One-piece closure with re-closable break away lid

Abstract

A one piece closure for a container is described in which the closure has a break-open, reclosable lid. The lid is formed integrally with the closure and is defined by frangible lines of weakness formed in the closure. In use, the lid is initially held in its closed position by way of the unbroken frangible lines of weakness. The user exerts a downward force on the lid so as to break the lid from the closure. The lid is hinged to the closure by means of molded-in-place hinges. The lid has a lid closing tab integrally molded with the lid with the closing tab being disposed on the other side of the hinge line from the lid. As the lid and the closing tab are broken clear of the closure, the lid rotates downwardly about the hinge line into the container and the closing tab rotates upwardly. As the lid move to its fully open position, a locking tab on the bottom face of the lid snap locks into position and cooperates with the closure thus positively holding the lid in its fully open position and preventing the 'memory' of the molded in place hinges from partially reclosing the lid. The lid may be re-closed by pushing in the opposite direction on the closing tab thereby to free the locking tab from the closure and to rotate the lid upwardly about the hinge line until the lid and the closing tab are substantially co-planar with the cover.