CA2335819A1 - Beverage container having a resealable closure - Google Patents

Abstract

A plastic container (10) having the configuration of a conventional metal ca n. The container includes a body (12) having a closed bottom surface (16) and a sidewall surface (22) extending upwardly from the periphery of the bottom surface (16), the sidewall (22) terminating in a top surface (26) remote fro m the bottom surface (16), wherein at least a portion of the top surface is open. The container also includes a lid (14) having a central portion (34) a nd a peripheral depending skirt (36) for engaging the body and closing the top surface. A movable reclosable flip-back lid (42) formed in the lid having a free end and a fixed end, wherein the free end is selectively moved from a closed position to an open position and the fixed end is coupled to the lid by a hinge (54).

Description

BEVERAGE CONTAINER HAVING A RESEALABLE CLOSURE
CROSS REFERENCE
This application claims priority to copending Provisional Application Nos.
60/090,644 and 60/100,366 filed on June 25, 1998, and September 15, 1998, respectively, and entitled Beverage Container Having A Resealable Closure.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a resealable container for retaining carbonated or noncarbonated beverages. More particularly, the invention is directed to a plastic can having a flip-back reclosable seal that covers a drink through opening that provides access to the beverage.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The metal can is the most common container used for retaining carbonated and noncarbonated liquids. Conventional metal cans may be constructed having a two or three part structure. A three-piece metal container generally includes a cylindrically shaped sidewalk a bottom wall, and a top wall. Typically, the sidewall is fabricated from a single rectangular sheet of metal. The metal is formed into a cylindrically shaped 2o structure using known metal forming and seaming techniques. The cylindrically shaped structure includes an open top and bottom surface. The open surfaces are closed by affixing a top and bottom, respectively, thereto using known seaming technology. The top surface is generally attached after the bottom surface has been affixed to the cylindrically shaped structure and the cylinder has been filled with the desired liquid contents.
A two-piece can-type container typically includes an integrally formed sidewall and bottom surface and a separate top surface. The fabrication process for this structure may include drawing and redrawing a metal sheet or drawing and wall ironing the metal material. Using either process, a single metal sheet is used to configure a cylindrically shaped sidewall integrally formed with the bottom surface. The longitudinal edges of the sidewall are joined using seaming technology so as to form an open top cylinder. Once the cylinder has been filled with a beverage, the top surface is affixed to the upper surface of the sidewall surface to close the open top. The top surface is attached to the upper edge of the sidewall surface using known seaming and/or press fit technology.
A typical two-piece aluminum can body may be formed from a 0.012 inch thick aluminum alloy sheet material. The drawing and ironing process results in a sidewall thickness of approximately 0.004 inches and a bottom wall thickness of approximately 0.012 inches. The upper rim wall portion is approximately 0.006 to 0.007 inches thick to enable seaming of the lid.
The top surface of the can generally includes an easy-open device such as a disposable pull-tab or a press-down-stay-on-tab mounted thereon. These devices present several disadvantage. First, these devices are difficult to open, particularly for individuals having limited mobility and strength in their hands, as the tab generally lies flush against the top surface of the can and is often located within a recess formed in the top surface, making the tab difficult to grip and lift up. Second, there is no provision for closing the can once opened, and. finally, the content of the can cannot be viewed until the protective seal covering it has been removed.
To address the resealability issue, prior art devices have used rotatable and nonrotatable overcaps that may be snap-fit or otherwise mounted onto a metal can-type container. Another type of resealable closure used with conventional metal cans includes a closure cap having a downwardly extending skirt that fits closely over the can, and a tongue for sealing an opening exposing the beverage. The tongue is folded about a hinge and inserted through a slot in the skirt. The tongue includes a knurled portion that extends outwardly from the skirt once the body of the tongue has been inserted through the slot. The tongue is moved between a sealed and dispensing position by pressing down on the knurled portion with a finger or thumb of the hand holding the can. Some WO 99/67150 PCTlUS99/14481 disadvantages associated with these devices include: (1) the use of an element separate from the can for sealing purposes increases manufacturing costs and the likelihood of the closure being lost or damaged, (2) the presence of protruding surfaces extending from the body of the container that may interfere with the ability to stack the containers during shipping or in-store display, and (3) protruding surfaces that may be damaged or broken during shipment.
Finally, conventional metal cans may be constructed using two different materials. For example, the top may be formed using aluminum and the body formed using steel. These containers tend to increase the cost of recycling, as the metal to components must be separated during recycling.
Hence, there is needed a totally recyclable, easy-open, reclosable beverage container that may be used for both carbonated and noncarbonated liquids.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
IS The invention relates to an open topped container. The container has the configuration of a conventional metal can; however, the container is fabricated from a plastic material. The container comprises a body including a closed bottom surface and a sidewall surface extending upwardly from the periphery of the bottom surface, the sidewall terminating in a top surface remote from the bottom surface, wherein at least a 2o portion of the top surface is open.
The container also includes a closure coupled to the top surface, the closure including a lid having a central portion and a peripheral depending skirt for engaging the body and closing the top surface; a movable reclosable flip-back lid formed in the lid, the reclosable flip-back lid releasably engaging the lid and having a free end and fixed end, 25 wherein the free end is selectively moved from a closed position to an open position; and a hinge coupling the fixed end to the lid.
In an alternative embodiment, the container includes a tear-back flap formed on the lid adjacent the reclosable flip-back lid.

