Patent Publication Number: US-9840356-B1

Title: Closure with force amplifying lever

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Screw top or other closures, such as lids, caps, covers, etc., rotatably couple with corresponding bottles, jars, and other containers providing means for securely covering the containers while still generally allowing the containers to be opened by a typical user without the need for a bottle opener, can opener, or other tool. For at least these reasons, screw-top closures have wide spread use in many product areas, such as health and beauty, household, automotive, pharmaceutical, food and nutrition, toys, pet care, office supplies, baby care, and many others. However, since often such containers are very tightly sealed at factories and/or are tightly resealed after use, a user may have trouble unscrewing the lid from the container. This issue is amplified when the overall diameter of the lid is particularly small or particularly large, such that it is difficult for the user to get a good handgrip on the lid. Troubles in opening rotatably covered containers is additionally increased when the user is weak, such as when the user is a child, is elderly, or is otherwise weakened by a medical condition. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment of the present invention relates to a closure for rotatably coupling with a container to cover an opening of the container. The closure includes a lid and a lever. The lid includes a primary panel defining a top surface, a skirt extending away from the primary panel and being configured to couple with the container, and a stop positioned adjacent the top surface of the primary panel. The lid defines an outermost perimeter. A footprint of the lid is defined within the outermost perimeter of the lid. The lever is rotably coupled with the lid such that the lever rotates relative to the lid between a use position and a storage position. When the lever is in the storage position, the lever is maintained substantially within the footprint of the lid. When the lever is in the use position, the lever extends outwardly beyond the outermost perimeter of the lid contacting the stop of the lid such that force applied to lever is transferred to the lid via the stop. Other levers, lids, closures, and container assemblies are also described herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to the figures, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view illustration of a container assembly including a closure having a lever in a storage position, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view illustration of the container assembly of  FIG. 1  where the lever is in a use position, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view illustration of a lid of the closure of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view illustration of the lever of the closure of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a detailed view illustration of the lid of  FIG. 3  including a portion of a peg of the lever, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view illustration of the closure of  FIG. 1 , with the lever in a use position, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view illustration of a container assembly including a closure having a lever in a storage position, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a front perspective view illustration of the container assembly of  FIG. 7  where the lever is in a use position, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a front perspective view illustration of a lid of the closure of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a top view illustration of the container assembly of  FIG. 7  with the lever in the storage position, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a top view illustration of the container assembly of  FIG. 7  with the lever in the use position, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a front perspective view illustration of a container assembly including a closure having a lever in a storage position, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a front perspective view illustration of the container assembly of  FIG. 12  where the lever is in a use position, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a front perspective view illustration of a closure having a lever in a storage position, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a front perspective view illustration the closure of  FIG. 14  where the lever is in a use position, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded, front perspective view illustration of the closure of  FIG. 14 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a top view illustration of the closure of  FIG. 14  when the lever is in the use position, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is detailed perspective view illustration of a portion of a lid of the closure of  FIG. 14 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a detailed perspective view illustration of a portion of an alternative portion of a lid of the closure of  FIG. 14 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a detailed, bottom perspective view illustration of the lever of  FIG. 15 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a front perspective view illustration of a container assembly having a lever in a storage position, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  is a front perspective view illustration the container assembly of  FIG. 21  where the lever is in a use position, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 23  is a bottom perspective view illustration of a closure of the container assembly of  FIG. 21 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 24  is a front perspective view illustration of the container assembly of  FIG. 21  with a grip amplification tool, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description of the invention provides example embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the following detailed description of the invention. Relational terms herein such a first, second, top, bottom, etc. may be used herein solely to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying an actual such relationship, orientation, or order. In addition, as used herein, the term “about” or “substantially” apply to all numeric values or descriptive terms, respectively, and generally indicate a range of numbers or characteristics that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values or terms, that is, having the same function or results. 
     This innovation provides a closure including a lid, configured to be rotably coupled around a container opening, and a lever rotably coupled with the lid. In one embodiment, the lid independently covers the container opening, and the lever is configured to be rotated relative to the lid between a storage position to a use position. In the storage position, the lever fits a top the lid, generally maintained within an overall footprint of the lid. When the lever is rotated to the use position, the lever extends beyond an outermost perimeter of the lid of the closure. Force applied to outer portions of the lever, while the lever is in the use position, are transferred to the lid to open or tightly close the lid. Since the lever is positioned further away from a rotational axis of the lid than an edge of the lid itself, the lever increases the distance between a center axis of the lid and the opening force applied to the closure. In this manner, since torque is the product of the amount of force applied and the distance that force is spaced away from a rotational axis of an object, the torque applied to the lid via force from the lever is increased or amplified, as compared to torque applied to the lid via an equal force applied directly to the lever. Consequently, using the lever, a smaller force is able to generate a greater lid opening torque allowing the lid to be removed from a corresponding container more easily, that is, with less applied force. 
     Since the lever is permanently coupled with the lid, in one embodiment, the lever is integrated with the closure. This integration allows users to immediately access and use lever to open the container, without a need to hunt for and find a separate opening tool thereto. The integration of the lever to the lid is particularly helpful for those suffering from dementia or other memory problems, who could be set off their original course to open a container by a search for an opening tool in a manner that may result in the user unintentionally abandoning that initial course altogether. Where a container is used to store a food product, the opening tool search may be detrimental to the overall nutrition of the user, which is already a common concern for dementia patients. As such, since a closure having an integrated lever to assist in opening a container eliminates the need to search for a separate opening tool, the closure described herein is greatly beneficial to memory deficient users. Various embodiments of lid and lever closure configurations are disclosed herein as example embodiments. Other embodiments incorporating the teachings of this innovation are also contemplated and will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application. 
