FLIP-TOP CLOSURE FOR A CONTAINER

Abstract

A lid may be sized and configured to be attached to a container and the lid may include a spout and a flip-top closure. The flip-top closure may be movable between open and closed positions relative to the spout. The lid may also include a carrying member with a loop-shaped configuration. The lid may further include one or more flanges and the flanges may include one or more protrusions. The protrusions may form a pivot point about which the flip-top closure pivots between the open and closed positions. The protrusions may also allow the carrying member to pivot independently of the flip-top closure.

Claims

1. A lid sized and configured to be attached to a container, the container sized and configured to be filled with one or more fluids, the lid comprising: a spout; a flip-top closure movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the spout; a carrying member with a loop-shaped configuration; and a flange that includes a protrusion, wherein the protrusion forms a pivot point around which the flip-top closure pivots between the open position and the closed position and around which the carrying member pivots independently of the flip-top closure.

2. The lid as in claim 1, wherein the flip-top closure includes a receiving portion, wherein the protrusion is disposed in the receiving portion of the flip-top closure.

3. The lid as in claim 2, wherein the carrying member includes a receiving portion, wherein the protrusion is also disposed in the receiving portion of the carrying member.

4. The lid as in claim 3, wherein the receiving portion of the flip-top closure and the receiving portion of the carrying member each have a circular configuration, wherein a diameter of the receiving portion of the flip-top closure and a diameter of the receiving portion of the carrying member are a same length.

5. The lid as in claim 3, wherein the receiving portion of the flip-top closure is interior to the receiving portion of the carrying member.

6. The lid as in claim 1, wherein: the protrusion of the flange is a first protrusion; the flip-top closure and the carrying member each include a receiving portion; an inner portion of the receiving portion of the carrying member includes a second protrusion; the second protrusion is disposed in the receiving portion of the flip-top closure; and the first protrusion is disposed in the receiving portion of the carrying member.

7. The lid as in claim 6, wherein the second protrusion has a circular configuration.

8. The lid as in claim 6, wherein a diameter of the receiving portion of the flip-top closure is larger than a diameter of the first protrusion and a diameter of the second protrusion.

9. The lid as in claim 6, wherein the flip-top closure further includes: an elongated body that is sized and configured to be pivotally connected to the lid; and a fitting extending from the elongated body, the fitting sized and configured to be at least partially disposed inside the spout when the flip-top closure is in the closed position, an outer surface of the fitting disposed immediately adjacent to an inner surface of the spout when the flip-top closure is in the closed position, wherein the receiving portion of the flip-top closure is disposed in a proximal end of the flip-top closure opposite the fitting.

10. The lid as in claim 6, wherein the receiving portion of the flip-top closure includes a depression sized and configured to fit the second protrusion.

11. The lid as in claim 10, further comprising a guide configured to control movement of the flip-top closure, wherein: an engaging portion of the proximal end of the flip-top closure interacts with the guide; and the depression supports the engaging portion of a proximal end of the flip-top closure.

12. A lid sized and configured to be attached to a container, the container sized and configured to be filled with one or more fluids, the lid comprising: a first flange, wherein the first flange includes a first protrusion; a second flange, wherein the second flange includes a second protrusion; a spout; a flip-top closure, wherein the flip-top closure is movable about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position relative to the spout, wherein the pivot axis is aligned with the first protrusion and the second protrusion; a carrying member with a loop-shaped configuration, wherein the flip-top closure is movable about the pivot axis.

13. The lid as in claim 12, wherein the flip-top closure includes a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion, wherein the first protrusion is disposed in the first receiving portion and the second protrusion is disposed in the second receiving portion.

14. The lid as in claim 13, wherein the carrying member includes a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion, wherein the first protrusion is also disposed in the first receiving portion and the second protrusion is disposed in the second receiving portion.

15. The lid as in claim 14, wherein the first and second receiving portions of the carrying member and the first and second receiving portions of the flip-top closure each have a circular configuration and a same diameter.

16. The lid as in claim 14, wherein the first and second receiving portions of the flip-top closure are interior to the first and second receiving portions of the carrying member.

17. The lid as in claim 12, wherein: the flip-top closure includes a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion; the carrying member includes a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion; an inner portion of the first receiving portion of the carrying member includes a third protrusion disposed in the first receiving portion of the flip-top closure; and an inner portion of the second receiving portion of the carrying member includes a fourth protrusion disposed in the second receiving portion of the flip-top closure.

