Resealable closure for open end of container

Details Resealable closure for open end of container Resealable closure for open end of container

1997-10-20

2001-04-24

Cronin, Stephen K. (Department: 3727)

Receptacles

Closures

Secondary closure within parameter of primary closure

C220S821000, C220S824000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06220470

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a closure member for an open end of a container, and more particularly to a closure member with a main body segment and a flap segment pivotally mounted to the main body segment for closing a discharge port of the main body segment.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The prior art includes a large number of containers for accommodating various types of goods, including beverages and other liquids. Such containers typically include a cylinder with an integrally formed bottom and an open top. They also include a closure that normally closes the open top and defines a sealed port through which one may discharge the contents of the container after breaking the seal. Some of the closures include resealable discharge ports that allow a user to repeatedly open and close the port.
A resealable closure should have a rugged, simple and inexpensive construction that allows repeated closing and opening while maintaining a tight seal even when the container holds pressurized fluid. It should allow easy opening; and it should simulate the local shape and lip feel of a drinking glass. A releasable closure should also keep the area that the lips contact clean by shielding it from environmental dirt or dust. It should further minimize slosh and facilitate pouring.
The prior art resealable containers of the general type described above fail to meet these criteria because of various inherent design characteristics. However, the closure member of the present invention does meet these criteria. It provides a simple and reliable construction that effectively closes a wide mouth enclosure or other similar container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a closure member for closing an open end of a container includes a main body segment secured to edge portions of the container adjacent the open end and a flap segment pivotally mounted to the main body segment. The main body segment defines a discharge port through which fluid discharges from the container while the flap segment is moveable between a first position in which it covers the discharge port and extends over an edge portion of the container and a second position away from the port.
In one embodiment, the flap segment flips over as it moves between these two positions. In this embodiment, the flap segment includes a sleeve portion that extends into the discharge port and engages the main body segment portions adjacent the port to form a fluid-tight seal. In another embodiment, the flap segment slides over the main body segment as it moves from the first to the second position. In this embodiment, the flap segment lies rotatably mounted to the main body portion, and a sealing segment lies between the main body segment and the flap segment to assure a fluid-tight seal between these two segments.


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