Closure for a container lid

Abstract

A single-piece, molded plastic closure is disclosed and is constructed and arranged for assembly into a container lid opening. The closure includes an annular side wall having a lid engaging portion and an end panel. The end panel is configured with an annular recessed section and an annular frustoconical section which surrounds the annular recessed section. When a vacuum is applied to the surface of the lid for movement of the container the lid may bow and affect the degree of engagement between the closure and the lid opening. The addition of the end panel offsets the effect of the vacuum and enhances the degree of engagement between the closure and the opening so as to prevent dislodgement of the closure during vacuum head movement of the container.

1 . A single-piece, molded plastic closure for assembly into a container lid opening, said closure comprising:
 an annular side wall having a lid engaging portion; and   an end panel having an annular recessed section and an annular frustoconical section which surrounds said annular recessed section.   
     
     
         2 . The closure of  claim 1  wherein said side wall further includes a tapered ramp portion. 
     
     
         3 . The closure of  claim 2  wherein said end panel further includes an annular shelf portion which surrounds said frustoconical section. 
     
     
         4 . The closure of  claim 3  which further includes a pull-ring bail which is joined to said frustoconical section. 
     
     
         5 . The closure of  claim 4  wherein said end panel is constructed and arranged to deflect in response to a pressure difference established across opposite surfaces of said end panel. 
     
     
         6 . The closure of  claim 5  wherein said shelf portion is joined with said side wall by way of an annular corner. 
     
     
         7 . The closure of  claim 6  wherein said side wall includes an inner surface which has a frustoconical shape. 
     
     
         8 . The closure of  claim 1  wherein said end panel further includes an annular shelf portion which surrounds said frustoconical section. 
     
     
         9 . The closure of  claim 8  wherein said shelf portion is joined with said side wall by way of an annular corner. 
     
     
         10 . The closure of  claim 1  which further includes a pull-ring bail. 
     
     
         11 . The closure of  claim 10  wherein said pull-ring bail is joined to said frustoconical section. 
     
     
         12 . The closure of  claim 1  wherein said end panel is constructed and arranged to deflect in response to a pressure difference established across opposite surfaces of said end panel. 
     
     
         13 . The closure of  claim 1  wherein said side wall includes an inner surface which has a frustoconical shape. 
     
     
         14 . In combination:
 a plastic lid for a container comprising an annular rim used for attachment to said container and defining an opening for receipt of a closure; and   a single-piece, molded plastic closure for assembly into said lid, said closure comprising:
 an annular side wall having a lid engaging portion; 
 an end panel having an annular recessed section and an annular frustoconical section which surrounds said annular recessed section. 
   
     
     
         15 . The combination of  claim 14  wherein said opening is surrounded by an annular shelf which is recessed below an upper surface of said lid. 
     
     
         16 . The combination of  claim 15  wherein said opening includes an inner annular edge which is in contact with said lid engaging portion. 
     
     
         17 . The combination of  claim 16  wherein said closure includes an annular lip which overlaps said shelf. 
     
     
         18 . The combination of  claim 17  wherein said lid is constructed and arranged to deflect into a bowed shape in response to a suction force applied to the upper surface of said lid. 
     
     
         19 . The combination of  claim 18  wherein said end panel is constructed and arranged to deflect in response to said suction force. 
     
     
         20 . A plug closure for insertion into a container lid opening, said plug closure comprising:
 a body defining an interior space and being constructed and arranged to establish a contact force against said container lid upon insertion; and   a panel cooperating with said body to close off said interior space, said panel being constructed and arranged to deflect in response to a pressure difference across said panel so as to increase said contact force.