Hinged overcap for rectangular containers

Abstract

An overcap for a generally rectangular container comprises a generally rectangular top panel, and a skirt joined to and depending from the outer periphery of the top panel for engaging an outwardly projecting rim of a container to removably affix the overcap on the container. The overcap comprises a fixed portion and a movable portion. The movable portion is connected to the fixed portion along a hinge such that the movable portion can be lifted upward, pivoting about the hinge, while the fixed portion remains affixed on the container. The fixed portion of the overcap is structured and arranged for engaging three of the four corners of the container, the hinge extending generally diagonally across the top panel, and the movable portion being structured and arranged to engage and disengage the fourth corner of the container.

1 . A plastic overcap for a generally rectangular container having an open top end defining four corners, comprising: 
 a generally rectangular top panel having an outer periphery, an upper surface, and a lower surface;    a skirt joined to and depending from the outer periphery of the top panel, the skirt defining radially outer and inner surfaces, the inner surface of the skirt being adapted for engaging an outwardly projecting rim of a container to removably affix the overcap on the container;    the overcap comprising a fixed portion and a movable portion, the fixed portion comprising a first portion of the top panel and that portion of the skirt joined to said first portion, the movable portion comprising the remainder of the top panel and that portion of the skirt joined to said remainder, the movable portion being connected to the fixed portion along a hinge such that the movable portion can be lifted upward, pivoting about the hinge, while the fixed portion remains affixed on the container;    the fixed portion of the overcap being structured and arranged for engaging three of the four corners of the container, the hinge extending generally diagonally across the top panel, and the movable portion being structured and arranged to engage and disengage the fourth corner of the container.    
   
   
       2 . The overcap of  claim 1 , further comprising a scraper integrally formed on the lower surface of the first portion of the top panel for leveling a scoop.  
   
   
       3 . The overcap of  claim 2 , wherein the scraper is located adjacent to and parallel with the hinge.  
   
   
       4 . The overcap of  claim 1 , wherein the lower surface of the top panel immediately adjacent the inner surface of the skirt is free of any downward projections that would interfere with sealing of a membrane across the open top end of the container to which the overcap is adapted to be affixed.  
   
   
       5 . The overcap of  claim 1 , wherein the movable portion and the fixed portion comprise parts of a one-piece integrally molded structure, the hinge connecting the movable portion to the fixed portion comprising a living hinge.  
   
   
       6 . The overcap of  claim 5 , wherein the living hinge is formed by a reduced-thickness region of the top panel extending in a line diagonally across the top panel.  
   
   
       7 . The overcap of  claim 6 , wherein the reduced-thickness region is formed by a groove in at least one of the upper surface and lower surface of the top panel.  
   
   
       8 . The overcap of  claim 1 , wherein the inner surface of the skirt defines a channel for receiving the rim of the container.  
   
   
       9 . A container and closure therefor, comprising: 
 a container body having a wall defining a top edge encircling an opening of the container, the container body at the top edge defining a generally rectangular cross-section having four corners, the wall defining an outwardly projecting rim extending from the top edge;    a flexible membrane lid affixed atop the top edge of the container body wall to seal closed the opening of the container; and    an overcap removably attached to the container body for re-closing the container after removal of the membrane lid, the overcap comprising: 
 a generally rectangular top panel having an outer periphery, an upper surface, and a lower surface;  
 a skirt joined to and depending from the outer periphery of the top panel, the skirt defining radially outer and inner surfaces, the inner surface of the skirt being configured to engage the rim of the container body to removably affix the overcap on the container, wherein the lower surface of the top panel immediately adjacent the inner surface of the skirt is free of any downward projections that would interfere with the membrane lid;  
 the overcap comprising a fixed portion and a movable portion, the fixed portion comprising a first portion of the top panel and that portion of the skirt joined to said first portion, the movable portion comprising the remainder of the top panel and that portion of the skirt joined to said remainder, the movable portion being connected to the fixed portion along a hinge such that the movable portion can be lifted upward, pivoting about the hinge, while the fixed portion remains affixed on the container;  
 the fixed portion of the overcap engaging three of the four corners of the container, the hinge extending generally diagonally across the top panel, and the movable portion being structured and arranged to engage and disengage the fourth corner of the container.  
   
   
   
       10 . The container and closure of  claim 9 , wherein the overcap further comprises a scraper integrally formed on the lower surface of the first portion of the top panel for leveling a scoop.  
   
   
       11 . The container and closure of  claim 10 , wherein the scraper is located adjacent to and parallel with the hinge.  
   
   
       12 . The container and closure of  claim 10 , wherein a lower edge of the scraper lies substantially at or above the level of the membrane.  
   
   
       13 . The container and closure of  claim 9 , wherein the movable portion and the fixed portion of the overcap comprise parts of a one-piece integrally molded structure, the hinge connecting the movable portion to the fixed portion comprising a living hinge.  
   
   
       14 . The container and closure of  claim 13 , wherein the living hinge is formed by a reduced-thickness region of the top panel extending in a line diagonally across the top panel.  
   
   
       15 . The container and closure of  claim 14 , wherein the reduced-thickness region is formed by a groove in at least one of the upper surface and lower surface of the top panel.