Flip top closure for container

Abstract

A closure is provided having a closure body dimensionally formed for closing an opening within a container. A closing flap is pivotally positioned on the closure body and is moveable between an opened position, wherein the flap is pivoted upward, and a closed position, wherein the flap is pivoted to overlap a recess in a top surface of the body. A frangible area is provided in the recess. A flexible dome is formed on the closing flap. A contact member projects from the flap, opposite the dome. The contact member is positioned adjacent the frangible area when the closing flap is in the closed position. A downward actuation force to the dome causes a flexing of the dome toward the frangible area and at least a partial tearing of the frangible area.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A closure for a container comprising:
 a closure body dimensionally formed for closing an opening within a container, the closure body having a top surface, the top surface having a recess formed therein;   a closing flap, the closing flap pivotally positioned on the top surface, the pivoting of the flap having an opened position, wherein the flap is pivoted upward from the top surface, and a closed position, wherein the flap is pivoted to overlap the recess and engage with the top surface;   a frangible area provided in the recess of the top surface, the closing flap aligned with and overlapping the frangible area in the closed position of the flap;   a flexible dome formed within and projected convexly from an upper surface of the closing flap; and   a contact member projecting from a lower surface of the flap, the contact member aligned with the dome on the flap, the contact member positioned adjacent the frangible area when the closing flap is in the closed position;   wherein the application of a downward actuation force to the dome, when the closing flap is in the closed position, causes a flexing of the dome toward the top surface within the recess and a corresponding engagement force by the contact member on the frangible area within the recess, the engagement force of the contact member causing a tearing of the frangible area from the closure body and a separation of at least a portion of the frangible area, forming an opening in the body.   
     
     
         2 . The closure as in  claim 1  wherein the closing flap is integrally formed with the closure body. 
     
     
         3 . The closure as in  claim 2  wherein the closing flap is connected to the closure body by a living hinge. 
     
     
         4 . The closure as in  claim 1  wherein the closure body comprises an outer periphery. 
     
     
         5 . The closure as in  claim 4  wherein the frangible area includes an apex formed adjacent the outer periphery of the body. 
     
     
         6 . The closure as in  claim 5  wherein the contact member engages the frangible area adjacent the apex. 
     
     
         7 . The closure as in  claim 6  wherein frangible area further comprises a base radially inward of the apex, the base forming a flexing hinge for the frangible area after opening. 
     
     
         8 . The closure as in  claim 1  wherein the dome is formed within the recess, and projects within the plane of the top surface of the closure body. 
     
     
         9 . The closure as in  claim 1  wherein the closing flap further comprises an engagement tab for releasably retaining the flap in the closed position. 
     
     
         10 . The closure as in  claim 1  wherein the closure body further comprises a peripheral skirt projecting from an underside of the body, the skirt dimensioned for engagement with a rim of the container and for fixing the closure body over the container opening. 
     
     
         11 . A closure for a container comprising:
 a closure body dimensionally formed for closing an opening within a container, the closure body having a planar top surface, an outer periphery and a recessed surface defined within the top surface;   a closing flap, the closing flap pivotally attached to the top surface, the pivoting of the flap having an opened position, wherein the flap is pivoted upward from the top surface, and a closed position, wherein the flap is pivoted to overlap the recessed surface and engaged with the periphery of the closure body;   a frangible area provided in the recess of the top surface, the closing flap aligned with and overlapping the frangible area in the closed position of the flap, the frangible area defined by one or more grooves in the recessed surface, the grooves defining weekend lines within the surface, the grooves forming an apex adjacent the outer periphery;   a flexible dome formed within and projected upward from an upper surface of the closing flap; and   a contact member projecting from a lower surface of the flap, the contact member aligned with the dome on the flap, the contact member positioned adjacent the frangible area when the closing flap is in the closed position and aligned with the apex of the grooves;   wherein the application of a downward actuation force to the dome, when the closing flap is in the closed position, causes a flexing of the dome toward the frangible area within the recess and a corresponding engagement force by the contact member on the apex, the engagement force of the contact member causing a tearing along the grooves and at least a partial separation of frangible area from the closure body, forming an opening in the body.