18. The lid as in claim 17, wherein a diameter of the first and second receiving portions of the flip-top closure is larger than a diameter of the first and second protrusion and a diameter of the third and fourth protrusions.

19. The lid as in claim 17, wherein the flip-top closure further includes: an elongated body that is sized and configured to be pivotally connected to the lid; and a fitting extending from the elongated body, the fitting sized and configured to be at least partially disposed inside the spout when the flip-top closure is in the closed position, an outer surface of the fitting disposed immediately adjacent to an inner surface of the spout when the flip-top closure is in the closed position, wherein the first and second receiving portions of the flip-top closure are disposed in a proximal end of the flip-top closure opposite the fitting.

20. The lid as in claim 19, wherein the first and second receiving portions of the flip-top closure each include a depression sized and configured to fit the third and fourth protrusions, respectively.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The appended drawings contain figures of preferred embodiments to further illustrate and clarify the above and other aspects, advantages, and features of the present invention. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit its scope. Additionally, it will be appreciated that while the drawings may illustrate preferred sizes, scales, relationships and configurations of the invention, the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary container and lid, illustrating the lid in a closed position;

[0023] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the container and lid shown in FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a front view of the container and lid shown in FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the container and lid shown in FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 5 is a top view of the container and lid shown in FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the container and lid shown in FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another exemplary container and lid, illustrating the lid in an open position;

[0029] FIG. 8 is a front view of the container and lid shown in FIG. 7;

[0030] FIG. 9 is a right side view of the container and lid shown in FIG. 7;

[0031] FIG. 10 is a top view of the container and lid shown in FIG. 7;

[0032] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the container and lid shown in FIG. 7;

[0033] FIG. 12 is an upper perspective view of an exemplary flip-top closure;

[0034] FIG. 13 is a lower perspective view of the flip-top closure shown in FIG. 12;

[0035] FIG. 14 is an upper perspective view of an exemplary lid;

[0036] FIG. 15 is a lower perspective view of the lid shown in FIG. 14;

[0037] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view along lines 16-16 of the container and lid shown in FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional side view along lines 17-17 of the container and lid shown in FIG. 7;

[0039] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of still another exemplary container and lid;

[0040] FIG. 19 is an upper perspective view of a further exemplary flip-top closure;

[0041] FIG. 20 is a lower perspective view of the flip-top closure shown in FIG. 19;

[0042] FIG. 21 is an upper perspective view of a still further exemplary lid;

[0043] FIG. 22 is a lower perspective view of the lid shown in FIG. 21; and

[0044] FIG. 23 is an upper perspective view of another exemplary carrying member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] The present invention is generally directed towards a lid for a container. The principles of the present invention, however, are not limited to lids for containers. It will be understood that, in light of the present disclosure, the lids and containers disclosed herein may have a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and arrangements. It will also be understood that lids and containers may include any suitable number and combination of features, components, aspects, and the like. In addition, while the lids and containers shown in the accompanying figures are illustrated as having particular styles and configurations, it will be appreciated that the lids and containers may have any suitable styles or configurations. Further, the lids and containers disclosed herein may be successfully used in connection with other types of objects and devices.

[0046] Additionally, to assist in the description of various exemplary embodiments of the lids and containers, words such as top, bottom, front, rear, right, and left are used to describe the accompanying figures which may be, but are not necessarily, drawn to scale. It will be further appreciated that the disclosed exemplary embodiments of the lids and containers may be disposed in a variety of positions or orientations, and used in numerous locations, environments, and arrangements.

[0047] Exemplary embodiments of the lids and containers are disclosed and described in detail below. It will be understood that different embodiments may have one or more different parts, components, features and aspects; and the different parts, components, features and aspects may not be required. Further, it will be understood that different embodiments may include various combinations of these parts, components, features and aspects depending, for example, upon the intended use of the lids and containers.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment may include a container 10 and the container may be sized and configured to hold one or more liquids or fluids such as water, flavored water, juices, vitamin-enhanced beverages, energy drinks, thirst-quenchers, soda, and the like. The container 10 can also hold mixtures or solutions such as vitamins, supplements, powdered drinks, electrolyte pills, protein powders, medicinal products, baby formulas, etc. The container 10 could also hold foodstuffs such as fruits, vegetables, soups, dressings, sauces, smoothies, batters, baking materials, and the like. In addition, the container 10 could include non-edible materials such as paints, cleaners, etc. Thus, the container 10 could hold a variety of items, such as liquids, fluids, and/or solids, depending, for example, upon the intended use of the container 10.

