming mold in the initial open configuration. The ejected molded closure cap 1718 may be in the initial open configuration as shown in FIG. 27 and FIG. 29A. The ejected molded closure cap 1718 may include both the first and second tabs 1752, 1753 and the third and fourth tabs 1752′, 1753′. The ejected molded closure cap 1718 may further include both the first and second indented portions 1755 and 1755′.

Referring to FIGS. 29A-29B, the method of manufacturing a closure cap 1718 may include moving the flip-top lid 1722 from the initial open position (FIG. 29A) to the closed position (FIG. 29B). In FIG. 29B, although the flip-top lid 1722 is moved to the closed position and the first and second tabs 1752, 1753 and the third and fourth tabs 1752′, 1753′ are in alignment with and in contact with one another respectively, the first and second welded connections 1754, 1754′ have not been formed.

FIG. 29C illustrates the closure cap 1718 in the initial closed confirmation after forming the first and second welded connections 1754, 1754′. To form the first and second welded connection 1754, 1754′, the first and second tabs 1752, 1753 and the third and fourth tabs 1752′, 1753′ may be welded. In some embodiments, the welding process may be conducted by applying heat to the boundary of the first and second tabs 1752, 1753 and the boundary of the third and fourth tabs 1752′, 1753′ such that the first and second tabs 1752, 1753 and the third and fourth tabs 1752′, 1753′ may be melted. The heating process may combine the first and second tabs 1752, 1753 by melting the boundary of the first and second tabs 1752, 1753 such that the first and second tabs 1752, 1753 may become a single piece. Similarly, the heating process may combine the third and fourth tabs 1752′, 1753′ by melting the boundary of the third and fourth tabs 1752′, 1753′ such that the third and fourth tabs 1752′, 1753′ may become a single piece. For example, a hot tool such as a hot stamp or heat stamp may be applied to the first and second tabs (or portions thereof). In one illustrative approach, the hot tool is applied to the boundary of the first and second tabs 1752, 1753 and/or the third and fourth tabs 1752′, 1753′ to form the first and second welded connections 1754, 1754′. After removing the applied heat, the melted and combined boundaries may be hardened and then form the first and second welded connections 1754, 1754′ which fixedly connect the flip-top lid 1722 and the base 1720.

In some embodiments, an ultrasonic welding process may be used to form the first and second welded connections 1754, 1754′. The ultrasonic welding process may apply ultrasonic waves to weld the first and second tabs 1752, 1753 and/or the third and fourth tabs 1752′, 1753′ to form the first and second welded connections 1754, 1754′. The ultrasonic welding process may occur/generate indirect heat to the targeted portion for welding by converting electrical signals to ultrasonic waves.

The first and second tabs 1752, 1753 and the third and fourth tabs 1752′, 1753′ including the first and second welded connections 1754, 1754′ may consist of any materials which may be melted at high temperatures and hardened at room and/or low temperatures (e.g., when removing the heat). In some embodiments, the first and second tabs 1752, 1753 and the third and fourth tabs 1752′, 1753′ including the first and second welded connections 1754, 1754′ may be made of the same material as the other elements/portions of the closure cap 1718.

As mentioned, the first and second welded connections 1754, 1754′ typically break as or when the flip-top lid 1722 is initially moved from the initial closed position (after welding thereof) toward the subsequent open position. Even after the flip-top lid 1722 is moved from the initial close position to the subsequent open position and the first and second welded connections 1754, 1754′ break, the first and second tabs 1752, 1753 and the third and fourth tabs 1752′, 1753′ may remain fixed to the closure cap 1718. The broken welded connections 1754, 1754′ may also remain fixed to the closure cap and the broken welded connections 1754, 1754′ may indicate that the flip-top lid 1722 has been previously open.

FIGS. 30-34 illustrate another embodiment of a closure cap 1818 in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1818 in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1818 in an initial closed configuration.

In some embodiments, the closure cap 1818 includes a base 1820, a flip top lid 1822 hingedly connected to the base 1820 one or more extension tabs 1885, 1885′, and one or more breakable members 1825, 1825′. The flip-top lid 1822 is movable between an open position (FIGS. 30 and 34) and a closed position (FIG. 31). The flip-top lid 1822 and the base 1820 together form a recess 1870 in an outer wall of the closure cap 1818 when the flip-top lid 1822 is in the closed position.

The extension tabs 1885, 1885′ may include a first extension tab 1885 and a second extension tab 1885′. The first extension tab 1885 may be disposed near a first side end of the mouth-shaped opening of the recess 1870 and the second extension tab 1885′ may be disposed near a second side end of the mouth-shaped opening of the recess 1870.

The first and second extension tabs 1885, 1885′ may be connected to the flip-top lid 1822 in the initial open configuration and the initial closed configuration via the breakable members 1825, 1825′. The first extension tab 1885 may be connected to the flip-top lid 1822 via a first breakable member 1825 and the second extension tab 1885′ may be connected to the flip-top lid 1822 via a second breakable member 1825′. The first and second extension tabs 1885, 1885′ may be connected to the flip-top lid 1822 at the end of the sidewall 1899 of the flip-top lid 1822.

In some embodiments, the first extension tab 1885 may comprise a first flange 1883 and a first latching projection 1882 extending from the first flange 1883. The first flange 1883 extends from the flip-top lid 1822 before the initial opening. Similarly, the second extension tab 1885′ may comprise a second flange 1883′ and a second latching projection 1882′ extending from the second flange 1883′. The second flange 1883′ extends from the flip-top lid 1882 before the initial opening.

In some embodiments, the side wall 1899 of the flip-top lid 1822 may have one or more cutout portions 1823, 1823′ at its end. For example, the flip-top lid 1822 may have a first cutout portion 1823 and a second cutout portion 1823′ configured to accommodate/place the first flange 1883 and the second flange 1883′ respectively (see FIG. 34).

In some embodiments, the sidewall 1899 of the flip-top lid 1822 may further have at the inner surface thereof a first and second reinforcing tabs 1895, 1895′ underneath the first and second cutout portions 1823, 1823′. In these embodiments, at least a portion of the first and second flanges 1883, 1883′ (e.g., the portions 1884, 1884′ of the first and second flanges 1883, 1883′ corresponding to the cutout portions 1823, 1823′) may have a width that is substantially the same as the total width of the sidewall 1899 including the first reinforcing tab 1895 or the second reinforcing tab 1895′. In some embodiments, the first and second latching projections 1882, 1882′ may respectively extend from the portions 1884, 1884′ of the first and second flanges 1883, 1883′ corresponding to the first and second reinforcing tabs 1895, 1895′ of the flip-top lid 1822 such that the first and second latching projections 1882, 1882′ may be slightly retracted from the sidewall 1899 of the flip-top lid 1822. In some embodiments, the height of the portions 1884, 1884′ of the first and second flanges 1883, 1883′ corresponding to the first and second reinforcing tabs 1895, 1895′ may be slightly greater than the height of the remaining portions 1881, 1881′ of the first and second flanges 1883, 1883′ as illustrated in FIG. 30. In some embodiments, the portions 1884, 1884′ of the first and second flanges 1883, 1883′ corresponding to the first and second reinforcing tabs 1895, 1895′ may protrude from the non-cutout end of the flip top lid 1822 and the remaining portions 1881, 1881′ of the first and second flange 1883, 1883′ may align with the non-cutout end of the side wall 1899 of the flip-top lid 1822.

In some embodiments, the first and second latching projections 1882, 1882′ may extend from each end of the first and second flanges 1883, 1883′ substantially parallel to the first and second flanges 1883, 1883′.

In some embodiments, the base 1820 may include a central portion 1830, through which an opening 1834 extends, and a substantially planar portion 1862. The substantially planar portion 1862 and the lower surface of the recess 1870 (i.e., the recess forming surface of the base 1820) may extend around the central portion 1830. Circumferential sides of the base 1820 include a circumferential ledge 1864 such that the base 1820 has an indented side surface that is indented from the side wall of the closure cap 1818. The indented side surface 1853 may extend around or adjacent the substantially planar portion 1862.

In some embodiments, the first and second flanges 1883, 1883′ of the first and second extension tabs 1885, 1885′ are disposed on or adjacent to the top surface of the circumferential ledge 1864 after the initial closing of the flip-top lid 1822. To receive the portions of the first and second flanges 1883, 1883′ corresponding to the reinforcing tabs 1895, 1895′ that are retracted from the sidewall 1899 of the flip-top lid 1822, the indented sidewall 1853 may have indented portions 1886, 1886′.

In some embodiments, to offset the greater height of the portions 1884, 1884′ of the first and second flanges 1883, 1883′ corresponding to the reinforcing tabs 1895, 1895′, the top surface of the circumferential ledge 1864 may also have indented portions 1887, 1887′ thereon.

The base 1820 may have a first receiving opening 1888 and a second receiving opening 1888′ on the top surface of the circumferential ledge 1864 or adjacent thereto. The first and second latching projections 1882, 1882′ are typically configured to engage with the base 1820 by being inserted through the first and second receiving openings 1888, 1888′, respectively. The first and second receiving openings 1888, 1888′ may be disposed on the indented portions 1887, 1887′ of the top surface of the circumferential ledge 1864.