     Turning to the Figures,  FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustration of a container assembly  10  including a container  12  and a closure  14 , according to one embodiment of the invention. In general, closure  14  includes a lid  22  covering, or being configured to cover, and rotatably coupled to container  12 . Closure  14  further includes a lever  24  coupled to a top of lid  22 , for example, about a coupling pin  26 . Lever  24  is rotatable about coupling pin  26  between a storage position and a use position. In the storage position, lever  24  is maintained within an overall footprint of lid  22 , such that lever  24  does not change the amount of shelf space needed to store container assembly  10 . When rotated about coupling pin  26  to the storage position, lever  24  extends at least partially outside the overall footprint of lid  22 . Lid  22  includes at least one stop  28  configured to interact with lever  24  to stop rotational movement of lever  24  about coupling pin  26 , such that force applied to lever  24  is transferred to lid  22 , thereby rotating lid  22  relative to container  12  and eventually removing lid  22  from container  12 . 
     More specifically, one example of container  12  is illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , but it should be understood than many differently sized and shaped containers, such as jars, bottles, etc. formed of various materials such as plastic and/or glass are contemplated and acceptable for use with this current innovation. Container  12  includes a bottom panel  30  (generally indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and a sidewall  32  extending upwardly from and surrounding bottom panel  30  to define a storage chamber  36  having a open top  34 . Container  12  is configured to receive closure  14  within or about open top  34  in a rotatably securable and rotatably un-securable manner, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application. In one embodiment, as best illustrated in  FIG. 2 , container  12  includes threads  38  on an internal surface or external surface thereof, as illustrated, just below open top  34  for interacting with closure  14 . 
     One example of closure  14  including lid  22  and lever  24  is also illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Additionally referring to the isolated view of lid  22  in  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, lid  22  includes a primary panel  40  and depending skirt  42  extending downwardly from primary panel  40 , substantially adjacent to an outer perimeter of primary panel  40 . In one example, primary panel  40  is substantially circular in overall shape. Skirt  42  extends around primary panel  40  such that skirt  42  is positioned a consistent distance away from a center axis  50  of primary panel  40 , and of lid  22  as a whole, about a substantial entirety of its circumference. Skirt  42  terminates in a bottom edge  44  opposite primary panel  40 . In one example, skirt  42  further includes threads  48  extending radially inwardly from an interior surface  46  thereof, as best illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Threads  48  are configured to securely and rotatably interface with threads  38  of container  12 . While illustrated as including threads  48  on interior surface  46  of skirt  42 , in other examples, threads  48  may be formed on an exterior surface  52  of skirt  42 , opposite interior surface  46 , whichever location will interface with threads  38  of container. In other example, threads  38  and  48  are supplemented or replaced with other means for rotatably securing closure  14  to container  12 , wherein such means release closure  14  from container  12  when rotational forces are applied thereto. 
     Primary panel  40  defines a substantially planar, top surface  58  facing in an opposite direction as skirt  42 . In one embodiment, coupling pin  26  extends upwardly, that is, further away from bottom edge  44  of skirt  42 , with a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. Coupling pin  26  is positioned on primary panel  40  such that a center axis  62  of coupling pin  26  is offset from center axis  50  of primary panel  40 , and of lid  22  as a whole, in one example. In this manner, coupling pin  26  is positioned closer to an outermost perimeter  64  (see  FIG. 6 ) of lid  22  than to center axis  50  of lid  22 . In one embodiment, coupling pin  26  is topped with a cap  60  that has a larger outside diameter than a shaft  65  of coupling pin  26 . 
     In one embodiment, primary panel  40  additionally defines a groove  66  spaced from and curved about coupling pin  26  such that, in one example, groove  66  maintains a consistent radial spacing from coupling pin  26  about a substantial entirety of its length. Groove  66  is thereby in the shape of an arc having two opposing, curved and elongated sidewalls  72  and  74  terminating at each of first end wall, otherwise referred to as first stop  68 , and second end wall, otherwise referred to as second stop  70 , just before groove  66  would otherwise interface with skirt  42 . Each of first stop  68  and second stop  70  serve to limit movement, more particularly, rotation of lever  24  about coupling pin  26 , as will be further described below. In one example, groove  66  extends along an arc about a central angle equal to at least about 120°, and in one embodiment, equal to at least about 180°, subject to a desired amplification factor. The central angle of the arc of groove  66  is, in one example, further increased and/or maximized to gain additional mechanical advantage, where the torsional force and consequential shear stress are able to be resisted by the chosen material(s) forming lid  22  and lever  24 . 
     Lid  22  is formed as a single piece, in one embodiment; while in other embodiments, lid  22  is formed as two pieces including an exterior shell and an interior snap in threaded portion, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application. Lid  22  may be formed of any suitable material. In one example, lid  22  is molded from a moldable material, such as polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride, and may or may not be formed of recyclable material. Where lid  22  may be used with a container  12  housing a food item, lid  22  is formed of a material rated as “food grade.” 
     One example of lever  24  is collectively illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 . Lever  24  includes a primary panel  80  and sidewall  82  extending downwardly from primary panel  80 , substantially adjacent to an outer perimeter of primary panel  80 . Primary panel  80  is substantially planar, in one example, defining a top surface  84  and a bottom surface  86  opposite top surface  84 . In one example, lever  24  is and shaped sized to be substantially identical in outside diameter to lid  22  such that skirt  42  and sidewall  32  substantially align when lever  24  is in the storage position, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , providing a clean overall aesthetic to closure  14 . However, in other examples, lever  24  is sized with a smaller overall footprint than lid  22 . An aperture  90  extends through primary panel  80  near sidewall  82 , that is, such that a center of aperture  90  is offset from centerline  94  of lever  24  and such that aperture  90  will align with coupling pin  26  upon assembly of closure, as will be described below. 