[0049] A lid 12 may be attached to the container 10 and the lid may include an opening or spout 14. The spout 14 may be disposed in an upper surface 16 of the lid 12 and the spout may be disposed at least proximate an outer wall 18 or skirt of the lid. In greater detail, the spout 14 may include an opening in the upper surface 16 of the lid 12 and an upwardly extending flange. The spout 14 may have a cylindrical or tubular-shaped configuration with a generally planar upper surface, as described in more detail below.

[0050] The lid 12 may be selectively attached to the container 10. For example, the lid 12 may be connected to the container 10 by a threaded connection. In particular, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 15, the outer wall 18 of the lid 12 may include internal threads 20 and an upper portion 22 of the container may include external threads 24. The threads 20, 24 may allow the lid 12 to be selectively connected and disconnected from the container 10. It will be appreciated that the lid 12 and the container 10 may be connected in any suitable matter such as a friction fit, interference fit, snap fit, fasteners, clips, and the like. The lid 12 may also be permanently connected to the container 10 and, if desired, the container and lid may be integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure.

[0051] The container 10 may include a body 26 with a base or lower portion 28 and a central portion 30. The container 10 may include one or more markings or indicia 32, such as ounces or milliliters, which may indicate the amount of liquid or fluid in the container. For example, the container 10 may be sized and configured to hold 22, 24, 26 or 28 ounces but the container could be larger (e.g., 32 oz., 45 oz., 64 oz., 128 oz. or more) or smaller (e.g., 20 oz., 18 oz., 16 oz., 12 oz. or less). The markings 32 may extend along the side of the container 10 and the markings may be in customary units such as ounces or milliliters. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, after reviewing this disclosure, that the container 10 may have many different shapes, sizes, configurations, arrangements, features and aspects. Exemplary embodiments of containers, and various shapes, sizes, configurations, arrangements, features and aspects, that may be used with the container 10 are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. D510,235; D677,121; D697,798; D727,097; 8,695,830; and 8,833,586; and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2014-0091086; 2014-0360908; each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 2, an agitator 34 may be disposed inside the container 10, if desired. The agitator 34 may be used to help mix the contents within the container 10. An exemplary embodiment of an agitator 34 that may be used in connection with the container 10 is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,032, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. It will be understood that other types and configurations of agitators may be used, and that an agitator is not required.

[0053] The lid 12 may include a flip-top closure 40 that is sized and configured to help control fluid flow through the opening or spout 14. When the flip-top closure 40 is in a closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the spout 14 may be covered or closed to prevent fluid from exiting the container 10. The flip-top closure 40 may also be disposed in an open position, as illustrated in FIG. 7, which may allow fluid flow through the opening or spout 14.

[0054] In greater detail, the flip-top closure 40 may be pivotally connected to the lid 12. For instance, the lid 12 may include a pair of flanges 42 and the flip-top closure 40 may be rotatably connected to the flanges. A carrying member 44 may also be pivotally connected to the lid 12. In particular, the carrying member 44 may be pivotally connected to the lid 12 and the flip-top closure 40. Advantageously, the flip-top closure 40 and the carrying member 44 may pivot independently relative to the lid 12. The carrying member 44 may have a loop-shaped configuration and that may facilitate carrying of the container 10. The carrying member 44 may also facilitate attaching one or more items to the container 10 or lid 12, and/or attaching the container or lid to one or more items. If desired, the lid 12 may include one or more guides 46 to help control the movement of the flip-top closure 40 and/or carrying member 44. For example, the guide 46 may help control or limit the movement of the flip-top closure 40 and/or the carrying member 44.

[0055] The spout 14, which may be spaced apart from and on opposing sides of the upper surface 16 of the lid 12 from the flanges 42, may extend upwardly from the upper surface 16 of the lid 12. As shown in the accompanying figures, the spout 14 may have a circular or tubular-shaped configuration with an inner surface 50, an outer surface 52, and an upper surface 54. The inner and outer surfaces 50, 52 are preferably spaced apart by a generally constant distance and the spout may be tapered. For example, the spout 14 may taper slightly towards the upper surface 54. Thus, the base of the spout 14 may be slightly larger than the upper portion of the spout. The upper surface 54 of the spout 14 may have a planar surface and the upper surface may be disposed in a plane that is parallel to the upper portion of the lid 12. While the spout 14 is shown as having a circular configuration, the spout could have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and arrangements. For example, the spout 14 could have an oval, oblong, or elongated shape. In addition, the spout 14 could include a lip or features, if desired.