Further, the closure supports an annular seal, which forms a liquid tight seal between the reclosable flip-back lid and the content of the container. To facilitate access to the content of the container, the closure may be held in an open position by configuring the lid so as to include a raised surface for mating with a recessed surface formed in the top surface of the movable reclosable seal, whereby the raised surface is received in and fractionally engages the recessed surface to hold the reclosable seal in an open position.
To facilitate placement of the closure onto the body, the body supports a stop ring that abuts the lower end of the peripheral depending skirt of the closure.
When the to closure is in position, it may be screwed onto the body, causing engagement of mating threads on the body and closure. An adhesive is applied to the mating threads to strengthen the engagement of the threaded members.
A frictional lock is formed between the closure and the body, which further strengthens the engagement between the threaded members. The frictional lock is defined by an annular groove on the closure that receives an upwardly extending tab supported by the body. Once the tab is received in the groove, the closure is resistive to being unscrewed from the body.
In another embodiment, the plastic closure may be used independently of the body. The closure comprises a lid having a central portion and a peripheral depending 2o skirt for engaging the body and closing the top surface; a reclosable flip-back lid formed in the lid, the reclosable flip-back lid releasably engages the lid and includes a free end and fixed end, wherein the free end is selectively moved from a closed position to an open position; and a hinge coupling the fixed end to the lid. The closure may also include a tear-back seal formed on the lid. The closure is held in a opened position by a raised surface for mating with a recessed surface formed in the top surface of the movable reclosable seal, whereby the raised surface is received in and fractionally engages the recessed surface to hold the reclosable seal in an open position.