     Sidewall  82  extends around primary panel  40  such that sidewall  82  is positioned a consistent distance away from a center axis  50  thereof about a substantial entirety of its circumference, in one embodiment. Sidewall  82  terminates in a bottom edge  88  below bottom surface  86  of primary panel  40 . In one example, a peg  92 , such as a peg follower, protrudes downwardly from bottom surface  86  of primary panel  40 . Peg  92 , more particularly, extends downwardly from bottom surface  86  a further distance than sidewall  82 , such that peg  92  extends well below bottom edge  88  of sidewall. Otherwise stated, in one embodiment, peg  92  extends further downwardly than a remainder of lever  24 . In one embodiment, peg  92  extends further downwardly than bottom edge  88  a distance substantially equal to a depth of groove  66  in lid  22 . In one example, peg  92  is substantially cylindrical and has an overall outside diameter substantially equal to, e.g., just slightly smaller than, a width of groove  66  defined between sidewalls  72  and  74  such that peg  92  fits within and is movable along groove  66 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , peg  92  is positioned on bottom surface  86  of primary panel  80  of lever  24  such that a centerline  96  of peg  92  extends through a single radial line extending from centerline  94  of lever through centerline  106  of aperture  90 . 
     In one example, lever  24  includes one or more internal wall  100  extending downwardly from bottom surface  86  of primary panel  80  to a bottom edge  102  of each internal wall  100 , where each internal wall  100  is positioned within the confines of sidewall  82  providing additional rigidity to lever  24 . As illustrated, the one or more internal walls  100  includes a cavity internal wall  104  extending about the outside diameter of aperture  90  to form a tubular cavity  108  open at a top, via aperture  90 , and a bottom thereof. In one example, an internal wall  105  extends from two different points along sidewall  82  to different sides of peg  92  to increase the rigidity of peg  92 . Other internal walls  100  are contemplated as well as the elimination of some or all of internal walls  100 . 
     In other embodiments, lever  24  may have other suitable shapes, such as an oval, square, rectangle, star, insignia, etc., as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application. While illustrated and described above as forming lever  24  with primary panel  80  and sidewall  82 , in other embodiments, lever  24  is formed of a substantially solid piece of material where bottom edge  88  and bottom surface  86  are substantially coplanar with peg  92  extending below bottom surface  86 . In these embodiments, internal walls  100  may be eliminated with tubular cavity  108  being formed through the thickness of substantially solid lever  24 . Other variations are also contemplated. 
     Lever  24  is formed as a single piece, in one embodiment; while in other embodiments, lever  24  is formed as two or more pieces fit together. Lever  24  may be formed of any suitable material. In one example, lever  24  is molded from a moldable material, such as polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride, and may or may not be formed of recyclable material. Where lever  24  may be used with a container  12  housing a food item, lever  24  may be “food grade” rated; however, since lever  24  is spaced from an interior of container  12  via lid  22 , lever  24  may be an non “food grade” material even where closure  14  is configured for or will be used with a container  12  housing food or any other ingestible item. 
     Closure  14  is assembled by rotatably coupling lever  24  to lid  22 . More specifically, tubular cavity  108  and peg  92  of lever  24  are aligned with and positioned to face coupling pin  26  and groove  66 , respectively. Lever  24  and lid  22  are pressed toward each other moving peg  92  into groove  66 , and coupling pin  26  into and, in one example, through tubular cavity  108 . Different formations of coupling pin  26  are contemplated that slightly impact assembly of closure  14 . In one example, cap  60  on top of coupling pin  26  and tubular cavity  108  are configured to flex sufficiently under pressure to allow coupling pin  26  to move through tubular cavity  108 , only to expand once past aperture  90  to at least slightly interact with primary panel  80  holding lever  24  in place between primary panel  80  and cap  60  of coupling pin.  26 . In other examples, cap  60  may be initially formed separately from shaft  65  of coupling pin  26  and secured to a top thereof after lever  24  is placed to extend around coupling pin  26 . 
     When so assembled, lever  24  fits atop lid  22  adjacent top surface  58 , for example, such that bottom edge  88  faces and/or sits in contact with top surface  58  of primary panel  40  of lid  22 . Lid  22  may be rotated into a storage position (see  FIG. 1 ) in which lever  24  fits substantially entirely within a footprint of lid  22 , as defined by an outermost perimeter of lid  22 . Lever  24  rotates to selectively contact one or both of first and second stops  68  and  70 . Lever  24  is rotatable about coupling pin  26  along an arc limited by first and second stops  68  and  70  of groove  66  to a use position ( FIGS. 2 and 6 ), in which lever  24  extends beyond the confines of the footprint of lid  22 . As illustrated via the arrows in  FIG. 5 , when lever  24  is rotated about coupling pin  26 , peg  92  moves accordingly within groove  66 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , for example, when lever  24  is rotated in a counterclockwise manner, peg  92  moves through groove  66  until peg  92  contacts second stop  72 . When peg  92  hits second stop  72 , lever  24  can no longer be rotated about lid  22 . Additional force is then applied (as generally indicated via the arrow in  FIG. 6 ) to lever  24  and is transferred from lever  24  to lid  22  via peg  92  and second stop  72 . When lid  22  is secured on container  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the force transferred to lid  22  initiates rotation of lid  22  about open top  34  of container  12  in a counterclockwise direction moving lid  22  up and eventually off of container threads  38  to open container  12 . 