By one illustrative approach, the latching projections 1882, 1882′ are configured to be easily pressed into the receiving openings 1888, 1888′ of the base 1820 but not backed out or removed therefrom. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 30, each of the first and second latching projections 1882, 1882′ may comprise an elongated portion and an arrowhead-shaped barb at the end of the elongated portion.

In some embodiments, the first breakable member 1825 may be disposed on or adjacent the edge of the first flange 1883 surrounded by the flip-top lid 1822 and/or the first reinforcing tab 1895. The second breakable member 1825′ may be disposed on or adjacent the edge of the second flange 1883′ surrounded by the flip-top lid 1822 and/or the second reinforcing tab 1895′. As mentioned, the first and second breakable members 1825, 1825′ may respectively connect the first and second extension tabs 1885, 1885′ to the flip-top lid 1822 when the flip-top lid 1822 is in the initial open position and the initial closed position. The first and second breakable members 1825, 1825′ may be configured to break upon the flip-top lid 1822 being moved from the initial closed position to the open position such that the first and second extension tabs 1885, 1885′ and the flip-top lid 1822 are disconnected upon the flip-top lid 1822 being moved from the initial closed position to the open position.

FIGS. 32A and 32B are side views illustrating a manufacturing configuration, a closing configuration from the initial open configuration, and an initially closed configuration of the closure cap 1818. The method of manufacturing the closure cap 1818 may include forming a molded closure cap and then ejected the formed closure cap from a forming mold in the initial open configuration. The ejected molded closure cap 1818 may be in the initial open configuration as shown in FIG. 31.

The manufacturing method may include moving the flip-top lid 1822 from the initial open position (FIG. 32A) to the closed position (FIG. 32B) after ejecting or pulling out the closure cap 1818 from the forming mold. The flip-top lid 1822 may rotate about the hinge 1819 from the initial open position (FIG. 32A) to the closed position (FIG. 32B) such that closure cap 1818 in the initial closed configuration may be formed. When the flip-top lid 1822 moves from the initial open position to the closed position, the first and second extension tabs 1885, 1885′ and the first and second breakable members 1825, 1825′ typically move along with the movement of the flip-top lid 1822. When the flip-top lid 1822 moves to the initial close position, the first and second latching projections 1882, 1882′ may snap into the position under a top surface of the circumferential ledge 1864, thereby passing through an entrance to the first and second receiving openings 1888, 1888′ such that the first and second extension tabs 1885, 1885′ are securely fixed to the base 1820. When the flip-top lid 1822 is in the closed position, the first and second flanges 1883, 1883′ are disposed on the top surface of the circumferential ledge 1864. In some embodiments, the first and second flanges 1883, 1883′ are disposed on the indented portions 1887, 1887′ on the top surface of the circumferential ledge 1864 and the indented portions 1886, 1886′ on the indented sidewall 1853 corresponding to the indented portions 1887, 1887′ of the circumferential ledge 1864.

FIG. 33 is a partial perspective view from under the top surface of the circumferential ledge 1864 illustrating the first latching projection 1882 after the initial closing of the flip-top lid 1822 in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 33, the barb of the latching projection 1882 engages the receiving opening 1888 by latching on the undersurface of the indented portion 1887 near the receiving opening 1888.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1818 in a subsequent open configuration in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the flip-top lid 1822 may be moved from the closed position to the open position after the initial closing. In use, a force applied by a user, or some other object, to the flip-top lid 1822 may rotate or hinge the flip-top lid 1822 from the initial closed position (FIG. 31) towards the subsequent open position (FIG. 34). Because the extension tabs 1885, 1885′ are fixedly attached to the base 1820 via the engagement of the latching projections 1882, 1882′ and the wall of the base 1820 near the receiving openings 1888, 1888′, this movement may break, separate, sever, or otherwise damage or break the breakable members 1825 instead of removing the extension tabs 1885, 1885′ from the base 1820. The piece(s) of the broken breakable members 1825, 1825′ remain attached to at least the flip-top lid 1822 and/or the extension tabs 1885, 1885′ and may indicate that the flip-top lid 1822 has been previously open.

In some embodiments, the position of the first and second extension tabs 1885, 1885′ are reversed between the flip-top lid 1822 and the base 1820, such that in the initial closed configuration, the first and second extension tabs 1885, 1885′ are extended from/connected to the base 1820 via the breakable members 1825, 1825′ and fixed to/engage with the flip-top lid using the latching projections 1882, 1882′. In these embodiments, the first and second extension tabs 1885, 1885′ are disconnected from the base 1820 upon the flip-top lid 1822 being moved from the initial closed position to the subsequent open position.

FIGS. 35-39 illustrate another embodiment of a closure cap 1918 in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1918 in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1918 in an initial closed configuration.

In some embodiments, the closure cap 1918 includes a base 1920, a flip top lid 1922 hingedly connected to the base 1920 one or more extension tabs 1985, 1985′, and one or more breakable members 1925, 1925′. The flip-top lid 1922 is movable between an open position (FIGS. 35 and 39) and a closed position (FIG. 36). The flip-top lid 1922 and the base 1920 together form a recess 1970 in an outer wall of the closure cap 1918 when the flip-top lid 1922 is in the closed position.

The extension tabs may include a first extension tab 1985 and a second extension tab 1985′. The first extension tab 1985 may be disposed near a first side end of the mouth-shaped opening of the recess 1970 and the second extension tab 1985′ may be disposed near a second side end of the mouth-shaped opening of the recess 1970.

The first and second extension tabs 1985, 1985′ may be connected to the flip-top lid 1922 in the initial open configuration and the initial closed configuration via the breakable members 1925, 1925′. The first extension tab 1985 may be connected to the flip-top lid 1922 via a first breakable member 1925 and the second extension tab 1985′ may be connected to the flip-top lid 1922 via a second breakable member 1925′. The first and second extension tabs 1985, 1985′ may be connected to the flip-top lid 1922 at the end of the sidewall 1999 of the flip-top lid 1922.

In some embodiments, the first extension tab 1985 may include a first flange 1983 extending from the flip-top lid 1922 before the initial opening and a first latching projection 1982 extending from the first flange 1983. Similarly, the second extension tab 1985′ may include a second flange 1983′ extending from the flip-top lid 1922 before the initial opening and a second latching projection 1982′ extending from the second flange 1983′.

In some embodiments, the first and second latching projections 1982, 1982′ may extend from inner surfaces of the first and second flanges 1983, 1983′ such that the first and second latching projections 1982, 1982′ are substantially perpendicular to the first and second flanges 1983, 1983′ as illustrated in FIG. 35.

In some embodiments, the first breakable member 1925 may be disposed on the edge/end of the first flange 1983 facing the flip-top lid 1922, and the second breakable member 1925′ may be disposed on the edge/end of the second flange 1983′ facing the flip-top lid 1922. As mentioned, the first and second breakable members 1925, 1925′ may respectively connect the first and second extension tabs 1985, 1985′ to the flip-top lid 1922 when the flip-lip lid 1922 is in the initial open position and the initial closed position. The first and second breakable members 1925, 1925′ may be configured to break upon the flip-top lid 1922 being moved from the initial closed position to the open position such that the first and second extension tabs 1985, 1985′ and the flip-top lid 1922 are disconnected upon the flip-top lid 1922 being moved from the initial closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, the extension tabs 1985, 1985′ may be hingedly connected to the flip-top lid 1922 (after initial molding formation and before the subsequent opening after initial closure of the flip-top lid 1922) when the extension tabs 1985, 1985′ are connected to the flip-top lid 1922 such that extension tabs 1985, 1985′ may rotate around the hinged connections. The hinged connections 1967, 1967′ may be formed various ways. For example, the hinged connections 1967, 1967′ by being formed by a flexible material which allows the extension tabs 1985, 1985′ to pivot about the hinged connections. The hinged connections 1967, 1967′ may be disposed on the breakable members 1925, 1925′ or slightly above the breakable members 1925, 1925′. In some embodiments, the breakable members 1925, 1925′ are hingedly connected to the lid before they are broken/severed.

Further, the base 1920 may have a first receiving opening 1988 and a second receiving opening 1988′ on its sidewall 1997 (e.g., a sidewall of a circumferential ledge 1964). The first and second latching projections 1982, 1982′ are configured to engage with the base 1920 by being inserted through the first and second receiving openings 1988, 1988′, respectively.

The sidewall 1997 of the base 1920 may have indented portions 1987, 1987′ disposed around the first and second receiving openings 1988, 1988 to dispose the flanges 1983, 1983′ of the extension tabs 1985, 1985. The one indented portion 1987 may be disposed near the first side end of the mouth-shaped opening of the recess 1970 and the other indented portion 1987′ may be disposed near the second side end of the mouth-shaped opening of the recess 1970. In some embodiments, the indented portions 1987, 1987′ may extend from the top surface of the circumferential ledge 1964.