[0056] As mentioned above, the flip-top closure 40 may be pivotally connected to the lid 12. For example, the flip-top closure 40 may include an end 56, which may be referred to as the proximal end for convenience, that is sized and configured to be connected to the flanges 42. In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the flanges 42 may include one or more protrusions 58 that are inserted into one or more receiving portions 60 of the flip-top closure 40 and into one or more receiving portions 62 of the carrying member 44. Advantageously, this may allow the flip-top closure 40 and the carrying member 44 to be independently and rotatably connected to the lid 12. The proximal end 56 of the flip-top closure 40 may have a generally circular configuration and the lid 12 may include a flange 48.

[0057] The protrusions 58 of the flanges 42 may have a generally circular configuration. The receiving portions 60 of the flip-top closure 40 and the receiving portions 62 of the carrying member 44 may also have a generally circular configuration, which may allow the flip-top closure 40 and the carrying member 44 to pivot smoothly around the protrusions 58 the flanges 42. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a diameter of the receiving portions 60 of the flip-top closure 40 may be at least approximately the same size as the receiving portions 62 of the carrying member 44. The diameter of the receiving portions 60 of the flip-top closure 40 and the diameter of the receiving portions 62 of the carrying member 44 may be larger than a diameter of each of the protrusions 58 of the flanges 42. The protrusions 58 of the flanges 42 may be coupled with the receiving portions 60 of the flip-top closure 40 and/or the receiving portions 62 of the carrying member 44 in any suitable manner such as a clearance fit, friction fit, interference fit, snap fit, and the like. The protrusions 58 may directly contact the receiving portions 62 of the carrying member 44 and the receiving portions 60 of the flip-top closure.

[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the receiving portions 60 of the flip-top closure 40 may be disposed interior to the receiving portions 62 of the carrying member 44 when the protrusions 58 of the flanges 42 are inserted into the receiving portions 60 of the flip-top closure 40 and the receiving portions 62 of the carrying member 44. Advantageously, this may prevent one or more arms 64 of a loop-shaped portion 65 of the carrying member 44 from contacting the proximal end 56 of the flip-top closure 40 when the carrying member 44 and/or the flip-top closure 40 are rotated with respect to the lid, and thus, may allow the flip-top closure 40 and the carrying member 44 to be independently and rotatably connected to the lid 12. There are various ways in which the flip-top closure 40 and/or carrying member 44 may be pivotally connected to the lid 12, as explained later in further detail.

[0059] The flip-top closure 40 may include an elongated body 68 with an upper surface 70 and a lower surface 72, as illustrated in FIG. 9. The outer edge or perimeter of the body 68 may include a lip 74, which may extend downwardly from the lower surface 72, and the lip may have a curved and/or tapered outer surface. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the flip-top closure 40 may include an end 76, which may be referred to as the distal end for convenience, and a receiving portion 78, such as a recess, indentation, groove, or depression. The receiving portion 78 could be disposed in the lip 74 and, in particular, the receiving portion may be disposed in the distal end 76 of the flip-top closure 40. It will be understood that the receiving portion 78 may be disposed in any suitable location and the receiving portion could extend outwardly, such as a projection or protrusion, if desired.

[0060] The flip-top closure 40 may also include a fitting 80, such as a stopper, plug, cover, or the like, that is sized and configured to prevent fluid flow through the spout or opening 14 when the flip-top is in the closed position. In greater detail, the fitting 80 may be at least partially disposed in the spout 14 when the flip-top is disposed in the closed position. As shown in the accompanying drawings, the fitting 80 may extend downwardly from the body 68 of the flip-top closure 40 and the fitting may be disposed at least proximate the distal end 76 and/or the receiving portion 78 of the flip-top. The fitting 80 may include a lower surface 82 that is generally aligned with an inner surface of the lid 12 when the flip-top closure 40 is closed. Advantageously, this may help prevent items from being disposed or caught in the spout 14 when the flip-top closure 40 is closed. The fitting 80 may also include an engaging portion 84 that is sized and configured to engage an engaging portion 86 on the inner surface 50 of the spout 14, which may help retain and/or secure the flip-top closure 40 in the closed position and/or may help create a fluid-tight seal.