     The overall force required to open container  12  using closure  14  as described above is decreased from conventional lids  22 , as lever  24  of closure  14  increases the distance between the force being applied and center axis  50  of lid  22  about open top  34  of container  12 . An increase in this distance, in turn, increases the torque applied to lid  22  rotate lid  22  relative to container  12 , as torque is the product of force applied and a distance from the center axis  62  at which that force is applied. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 6 , a distance D 1  is defined between an outside surface of lid  22  and a center axis  50  of lid  22  about container  12  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Distance D 1  is the distance at which force would be applied to a typical lid (not shown) not making use of the present innovation. When lever  24  is rotated into a use position, in which peg  92  is in contact with second stop  72  of lid  22 , the force applied to an outside of lever  24  is positioned a distance D 2  from center axis  50  of lid  22 . The increase between distance D 1  and distance D 2  proportionally increases the effect of the applied force, such that a lesser force applied at D 2  is needed to initiate rotation of lid  22  about container  12  than a force applied at D 1 . In this manner, when a force is applied to outer regions of lever  24 , as generally indicated via the arrow in  FIG. 6 , that force is amplified, such that lid  22  is more easily removed from container  12 , than when an equal force is applied directly to an exterior of lid  22 . In one example, distance D 2  is at least about 1.5 times distance D 1 , and, in one example, at least about 2 times distance D 1 , such that the force applied to lever  24 , in the use position, is amplified by at least about 1.5, and, in one example, at least about 2 times, a similar force applied directly to lid  22 . Otherwise stated, lever  24  serves to amplify the effect of applied force resulting in a larger amount of torque being applied to lid  22  per the amount of force applied to lever  24 . 
     While primarily illustrated as rotating lever  24  counterclockwise from a storage position ( FIG. 1 ) to a use position ( FIGS. 2 and 6 ) to open lid  22 , closure  14  also facilitates a user in tightly resealing container  12 . In this manner, closure  14  provides bi-directional force amplification. More specifically, rotating lever  24  about coupling pin  26  in a clockwise direction eventually moves peg  92  into contact with first stop  70  of groove  66  as generally indicated in phantom lines as lever  24 ′ in  FIG. 6 . Forces applied to lever  24  to continue moving lever  24  in a clockwise direction are transferred to lid  22  via peg  92  interaction with first stop  70 , in substantially an identical manner as described above in the opening use position other than being in an opposite direction. The transfer of forces allows a user to tighten lid  22  on container  12  with lesser force than would otherwise be needed due to the increased distance D 2  of lever  24  as compared to distance D 1  of lid  22  alone. Lever  24  is easily rotated back into a storage position from either of the two use positions, that is, from an opening use position (see  FIGS. 2 and 6 ) and a closing use position generally indicated in phantom lines in  FIG. 6 . As such, a compact overall container assembly  10  is provided having a built in lever  24  of closure  14  rotatable to aid a user in more easily opening and closing container  12  via rotation of closure relative to container  12 . 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate a perspective view illustration of a container assembly  210  including container  12  and a closure  214 , according to one embodiment of the invention. In general, closure  214  includes a lid  222  covering, or being configured to cover, and rotatably coupled to container  212 . Closure  214  further includes a lever  224  coupled to a top of lid  222 , for example, about a coupling pin  226 . Lever  224  is rotatable about coupling pin  226  between a storage position and a use position. In the storage position, lever  224  is maintained within an overall footprint of lid  222 , such that lever  224  does not change the amount of shelf space needed to store container assembly  210 . When rotated about coupling pin  226  to the storage position, lever  224  extends at least partially outside the overall footprint of lid  222 . Lid  222  includes at least one stop  228  configured to interact with lever  224  to stop rotational movement of lever  224  about coupling pin  226 , such that force applied to lever  224  is transferred to lid  222 , thereby rotating lid  222  relative to container  12  and eventually removing lid  222  from container  12 . Although container assembly  310  is illustrated with one example container  12 , it should be understood that many differently sized and shaped containers, such as jars, bottles, etc. are contemplated and acceptable for use with this current innovation. 
     One example of closure  214  including lid  222  and lever  224  is also illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Additionally referring to the isolated view of lid  222  in  FIG. 9 , in one embodiment, lid  222  includes a primary panel  240  and depending skirt  242  extending downwardly from primary panel  240 , substantially adjacent to an outer perimeter of primary panel  240 . In one example, primary panel  240  is substantially circular in overall shape. Skirt  242  extends around primary panel  240  such that skirt  242  is positioned a consistent distance away from a center axis  250  of primary panel  240 , and of lid  222  as a whole, about a substantial entirety of its circumference. Skirt  242  terminates in a bottom edge  244  opposite primary panel  240 . In one example, skirt  242  further includes threads  248  extending radially inwardly from an interior surface  246  thereof, as best illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Threads  248  are configured to securely and rotatably interface with threads  38  of container  12 . While illustrated as including threads  248  on interior surface  246  of skirt  242 , in other examples, threads  248  may be formed on an exterior surface  252  of skirt  242 , opposite interior surface  246 , whichever location will interface with threads  38  of container  12 . In other examples, threads  38  and  248  are supplemented or replaced with other means for rotatably securing closure  214  to container  12 , wherein such means release closure  214  from container  12  when rotational forces are applied thereto. 
     Primary panel  240  defines a substantially planar, top surface  258  facing in an opposite direction as skirt  242 . In one embodiment, coupling pin  226  extends upwardly, that is, further away from bottom edge  244  of skirt  242 , from primary panel  220  with a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. Coupling pin  226  is positioned on primary panel  240  such that a center axis  262  of coupling pin  226  is offset from center axis  250  of primary panel  240 , and of lid  222  as a whole, in one example. In this manner, coupling pin  226  is positioned between an outermost perimeter  264  (see  FIG. 11 ) of lid  222  and center axis  250  of lid  222 . In one embodiment, coupling pin  226  is topped with a cap  260  that has a larger outside diameter than a shaft  265  of coupling pin  226 . 
     In one embodiment, lid  222  includes a protruding block  266  extending upwardly from a top surface  258  of primary panel  240  in a substantially triangular or pie shape. As illustrated, protruding block  266  has an exterior wall  272  adjacent, for example, immediately adjacent, outermost perimeter  264  of lid  222 . First and second sidewalls  268  and  270  each extend from opposite ends of exterior wall  272  to intersect one another at a point radially inward from exterior wall  272 , and in one example, the intersection is the nearest part of the protruding block to center axis  250  of lid  222 . Each of first and second sidewalls  268  and  270  is formed with a similar concave curvature, with the degree of curvature matching an outside curvature of lever  224 , such that each of first and second sidewalls  268  and  270  form one of stops  228  of closure  214 . Each of first stop  268  and second stop  270  serve to limit movement, more particularly, rotation of lever  224  about coupling pin  226 , as will be further described below. In one embodiment, protruding block may eliminate one of first stop  268  and second stop  270  to only amplify force in one of a closing and opening direction. 