By one illustrative approach, the latching projections 1982, 1982′ are configured to be easily or readily pressed into the receiving openings 1988, 1988′ of the base 1920 but not backed out or removed therefrom. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 35, each of the first and second latching projections 1982, 1982′ may comprise an elongated portion and a generally hemisphere-shaped barb at the end of the elongated portion.

FIGS. 37A-37C are side views illustrating a manufacturing configuration, a closing configuration, and an initially closed configuration of the closure cap 1918. The method of manufacturing the closure cap 1918 may include forming the closure cap in a mold and then ejecting the molded closure cap from the forming mold in the initial open configuration. The ejected molded closure cap 1918 may be in the initial open configuration as shown in FIG. 35. In the initial open configuration, the extension tabs may be rotated outwardly about the hinged connection relative to the sidewall 1999 of the flip-top lid 1922 as illustrated in FIGS. 35 and 37A.

The manufacturing method may include moving the flip-top lid 1922 from the initial open position to the closed position after pulling out the closure cap 1918 from the forming mold. The flip-top lid 1922 may rotate about the hinge 1919 from the initial open position (FIG. 37A) to the closed position (FIG. 37B). In some embodiments, when the flip-top lid 1922 has been moved to the closed position, the extension tabs may be in the initially molded position where the extension tabs are rotated outwardly relative to the side wall 1999 of the flip-top lid 1922 as shown in FIG. 37B.

The manufacturing method may further include inserting the latching projections 1982, 1982′ through the receiving openings 1988, 1988 on the sidewall 1997 of the base 1920 such that the flanges 1983, 1983′ are disposed on the intended portions 1987, 1987′ on the sidewall 1997 of the base 1920. The latching projections 1982, 1982′ may be inserted into the receiving openings 1988, 1988′ by rotating the extension tabs 1985, 1985′ from the initial molded position to a final position where the flanges 1983, 1983′ of the extension tabs 1985, 1985′ are substantially parallel to the sidewall 1999 of the closure cap 1918.

In some embodiments, an overcap mold or assembly cap 7 may be used in rotating the extension tabs 1985, 1985′ from the initial molded position to the final position. The assembly cap 7 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 37C) may have an inner side surface corresponding to the shape of the sidewall of the closure cap 1918 in the initial closed configuration. In some embodiments, the extension tabs 1985, 1985′ may be moved from the initial molded position to the final position by the closure cap 1918 with the assembly cap 7, such as by covering or pressing the assembly cap 7 into engagement with the closure cap. When the assembly cap 7 moves down and passes through the hinged connection 1967, 1967′ connecting extension tabs 1985, 1985′ and the flip-top lid 1922, the assembly cap 7 may rotate the extension tabs 1985, 1985′ from the initial molded position (FIG. 37B) to the final position (FIG. 37C). The closure cap 7 may move down until the latching projections 1982, 1982′ are inserted through the receiving openings 1988, 1988′ and the flanges 1983, 1983′ are disposed on the indented portions 1987, 1987′ of the base 1920 such that the extension tabs 1985, 1985′ are fixedly attached to the base 1920.

FIG. 38 is a partial perspective view from inside of the circumferential ledge 1964 (e.g., sidewall of the circumferential ledge 1964) illustrating the first latching projection 1982 after being fixed to the base 1920. As shown in FIG. 38, the barb of the latching projection 1982 engages the receiving opening 1988 by latching on the inner surface of the indented portion 1987 near the receiving opening 1988.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the closure cap 1918 in a subsequent open configuration in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the flip-top lid 1922 may be moved from the closed position to the open position after the initial closing. In use, the flip-top lid 1922 may rotate or hinge from the initial closed position (FIG. 36) towards the subsequent open position (FIG. 39). Because the extension tabs 1985, 1985′ are fixedly attached to the base 1920 via the engagement of the latching projections 1982, 1982′ and the receiving openings 1988, 1988′ of the base 1920, this movement may break, separate, sever, or otherwise damage or break the breakable members 1925, 1925′ instead of removing the extension tabs 1985, 1985′ from the base 1920. By some approaches, the piece(s) of the broken breakable members 1925, 1925′ remain attached to at least the flip-top lid 1922 and/or the extension tabs 1985, 1985′ and may indicate that the flip-top lid 1922 has been previously open.

FIGS. 40-44 illustrate another embodiment of a closure cap 2018 in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the closure cap 2018 in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the closure cap 2018 in an initial closed configuration. FIG. 42 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 40 and FIG. 42C is a cross sectional view of FIG. 41.

In some embodiments, the closure cap 2018 includes a base 2020, a flip top lid 2022 hingedly connected to the base 2020, a guide pole 2040 protruding from an upper surface of the base 2020, a movable ring 2024, and one or more breakable members 2025. The flip-top lid 2022 is movable between an open position (FIG. 40) and a closed position (FIG. 41). The flip-top lid 2022 and the base 2020 together form a recess 2070 in an outer wall of the closure cap 2018 when the flip-top lid 2022 is in the closed position.

The guide pole 2040 may protrude from an upper surface of the base 2020. For example, the guide pole 2040 may protrude from a substantially planar potion 2062 of the upper surface of the base 2020. In some embodiments, the guide pole 2040 may disposed near the hinged connection 2019 connecting the flip-top lid 2022 and the base 2020. As illustrated in FIG. 42A, the guide pole may comprise an expanded portion or a wide upper top 2041 which is slightly wider than a portion of the guide pole 2040 near the wide upper top 2041. For example, the guide pole 2040 may comprise a main column 2042 and an expanded upper portion or wide upper top 2041 disposed at the top end of the main column 2042 and the wide upper top 2041 may be slightly wider than the main column 2042.

In the initial open configuration, i.e., before the initial closing, the movable ring 2024 is disposed at a cutout 2024a (the cutout 2024a is shown in FIG. 44A as well) of the upper wall 2096 of the flip-top lid 2022. The movable ring 2024 may have a general circular, donut, or ring shape. In some embodiments, the movable ring 2024 may have a flattened ring shape having an outer surface with an outer diameter and an internal surface with an internal diameter. The cutout 2024a of the flip-top lid may have a corresponding shape of the movable ring 2024. In some embodiments, the cutout 2024a may be slightly greater than the movable ring 2024 such that there exists a slight gap between the movable ring 2024 and the cutout 2024a.

After the initial closing of the flip-top lid 2022, the movable ring 2024 is disposed round the guide pole 2040 (See FIGS. 41, 43, and 44). After the initial closing and before the subsequent opening of the flip-top lid 2022, the movable ring 2024 may be fixed at a first position where the movable ring is located near or at an upper end of the guide pole 2040 (e.g., in alignment with an upper surface of the flip-top lid) and may not move because the movable ring 2024 is still attached to the flip-top lid 2022 via the breakable members 2025. After the subsequent opening of the flip-top lid 2022 (e.g., after breaking the breakable members 2025), the movable ring 2024 may be movable from the first position to a second position that is lower than the first position. In some embodiments, when the movable ring 2024 is in the second position, the movable ring 2024 may be located under the wide upper top 2041. For example, the movable ring 2024 may be in the first position when the flip-top lid 2022 is in the initial closed position, and the movable ring 2024 may be in the second position after the flip-top lid 2022 moves from the initial closed position forward open position. After the subsequent opening of the flip-top lid 2022, the movable ring 2024 may be movable between the first position and the second position.

In the initial open configuration, the movable ring 2024 may be connected to the flip-top lid 2022 via one or more breakable members 2025 disposed on the gap between the movable ring 2024 and the cutout 2024a. The breakable members 2025 are configured to break upon the flip-top lid 2022 being moved from an initial closed position (FIG. 41) toward the subsequent open position (See FIG. 43). In some embodiments, the closure cap 2018 includes a plurality of breakable members that form spokes connecting the movable ring 2024 to the flip-top lid 2022 prior to the initial opening of the flip-top lid 2022. For example, in the initial open configuration (FIG. 40) and in the initial closed configuration (FIG. 41), the plurality of breakable members 2025 connects the movable ring 2024 to the flip-top lid 2022 forming spokes around the movable ring 2024 (See FIG. 41A).

FIGS. 42 and 42C are cross sectional views illustrating a manufacturing configuration and an initially closed configuration of the closure cap 2018 in accordance with some embodiments.

The method of manufacturing a closure cap 2018 may include forming a molded closure cap in a mold and then ejecting the closure cap from the forming mold in the initial open configuration, as shown in FIGS. 40 and 42.

As shown in a detailed view of FIG. 42A, as mentioned, the guide pole 2040 may include the main column 2042 and the expanded portion or wide upper top 2041 disposed at the end of the main column. By one approach, the expanded portion or wide upper top 2041 may be slightly wider than the main column 2042. In some embodiments, the side surface of the expanded portion or wide upper top 2041 is sloped such that the top surface of the wide upper top 2041 may be smaller than the bottom surface of the wide upper top 2041.