The closure also includes an annular seal, which forms a liquid tight seal between the reclosable flip-back lid and the content of the container.
The container, body and closure, or the closure independently is fabricated using an injection or blow molding process.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The features and inventive aspects of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description, claims and drawings, of which the following is a brief description:
l0 FIG. 1 is a front elevational view showing a container formed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a detailed front elevational view of the container shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the container shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the container described in FIG. 1, wherein the resealable closure is shown sealing the drink through opening.
FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the container shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the container shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the container shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the container shown in FIG. 6.
FIGS. 9a and 9b are cross-sectional views of the closure of the container shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a flexible hinge formed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a detailed view of an annular seal formed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The invention is a plastic beverage container 10. In one embodiment, the container 10 has the general configuration of a conventional metal can.
However, it will be appreciated that other container shapes may be used. A first embodiment of the container is shown in FIGS. 1-4, a second embodiment is shown in FIG. 5 and a third embodiment is shown in FIGS. 6-10. Each embodiment includes common features, and it will be appreciated that common reference numerals are used to identify common features of the invention.
Turning now to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-4, the 1o container 10 includes a body portion 12 and a closure 14. The body portion 12 defines the cavity that retains the beverage, and the closure 14 provides the closing surface for the body 12.
The body 12 includes a closed bottom surface 16, and, as best seen in FIG. 7, the bottom surface 16 preferably has a circular configuration having a raised center portion 18. In one embodiment of the container 10, the center portion 18 may be fabricated with an increased thickness to reduce the likelihood of deformation or failure of the bottom surface 16 due to elevated pressures inside the container 10.
The bottom surface 16 also includes a downwardly extending annular ring 20 that is integrally formed with and surrounds the raised center portion 18. The annular ring 20 2o imparts enhanced stability to container 10, permitting the container 10 to sit level when placed on a surface such as a table.
Additionally, extending upwardly from the perimeter of the bottom surface 16 is a cylindrical sidewall 22. The sidewall 22 defines an open center 24 for retaining a beverage. The cylindrical sidewall 22 terminates at a top surface 26 (FIG. 1 ), wherein at least a portion of the top surface 26 is open.
As best seen in FIG. 1, the top surface 26 has a conical configuration that tapers inwardly from the sidewall 22, forming a larger diameter end 28 contiguous with the sidewall 22 and an upwardly projecting smaller diameter end 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the outer perimeter of the smaller diameter end 30 supports threads 32.
Turning now to a discussion of the closure 14, the closure 14 closes the open top portion of the container 10. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the closure 14 is generally circular in configuration. The closure 14 defines a lid 15 having a substantially planar top portion 34 and a downwardly depending peripheral skirt 36, the skirt 36 supporting threads 38 at the internal periphery thereof. Although the top portion 34 is essentially planar, the top portion 34 supports a tear-back flap 40 and a movable reclosable flip-back lid 42, both of which have surfaces that project slightly upwards from the top surface 34.
i0 As best seen in FIG. 3, the tear-back flap 40 includes a removable surface 44 and a pull ring 46. The removable surface 44 is preferably a planar member, which is integrally formed with the top portion 34. It will be appreciated that the removable surface 44 and the top portion 34 may be molded as a single structure or coupled together to form a unitary structure by ultrasonic welding or similar techniques.
The planar surface of the removable surface 44 includes a top portion. The top portion of the removable surface 44 is received in a recess 48 defined by the top surface 34 such that the top portion of the removable surface 44 forms a substantially flush fit with the outer surface of the top surface 34.
The top portion of the removable surface 44 supports the pull ring 46. The pull ring 46 is molded with the removable surface 44 as an integral unit.
Alternatively, the pull ring 46 may be formed as a separate element and coupled to the removable surface 44 using conventional techniques such as ultrasonic welding, a heat and melt process or other commonly known techniques.
The pull ring 46 preferably has a semi-circular configuration surrounding an open center. To facilitate access to the pull ring 46, the outer perimeter of the pull ring 46 projects slightly outwardly from the top surface of the removable surface 44.
The pull ring 46 may be easily grasped by inserting a finger or other object through the open center.

Additionally, the planar surface of the removable surface 44 includes a fixed end 45. A flexible hinge 54 couples the fixed end 45 to the top surface 34. A
detailed view of the hinge 54 is provided in FIG. 10. The hinge 54 is integrally formed with the top surface 34, and is known in the plastics industry as a living hinge. Such hinges are common in the plastics industry and are formed using conventional techniques.
For instance, one technique for forming the hinge 54 requires forming a groove in the top surface 234, wherein the groove has a thinner wall thickness than that of the surrounding surfaces. This arrangement permits the surfaces adjacent the groove to bend in at least one direction.
to The other side of the flexible hinge 54 is coupled to the reclosable seal 42, as best seen in FIG. 3. The reclosable seal 42 includes a planar surface 50. The planar surface 50 is received in a groove 54 formed in top surface 34 such that the outwardly facing portion of the planar surface 50 is substantially flush with the top of the top surface 34.
This arrangement lessens the likelihood of damage to the reclosable seal 42 during shipment or stacking or when container 10 is in use. The outer periphery of the planar surface SO also supports an outwardly projecting tab 52, which provides a gripping surface for the resealable closure 42.
The container 10 is assembled by screwing the closure 14 onto the body 12. The engagement between the threads 32, 38 may be enhanced by applying a suitable adhesive 2o to the threads 32, 38 prior to engagement. Alternatively, the threads 32, 38 may be eliminated, and skirt 36 coupled to the body 12 by other conventional means, including using a suitable adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or a heat and melt process.
To open the container 10, the tear-back flap 40 is removed, which exposes the drink through opening 56. To facilitate removal of the tear-back flap 40, the tear-back flap 40 is molded so as to engage releasably the top surface 34. As a result, the tear-back flap 40 can be lifted off the top surface 34 by applying a slight upward force on the pull ring 46.