     Lid  222  is formed as a single piece, in one embodiment; while in other embodiments, lid  222  is formed as two pieces including an exterior shell and an interior snap in threaded portion, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application. Lid  222  may be formed of any suitable material. In one example, lid  222  is molded from a moldable material, such as polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride, and may or may not be formed of recyclable material. Where lid  222  may be used with a container  12  housing a food item, lid  222  is formed of a material rated as “food grade.” 
     One example of lever  224  is collectively illustrated in  FIGS. 7, 8, 10, and 11 . Lever  224  includes a primary panel  280  and sidewall  282  extending downwardly from primary panel  820 , substantially adjacent to an outer perimeter of primary panel  280 . Primary panel  280  is substantially planar, in one example, defining a top surface  284  and a bottom surface  286  opposite top surface  284 . In one example, lever  224  is and shaped sized to be smaller in outside diameter to lid  222  such that lever  224  does not increase an overall footprint of closure  14  as defined by lid  222 . An aperture or depending open cavity  290  extends through primary panel  280  near sidewall  282 , that is, such that a center of cavity  290  is offset from centerline  294  of lever  224 . 
     Sidewall  282  extends around and depends downwardly from primary panel  240 . In an embodiment where lever  224  is circular, sidewall  282  is positioned a consistent distance away from a center axis  250  thereof about a substantial entirety of its circumference. Sidewall  282  terminates in a bottom edge  288  below bottom surface  286  of primary panel  240 . In other embodiments, lever  224  may have other suitable shapes, such as an oval, square, rectangle, star, etc., as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application. While illustrated and described above as forming lever  224  with primary panel  280  and sidewall  282 , in other embodiments, lever  224  is formed of a substantially solid piece of material where bottom edge  288  and bottom surface  286  are substantially coplanar with each other. Other variations are also contemplated. 
     Lever  224  is formed as a single piece, in one embodiment; while in other embodiments, lever  224  is formed as two or more pieces fit together. Lever  224  may be formed of any suitable material. In one example, lever  224  is molded from a moldable material, such as polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride, and may or may not be formed of recyclable material. Where lever  224  may be used with a container  12  housing a food item, lever  224  may be “food grade” rated; however, since lever  224  is spaced from an interior of container  12  via lid  222 , lever  224  may be an non “food grade” material even where closure  214  is configured for or will be used with a container  12  housing food or any other ingestible item. 
     Closure  214  is assembled by rotatably coupling lever  224  to lid  222 . More specifically, cavity  290  of lever  224  is aligned with and positioned to face coupling pin  226 . Lever  224  and lid  222  are pressed toward each other moving coupling pin  226  into and through cavity  290 . Different formations of coupling pin  226  are contemplated that slightly impact assembly of closure  14 . In one example, cap  260  on top of coupling pin  226  and cavity  290  are configured to flex sufficiently under pressure to allow coupling pin  226  to move through cavity  290 , where cap  260  expands to its original diameter once cap  260  clears cavity  290  to at least slightly interact with primary panel  280  holding lever  224  in place between primary panel  280  and cap  260  of coupling pin.  226 . In other examples, cap  260  may be initially formed separately from shaft  265  of coupling pin  226  and secured to a top thereof after lever  224  is placed to extend around coupling pin  226 . 
     When so assembled, lever  224  fits atop lid  222  adjacent top surface  258  of lid  222  adjacent top surface  58 , for example, such that bottom edge  88  faces and/or sits in contact with top surface  58  of primary panel  40  of lid  22 . Lid  22  may be rotated into a storage position (see  FIGS. 7 and 10 ) in which lever  224  fits substantially entirely within a footprint of lid  222 , as defined by an outermost perimeter of lid  222 . Lever  224  is selectively rotatable about coupling pin  226  in each of two directions, as generally indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 8 , to selectively contact each of the first and second stops  268  and  270 . In one example, lever  224  is rotated along an arc limited by at least one of first and second stops  268  and  270  of protruding block  266  to a use position ( FIGS. 8 and 11 ), in which lever  224  extends beyond the confines of the footprint of lid  222 . As shown in FIG.  11 , for example, when lever  224  is rotated in a clockwise manner, sidewall  282  of lever  224  contacts first sidewall  268 , one of stops  228 , which prevents further rotation of lever  224  relative to lid  222 . Additional force then applied (as generally indicated via the arrow in  FIG. 1 ) to lever  224 , and the additional force is transferred from lever  224  via first sidewall  268  to lid  222  to secure and tighten lid  222  on container  12 . Once lid  22  is secured to container  12 , lever  224  can be moved back to the storage position. 
     Since, closure  214  provides bi-directional force amplification, when a user wishes to reopen container  12 , lever  224  is rotated in the opposite, counterclockwise direction, to interaction with second sidewall  270  as generally indicated in phantom lines at  224 ′ in  FIG. 11 , in a similar manner as shown in described for first sidewall  268 . In this manner, force on lever  224  is transferred to lid  22  via protruding block  266  resulting in counterclockwise rotation of lid  222  about open top  34  of container  12 , which moves lid  222  up and eventually off of container threads  38  to open container  12 . 
     As with closure  14 , the overall forces required to tighten and open container  12  using closure  214 , as described above, are decreased from conventional lids, as lever  224  of closure  214  increases the distance between the force being applied and the center axis  250  of lid  222  about open top  34  of container  12 . An increase in this distance, in turn, increases the torque applied to lid  222  rotate lid  222  relative to container  12 , as torque is the product of force applied and a distance from the center axis  262  at which that force is applied. 
