Abstract:
A closure for a container includes a base with at least one opening for dispensing a material from the container and a cover coupled atop the base. The cover includes at least one flap that is movable between an open position for dispensing the material and a closed position for covering the opening. At least one projection extends from the flap to releasably retain the flap in the closed position. A tab extends from the projection. A guide surface is provided on the tab and is configured to contact an edge of the opening when the flap is moved toward the closed position and is configured to create a wedging interaction with the edge of the opening when the flap is moved further toward the closed position. The flap is retained in the closed position by the wedging interaction of the tab and the edge.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 10/020,581 titled “Closure for a Container” filed on Dec. 14. 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,901 (which is incorporated by reference in its entirety). The present Application claims the benefit of priority, as available under 35 U.S.C. § 120, to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/020,581 titled “Closure for a Container” filed on Dec. 14, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,901 (which is incorporated by reference in its entirety). 
   The following patents are hereby incorporated by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,870 titled “Apparatus for Covering a Container” issued Oct. 30, 2001; U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,517 titled “Integrally-Formed Container” issued Jun. 26, 2001; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,231 titled “Integrally Formed Container” issued Oct. 26, 1999. 

   FIELD 
   The present invention relates to a closure for a container for storing and dispensing particulate matter. The present invention more specifically relates to a closure for hand-held plastic containers with a cover having a plurality of flaps for enclosing, respectively, a plurality of openings in the cover. More specifically, it relates to a closure having improved retention features for maintaining the flaps in a closed position. 
   BACKGROUND 
   It is generally known to provide hand-held plastic containers for storing and dispensing particulate matter, particularly foodstuffs or seasonings such as those displayed and sold in supermarkets. Such known containers typically have several openings, particularly a plurality of shaker openings on one side of the container and a single spooning opening on an opposite side of the closure. The known closures generally include a hinged flap for the shaker and for the spooning openings configured to close or seal these openings when the container is not in use. 
   Such known closures typically include a latching device on the flaps or on the closure body for maintaining the flaps in a closed position when dispensing of the container contents is not required. Such latching devices may include projections or downwardly extending skirts extending from an underside of the flap and configured to engage the opening in an interference-type fit to retain the flap in a closed position. While, such known latching devices may be generally sufficient to maintain the flaps closed under static conditions, these latching devices frequently provide insufficient retention force to maintain the flaps in a closed position during dynamic installation conditions. During installation of the closure on the container by automated equipment, the closure may typically be pressed-on over a circumferential rib, or the closure may be spun-on and tightened to the container via a threaded interface. The torque typically applied to the closure often results in sufficient distortion of the closure body to cause the flap latches to release, allowing the flaps to open on the assembly line. Such release of the flaps during the automated closure process results in the additional time and expense required to manually re-close the closure flaps prior to shipment of the containers. 
   Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a container closure having a more robust design that is more capable of maintaining the flaps in a closed position during automated assembly processes. It would also be advantageous to provide a container closure flap latching device that did not require substantial additional force by a user to open the flaps. It would be further advantageous to provide closure flaps that are biased toward a closed position. It would be further advantageous to provide a container closure flap latching device that does not add substantial complexity or additional forming operations to the closure molding and manufacturing process. 
   Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a closure of the type disclosed in the present application that includes any one or more of these or other advantageous features. 
   SUMMARY 
   The present invention relates to an integrally-formed cover for a container having a cylindrical portion, a top portion having a shaker opening, a spooning opening, a shaker flap and a spooning flap. The shaker flap has an outer edge with a downwardly extending skirt, is coupled to the top portion, and is configured for selective movement between an open position in which the shaker opening is opened and a closed position in which the shaker opening is covered by the shaker flap. The spooning flap has an outer edge with a downwardly extending skirt, is coupled to the top portion, and is configured for selective movement between an open position in which the spooning opening is opened and a closed position in which the spooning opening is covered by the spooning flap. At least one projection extends from the shaker flap to releasably retain the shaker flap in the closed position. The projection extending from the shaker flap includes a tab. A guide is provided with the tab so that movement of the shaker flap from the open position to the closed position initially brings the guide into wedging interaction with the inner edge of the shaker opening, and further movement of the shaker flap brings the tab into wedging interaction with the inner edge of the shaker opening. The shaker flap is retained in the closed position by the wedging interaction of the tab against the inner edge of the shaker opening. 