In some embodiments, as shown in a detailed view of FIG. 42B, the movable ring 2024 includes a ledge 2023 along an internal side 2014 of the movable ring 2024. In some configurations, the ledge 2023 is disposed near the inner surface of the upper wall of the flip-top lid 2022. Referring to FIGS. 42C and 42D, the ledge 2023 may be formed at the lower portion of the movable ring 2024 (e.g., extend from the lower surface of the movable ring 2024 corresponding to the inner surface of the upper wall 2096 of the flip-top lid 2022 before the initial opening). For example, the bottom surface of the ledge 2023 may be continued from the bottom surface of the remaining portion of the movable ring 2024. In some embodiments, the side surface of the ledge 2023 is sloped such that the bottom of the ledge 2023 protrudes less than the top of the ledge 2023.

The manufacturing method may include moving the flip-top lid 2022 from the initial open position to the closed position after pulling out the closure cap 2018 from the forming mold. The flip-top lid 2022 may rotate about the hinge 2019 from the initial open position (FIG. 42) to the closed position (FIG. 42C) such that closure cap 2018 in the initial closed configuration may be formed. When the flip-top lid 2022 moves from the initial open position to the closed position, the movable ring 2024 and the breakable members 2025 move along with the movement of the flip-top lid 2022. When the flip-top lid 2022 moves to the initial close position, the extended portion or wide upper top 2041 may snap into the central hole of the movable ring 2024 by passing through the ledge 2023 of the movable ring 2024 such that the wide upper top 2041 engages the ledge 2023 of the movable ring 2024. In other words, when the flip-top lid 2022 moves to the initial close position, the ledge 2023 passes through the wide upper top 2041. When the flip-top lid 2022 is in the initial closed position, the ledge 2023 of the movable ring 2024 engages the wide upper top 2041 of the guide pole 2040 such that the movable ring 2024 may engage with the guide pole 2040.

In some embodiments, the ledge 2023 of the movable ring 2024 and the extended portion or wide upper top 2041 of the guide pole 2040 are configured to be easily passing through each other when the flip-top lid 2022 is moved from the initial open position to the closed position but not passing through each other in a reverse direction. For example, as shown in the detailed view of FIG. 42D, a maximum internal diameter formed by the most protruding edge of the ledge 2023 may be slightly smaller than a diameter of the widest portion (e.g., the bottom) of the wide upper top 2041 of the guide pole 2040. Further, the side surface of the ledge 2023 and a side surface of the wide upper top 2041 are sloped in the same direction. The structure of the movable ring 2024 and the guide pole 2040 may allow the movable ring to remain disposed around the guide pole after the initial closing.

As mentioned, the movable ring 2024 is configured to be movable from the first position where the movable ring 2024 is located near or at an upper end of the guide pole 2040 to the second position which is lower than the first position. When the flip-top lid 2022 is in the initial closed position, the movable ring 2024 may be disposed and fixed at the first position. When the movable ring 2024 is in the first position, the movable ring 2024 is located at the substantially same plane of an upper wall 2096 of the flip-top lid 2022 such that an upper surface of the flip-top lid 2022, a top surface of the guide pole 2040, and an upper surface of the movable ring 2024 are substantially flat.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the closure cap 2018 in a subsequent open configuration in accordance with some embodiments. In use, the flip-top lid 2022 may rotate or hinge from the initial closed position (FIG. 41) towards the subsequent open position (FIG. 43) after the initial closing. The engagement between the ledge 2023 and the extended portion or wide upper top 2041 prevents the movable ring 2024 from being detached from the guide pole 2040. Thus, the movement of the flip-top lid 2022 from the initial closed position toward the open position may break, separate, sever, or otherwise damage or break the breakable members 2025 instead of separating the movable ring 2024 from the guide pole 2040. The piece(s) of the broken breakable members 2025 remain attached to at least the movable ring 2024 and/or the cutout surface of the flip-top lid 2022 and may indicate that the flip-top lid 2022 has been previously open.

When breakable members 2025 break, the movable ring 2024 may be detached from the flip-top lid 2022 such that the movable ring 2024 may move from the first position to the second position as shown in FIG. 43A. In some configurations, the further movement of the movable ring 2024 after breaking the breakable member may occur due to the forces of gravity acting on the movable ring 2040 after the breakable members 2025 have been severed. Therefore, the unfixed, moving movable ring 2024 may also indicate previous opening of the flip-top lid 2022.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the closure cap 2018 in a subsequent closed configuration after the initial opening in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 44, after the initial opening, the movable ring 2024 may be in the second position even when the flip-top lid 2022 moves back to the closed position. The movable ring 2024 in the second position may also indicate that the flip-top lid 2022 has been previously open.

FIGS. 45A and 45B are top views of additional variations 2018a, 2018b of the closure cap of 2018 in accordance with some embodiments. By some approaches, the closure cap 2018a, 2018b may include a first and second movable rings 2024, 2024′ and a first and second guide poles 2040, 2040′ corresponding to the first and second movable rings 2024, 2024′ respectively. In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 45A, the first and second movable rings 2024, 2024′ and the first and second guide poles 2040, 2040′ may be disposed near the front of the closure cap, e.g., near the recess. In some other embodiments, referring to FIG. 45B, the first and second movable rings 2024, 2024′ and the first and second guide poles 2040, 2040′ may be disposed near the rear of the closure cap, e.g., near the hinge 2019.

FIGS. 46-49 illustrate another embodiment of a closure cap 2118 in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the closure cap 2118 in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the closure cap 2118 in an initial closed configuration.

In some embodiments, the closure cap 2118 includes a base 2120 and a lid 2122. The lid 2122 comprises a flip member 2123 hingedly connected to the base 2120 and a pair of side panels 2124. The pair of side panels 2124 includes a first side panel and a second side panel. The first side panel is disposed on a first side of the flip member 2123 and the second side panel is disposed on a second side of the flip member 2123. The flip member 2123 is movable between an open position (see FIGS. 46 and 49) and a closed position (FIG. 47). The side panels 2124 are fastened to the base 2120 upon the initial closing of the closure cap 2118. The lid 2122 and the base 2120 together form a recess 2170 in the outer wall of the closure cap 2118 when the lid 2122 including the flip member 2123 and the first and second side panels 2124 are in the closed position.

In some embodiments, the closure cap 2118 includes a plurality of frangible or breakable members 2125. The flip member 2123 is connected to the first and second side panels 2124 via the plurality of breakable members 2125 when the flip member 2123 is in the initial open position (FIG. 46) and in the initial closed position (FIG. 47). The flip member 2123 is configured to be separated from the side panels 2124 upon the flip member 2123 being moved from the initial closed position (FIG. 47) to a subsequent open position (FIG. 49). For example, the flip member 2123 is separated from the side panels 2124 when the frangible or breakable members 2125 are severed.

In some embodiments, the breakable members 2125 are formed of bridges of material on the top surface of the lid. The breakable members 2125 may be disposed on the top surface of the lid. The bridges of material 2125 connect the flip member 2123 to the side panels 2124 before an initial opening of the flip member 2123, i.e., in the initial open configuration and in the initial closed configuration. The bridges of material 2125 are configured to break upon the flip member 2123 is moved from the initial closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, the base 2120 includes a central portion 2130 and a substantially planar portion 2162. The substantially planar portion 2162 and the recess forming surface of the base 2120 may extend around the central portion 2130. The base 2120 may include a plurality of receiving openings 2188. The plurality of receiving openings may be disposed on the top surface of the substantially planar portion 2162.

In some embodiments, the closure cap 2118 includes a plurality of engaging members 2140 extending from the lid 2122. The plurality of engaging members 2140 may extend from an inner surface of the upper wall of the side panels 2124. For example, at least one engaging member extends from each of the pair of side panels 2124. The engaging members 2140 may be disposed at the positions corresponding to the receiving openings 2188 of the base 2120. The number of the plurality of engaging members 2140 may be the same as the number of the plurality of the receiving openings 2188. In some embodiments, each of the engaging members 2140 comprises a post 2142 extending from the lid 2122 and a barb 2141 disposed at the end of the post 2142.

FIGS. 48 and 48B are cross sectional views illustrating a manufacturing configuration and an initially closed configuration of the closure cap 2118. FIG. 48A is a partial detailed view of portion 48A of FIG. 48 and FIG. 48C is a partial detailed view of portion 48C of FIG. 48B.

The method of manufacturing a closure cap 2118 may include forming a molded closure cap in a mold and then ejecting the molded closure cap from the forming mold in the initial open configuration. The ejected molded closure cap 2118 may be in the initial open configuration as shown in FIG. 46. In the molding process, the pair of side panels 2124 are integrally molded with the lid 2122. For example, the pair of side panels 2124 may be integrally molded with the flip member 2123.

By one approach, the breakable members/bridges of material 2125 may be formed when the lid 2122 is molded. By another approach, the breakable members/bridges of material 2125 may be formed through the post-molding process. For example, the breakable members/bridges of material 2125 may be formed by scoring or cutting the boundary between the flip member 2123 and side panels 2124 but not cutting the portion corresponding to the breakable members/bridges of material 2125 by application of an implement or tool, such as, for example, a die, laser, or knife. In the initial open configuration, the flip member 2123 and side panels 2124 are connected by a plurality of breakable members 2125 formed of bridges of material of the top surface of the lid. In some embodiments, the boundary of the flip member 2123 is formed to indicate a logo of a company.