     More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 11 , a distance D 3  is defined between an outside surface of lid  222  and a center axis  250  of lid  222  about container  12  ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ). Distance D 3  is the distance at which force would be applied to a typical lid (not shown) not making use of the present innovation. When lever  224  is rotated into a use position, the force applied to an outside of lever  224  is positioned a distance D 4  from center axis  250  of lid  222 . The increase between distance D 3  and distance D 4  proportionally increases the effect of the applied force, such that a lesser force applied at D 4  is needed to initiate rotation of lid  222  about container  12  than a force applied at D 3 . In this manner, when a force is applied to outer regions of lever  224 , as generally indicated with the arrow in  FIG. 11 , that force is amplified, allowing lid  222  to be more easily removed from container  12 , than when an equal force is applied directly to an exterior of lid  222 . 
     In one example, distance D 4  is at least about 1.2 times distance D 3 , and, in one example, at least about 1.5 times distance D 3 , such that the force applied to lever  224 , in the use position, is amplified by at least about 1.2, and, in one example, at least about 1.5 times, a similar force applied directly to lid  222 . Otherwise stated, lever  224  serves to amplify the effect of applied force resulting in a larger amount of torque being applied to lid  222  per the amount of force applied to lever  224 . In one example, the amplification factor on the force applied to the lever as compared to an equal force applied to the lid is equal to at least about 1.2, and, in one example, equal to at least about 1.5. 
     Lever  224  is easily rotated back into a storage position from either of the two use positions, that is, from a closing use position (see  FIGS. 8 and 11 ) and an opening use position generally indicated at  224 ′ in  FIG. 11 . As such, a compact overall container assembly  210  is provided having a built in lever  224  of closure  14  rotatable to aid a user in more easily opening and closing container  12  via rotation of closure relative to container  12 . 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate another embodiment of a container assembly at  310 . Container assembly  310  is identical to container assembly  210 , other than lever  324  replacing lever  224  of container assembly  210 . Lever  324  is substantially similar to lever  224  other than an overall shape thereof. More particularly, in one example, lever  324  includes a primary panel  380  and sidewall  382  extending downwardly from primary panel  380 , substantially adjacent to an outer perimeter of primary panel  380 . Primary panel  380  is substantially planar, in one example, defining a top surface  384  and a bottom surface  386  opposite top surface  384 . In one example, lever  324  is and shaped sized to be smaller in overall size than lid  322  such that lever  324  does not increase an overall footprint of closure  14  as defined by lid  322 , and primary panel  380  is sized and shaped accordingly. 
     In one embodiment, primary panel  380  is of any suitable shape and provides an alternative to the circular shape of primary panel  280  (e.g.  FIG. 7 ). Primary panel  380  is sized and shaped to fit substantially within a footprint of lid  322 , and, in one example, to fit substantially within a footprint of primary panel  240  of lid  222  when lever  324  is rotated to a use position, as shown in  FIG. 13 . In addition, primary panel  380  is sized such that when lever  324  is rotated to a use position, lever  324  will extend outwardly beyond an overall footprint of lid  322 . In one example, when in the use position, lever  324  is sized and shaped to extend a distance away from a centerline  350  of lid  322  that is at least 1.2 times, and in one embodiment, at least 1.5 times, a distance from centerline  350  of lid  322  to an outside surface of skirt  242  of lid  322 . Primary panel  380  may be shaped as a standard geometric shape, such as an oval, polygon, etc. or may be shaped in a less standard shape, such as that illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . In this manner, primary panel  380  may define any number of concavities or other indentations  398  or convexities or other protrusions  400 . 
     In one embodiment, the shape of primary panel  380  may be representative of a source, user, contents, or other component of container assembly  310  or the items or products maintained therein. For example, primary panel  380  may be in shape of a product logo, source logo, container logo, a well-known character, a user&#39;s initial, or other shape having additional meaningful significance. While the non-circular shape of lever  324  is shown here as a specific alternative to lever  224  of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , it should be understood that a similarly shaped lever could be substituted for levers in the other embodiments described in this application as well. In one example, curvature in the shape of primary panel  380  is maintained at portions that will be adjacent protruding block  266  to nest with first and second sidewalls  268  and  270  as described above with respect to closure  212 . In one example, the shape of primary panel  380  that will be adjacent protruding block  266  are otherwise shaped and/or the contour of first and second sidewalls  268  and  270  are adjusted accordingly such that lever  324  will still nest with first and second sidewalls  268  and  270  as stops  228 . 
     Primary panel  340  additionally defines an aperture or depending cavity  390  extending through primary panel  380  near sidewall  282 , that is, such that a center of cavity  290  is offset from centerline  294  of lever  224 . Cavity  490  is sized and shaped to fit around coupling pin  226  allowing rotation of lever  324  about coupling pin  226 . 
     Sidewall  382  extends around and depends downwardly from an outer perimeter of primary panel  340 . Sidewall  382  terminates in a bottom edge  388  below bottom surface (not shown) of primary panel  380 . Since sidewall  382  follows the general shape of primary panel  340 , in one embodiment, portions of sidewall  382  corresponding with concavities or other indentations  398  may provide surfaces for easier grip or contact by a user&#39;s hand or individual fingers thereon. While illustrated and primarily described as forming lever  324  with primary panel  380  and sidewall  382 , in other embodiments, lever  324  is formed of a substantially solid piece of material where bottom edge  388  and the bottom surface of primary panel  380  are substantially coplanar with each other. Other variations are also contemplated. 
     Like lever  224 , lever  324  is formed as a single piece, in one embodiment; while in other embodiments, lever  324  is formed as two or more pieces fit together. Lever  324  may be formed of any suitable material. In one example, lever  324  is molded from a moldable material, such as polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride, and may or may not be formed of recyclable material. Where lever  324  may be used with a container  12  housing a food item, lever  324  may be “food grade” rated; however, since lever  324  is spaced from an interior of container  12  via lid  222 , lever  324  may be an non “food grade” material even where closure  314  is configured for or will be used with a container  12  housing food or any other ingestible item. 