   The present invention also relates to a closure for a container having a base with at least one opening for dispensing a material from the container and a cover coupled atop the base. The cover includes at least one flap that is movable between an open position for dispensing the material and a closed position for covering the opening. At least one projection extends from the flap to releasably retain the flap in the closed position. A tab extends from the projection. A guide surface is provided on the tab and is configured to contact an edge of the opening when the flap is moved toward the closed position and is configured to create a wedging interaction with the edge of the opening when the flap is moved further toward the closed position. The flap is retained in the closed position by the wedging interaction of the tab and the edge. 
   The present invention also relates to a closure for a container having a base and a top portion. The base includes at least one opening for dispensing a material from the container. The top portion is coupled to the base and includes at least one flap movable between an open position for dispensing the material and a closed position for covering the opening. A first projection extends from the flap to retain the flap in the closed position. A second projection extends from the first projection. A guide surface is provided on the second projection to contact a portion of the base adjacent the opening when the flap is moved toward the closed position. The guide surface creates a wedging interaction with the portion of the base adjacent the opening when the flap is moved further toward the closed position. The flap is retained in the closed position by the wedging interaction of at least one of the first projection and the second projection with the portion of the base adjacent the opening. 
   The present invention further relates to a closure for a container having a base with at least one opening for dispensing a material from the container and a top portion coupled to the base having at least one flap movable about a hinge between an open position for dispensing the material and a closed position for covering the opening. A first elongate recess and a second elongate recess are formed in the top portion. A first projection extends from a first side of the flap and a second projection extends from a second side of the flap. The first projection is configured to fit at least partially within the first elongate recess and the second projection is configured to fit at least partially within the second elongate recess when the flap is in the closed position. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a shaker side of a closure for a container according to a preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of a spooning side of a closure for a container according to a preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 2A  is a top view of a closure for a container according to a preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 2B  is a front view of a closure for a container according to a preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 2C  is a cross sectional view of the closure for a container of  FIG. 2A  according to a preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 3A  is a top view of a closure for a container having a shaker flap and a spooning flap in an open position according to a preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 3B  is a front view of a closure for a container having with a spooning flap in an open position according to a preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 4A  is a cross sectional view along line  4 A— 4 A of  FIG. 3A  of a closure for a container with a spooning flap and a shaker flap in an open position according to a preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 4B  is a cross sectional view of the closure for a container of  FIG. 4A  with a spooning flap and a shaker flap approaching a closed position according to a preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 4C  is a cross sectional view along line  4 C— 4 C of  FIG. 2A  of a closure for a container with a spooning flap and a shaker flap in a closed position according to a preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 5A  is an elevation view of a spooning flap in an open position for a closure for a container according to a preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 5B  is an elevation view of a shaker flap in an open position for a closure for a container according to a preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 6A  is an elevation view of a spooning flap in an open position for a closure for a container according to an alternative embodiment. 
       FIG. 6B  is an elevation view of a shaker flap in an open position for a closure for a container according to an alternative embodiment. 
       FIG. 7A  is an elevation view of a spooning flap in an open position for a closure for a container according to an alternative embodiment. 