The manufacturing method may include moving the lid 2122 from the initial open position to the closed position after pulling out the closure cap 2118 from the forming mold. The lid 2122 may rotate about the hinge 2119 from the initial open position (FIG. 48) to the closed position (FIG. 48B) such that closure cap 2118 in the initial closed configuration may be formed. When the lid 2122 moves from the initial open position to the closed position, the engaging members 2140 extending from the side panels 2124 move along with the movement of the lid 2122. When the lid 2122 moves to the initial close position, the barbs 2141 of the engaging members 2140 may snap into the base 2120 through the insertion of the engaging members 2140 into the corresponding receiving openings 2188 in an upper wall 2161 of the base 2120 such that inserted portions (e.g., barbs 2141) of the engaging members 2140 are disposed under the upper wall 2161 of the base 2120. Through this insertion of the engaging members 2140 into the corresponding receiving openings 2188 of the base 2120, the side panels 2124 may be fastened to the base 2120 upon initial closure. After the initial closure, the barbs 2141 may be disposed under the upper wall 2161 of the base 2120 near the corresponding receiving openings 2188. In some embodiments, the barbs 2141 may have a shelf or other structure that inhibits the barbs 2141 from being pulled out from the base 2120 after the initial closure. In some embodiments, the maximum width of the barb 2141 is slightly wider than the width of the narrowest portion 2186 of the corresponding receiving opening 2188 to inhibit barbs 2141 from being pulled out from the base 2120 after the initial closure.

In some embodiments, the barb 2141 has angled surfaces that facilitate passing the barb 2141 through the corresponding receiving opening 2188. Further, in some embodiments, the barb 2141 has a leading end that is narrower than or equal to the width of the broadest portion 2189 of the corresponding receiving opening 2188 to facilitate passing the barb 2141 through the corresponding receiving opening 2188.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the closure cap 2118 in a subsequent open configuration in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, in use, a force applied by a user, or some other object, to the flip member 2123 may rotate or hinge the flip member 2123 from the initial closed position (FIG. 47) towards the subsequent open position (FIG. 49). Because the side panels 2124 are fixedly attached or fastened to the base 2120 via the engagement of the engaging members 2140 extending from the side panels 2124 and the receiving opening 2188 of the base 2120, this movement of the flip member 2023 may separate, sever, or otherwise damage or break the breakable members 2125 instead of detaching the side panels 2124 from the base 2120 by removing or pulling out the engaging members 2140 from the base 2120. Further, by breaking or separating the breakable members 2125 as described herein, a score, line of weakness, or a cut is merely extended through portions of the closure cap that are otherwise secured to the remainder thereof. Accordingly, there are no broken pieces that become separated from a remainder of the flip member 2123 or the side panels 2124. Nonetheless, the broken breakable members may indicate that the lid 2122, i.e., flip member 2123, has been previously open.

FIGS. 50-57 illustrate other embodiments of closure caps 2218, 2318, 2418, 2518 in accordance with some embodiments. FIGS. 50-57 mainly illustrate variations of breakable members. Closure caps have ribbing with and without ribbing or other textured outer surfaces may be contemplated. For example, FIGS. 50, 52, 54, and 56 have a plurality of ridges/ribs that permit a user to manually grasp the closure cap to manipulate it In FIGS. 51, 53, 55, 57A, and 57B, ribbing is not indicated but ribbing may be added as illustrated in FIGS. 50, 52, 54, and 56.

The structure and features of the breakable members illustrated hereto also may be incorporated into other embodiments of the closure caps described in the present disclosure.

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure cap 2218 in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 51 is a perspective view of the closure cap 2218 in a partially open configuration after initial closure.

The closure cap 2218 may include a plurality of breakable members. For example, the closure cap 2218 may include a first breakable member 2225a, a second breakable member 2225b, and a third breakable member 2225c. As shown in FIG. 50, when the closure cap 2218 is in the initial closed configuration, the breakable members 2225a, 2225b, 2225c may connect one element (e.g., an inset wall 2291) to the other element (e.g., an extension tab 2285).

In some embodiments, at least one of the breakable members may not be in alignment with the others. For example, the second breakable member 2225b may be offset from the first and third breakable members 2225a, 2225c, such that the second breakable member 2225b is located above the first and third breakable members 2225a, 2225c.

The breakable members 2225a, 2225b, 2225c are configured to break upon the flip-top lid 2222 moving from the initial closed position toward the open position. As shown in FIG. 51, broken the breakable members remain attached to at least one of the elements the breakable members 2225a, 2225b, 2225c connecting to each other before the breaking.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure cap 2318 in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the closure cap 2318 in a partially open configuration after initial closure.

The closure cap 2318 may include a plurality of breakable members. For example, the closure cap 2318 may include a first breakable member 2325a, a second breakable member 2325b, and a third breakable member 2325c. As shown in FIG. 52, in some embodiments, the closure cap 2318 may further include a pair of interfering flanges 2326a, 2326b between the breakable members 2325a, 2325b, 2325c, i.e., between the first and second breakable members 2325a, 2325b and between the second and third breakable members 2325b, 2325c.

The breakable members 2325a, 2325b, 2325c are configured to break upon the flip-top lid 2322 moving from the initial closed position toward the open position. As shown in FIGS. 53, broken the breakable members 2325a, 2325b, 2325c remain attached to at least one of the elements the breakable members connecting to each other before the breaking.

The interfering flanges 2326a, 2326b may be configured to interfere with the movement of the flip-top lid 2322. In some embodiments, the interfering flanges 2326a, 2326b may be deformed when the flip-top lid moves between the closed position and the open position (e,g,, when the flip-top lid 2322 is opened from the initial closed configuration).

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure cap 2418 in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the closure cap 2418 in a partially open configuration after initial closure.

The closure cap 2418 may include a first breakable member 2325a, a second breakable member 2425b, and a third breakable member 2425c. As shown in FIG. 55, each of the first, second, and third breakable members 2425a, 2425b, 2425c may be elongated. In some embodiments, the second breakable member 2425b disposed between the first and third breakable members 2425a, 2425c may be elongated more than the first and third breakable members 2425a, 2425c.

The breakable members 2425a, 2425b, 2425c are configured to break upon the flip-top lid 2422 moving from the initial closed position toward the open position. Before the breakable members 2425a, 2425b, 2425c finally break, the breakable members 2425a, 2425b, 2425c may be deformed by force applied thereto. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 55, the deformation of the second breakable member 2425b may be greater than the deformation of the first and second breakable members 2425a, 2425c.

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure cap 2518 in an initial closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 57A is a perspective view of the closure cap 2518 in a partially open configuration after initial closure in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 57B is a perspective view of the closure cap 2518 in a subsequent closed configuration after initial opening in accordance with some embodiments.

The closure cap 2518 may include one or more breakable members 2525a, 2525b, 2525c. As shown in FIG. 56, when the closure cap 2518 is in the initial closed configuration, the breakable members 2525a, 2525b, 2525c connect one element (e.g., an extension tab 2585) to the other element (e.g., an inset wall 2591). In some embodiments, when the extension tab 2585 connects to the inset wall 2591 via the breakable members 2525a, 2525b, 2525c, the extension tab is apart from the surface below the extension tab. In other words, before the breakable members break, there is a gap between the extension tab and the surface (e.g., surface of the base 2520) under the extension tab 2585.

When the breakable members 2525a, 2525b, 2525c break upon flip-top lid 2522 moving from the initial closed position toward the open position, the extension tab 2585 may be dropped down until the extension tab 2585 contact the surface thereunder (see FIG. 57A). The extension tab 2585 may be disposed at the dropped down position even after the flip-top lid 2522 is closed again (FIG. 57B) and in the subsequent closed configuration such that a user may observe the gap between the broken parts of the breakable members 2525a, 2525b, 2525c, which may indicate that the flip-top lid 2522 has been previously open. Further, this gap may provide improved visibility of tamper evident indicators.

FIG. 58 illustrates various stages of the breakable member including, e.g., the step of fixing an extension tab in a lower position and of separating or breaking the breakable member such that a broken portion of the extension tab is disposed in a lower position after separation from the breakable member. The process proceeds according to the steps indicated with arrows in FIG. 58. As shown in the first drawing of FIG. 58, in an initial closed configuration, an extension tab 2685 is connected to the inset wall 2691 via the breakable member 2625. A barb 2689 of the extension tab 2685 is inserted into the receiving opening 2687 and engages with arms 2621, 2622 of the receiving opening 2687. The breakable member 2625 breaks when the inset wall 2691 is pulled up because the engagement between the barb 2689 and the arms 2621, 2622 prevents the extension tab 2685 from moving with the inset wall 2691 as shown in the second and third drawings of FIG. 58. For example, the inset wall 2691 may be pulled up when a user opens the flip-top lid. After that, as shown in the fourth drawing of FIG. 58, the extension tab 2685 may be pressed down to pass through the lower arms 2623, 2624 such that the entire extension tab may be disposed under the receiving opening 2687.