     Closure  314  is assembled by rotatably coupling lever  324  to lid  322 , in the same manner as described above for lever  224  and lid  222 . More specifically, cavity  490  of lever  324  is aligned with and positioned to face coupling pin  326 . Lever  324  and lid  222  are pressed toward each other moving coupling pin  226  into and through cavity  490  such that cap  260  of pin  226  fits over primary panel  380  around cavity  490 . In this manner closure  314  functions substantially similarly to closure  214 , providing bi-directional force amplification to opening and closing forces applied to lever  324  of lid  322 . That is force on lever  324  is transferred to lid  222  via protruding block  266  resulting in either clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of lid  222 , depending on the direction force is applied, about open top  34  of container  12 , which either securely seal closure  314  to container  212  or to remove closure  314  from container  212 . 
       FIGS. 14-16  illustrate yet another embodiment of a closure, according to the present invention, at  414  configured for use with container  12  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) or any other suitable container. Closure  414  includes a lid  422  covering, or being configured to cover, and rotatably coupled to container  12 . Closure  414  further includes a lever  424  coupled to a top of lid  422  about a coupling pin  426 . Lever  424  is rotatable about the coupling pin  426  between a storage position (see  FIG. 14 ) and a use position (see  FIG. 15 ). In the storage position, lever  424  is maintained within an overall footprint of lid  422 , such that lever  424  does not change the amount of shelf space needed to store any container mated with closure  414 . When rotated about coupling pin  426  to the storage position, lever  424  extends at least partially outside the overall footprint of lid  422 , in one embodiment. Lid  422  includes at least one stop  428  configured to interact with lever  424  to stop rotational movement of lever  424  about coupling pin  426 , such that force applied to lever  424  is transferred to lid  422 , thereby rotating lid  422  relative to a corresponding container (not shown) and eventually removing lid  422  from the corresponding container. 
     In one example, lid  422  of closure  414  includes a primary panel  440  and depending skirt  442  extending downwardly from primary panel  440 , substantially adjacent to an outer perimeter of primary panel  440 . In one example, primary panel  440  is substantially circular in overall shape. Skirt  442  extends around primary panel  440  such that skirt  442  is positioned a consistent distance away from a center axis  450  of primary panel  440 , and of lid  422  as a whole, about a substantial entirety of its circumference. Skirt  442  terminates in a bottom edge  444  opposite primary panel  440 . In one example, skirt  442  further includes threads (not shown, but similar to threads  48  and  248  described above) extending radially inwardly from an interior surface (not shown) and configured to securely and rotatably interface with threads  38  of container  12  (see  FIG. 2 ). In other example, threads of lid  422  are supplemented or replaced with other means for securing closure  414  to container  12 , wherein such means release closure  414  from container  12  when rotational forces are applied thereto. Skirt  442  may additionally include a series of vertically extending teeth  452  or other grip-enhancing feature, circumferentially spaced from one another along and extending radially outwardly from skirt  442 . Teeth  452  provide additional grip enhancement for user interaction with lid  422 . 
     Primary panel  440  defines a substantially planar, top surface  458  facing in an opposite direction as skirt  442 . Coupling pin  426  extends upwardly, that is, further away from bottom edge  444  of skirt  442 , from primary panel  440  with a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. Coupling pin  426  is positioned on primary panel  440  such that a center axis  462  of coupling pin  426  is offset from center axis  450  of primary panel  440 , and of lid  422  as a whole, in one example. In this manner, coupling pin  426  is positioned closer to an outermost perimeter  464  (see  FIG. 17 ) of lid  422  than to center axis  450  of lid  422 . 
     In one embodiment, primary panel  440  additionally defines a protruding block  466  spaced from coupling pin  426 . Protruding block  466  defines curved sidewall  472  radially inset form skirt  442 . In one example, sidewall  472  includes two adjacent portions, including a first sidewall portion  468  and a second sidewall portion  470 . First sidewall portion  468  serves as a first stop and is configured to interact with lever  424 , when lever  424  is in the use position (see, e.g.,  FIG. 17 ). Second sidewall portion  470  extends from an end of first sidewall portion  468  and is configured to serve as a second stop interfacing with or sitting adjacent lever  424  when lever  424  is in a storage position (see  FIG. 14 ). First sidewall portion  468  serves to limit movement, more particularly, rotation of lever  424  about coupling pin  426  in a counterclockwise direction, as will be further described below. 
     Protruding block  466  may additionally include a detent or similar indentation  476  along a portion thereof. Indentation  476  is sized to interact with a user&#39;s finger providing a surface area for enhancing such interaction, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application. 
     Lid  422  may be formed as a single piece or as two or more pieces including an exterior shell and an interior snap in threaded portion as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application. Lid  422  may be formed of any suitable material. In one example, lid  422  is molded from a moldable material, such as polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride, and may or may not be formed of recyclable material. Where lid  422  may be used with a container  412  housing a food item, lid  422  is formed of a material rated as “food grade.” 
     One example of lever  424  is collectively illustrated in  FIGS. 14-16 . Lever  424  includes a primary panel  480  and sidewall  482  extending downwardly from primary panel  480 , substantially adjacent to and surrounding an outer perimeter of primary panel  480 . Primary panel  480  is substantially planar, in one example, defining a top surface  484  and a bottom surface (not shown) opposite top surface  484 . In one example, lever  424  is formed in a curvilinear, hook, or crescent shape, as illustrated, forming a first end  492  and a second end  493  of lever  424 . In one example, an interior curvature of lever  424  is substantially identical to the curvature of second sidewall portion  470 , such that lever  424  is configured to selectively next against second sidewall portion  470 . A aperture and/or cavity  490  extends through primary panel  480  near first end  492  of lever  424 , that is, such that a center of cavity  490  is offset from centerline  494  of lever  424  and such that cavity  490  will align with coupling pin  426  upon assembly of closure, as will be described below. 
