Container fitment

Abstract

A fitment is disclosed intended in particular for a foodstuff container of the type having a mouth sealed by means of a foil adhered to the upper rim of the container. The fitment includes an annular portion for engaging the upper rim of the container so as to retain the fitment on the container and a utensil molded integrally with the annular portion to project outwards from the annular portion. The utensil is connect4ed to the annular portion by means of a hinge so as to permit the utensil to be pivoted into a position in which it lies against one side of the container.

1 - 9 . (canceled)  
   
   
       10 . A fitment for a foodstuff container having a mouth surrounded by a rim, the fitment including an annular portion for engaging the rim surrounding the mouth of the container so as to retain the fitment on the container and a utensil moulded integrally with the annular portion to project outwards from the annular portion, wherein the utensil is connected to the annular portion by means of a hinge so as to permit the utensil to be pivoted to lie against one side of the container, and the hinge includes a toggle mechanism such that the utensil is biased away from an over-centre position.  
   
   
       11 . A fitment as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the toggle mechanism comprises an L-shaped resilient member that is hinged to the annular portion and to the utensil at points of attachment that are spaced from the hinge between the utensil and the annular portion.  
   
   
       12 . A fitment as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the annular portion forms part of a cover that overlies the entire mouth of the container.  
   
   
       13 . A fitment as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the annular portion is constituted by a ring that fits only over the rim of the container.  
   
   
       14 . A fitment as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the annular portion is formed with a lip that engages under the rim of the container in such a manner that the annular portion cannot be removed from the container while the lip remains intact.  
   
   
       15 . A fitment a claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the annular portion is formed with a handle.  
   
   
       16 . A fitment as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein a weakened region is provided in the annular portion surrounding the hinge that connects the utensil to the annular portion.  
   
   
       17 . A fitment as claimed in  claim 16 , in which the weakened region is shaped to permit part of the lip to be broken away while the remainder of the annular portion remains circumferentially continuous.