FIGS. 59A-59C are cross sectional views of other embodiments of latching projections 2785a, 2785b, 2785c in accordance with some embodiments. In one approach, the latching projection 2785a may have a general anchor shape as shown in FIG. 59A. In another approach, the latching projection 2785b may include two elongated portions and a barb disposed at or on each of the elongated portions as shown in FIG. 59B. By some approaches, the barb may have a protrusion at only one side and the edge of the protrusion is extended outwardly. Referring to FIG. 59C, in another approach, the latching projection 2785c may include an elongated portion having a generally oval shape having a cutout or opening therein (e.g., in the middle of the oval shaped elongated portion). The cutout may have an oval shape corresponding to the shape of the elongated portion. The latching projection 2785c may include protrusions on each side of the elongated portion and the protrusion may function as a barb.

FIGS. 60-61 illustrate another embodiment of a closure cap 2818 in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the closure cap 2818 in an initial open configuration in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 61 is a partial perspective view of the closure cap 2818 from inside of a base in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 60A is a partial detailed view of portion 60A of FIG. 60. FIG. 61A is a partial detailed view of portion 61A of FIG. 61.

In some embodiments, the closure cap 2818 includes a base 2820 and a flip-top lid 2822. The flip-top lid 2822 may have an inset wall 2891 and an extension tab 2885 extending from the inset wall. The extension tab 2885 includes a cutout 2886, for example, at the middle of it. The base 2820 has a receiving opening 2888 to receive the extension tab 2885. The base 2820 also has a latching flange 2889 extending from the side surface of the receiving opening 2888.

As illustrated in FIGS. 61 and 61A, the latching flange 2889 extends from the side surface (e.g., the front side surface) of the receiving opening 2888 toward the inside of the base 2820 (i.e., under the receiving opening 2888). For example, the latching flange 2889 may extend toward the inside of the base 2820 diagonally.

FIG. 62 is a broken or partial perspective view illustrating a mechanism of engagement between the extension tab 2885 and the latching flange 2889 of the base 2820 in accordance with some embodiments. When the flip-top lid 2822 moves from the initial open position to the closed position, the inset wall 2891 and the extension tab 2885 may move along with the movement of the flip-top lid 2822. As shown in FIG. 62, when the extension tab 2885 moves down according to the movement of the flip-top lid (a portion of the inset wall 2891 is shown in FIG. 62 but the entire flip-top lid is not shown in FIG. 62 for illustration purposes), the latching flange 2889 may engage the extension tab 2885 by snapping into the cutout 2886 of the extension tab 2885.

FIGS. 63A-63D illustrate a variation of closure cap 2818 of FIG. 62. FIGS. 63A-63D are broken or partial perspective views illustrating a mechanism of engagement between the extension tab 2885 and the latching flange 2889 in a first position and further illustrating a mechanism of fixing the extension tab 2885 in a second position.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 63A-63D, the extension tab 2885 includes a first cutout 2886a and a second cutout 2886b. The second cutout 2886b may be disposed between the first cutout 2886a and the breakable member 2825. When the flip-top lid 2822 moves from the initial open position to the initial closed position, the inset wall 2891 and the extension tab 2885 may move along with the movement of the flip-top lid 2822. (A portion of the inset wall 2891 is shown in FIGS. 63A-63D but the entire flip-top lid is not shown in FIGS. 63A-63D for illustration purposes.) As illustrated in FIGS. 63A and 63B, when the extension tab 2885 moves down according to the movement of the flip-top lid and the inset wall 2891 (e.g., when the flip-top lid 2822 moves from the initial open position to the initial closed position), the latching flange 2889 may engage the extension tab 2885 by snapping into the first cutout 2886a of the extension tab 2885. Referring to FIG. 63C, when the flip-top lid moves towards the open position from the initial closed position such that the inset wall 2891 moves upwardly, the breakable member 2825 between the inset wall 2891 and the extension tab 2885 may be broken such that the extension tab 2885 becomes separate from the inset wall 2891. As illustrated in FIG. 63C, when the breakable member 2825 breaks, the extension tab 2885 is in the first position where the latching flange 2889 engages the first cutout 2886a of the extension tab 2885. In some embodiments, a portion of the extension tab 2885 protrudes from the recess forming surface of the base 2820 when the extension tab 2885 is in the first position, and the protruding portion of the extension tab 2885 may cause inconvenience to a user when the user accesses the recess to open the flip-top lid. According to this embodiment, the extension tab 2885 may be additionally pressed down after the initial opening of the flip-top lid such that the extension tab 2885 may be located at the second position (as shown in FIG. 63D) where the flange 2889 engages the second cutoff 2886b of the extension tab 2885. The extension tab 2885 is disposed in a lower position when the extension tab 2885 is in the second position than the extension tab 2885 is in the first position such that the extension tab 2885 in the second position is less interruptive or intrusive than the extension tab 2885 in the first position when the user accesses the recess. In some embodiments, when the extension tab 2885 is in the second position, the entire extension tab 2885 may be disposed under the recess forming surface to minimize the interference to access the recess.

As illustrated in FIG. 63D, after moving the extension tab to the second position, even if the flip-top lid 2822 moves back to the closed position, the gap between the inset wall and the extension tab typically remains, which may provide improved visibility of tamper evident structure indicating the flip-top lid 2822 has been previously opened.

As trash or waste, specifically plastic, is a growing problem, and small pieces of material are typically not suited for recycling, it is advantageous to minimize or completely eliminate small pieces that might become detached or otherwise separated from the packaging. The small portions or bits of plastic may be particularly concerning as they may find their way into waterways, food systems, and other sensitive environments. Thus, it may be beneficial if small bits, pieces, or portions of material, specifically plastic, are not removed, detached, or separated from larger pieces of plastic, which are generally easier to recycle. As illustrated herein, according to the present disclosure, the small pieces of the closure cap that are necessary to make a tamper evident structure such as extension tab(s), breakable member(s), and movable ring(s) described above may remain attached to at least a portion of the closure cap in use even after the opening of the closure cap.

In some embodiments, a closure cap includes a base, a flip-top lid hingedly connected to the base, the flip-top lid being movable between an open position and a closed position, the flip-top lid and the base together forming a recess in an outer wall of the closure cap when the flip-top lid is in the closed position, the recess allowing a user to apply a force to move the flip-top lid from the closed position to the open position. The closure cap may include a guide pole protruding from an upper surface of the base. In some configurations, the closure cap may include a movable ring disposed round the guide pole after an initial closing of the flip-top lid. In some embodiments, the movable ring is movable from a first position where the movable ring is located near or at an upper end of the guide pole to a second position lower than the first position. The closure cap may further include and a breakable member configured to break upon the flip-top lid being moved from an initial closed position toward the open position.

In some embodiments, a method of opening a closure cap includes providing a closure cap, the closure cap comprising a base, a flip-top lid hingedly connected to the base, the flip-top lid and the base together forming a recess in an outer wall of the closure cap, and a guide pole protruding from an upper surface of the base, a movable ring disposed round the guide pole, and a breakable member configured to break upon the flip-top lid being moved from an initial closed position toward the open position. The method opening may further includes applying a force to a portion of the flip-top lid at the recess to move the flip-top lid about the hinged connection to the base from a closed position to an open position. In some configurations, the movable ring moves from a first position where the movable ring is located near or at an upper end of the guide pole to a second position lower than the first position upon the flip-top lid moving from the closed position toward the open position.

In some embodiments, a dispensing bottle includes a container body with a thixotropic fluid therein, the container body having a neck with threads thereon, and a closure cap coupled to the container body. The closure cap may include a base, a flip-top lid hingedly connected to the base, the flip-top lid being movable between an open position and a closed position, the flip-top lid and the base together forming a recess in an outer wall of the closure cap when the flip-top lid is in the closed position, the recess allowing a user to apply a force to move the flip-top lid from the closed position to the open position, a guide pole protruding from an upper surface of the base, a movable ring disposed round the guide pole after an initial closing of the flip-top lid, the movable ring being movable from a first position where the movable ring is located near or at an upper end of the guide pole to a second position lower than the first position, and a breakable member configured to break upon the flip-top lid being moved from an initial closed position toward the open position.

In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a filled dispensing bottle includes molding a receptacle having neck threads thereon, and filling the receptacle with a thixotropic fluid, providing a closure cap. In some embodiments, the closure cap may include a base, a flip-top lid hingedly connected to the base, the flip-top lid being movable between an open position and a closed position, the flip-top lid and the base together forming a recess in an outer wall of the closure cap when the flip-top lid is in the closed position, the recess allowing a user to apply a force to move the flip-top lid from the closed position to the open position, a guide pole protruding from an upper surface of the base, a movable ring disposed round the guide pole after an initial closing of the flip-top lid, the movable ring being movable from a first position where the movable ring is located near or at an upper end of the guide pole to a second position lower than the first position, and a breakable member configured to break upon the flip-top lid being moved from an initial closed position toward the open position. The method of manufacturing may further include closing the filled receptacle with the closure cap.