Additionally, to further facilitate removal of the tear-back flap 40 without damaging the hinge 54, the portion of the hinge 54 adjoining the tear-back flap 40 has a thinner cross-section than that adjoining the reclosable seal 42.
Consequently, the hinge 54 also provides a tearing surface for the tear-back flap 40.
Once the tear-back flap 40 has been removed, the drink through opening 56 can be closed by the reclosable seal 42. The reclosable seal 42 is also molded so as to engage releasably the top surface 34. The reclosable seal 42 is selectively moved from the open position to a closed position, shown in FIG. 4, by gripping the tab 52 and lifting the sealing surface 58 out of the recess 60. The sealing surface 58 is moved into contact with to the outer perimeter of opening 56 so as to form a leak proof seal with the recess 48, which formerly housed the tear-back flap 40.
In an alternative embodiment, the tear-back flap 40 may be replaced by a press-down-stay-on-tab. The press-down-stay-on-tab is formed having essentially the same configuration as the tear-back flap 40, except the pull ring 46 is eliminated.
To gain access to the beverage, the press-down-stay-on-tab is depressed to break the leak proof seal with the recess 48, exposing opening 56. To close the opening 56, the reclosable seal 42 is moved to the closed position in the manner described above.
In a second embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. S, the container 100 is identical to the container 10 except as described herein. In the container 100, the reclosable seal is formed by the tear-back flap 140. The resealable tear-back flap 140 is identical to the tear back flap 40, except the flexible hinge 54 couples only the tear-back flap 140 to the planar top portion 134.
The tear-back flap 140 releasably engages the recess 48 defined by the planar top portion 134 as illustrated in FIG. S. When the tear-back flap 140 is moved to the opened position, the top surface of the tear-back flap 140 is received in an adjacent recessed surface 60.