       FIG. 7B  is an elevation view of a shaker flap in an open position for a closure for a container according to an alternative embodiment. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a closure  10  for a container (not shown) is provided according to a preferred embodiment. Closure  10  includes a shaker flap  20 , which covers (when closed) shaker openings  22  located in a top portion  14  of the closure  10 . Closure  10  also includes a spooning flap  40  that similarly covers a larger spooning opening  42  located generally opposite from shaker openings  22  on top portion  14 . Spooning flap  40  and shaker flap  20  are separated on top portion  14  by a web  16 . Closure  10  is preferably adapted for use with a container having a cylindrical shape of the type used for dispensing powdered or granulated material and having an opening diameter in the range of twenty (20) through one-hundred forty (140) millimeters. However, in alternative embodiments, the closure may have any shape suitable for use with other types or sizes of containers and materials to be dispensed. 
   Closure  10  is in the form of a substantially cylindrical portion  12  with top portion  14  coupled to, and generally enclosing, an upper end of cylindrical portion  12 . Alternatively, cylindrical portion  12  may be frustoconical in shape. Top portion  14  is preferably formed having a concave surface with the lowest portion located in a central region of top portion  14  (as shown schematically in  FIG. 2C ), however the top portion  14  may be substantially flat in alternative embodiments. Referring to  FIG. 4A , threads  18  are provided on the inner surface of cylindrical portion  12  for coupling cylindrical portion  12  to the outside of the top of a dispensing receptacle or container having conventional mating threads (not shown). Alternatively, cylindrical portion  12  may be equipped with an inner detent or a raised ring to allow it to be “snap” connected to a container or receptacle. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1A , closure  10  includes elongate recesses  60  in which a wall portion (shown schematically as shaker side skirts  24 ) on either side of shaker flap  20  will fit when shaker flap  20  is in a closed position. Closure  10  also includes similar elongate recesses  62  in which a wall portion (shown schematically as spooning side skirts  44 ) on either side of spooning flap  40  will fit when spooning flap  40  is in the closed position. The fit of the side skirts in the elongated recesses provides a substantially continuous upper surface on top portion  14 , upon which a corresponding bottom portion of a similar container can be stacked (not shown). 
   Referring further to  FIGS. 1A ,  2 B and  3 A, shaker flap  20  includes a projection (shown schematically as a downwardly extending front skirt  26 ) depending from a lower surface of spooning flap  20  that includes an arcuate portion  28  and a substantially straight portion  30  (shown schematically in  FIG. 5B ). Front skirt  26  extends from shaker flap  20  near an outer edge of shaker flap  20  to define an outer substantially vertical surface of closure  10  when shaker flap  20  is in a closed position. Front skirt  26  has an indentation  32  at a central outer portion of skirt  26  at straight portion  30 , which may facilitate opening of the flap by a user. Front skirt  26  preferably extends around closure  10  for an angle of between approximately sixty (60) and one-hundred twenty (120) degrees. Therefore, front skirt  26  forms between sixty (60) and one-hundred twenty (120) degrees of the circumference of the upper part of closure  10 . Front skirt  26  is generally arcuate (rather than uniformly straight) and may be less likely to be bent over when the flap is grasped and opened, and further distributes the grasping load more evenly around the outer edge of shaker flap  20 . Accordingly, shaker flap  20  may be made using less plastic when manufactured. Shaker flap  20  is coupled to top portion  14  by a flexible and integrally formed hinge  33  defined by a groove preferably extending along a straight line for substantially the entire length of shaker flap  20 . Spooning flap  40  is coupled to top portion  14  by a flexible and integrally formed hinge  53  preferably extending along a straight line for substantially the entire length of spooning flap  40 . Hinges  33  and  53  are disposed adjacent to web  16  of top portion  14 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 2C , the concave shape of top portion  14  provides a slight inward bow in web  16  and hinges  33  and  53  have an inwardly arcuate or bowed profile according to a preferred embodiment. The arcuate profile of web  16  and hinges  33  and  53  provides a biasing force tending to close shaker flap  20  and spooning flap  40 . As shaker flap  20  and spooning flap  40  are moved to an open position, the straight edge of flaps  20  and  40  along hinges  33  and  53  tends to flex the bowed web  16  of concave top portion  14  into a flatter profile. The biasing force created by top portion  14  and web  16  in the flexed condition tends to move flaps  20  and  40  toward their closed position. According to alternative embodiments, the top portion may be made substantially flat so that a biasing force is not created when the flaps are opened. 
