Removable and reusable container closure with stiffening ring

Abstract

A closure is provided for removably attached to the lip of a container. The closure includes a top preferably having at least on locking levers connected to the top with an elastically deformable hinge. The locking levers operate to releasably secure the closure to the container. The closure also includes a skirt with portions of the skirt located on opposite sides of the locking lever. A strap is located below the locking lever and defines a continuous ring around the base of the closure, thereby stiffening the closure.

1 . A closure for removable attachment to a container, the container including an opening and a lip, the closure comprising: 
 a top defining a cover and having a peripheral edge;    at least one locking lever including an upper actuation arm and lower locking arm, the lower locking arm having an inwardly projecting locking wedge, the locking wedge having an inclined retention surface defining a locking angle;    a deformable hinge connecting the top to the locking lever, the hinge attaching to the locking lever at an intermediate location between the upper and lower arms and providing a fulcrum about which each of the locking levers can pivot, the locking levers operative to releasably engage the container lip by radial displacement of the actuation arms to engage and disengage the locking wedges from the lip;    a plug seal extending downwards from the top radially inward from the locking levers, a sealing surface of the plug seal adapted to contact a sealing surface on the inside of the container lip when the closure is engaged with the container;    a skirt attached to the peripheral edge of the top and extending downward from the top, the skirt having an upper edge and a lower edge, the skirt comprising skirt portions located on opposite sides of the locking lever; and    a strap located below the locking lever and connecting the lower edges of the skirt portions, the strap forming in combination with the skirt portions a continuous band around a bottom of the closure for providing stiffening of the closure.    
     
     
         2 . The closure of  claim 1  wherein there are two locking levers on opposite sides of the top.  
     
     
         3 . The closure of  claim 1  wherein there are a plurality of vent holes located in the top.  
     
     
         4 . The closure of  claim 1 , further comprising a container for containing a microwavable food product, the container having a container lip, the closure being removably engaged with the container lip.  
     
     
         5 . The closure of  claim 1 , wherein the hinge includes at least two webs, each web separated from each other web by a slot.  
     
     
         6 . The closure according to  claim 1  wherein each of the locking wedges has a guide surface defining a lead angle, the lead angle being within a range of between about eight degrees to about thirty degrees, the guide surface acting in combination with a container lip to facilitate engagement of the locking wedges by radial displacement of the lower locking arm.  
     
     
         7 . The closure according to  claim 1  wherein the cap includes a spout for passing container contents and a hinged cover plate integrally formed in combination with the cover.  
     
     
         8 . The closure according to  claim 1  wherein the top, deformable hinge and locking lever are integrally formed from injection molded thermoplastic.