In some embodiments, a closure cap includes a base, a lid comprising a flip member hingedly connected to the base. In some embodiments, the lid includes a pair of side panels that are integrally molded with the lid and subsequently fastened to the base upon initial closure, one of the side panels disposed on a first side of the flip member and another of the side panels disposed on a second side of the flip member, the flip member being movable between an open position and a closed position. In some configurations, the lid and the base together form a recess in an outer wall of the closure cap when the flip member is in the closed position, the recess forming a grasping area providing user to apply a force to move the flip member from the closed position to the open position. The closure cap may further include a plurality of breakable members formed of bridges of material on a top surface of the lid, wherein the bridges of material connect the flip member with the side panels and are configured to break upon the flip member is moved from the closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, a method of opening a closure cap includes providing a closure cap, the closure cap comprising a base, and a lid comprising a flip member hingedly connected to the base, the lid including a pair of side panels that are integrally molded with the lid and subsequently fastened to the base upon initial closure, one of the side panels disposed on a first side of the flip member and another of the side panels disposed on a second side of the flip member, and a plurality of breakable members formed of bridges of material on a top surface of the lid, the bridges of material connecting the flip member with the side panels, and applying a force to a portion of the flip member to move the flip member about the hinged connection to the base from a closed position to an open position. The bridges of material may break upon the flip member being moved from the closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, a dispensing bottle includes a container body with a thixotropic fluid therein, the container body having a neck with threads thereon, and a closure cap coupled to the container body. In some embodiments, the closure cap may include a base, a lid including a flip member hingedly connected to the base, the lid including a pair of side panels that are integrally molded with the lid and subsequently fastened to the base upon initial closure, one of the side panels disposed on a first side of the flip member and another of the side panels disposed on a second side of the flip member, the flip member being movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the lid and the base together form a recess in an outer wall of the closure cap when the flip member is in the closed position, the recess forming a grasping area providing user to apply a force to move the flip member from the closed position to the open position, and a plurality of breakable members formed of bridges of material on a top surface of the lid, wherein the bridges of material connect the flip member with the side panels and are configured to break upon the flip member is moved from the closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a filled dispensing bottle includes molding a receptacle having neck threads thereon, filling the receptacle with a thixotropic fluid, providing a closure cap. In some embodiments, the closure cap comprising a base, a lid comprising a flip member hingedly connected to the base, the lid including a pair of side panels that are integrally molded with the lid and subsequently fastened to the base upon initial closure, one of the side panels disposed on a first side of the flip member and another of the side panels disposed on a second side of the flip member, the flip member being movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the lid and the base together form a recess in an outer wall of the closure cap when the flip member is in the closed position, the recess forming a grasping area providing user to apply a force to move the flip member from the closed position to the open position, and a plurality of breakable members formed of bridges of material on a top surface of the lid, wherein the bridges of material connect the flip member with the side panels and are configured to break upon the flip member is moved from the closed position to the open position. The method of manufacturing may further include closing the filled receptacle with the closure cap.

In some embodiments, a closure cap includes a base, a flip-top lid hingedly connected to the base, the flip-top lid being movable between an open position and a closed position, the flip-top lid and the base together forming a recess in an outer wall of the closure cap when the flip-top lid is in the closed position, the recess providing a grasping area configured such that a user applies a force to move the flip-top lid from the closed position to the open position, and an inset wall inset disposed a distance from the outer wall of the closure cap and extending from an upper wall of the flip-top lid prior to initial closure. In some configurations, the inset wall disposed substantially vertically in the recess after the initial closure. The closure cap may further include an extension tab extending from the inset wall of the flip-top lid prior to an initial opening of the flip-top lid. In some embodiments, the extension tab has one or more breakable members configured to break upon the flip-top lid being moved from the closed position to the open position. In some approaches, the extension tab and the inset wall are configured to be disconnected from one another upon the flip-top lid being moved from an initial closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, a method of opening a closure cap includes providing a closure cap, the closure cap including a base, a flip-top lid hingedly connected to the base, the flip-top lid and the base together forming a recess in an outer wall of the closure cap and applying a force to a portion of the flip-top lid via the recess to move the flip-top lid about the hinged connection to the base from a closed position to an open position. The closure cap may further include an inset wall inset disposed a distance from the outer wall of the closure cap and extending from an upper wall of the flip-top lid, the inset wall disposed substantially vertically in the recess after the initial closure, an extension tab extending from the inset wall of the flip-top lid, and one or more breakable members connecting the extension tab to the inset wall. In some embodiments, the breakable members break upon the flip-top lid moving from the closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, a dispensing bottle includes a container body with a thixotropic fluid therein, the container body having a neck with threads thereon, and a closure cap coupled to the container body. In some embodiments, the closure cap includes a base, a flip-top lid hingedly connected to the base, the flip-top lid being movable between an open position and a closed position, the flip-top lid and the base together forming a recess in an outer wall of the closure cap when the flip-top lid is in the closed position, the recess providing a grasping area configured such that a user applies a force to move the flip-top lid from the closed position to the open position, an inset wall inset disposed a distance from the outer wall of the closure cap and extending from an upper wall of the flip-top lid prior to initial closure, the inset wall disposed substantially vertically in the recess after the initial closure, an extension tab extending from the inset wall of the flip-top lid prior to an initial opening of the flip-top lid, and the extension tab having one or more breakable members configured to break upon the flip-top lid being moved from the closed position to the open position, wherein the extension tab and the inset wall are configured to be disconnected from one another upon the flip-top lid being moved from an initial closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a filled dispensing bottle includes molding a receptacle having neck threads thereon, filling the receptacle with a thixotropic fluid, providing a closure cap, and closing the filled receptacle with the closure cap. In some embodiments, the closure cap including a base, a flip-top lid hingedly connected to the base, the flip-top lid being movable between an open position and a closed position, the flip-top lid and the base together forming a recess in an outer wall of the closure cap when the flip-top lid is in the closed position, the recess providing a grasping area configured such that a user applies a force to move the flip-top lid from the closed position to the open position, an inset wall inset disposed a distance from the outer wall of the closure cap and extending from an upper wall of the flip-top lid prior to initial closure, the inset wall disposed substantially vertically in the recess after the initial closure, an extension tab extending from the inset wall of the flip-top lid prior to an initial opening of the flip-top lid, and the extension tab having one or more breakable members configured to break upon the flip-top lid being moved from the closed position to the open position. In some approaches, the extension tab and the inset wall are configured to be disconnected from one another upon the flip-top lid being moved from an initial closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, a closure cap includes a base, a flip-top lid hingedly connected to the base, the flip-top lid being movable between an open position and a closed position, the flip-top lid and the base together forming a recess in an outer wall of the closure cap when the flip-top lid is in the closed position, the recess forming a grasping area permitting a user to apply a force to move the flip-top lid from the closed position to the open position, a first tab on the flip-top lid and a second tab on the base, and a first welded connection between the first and second tabs. In some configurations, the first and second tabs are aligned with one another when the flip-top lid is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the first and second tabs are disposed on a first side of the recess, the first welded connection securely connecting the flip-top lid and the base in an initial closed position and configured to break upon the flip-top lid being moved from the initial closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, a method of opening a closure cap includes providing a closure cap, the closure cap comprising a base, a flip-top lid hingedly connected to the base, the flip-top lid and the base together forming a recess in an outer wall of the closure cap, a first tab on the flip-top lid and a second tab on the base, wherein the first and second tabs are aligned with one another and disposed on a first side of the recess, and a first welded connection between the first and second tabs, the first welded connection securely connecting the flip-top lid and the base, and applying a force to a portion of the flip-top lid via the recess to move the flip-top lid about the hinged connection to the base from a closed position to an open position. In some embodiment, the first welded connection breaks upon the flip-top lid being moved from the closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, a dispensing bottle includes a container body with a thixotropic fluid therein, the container body having a neck with threads thereon, and a closure cap coupled to the container body. In some embodiments, the closure cap includes a base, a flip-top lid hingedly connected to the base, the flip-top lid being movable between an open position and a closed position, the flip-top lid and the base together forming a recess in an outer wall of the closure cap when the flip-top lid is in the closed position, the recess forming a grasping area permitting a user to apply a force to move the flip-top lid from the closed position to the open position, a first tab on the flip-top lid and a second tab on the base, and a first welded connection between the first and second tabs. In some configurations, the first and second tabs are aligned with one another when the flip-top lid is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the first and second tabs are disposed on a first side of the recess, the first welded connection securely connecting the flip-top lid and the base in an initial closed position and configured to break upon the flip-top lid being moved from the initial closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a filled dispensing bottle includes molding a receptacle having neck threads thereon, filling the receptacle with a thixotropic fluid, and providing a closure cap. In some embodiments, the closure cap includes a base a flip-top lid hingedly connected to the base, the flip-top lid being movable between an open position and a closed position, the flip-top lid and the base together forming a recess in an outer wall of the closure cap when the flip-top lid is in the closed position, the recess forming a grasping area permitting a user to apply a force to move the flip-top lid from the closed position to the open position, a first tab on the flip-top lid and a second tab on the base, wherein the first and second tabs are aligned with one another when the flip-top lid is in the closed position, and a first welded connection between the first and second tabs. The method of manufacturing further includes closing the filled receptacle with the closure cap. In some embodiments, the first and second tabs are disposed on a first side of the recess, the first welded connection securely connecting the flip-top lid and the base in an initial closed position and configured to break upon the flip-top lid being moved from the initial closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, a closure cap includes a base, a flip-top lid hingedly connected to the base, the flip-top lid being movable between an open position and a closed position, the flip-top lid and the base together forming a recess in an outer wall of the closure cap when the flip-top lid is in the closed position, the recess forming a grasping area permitting a user to apply a force to move the flip-top lid from the closed position to the open position, a first extension tab, near a first side of the recess, fixed to the base, and a first breakable member connecting the first extension tab to the flip-top lid, wherein the first breakable member is configured to break upon the flip-top lid being moved from the closed position to the open position. In some approaches, the first extension tab is connected to the flip-top lid in an initial closed position via the first breakable member and the first extension tab and the flip-top lid are disconnected upon the flip-top lid being moved from the initial closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, a closure cap includes a base, a flip-top lid hingedly connected to the base, the flip-top lid being movable between an open position and a closed position, the flip-top lid and the base together forming a recess in an outer wall of the closure cap when the flip-top lid is in the closed position, the recess forming a grasping area permitting a user to apply a force to move the flip-top lid from the closed position to the open position, a first extension tab, near a first side of the recess, fixed to the flip-top lid, and a first breakable member connecting the first extension tab to the base. In some embodiments, the first breakable member is configured to break upon the flip-top lid being moved from the closed position to the open position. In some approaches, the first extension tab is connected to the base in an initial closed position via the first breakable member and wherein the first extension tab and the base are disconnected upon the flip-top lid being moved from the initial closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, a method of opening a closure cap includes providing a closure cap, the closure cap comprising a base, a flip-top lid hingedly connected to the base, the flip-top lid and the base together forming a recess in an outer wall of the closure cap, a first extension tab, near a first side of the recess, fixed to the base, and a first breakable member connecting the first extension tab to the flip-top lid, applying a force to a portion of the flip-top lid via the recess to move the flip-top lid about the hinged connection to the base from a closed position to an open position. In some embodiments, the first breakable member breaks and the first extension tab and the flip-top lid are disconnected upon the flip-top lid moving from the initial closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, a dispensing bottle includes a container body with a thixotropic fluid therein, the container body having a neck with threads thereon, and a closure cap coupled to the container body. In some approaches, the closure cap includes a base, a flip-top lid hingedly connected to the base, the flip-top lid being movable between an open position and a closed position, the flip-top lid and the base together forming a recess in an outer wall of the closure cap when the flip-top lid is in the closed position, the recess forming a grasping area permitting a user to apply a force to move the flip-top lid from the closed position to the open position, a first extension tab, near a first side of the recess, fixed to the base, and a first breakable member connecting the first extension tab to the flip-top lid. In some embodiments, the first breakable member is configured to break upon the flip-top lid being moved from the closed position to the open position. In some approaches, the first extension tab is connected to the flip-top lid in an initial closed position via the first breakable member and wherein the first extension tab and the flip-top lid are disconnected upon the flip-top lid being moved from the initial closed position to the open position.