A third embodiment, container 200, of the invention is shown in FIGS. 6-10. In this third embodiment, the tear-back flap 40 has been eliminated from the closure 214, and the construction of the body 212 simplified.
Turning first to a discussion of the body 212 of the container 200. The body 212, as illustrated in FIGS. 6-7, includes a closed bottom surface 16 and a cylindrical sidewall surface 222. The bottom surface 16 includes a downwardly extending annular ring 20 that is integrally formed with and surrounds a raised center portion 18. The sidewall surface 222 extends upwardly from the periphery of the bottom surface 16, and defines an open center 24 for retaining the beverage.
io The cylindrical sidewall 222 terminates at a top surface 226, wherein at least a portion of the top surface 226 is open. As best seen in FIGS. 9a-9b, the upper edge of the top surface defines a groove 268 at a distal end thereof, and the outer perimeter of the top surface 226 supports annular threads 232. Adjacent the threads 232, the sidewall surface 222 supports an outwardly projecting stop ring 230.
i5 Turning next to a discussion of the closure 214. The closure 214 is configured having a two-part structure: a lid 234 supporting a reclosable flip-back lid 242 and an annular seal 266.
The lid 234 includes a central portion 236. The lid 234 at the outer perimeter of the central portion 236 supports an integrally formed peripheral skirt 238.
The peripheral 2o skirt 238 includes a sidewall surface that depends downwardly from the central portion 236. The sidewall surface tapers radially inward toward the center of the central portion 236, such that the width of the sidewall surface is narrower at the end contiguous with the central portion 236 and wider at the opposite end 246. The lower edge of the end portion 240 supports an integrally formed, downwardly projecting tab 244 at a distal end thereof.
25 The end portion 240 also abuts an annular ridge 246 having an inwardly facing threaded surface 248. Additionally, the central portion 236 of the lid 234 defines a protrusion 250.
The lid 234 also supports the reclosable flip-back lid 242 at a position adjacent the protrusion 250. The flip-back lid 242 covers a drink through opening 56, and can be io opened or closed to provide or prevent access to the beverage. The flip-back lid 42 is received in a recessed surface 252 formed in central portion 236 adjacent the drink through opening 56. The flip-back lid 242 extends laterally outward from the central portion 236 in the direction of the outer perimeter of the closure 214.
The flip-back lid 242 includes a planar surface having a free end 254 and a fixed end 256. The fixed end 256 is coupled to a flexible hinge 54, which joins the fixed end 256 to the central portion 236.
On the inwardly facing surface of the central portion 236, a channel 260 is formed on the underside of the flip-back lid 242. The channel 260 surrounds the recessed surface 252. A lip 262 is formed on the outer perimeter portion of the channel 260 near the free end 254 of the flip-back lid 242. At an opposite portion of the channel 260, a downwardly depending surface 264 is located between the channel 260 and the protrusion 250.
Turning now to a discussion of the second part of the closure 214 structure:
the IS annular seal 266. As used in this context, the terns "annular" refers to a surface having a continuous perimeter. The annular seal 266 forms a liquid tight seal between the flip-back lid 242 and the content of the container 200. The annular seal 266 is preferably formed of polyethylene. However, it will be appreciated that other materials having similar mechanical properties may be used. Preferably, the annular seal 266 is injection molded as a one-piece component, which is then subsequently releasably coupled to the underside of the flip-back lid 242 using ultrasonic welding techniques. It will be appreciated that the annular seal 266 may be formed integrally with the flip-back lid 242 as a single component.
The annular seal 266 engages the underside of the flip-back lid 242. As best seen in FIGS. 8 and 11, the annular seal 266 surrounds the flip-back lid 242 in a rectangular pattern, wherein one portion of the annular seal 266 is received in the channel 260. The annular seal 266 also includes an L-shaped lip 268 that extends along the surface of the central portion 236 and sealingly engages the lip 262. The annular seal 266 further il includes a horizontally extending portion 270a that extends to the right of the channel 260 along the underside of the flip-back 1 id 242 between the channel 260 and the downwardly extending surface 264. The annular seal 266 also includes a second horizontally extending portion 270b that extends to the right of the downwardly extending surface 264 and terminates at a position 272, wherein position 272 immediately precedes the change in surface 234 elevation for formation of the protrusion 250.
The annular seal 266 is ultrasonically welded in position. However, the annular seal 266 releasably engages the channel 260 and the lip 262 to permit the flip-back lid l0 242 to be opened as discussed below. As best seen in FIG. 8, the annular seal 266 is larger than the drink opening 56 formed when the flip-back lid 242 is opened.
This arrangement helps trap the annular seal 266 inside the container 10 should the ultrasonic seal give way.
ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION
The body 212 is coupled to the closure 214 by screwing the closure 214 onto the body 212 so as to engage the threads 232, 248. It will be appreciated that a suitable adhesive may be used to strengthen the engagement between the threads 232, 248. The stop ring 230 abuts the end of the closure 214 to help align the closure 214 with the body 212.
2o Once a desired torque has been applied to the lid 234, the tab 244 formed on the end portion 240 of the closure 214 is received in the groove 228, creating a one-way frictional lock that helps reduce loosening of the engagement of the threads 232, 248.
Once the tab 244 is received in the groove 228, the closure 214 resists being twisted off the body 212, and attempts to remove the closure 214 may damage the body 212 and the closure 214.
Except for the annular seal 266 (discussed below), the elements of the closure are preferably molded as a unitary structure. However, the flip-back lid 242 releasably engages the central portion 236 and is selectively movable from a closed position to an open position. The flip-back lid 242 is moved from the closed position by lifting up on the free end 254 of the flip-back lid 242 to break the seal between the flip-back lid 242 and the central portion 236 and to expose the drink through opening 56. When the free end 254 of the flip-back lid 242 is disengaged from the central portion 236, the lip 262 is formed on the channel 260.
To lock the flip-back lid 242 in the open position, the flip-back lid 242 is rotated about the hinge 254 until the recessed surface 252 contacts and engages the protrusion 250 formed on the lid 234. The protrusion 250 frictionally engages the recess 250, thereby holding the flip-back lid 242 in an opened position.
to To close the flip-back lid 242, the flip-back lid 242 is rotated about the hinge 54 until the channel 260 engages the L-shaped portion 268 of the annular seal 266. In this position, the lip 262 sealingly engages the annular seal 266, 268 forming a leak proof seal between the flip-back lid 242 and the content of the container 200.
METHOD OF MOLDING CONTAINERS 10,100 AND 200 As the containers 10, 100, 200 may be used as substitutes for conventional metal beverage containers, suitable dimensions, such as height, width, and wall thickness are employed throughout the body 12, 212 and closure 14, 214 to reduce the likelihood of sidewall 22, 222 buckling and failure of the bottom surface 16. Additionally, the body 12, 212 must be capable of supporting a certain minimum column strength to reduce the likelihood of buckling, as beverage containers are often stacked on top of one another during shipping and storage. If the sidewall 22, 222 portion is too thin, containers at the bottom of the stack may tend to buckle.
The exact dimensions selected for fabricating containers 10, 100, 200 will depend on the properties of the resin from which the containers 10, 100, 200 are fabricated, the type of beverage, carbonated or noncarbonated, retained thereby and the volume of liquid to be held by the containers 10, 100, 200. However, it will be appreciated that the containers 10, 100, 200 must be designed to withstand certain internal pressures, which will vary depending on the amount and type of beverage retained by the containers 10, 100, 200. With respect to carbonated drinks, normal internal pressure levels are caused by the carbonation in the beverage and/or the heat of pasteurization. The internal pressure may be increased significantly when the beverage is subject to high atmospheric temperatures and/or agitation.
The containers 10, 100, 200 are fabricated from a plastic material. The material selected for body 12, 212 and the closure 14, 214 must be sturdy enough to accommodate the desired internal pressures without failing, and the material chosen for the closure 14, 214 must also be flexible enough to permit fabrication of the flexible hinge 54. The preferred materials are polyethylene terephthalate and Lexan, a trade name for a group of polyester formed from carbonic acid, for the body 12, 212 and polyethylene for the closure 14, 214. It will be appreciated that other materials having similar mechanical properties may be used.
Typical processes for molding the container 10, 100, 200 are injection and blow molding, vacuum forming and/or a modified version of stretch blow molding. The preferred manner of forming the container 10, 100, 200 is injection molding, wherein the plastic material is injected into the mold using conventional techniques and procedures.
Another process for molding the body 12, 212 includes injecting the plastic material used to form container 10 onto a pin and rotating the plastic material to a blow molding station to be inflated, stretched and cooled. Selection of the appropriate blow molding technique is dependent upon the polymer viscosity at high and low shear rates, melt strength, strain recovery, crystallization kinetics and the thermal properties of the resin selected.
A similar process may be used to form the closure 14, 214. Typical processes for forming the closure 14, 214 include injection molding and/or reaction injection molding modified to mold a resin with a mold configured to produce the constituent elements of the closure 14, 214. For example, the plastic material may be melted and a force applied to force or inject the polymer into a hollow mold cavity. Selection of the injection unit WO 99/b7150 PCT/US99/14481 feed rate, pressure and the clamping unit for the mold are dependent upon the final characteristics of the resin selected.
There are a variety of configurations that may be employed to fabricate the containers 10, 100, 200. Thus, the disclosed embodiments are given to illustrate the invention. However, they are not intended to limit the scope and spirit of the invention.
Therefore, the invention should be limited only by the appended claims.
IS