   Spooning flap  40  similarly encloses spooning opening  42 . According to a preferred embodiment, spooning flap  40  has a projection (shown schematically as a downwardly extending front skirt  46 ) depending from a lower surface of spooning flap  40  that includes an arcuate portion  48  and a substantially straight portion  50  (as shown schematically in  FIGS. 3B and 5A ). Arcuate portion  48  preferably extends through an arc having an angle of between approximately one-hundred twenty (120) and one-hundred eighty (180) degrees to provide a sufficiently large spooning opening and defines an outer substantially vertical surface of closure  10  when spooning flap  40  is in a closed position. Front skirt  46  has an indentation  52  disposed at a central outer portion of front skirt  46  coincident with straight portion  50 , which may facilitate the opening of the flap by a user. Front skirt  46  preferably extends around closure  10  when in the closed position for an angle of between approximately one-hundred (100) and one-hundred fifty (150) degrees. Front skirt  46  forms between one-hundred (100) and one-hundred fifty (150) degrees of the circumference of the upper part of closure  10 . As with front skirt  26  of shaker flap  20 , since front skirt  46  is generally arcuate (rather than uniformly straight) it has greater structural strength and it is less likely to be bent over when its flap is grasped and opened, and further distributes the grasping load more evenly around the outer edge of spooning flap  40 . Accordingly, spooning flap  40  may require less plastic when manufactured. 
   Referring further to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a recess  64  is provided in the cylindrical portion  12  of closure  10  to receive front skirt  26  of shaker flap  20 , according to a preferred embodiment. By providing recess  64 , front skirt  26  can be set into an outer surface of closure  10  when shaker flap  20  is closed, thereby reducing the risk that front skirt  26  will be inadvertently caught and shaker flap  20  opened and the contents of the container spilled. Similarly, a recess  66  is provided in closure  10  on the opposite side of closure  10  from recess  64  to similarly receive front skirt  46  of spooning flap  40  for the same reason. The recess of front skirts  26  and  46  provides a smooth and contiguous part of the cylindrical portion  12  of closure  10 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4A–4C , a rim (shown schematically as a lip  68 , or trim portion, etc.) is provided to facilitate the arrangement of multiple containers in a stacked relationship. Lip  68  extends substantially around the perimeter of top portion  14  but may have interruptions at suitable locations for improving aesthetics or flap operability. As shown in  FIG. 4C , lip  68  is formed with a cross section in the shape of an upwardly projecting, truncated right triangle, but may be formed having an inwardly concave or wedge-shaped profile for improved molding releasability in alternative embodiments. According to a preferred embodiment, an underside of top portion  14  has an annular sealing rim, mouth or land  70  projecting downwardly and extending continuously adjacent an inner perimeter of cylindrical portion  12 . Land  70  is laterally positioned to facilitate an abutting relationship with the mouth of a corresponding container (not shown). 