[0061] When the flip-top closure 40 is in the closed position, the fitting 80 may be at least partially disposed in the spout 14 and, if desired, an outer surface 88 of the fitting 80 may contact or engage the inner surface 50 of the spout 14. In addition, the engaging portion 84 of the fitting 80 and the engaging portion 86 of the spout 14 may contact or engage. Further, the upper surface 54 of the spout 14 may contact or engage the lower surface 72 of the body 68 of the flip-top closure 40. The interaction of one or more of these surfaces may allow the flip-top closure 40 to be securely closed and/or may help create a fluid-tight seal. If desired, one or more gaskets, seals, washers, linings, and the like may be disposed between one or more of these surfaces, which may also help secure the flip-top closure 40 in a closed position and/or help create a fluid-tight seal.

[0062] A protecting member 90, such as a guard, may be sized and configured to prevent contact with the spout 14 and/or the fitting 80. In particular, the protecting member 90 may be sized and configured to help prevent a user from touching or contacting at least a portion of the spout 14 and/or the fitting 80. For example, as best seen in FIGS. 7, 12, and 13, the protecting member 90 may be at least partially disposed about or around the fitting 80. In greater detail, the protecting member 90 may at least partially enclose, encircle, or encompass the fitting 80, and the protecting member and fitting may have conforming or corresponding shapes. For instance, if the fitting 80 has a generally cylindrical configuration, then the protecting member 90 may also have a generally cylindrical configuration. As shown in the accompanying figures, the protecting member 90 may have a larger diameter than the fitting 80 so that the fitting is disposed within the protecting member.

[0063] The protecting member 90 and the fitting 80 may be spaced apart by a gap 92 and the gap may have a generally constant size and configuration. For example, the gap 92 may have a cylindrical or tubular-shaped configuration and the gap may be sized and configured to allow the upper portion of the spout 14 to be disposed between the protecting member 90 and the fitting 80 when the flip-top closure 40 is closed. In particular, the gap 92 may be sized and configured to allow the upper portion of the spout 14 to be sandwiched between the protecting member 90 and the fitting 80 when the flip-top closure 40 is closed. In this exemplary configuration, the gap 92 may have a size that is generally equal to or slightly larger than the width of an edge of the spout 14. Thus, the protecting member 90 and the gap 92 may form a shield around at least a portion of the spout 14.

[0064] In greater detail, the protecting member 90 may include an inner surface 94 that encircles at least a portion of the outer surface 88 of the fitting 80. The protecting member 90 may also include a lower surface 96 and the lower surface may conform or correspond to the upper surface 16 of the lid 12. For instance, if the upper surface 16 of the lid 12 is doomed or curved, the lower surface 96 of the protecting member 90 may be curved or rounded to correspond to the shape of the lid. In addition, the protecting member 90 may include an outer surface 98 and the outer surface may be disposed at least proximate the receiving portion 78 in the end 76 of the flip-top closure 40. For example, the receiving portion 78 may be disposed adjacent to the outer surface 98 of the protecting member 90.

[0065] After reviewing this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the protecting member 90 may have other suitable shapes, shapes, configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the size and shape of the flip-top closure 40 and/or the fitting 80. For example, the protecting member 90 may protect all or only a portion of the spout 14 and/or the fitting 80. One of ordinary skill in the art will also understand that the lid 12 may include other features and aspects such as those shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. D510,235; D626,837; D626,838; D677,121; D696,551; 8,695,830; and 8,833,586; and U.S. patent publication nos. 2014-0091086; 2014-0360908; each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0066] The container 10 and the lid 12 may be constructed from durable, long-lasting materials. The container 10 and the lid 12 may also be constructed from materials that may be reused and/or recycled. The container 10 and the lid 12 may, for example, be constructed from a relatively rigid material such as plastic. In particular, the container 10 and the lid 12 may be constructed from materials such as high-density polyethylene (“HDPE”) or other materials with similar properties and/or characteristics. In view of this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the container 10 and the lid 12 may be constructed from various materials with desired properties such as different types of plastics, glass, metal, composites, and the like. Additionally, the container 10 and the lid 12 may be constructed from at least partially transparent or translucent materials, which may allow the user to see the type and/or amount of fluids in the container.