In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a filled dispensing bottle includes molding a receptacle having neck threads thereon, filling the receptacle with a thixotropic fluid, providing a closure cap, and closing the filled receptacle with the closure cap. In some embodiments, the closure cap includes a base, a flip-top lid hingedly connected to the base, the flip-top lid being movable between an open position and a closed position, the flip-top lid and the base together forming a recess in an outer wall of the closure cap when the flip-top lid is in the closed position, the recess forming a grasping area permitting a user to apply a force to move the flip-top lid from the closed position to the open position, a first extension tab, near a first side of the recess, fixed to the base, and a first breakable member connecting the first extension tab to the flip-top lid, wherein the first breakable member is configured to break upon the flip-top lid being moved from the closed position to the open position, wherein the first extension tab is connected to the flip-top lid in an initial closed position via the first breakable member and wherein the first extension tab and the flip-top lid are disconnected upon the flip-top lid being moved from the initial closed position to the open position.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of other modifications, alterations, and combinations can also be made with respect to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept.

Claims

1. A closure cap comprising:

a base;

a flip-top lid hingedly connected to the base, the flip-top lid being movable between an open position and a closed position, the flip-top lid and the base together forming a recess in an outer wall of the closure cap when the flip-top lid is in the closed position, the recess allowing a user to apply a force to move the flip-top lid from the closed position to the open position;

a guide pole protruding from an upper surface of the base;

a movable ring disposed round the guide pole after an initial closing of the flip-top lid, the movable ring being movable from a first position where the movable ring is located near or at an upper end of the guide pole to a second position lower than the first position; and

a breakable member configured to break upon the flip-top lid being moved from an initial closed position toward the open position.

2. The closure cap of claim 1 comprising a plurality of breakable members that forms spokes connecting the movable ring to the flip-top lid prior to initial opening of the flip-top lid.

3. The closure cap of claim 1 wherein the guide pole comprises a wide upper top which is slightly wider than a portion of the guide pole near the wide upper top.

4. The closure cap of claim 3, wherein the movable ring is located under the wide upper top in the second position.

5. The closure cap of claim 4 wherein the movable ring includes a ledge along an internal side of the movable ring, the ledge engaging with the wide upper top when the flip-top lid is in the initial closed position.

6. The closure cap of claim 5 wherein a maximum internal diameter formed by a most protruding edge of the ledge is slightly smaller than a diameter of a widest portion the wide upper top.

7. The closure cap of claim 5 wherein a side surface of the ledge and a side surface of the wide upper top are sloped in a same direction.

8. The closure cap of claim 1, wherein the movable ring is located at a substantially same plane of an upper wall of the flip-top lid in the first position.

9. The closure cap of claim 1 wherein, an upper surface of the flip-top lid, a top surface of the guide pole, and an upper surface of the movable ring are substantially flat when the movable ring is in the first position.

10. (canceled)

11. A dispensing bottle comprising:

a container body with a thixotropic fluid therein, the container body having a neck with threads thereon; and

a closure cap coupled to the container body, the closure cap comprising: a base; a flip-top lid hingedly connected to the base, the flip-top lid being movable between an open position and a closed position, the flip-top lid and the base together forming a recess in an outer wall of the closure cap when the flip-top lid is in the closed position, the recess allowing a user to apply a force to move the flip-top lid from the closed position to the open position; a guide pole protruding from an upper surface of the base; a movable ring disposed round the guide pole after an initial closing of the flip-top lid, the movable ring being movable from a first position where the movable ring is located near or at an upper end of the guide pole to a second position lower than the first position; and a breakable member configured to break upon the flip-top lid being moved from an initial closed position toward the open position.

12. (canceled)

13. A closure cap comprising:

a base;

a lid comprising a flip member hingedly connected to the base, the lid including a pair of side panels that are integrally molded with the lid and subsequently fastened to the base upon initial closure, one of the side panels disposed on a first side of the flip member and another of the side panels disposed on a second side of the flip member, the flip member being movable between an open position and a closed position,

wherein the lid and the base together form a recess in an outer wall of the closure cap when the flip member is in the closed position, the recess forming a grasping area providing user to apply a force to move the flip member from the closed position to the open position; and

a plurality of breakable members formed of bridges of material on a top surface of the lid, wherein the bridges of material connect the flip member with the side panels and are configured to break upon the flip member is moved from the closed position to the open position.

14. The closure cap of claim 13, wherein the flip member is connected to the side panels in an initial closed position via the plurality of breakable members and wherein the flip member is separated from the side panels upon the flip member being moved from the initial closed position to the open position.

15. The closure cap of claim 13, wherein the side panels are fastened to the base upon the initial closure with a plurality of engaging members that extend from a surface of the lid and engage corresponding receiving openings in the base.

16. The closure cap of claim 15 wherein the engaging members are inserted into the base through insertion of the engaging members into the corresponding receiving openings in an upper wall of the base such that inserted portions of the engaging members are disposed under the upper wall of the base.

17. The closure cap of claim 16 wherein the engaging members comprising a post and a barb that is, after the initial closure, disposed under the upper wall of the base near the corresponding receiving opening and a shelf structure of the barb inhibits the barb from being pulled out from the base after the initial closure.

18. The closure cap of claim 17 wherein a maximum width of the barb is slightly wider than a width of the corresponding receiving opening and the barb has angled surfaces that facilitate passing the barb through the corresponding receiving opening.

19. The closure cap of claim 18 wherein a leading end of the barb is narrower than or equal to the width of the corresponding receiving opening.

20. The closure cap of claim 13, wherein a boundary of the flip member indicates a logo of a company.

21. (canceled)

22. (canceled)

23. (canceled)