   Referring to  FIG. 1A , a plurality of shaker openings  22  (shown schematically as circular apertures, but may have any suitable shape for dispensing material in a container) are provided to allow the contents within the container to be dispensed when shaker flap  20  is opened. In a preferred embodiment, these openings are arranged along an arc, but may be arranged in other patterns (e.g. straight line, matrix array, circular, etc.) suitable for dispensing the contents in a shaking operation in alternative embodiments. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 4C , the closure  10  is shown with an interface for retaining, securing or latching the shaker flap according to a preferred embodiment. One or more interfaces such as projections, retainers, latches, extensions or skirts (shown schematically as downwardly latching tabs  34 ) are provided on an underside of shaker flap  20 . Tabs  34  preferably have an arcuate shape that corresponds to the arcuate shape of shaker aperture  22  and extends from the underside of shaker flap  20  at an angle of between approximately nine (9) and twenty-five (25) degrees with respect to top portion  14 . In a particularly preferred embodiment, tabs  34  extend from an underside of shaker flap  20  at an angle of between approximately fifteen (15) and twenty (20) degrees, with respect to top portion  14 . The closure  10 , including the flaps  20 , tabs  34  and member  36  may be integrally molded as a single piece. In alternative embodiments, other angles of formation may be used and the closure may be made in one or several molding operations. In further alternative embodiments, the interfaces may have (in plan view) a non-arcuate or straight profile for engaging a corresponding straight segment on the edge (not shown). 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4A–4C , the tabs  34  are shown according to a preferred embodiment. Tabs  34  are located or positioned on the shaker flap with an upper front surface of tab  34  approaching, but not extending beyond, edge  23 . A lower leading edge  35  of tab  34  extends beyond edge  23  of shaker opening  22  such that when shaker flap  20  approaches the closed position, the leading edge  35  of tab  34  extends beyond edge  23  in a manner that would not otherwise allow tab  34  to enter shaker opening  22  without wedging into edge  23  to permit shaker flap  20  to close. 
   Referring further to  FIGS. 1A and 4C , the interface (shown schematically as tab  34 ) may include a member such as a reinforcing member, stiffener, rigidifier, brace, rib, etc. (shown schematically as guide  36 ). In a particularly preferred embodiment, guide  36  is oriented substantially perpendicular to tab  34  in a “T-shaped” configuration that is integrally formed with tab  34  and flap  20 , and has a outward surface generally coincident to the outward surface of tab  34 . However, the member may be separate from the interface or reconfigured in relation to the interface in alternative embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 4C , guide  36  includes a guide surface shown schematically as lower portion  38  extending downwardly beyond leading edge  35  of tab  34 , and having an outer curved face (shown schematically as cam  39 ). In a particularly preferred embodiment, the surface of cam  39  is defined by multiple radii to create a wedging interaction with edge  23  as shaker flap  20  is moved into the closed position. However, a single radius may be used in alternative embodiments. 
   In a preferred embodiment, as shaker flap  20  is moved to the closed position, cam  39  contacts the inside of edge  23  before leading edge  35  of tab  34  reaches top portion  14 , and tab  34  passes through shaker opening  22 ′ and becomes wedged against edge  23  of shaker opening  22  when shaker flap  20  is moved into the closed position. As the shaker flap  20  is moved into the closed position, cam  39  of lower portion  38  disengages from edge  23 , as tab  34  remains engaged with (remains wedged against) edge  23 . The increasing force necessary to permit flap closure may be accommodated by deflection or flexing of any one or more of the shaker flap  20 , the shaker opening  22 , the shaker hinge  33 , the top portion  14 , or the web  16 . In a preferred embodiment, guide  36  stiffens or reinforces tab  34  when shaker flap  20  is in the closed position to provide additional resistance to flexing of tab  34 . 
   In a particularly preferred embodiment, closure  10  is a seventy (70) millimeter closure and guide  36  is sized (shown schematically in  FIG. 4C ), having a depth dimension G of approximately 0.152 (0.142–0.162) inches and a width dimension I of approximately 0.118 (0.108–0.128) inches; however, other dimensions may be used as appropriate to provide a wedging action for improved retention during closure of the shaker flap. Cam  39  on guide portion  36  is preferably formed with a multi-radii surface (shown schematically in  FIG. 4C ) with a first radius C of approximately 0.100 (0.090–0.110) inches and a second radius D of approximately 0.040 (0.030–0.050) inches; however, other dimensions may be used as appropriate to accommodate closures for other size containers and to provide a cam operation and wedging action for improved retention during closure of the shaker flap. According to alternative embodiments, a cam portion may be formed on the interface without a member. 