Claims (15)

We claim:

1. An open topped container comprising:
a body including a closed bottom surface and a sidewall surface extending upwardly from the periphery of the bottom surface, the sidewall terminating in a top surface remote from the bottom surface, wherein at least a portion of the top surface is open; and a closure coupled to the top surface, the closure including:
a lid having a central portion and a peripheral depending skirt for engaging the body and closing the top surface;
a movable reclosable flip-back lid formed in the lid, the reclosable flip-back lid releasably engaging the lid and having a free end and fixed end, wherein the free end is selectively moved from a closed position to an open position;
and a hinge coupling the fixed end to the lid.

2. The container defined in claim 1, wherein a tear-back flap is formed on the lid adjacent the reclosable flip-back lid.

3. The container as defined in claim 1, wherein the closure supports an annular seal for forming a liquid tight seal between the reclosable flip-back lid and the content of the container.

4. The container defined in claim 1, wherein the lid includes a raised surface for mating with a recessed surface formed in the top surface of the movable reclosable seal, whereby the raised surface is received in and frictionally engages the recessed surface to hold the reclosable seal in an open position.

5. The container defined in claim 1, wherein the body supports a stop ring that abuts the lower end of the peripheral depending skirt.

6. The container defined in claim 1, wherein the downwardly depending skirt supports threads for engaging mating threads formed on the body.

7. The container defined in claim 6, wherein an adhesive is applied to the mating threads for strengthening the engagement of the threaded members.

8. The container defined in claim 1, wherein the downwardly depending skirt defines an annular groove for receiving a tab supported by the body for locking the closure and the body together.

9. The container defined in claim 1, wherein the downwardly depending skirt has inwardly tapering sidewalls.

10. The container defined in claim 1, wherein the container is made of a plastic material.

11. A closure comprising:
a lid having a central portion and a peripheral depending skirt for engaging the body and closing the top surface;
a reclosable flip-back lid formed in the lid, the reclosable flip-back lid releasably engages the lid and includes a free end and fixed end, wherein the free end is selectively moved from a closed position to an open position; and a hinge coupling the fixed end to the lid.

12. The closure defined in claim 11, wherein a tear-back seal is formed on the lid.

13. The closure as defined in claim 11, wherein the closure supports an annular seal for forming a liquid tight seal between the reclosable flip-back lid and the content of the container.

14. The closure as defined in claim 11, wherein the lid includes a raised surface for mating with a recessed surface formed in the top surface of the movable reclosable seal, whereby the raised surface is received in and frictionally engages the recessed surface to hold the reclosable seal in an open position.

15. The closure as defined in claim 11, wherein the closure is made of a plastic material.