[0067] In operation, a user may apply a force to open the flip-top closure 40. For example, a user may apply a force to the distal end 76 to open the flip-top closure 40. In greater detail, a user may apply a force to the receiving portion 78 located at the distal end 76 of the flip-top closure 40. Advantageously, the receiving portion 78 may indicate when a user should apply a force and the receiving portion may help facilitate opening of the flip-top closure 40. When a user uses his or her thumb or finger to open the flip-top closure 40, the protecting member 90 may help prevent the user from touching or contacting the spout 14 or the fitting 80. That is, the user may only touch a portion of the distal end 76 of the flip-top closure 40, such as the receiving portion 78, and/or the protecting member 90 when opening the flip-top closure. Significantly, the user may not touch any other portion of the lid 12. Because the only portions of the lid 12 that may be touched while opening the flip-top closure 40 may be the distal end 76, the receiving portion 80, and/or the protecting member 90, there may be no contact with the spout 14, the fitting 80, and/or other portions of the opening or lid. This may facilitate use of the flip-top closure 40 when a user's hands may be unclean or unwashed, wearing gloves, sweaty or perspiring, and the like. Importantly, this may facilitate use of the flip-top closure 40 in environments such as exercising, bodybuilding, gardening, construction, repairing, cleaning, wearing gloves, and the like where it may be desirable not to touch the spout 14, the fitting 80, or other surfaces of the flip-top.

[0068] Advantageously, the lid 12 may be simple to use and operate. In addition, the lid 12 may be quickly and easily assembled, cleaned, and disassembled. Further, the lid 12 may be efficiently manufactured, easily repaired, and/or conveniently replaced.

[0069] There are various ways in which the flip-top closure 40 and/or the carrying member 44 may be pivotally connected to the lid 12. For example, as best seen in FIGS. 18-21 and FIG. 23, an inner portion of the receiving portions 62 of the carrying member 44 may include one or more protrusions 100 that are inserted into the receiving portions 60 of the flip-top closure 40. The protrusions 58 of the flanges 42 may be inserted into the receiving portions 62 of the carrying member 44. Advantageously, this configuration may allow the flip-top closure 40 and the carrying member 44 to be independently and rotatably connected to the lid 12.

[0070] In further detail, when the protrusions 58 of the flanges 42 are inserted into the receiving portions 62 of the carrying member 44, the protrusions 58 of the flanges 42 may extend through at least a portion of the receiving portions 62 of the carrying member 44. The protrusions 58 of the flanges 42 may also extend through at least a portion of the receiving portions 60 of the flip-top closure 40. The protrusions 58, however, may directly contact the receiving portions 62 of the carrying member 44 but may not directly contact the receiving portions 60 of the flip-top closure.

[0071] The protrusions 58 of the flanges 42 may have a generally circular configuration. The receiving portions 60 of the flip-top closure 40 and the receiving portions 62 of the carrying member 44 may also have a generally circular configuration, which may allow the flip-top closure 40 and the carrying member 44 to pivot smoothly around the protrusions 58 of the flanges 42. A diameter of the receiving portions 60 of the flip-top closure 40 may be larger than a diameter of the protrusions 100 of the receiving portions 62 of the carrying member 44. The diameter of the protrusions 100 of the receiving portions 62 may be larger than a diameter of the protrusions 58 of the flanges 42. Also, the protrusions 100 of the receiving portions 62 of the carrying member 44 and the receiving portions 60 of the flip-top closure 40 may be configured to connect the carrying member 44 and the flip-top closure 40 in any suitable matter such as a clearance fit, friction fit, interference fit, snap fit, and the like. The protrusions 58 of the flanges 42 and the receiving portions 62 of the carrying member 44 may be configured to connect the carrying member 44 and the lid 12 in any suitable manner such as a clearance fit, friction fit, interference fit, snap fit, and the like.

[0072] As illustrated in FIG. 20, the receiving portions 60 of the flip-top closure 40 may include one or more depressions 102, which may be one or more receiving portions, grooves, channels, indentations, and the like. The protrusions 100 may be disposed within the depressions 102 when the protrusions of the receiving portions 62 are inserted into the receiving portions 60 of the flip-top closure 40. The depressions 102 may support the engaging portion 66 of the proximal end 56, which may be disposed between the depressions 102.

[0073] The receiving portions 60 of the flip-top closure 40 may be disposed interior to the receiving portions 62 of the carrying member 44 when the protrusions 58 of the flanges 42 are inserted into the receiving portions 60 of the flip-top closure 40 and the receiving portions 62 of the carrying member 44. Advantageously, this may prevent one or more arms 64 of a loop-shaped portion 65 of the carrying member 44 from contacting the proximal end 56 of the flip-top closure 40 when the carrying member 44 and/or the flip-top closure 40 are rotated with respect to the lid, and thus, may allow the flip-top closure 40 and the carrying member 44 to be independently and rotatably connected to the lid 12.

[0074] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as only illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.