   Referring to  FIG. 6B , an interface for latching a shaker flap is shown according to an alternative embodiment. Shaker flap  120  includes one or more shaker opening seals in the form of skirts or projections (shown schematically as downwardly extending circular tabs  134 ) from an underside of the shaker flap and having a profile (in plan view) corresponding to the shape of the shaker opening  22 . Tabs  134  extend downward at an angle and include one or more members (shown schematically as guides  136 ) having the features shown in  FIGS. 4A–4C  as previously described. 
   Referring to  FIG. 7B , an interface for latching a shaker flap is shown according to another alternative embodiment. Shaker flap  220  may include one or more projections (shown schematically as downwardly extending arcuate tabs  234 ) having a profile corresponding to the shape of a circular shaker opening  22 . Tabs  234  extend at an angle and include two or more members (shown schematically as guides  236 ) having the features shown in  FIGS. 4A–4C  as previously described. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2A , indicators for shaker flap  20  are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Indicators  18  are formed or otherwise provided on an upper side of shaker flap  20  corresponding to the pattern of shaker openings  22  and permit identification of the shaker pattern without opening the shaker flap. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1B , a spooning opening  42  (shown schematically as a truncated circular opening) is shown according to a preferred embodiment. Spooning opening  42  allows the contents within the container to be dispensed when spooning flap  40  is opened. One or more interfaces such as latches, retainers, projections, extensions or skirts (shown schematically as downwardly projecting tabs  54 ) are provided on an underside of spooning flap  40 . As shown schematically in  FIGS. 1B and 4C , tabs  54  have an arcuate shape that corresponds to the shape of spooning opening  42  and extend at an angle from the underside of spooning flap  40  of between approximately nine (9) and twenty-five (25) degrees with respect to top portion  14 . In a particularly preferred embodiment, tabs  54  extend from an underside of spooning flap  40  at an angle of between approximately fifteen (15) and twenty (20) degrees, with respect to top portion  14 . The closure  10 , including the flap  40 , tab  54  and guide  56  may be integrally molded as a single piece. In alternative embodiments, other angles of formation may be used and the closure may be made in one or several molding operations. In further alternative embodiments, the interfaces may have (in plan view) a non-arcuate or straight profile for engaging a corresponding straight segment on the edge (not shown). 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4A–4C , tabs  54  are shown according to a preferred embodiment. Tabs  54  are located or positioned on the spooning flap with an upper front surface of tab  54  approaching, but not extending beyond, edge  43 . A lower leading edge  55  of tab  54  extends beyond edge  43  such that when spooning flap  40  approaches the closed position, the leading edge  55  of tab  54  extends beyond edge  43  in a manner that would not otherwise allow tab  54  to enter spooning opening  42  without wedging into edge  43  to permit spooning flap  40  to close. 
   Referring further to  FIGS. 1B and 4C , the interface (shown schematically as tab  54 ) may include a member such as a reinforcing member, stiffener, rigidifier, brace, rib, etc. (shown schematically as guide  56 ). In a particularly preferred embodiment, guide  56  is oriented substantially perpendicular to tab  54 , in a “T-shaped” configuration that is integrally formed with tab  54  and flap  40 , and has a outward surface generally coincident to the outward surface of tab  54 . However, the member may be separate from the interface or reconfigured in relation to the interface in alternative embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 4C , guide  56  includes a guide surface shown schematically as lower portion  58  extending downwardly beyond leading edge  55  of tab  54 , and having an outer curved face (shown schematically as cam  59 ). In a particularly preferred embodiment, the surface of cam  59  is defined by multiple radii to create a wedging interaction with edge  43  as spooning flap  40  is moved into the closed position. However, a single radius may be used in alternative embodiments. 
   In a preferred embodiment, as spooning flap  40  is moved to the closed position, cam  59  contacts the inside of edge  43  before leading edge  55  of tab  54  reaches top portion  14 , and tab  54  passes through spooning opening  42  and becomes wedged against edge  43  of spooning opening  42  when spooning flap  40  is moved into the closed position. As spooning flap  40  is moved into the closed position, cam  59  of lower portion  58  disengages from edge  43 , while tab  54  remains engaged with (remains wedged against) edge  43 . The increasing force necessary to permit flap closure may be resiliently accommodated by deflection or flexing of any one or more of the spooning flap  40 , the spooning opening  42 , the spooning hinge  53 , the top portion  14 , and the web  16 . In a preferred embodiment, guide  56  stiffens or reinforces tab  54  when spooning flap  40  is in the closed position to provide additional resistance to flexing of tab  54 . 
   In a particularly preferred embodiment, closure  10  is a seventy (70) millimeter closure and guide  56  is sized (shown schematically in  FIG. 4C ), having a depth dimension F of approximately 0.180 (0.170–0.190) inches and a width dimension H of approximately 0.115 (0.105–0.125) inches; however, other dimensions may be used as appropriate to provide a wedging action for improved retention during closure of the spooning flap. Cam  59  on guide portion  56  is preferably formed with a multi-radii surface (shown schematically in  FIG. 4C ) with a first radius A of approximately 0.100 (0.090–0.110) inches and a second radius B of approximately 0.040 (0.030–0.050) inches; however, other dimensions may be used as appropriate to accommodate closures for other size containers and to provide a cam operation and wedging action for improved retention during closure of the spooning flap. According to alternative embodiments, a cam portion may be formed on the tab portion without a member. 
   Referring to  FIG. 6A , an interface for latching a spooning flap is shown according to an alternative embodiment. Spooning flap  140  includes a spooning opening seal in the form of a skirt or projection (shown schematically as downwardly extending truncated circular tab  154 ) from an underside of spooning flap  140  and having a profile (in plan view) corresponding to the shape of spooning opening  42 . Tab  154  extends at an angle and includes one or more members (shown schematically as guides  156 ) having the features shown in  FIGS. 4A–4C  as previously described. 
   Referring to  FIG. 7A , an interface for latching a spooning flap is shown according to another alternative embodiment. Spooning flap  240  includes one or more projections (shown schematically as downwardly extending arcuate tab  254 ) having a profile corresponding to the arcuate shape of spooning opening  42 . Tabs  254  extend at an angle and include two or more members (shown schematically as guides  256 ) having the features shown in  FIGS. 4A–4C  as previously described. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2A , indicators for spooning flap  40  are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Indicator  19  is formed or otherwise provided on an upper side of spooning flap  40  to indicate the location of spooning opening  42  without opening spooning flap  40 . 
   It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the closure for a container provided herein are illustrative only. Although only a few exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these embodiments (such as variations in closure features such as orientation of flaps, skirts and corresponding recesses; variations in sizes, structures, shapes, dimensions and proportions of the tabs and stiffeners and other elements; flap hinge arrangements, configuration and operation of latching devices, arrangement of dispensing openings, use of materials, colors, combinations of shapes, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention. For example, the closure may be adapted and sized for use on any type of container or receptacle in a variety of sizes and for dispensing a variety of contents. According to other alternative embodiments, the closure may be adapted for installation to a container by a threaded interface or by a snap-on ring. Further, it is readily apparent that variations of the closure and its elements may be provided in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. It is also readily apparent that the closure interfaces and members for latching the flaps may be designed with any profile and configuration suitable for securely latching the flaps to the closure body. For example, the tabs may be short arc portions with a member or members, or the interfaces may have an outline corresponding to the perimeter of the closure openings (not shown) with a member or multiple members, or other shapes useful for retaining the flaps securely to the closure body when the flaps are in a closed position. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 
   The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or resequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present inventions as expressed in the appended claims.