     Sidewall  482  extends around primary panel  440  about a substantial entirety of an outer perimeter of primary panel  440 , in one embodiment. Sidewall  482  extends downwardly away from primary panel  440  and terminates in a bottom edge  488  below bottom surface  486  of primary panel. In one example, a portion of sidewall  482 , such as an exterior facing portion, includes vertically extending teeth  486  or other grip-enhancing feature. 
     While illustrated and described above as forming lever  424  with primary panel  480  and sidewall  482 , in other embodiments, lever  424  is formed of a substantially solid piece of material where bottom edge  488  and bottom surface (not shown) of primary panel  480  are substantially coplanar. Other variations are also contemplated. 
     Lever  424  is formed as a single piece, in one embodiment; while in other embodiments, lever  424  is formed as two or more pieces fit together. Lever  424  may be formed of any suitable material. In one example, lever  424  is molded from a moldable material, such as polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride, and may or may not be formed of recyclable material. Where lever  424  may be used with a container  12  housing a food item, lever  24  may be “food grade” rated however, since lever  424  is spaced from an interior of container  12  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) via lid  422 , lever  424  may be an non “food grade” material even where closure  414  is configured for or will be used with a container  12  housing food or any other ingestible item. 
     Closure  414  is assembled by rotatably coupling lever  424  to lid  422 . More specifically, cavity  490  is aligned with and positioned to face coupling pin  426 . Lever  424  and lid  422  are pressed toward each other moving coupling pin  426  into and, in one example, through cavity  490 . In one example, coupling pin  426  and cavity  490  are sufficiently sized to couple to one another via friction fit while still allowing lever  424  to rotate about coupling pin  426 . 
     When so assembled, lever  424  fits atop lid  422  adjacent top surface  458  of lid  422 , for example, such that bottom edge  488  of lever  424  fits adjacent and/or abuts top surface  458  of primary panel  440 . Lever  424  is rotatable into a storage position (see  FIG. 14 ), in which lever  424  fits substantially entirely within a footprint of lid  422  as defined by an outermost perimeter of lid  422 . In one example, when in the storage position, an interior curvature of lever  424  nests directly adjacent second sidewall portion  470  of protruding block, which stops clockwise rotation of lever  424  beyond the storage location nesting against protruding block  466 . Lever  424  is rotatable in a counterclockwise direction as generally indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 15 , away from second sidewall portion  470  of protruding block  466 , until exterior side of lever  424  directly abuts first sidewall portion  468  of protruding block  466  placing lever  424  in a user position ( FIGS. 15 and 17 ), in which lever  424  extends beyond the confines of the footprint of lid  422 , that is extends beyond an outer perimeter of lid  422 . Additional force then applied, as generally indicated via the arrow in  FIG. 17 , to lever  424 , and the additional force is transferred from lever  424  via first sidewall portion  468 , acting as a stop  428 , to lid  422 . When lid  422  is secured on a corresponding container, such as container  12  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), the force transferred to lid  222  initiates counterclockwise rotation of lid  222  about open top  34  of container  12  moving lid  422  up and eventually off of container threads  38  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2 ) to open container  12 . 
     The overall force required to open container  12  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) is lessened using closure  414  as described above is decreased from conventional lids  22 , as lever  424  of closure  414  increases the distance between the force being applied and the center axis  450  of lid  422  about open top  34  of container  12 . In a similar manner as described for the embodiments above, an increase in this distance, in turn, increases the torque applied to lid  422  rotate lid  422  relative to container  12 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 17  with additional reference to  FIG. 15 , a distance D 5  is defined between an outside surface of lid  422  and a center axis  450  of lid  422  about container  12 . Distance D 5  is the distance at which force would be applied to a typical lid (not shown) not making use of the present innovation but sized similarly to lid  422 . When lever  424  is rotated into a use position, lever  422  contacts first sidewall portion  468  to stop additional rotation of lever  424  relative to lid  422 , the force applied to an outside of lever  424  is positioned a distance D 6  from center axis  450  of lid  422 . The increase between distance D 5  and distance D 6  proportionally increases the effect of the applied force, such that a lesser force applied at D 6  is needed to initiate rotation of lid  422  about container  12  than a force applied at D 5 . In this manner, when a force is applied to outer regions of lever  424 , as generally indicated via the arrow in  FIG. 17 , that force is amplified, such that lid  422  is more easily removed from container  12 , than when a similar force is applied directly to an exterior of lid  422 . In one example, distance D 6  is at least about 1.5 times distance D 5 , and, in one example, at least about 2 times distance D 6 , such that the force applied to lever  424 , in the use position, is amplified by at least about 1.5, and, in one example, at least about 2 times, a similar force applied directly to lid  422 . Otherwise stated, lever  424  serves to amplify the effect of applied force resulting in a larger amount of torque being applied to lid  422  per the amount of force applied to lever  424 . 
     Lever  424  is easily rotated back into a storage position from the use position for storage within the footprint of lid  422 . As such, a compact closure  414  is provided having a built in lever  424  rotatable to aid a user in more easily opening and closing a corresponding container via rotation of closure  414  relative to container  12 . 
     In one example, closure  414  is formed with additional features, such as one or more pressure equalization feature, that are of particular interest upon the initial opening of an associated container that may be factory or otherwise sealed in an airtight manner as shown in  FIGS. 15-24 . In the illustrated and other related examples, the additional features of closure  414  permit a user to achieve pressure equalization of an initial vacuum sealed, or otherwise airtight, container cavity covered by closure  414  and means for amplifying opening torque applied to closure  414  in one single movement of lever  424  from a storage to a use position. The pressure equalization features of closure  414  are especially of importance with food or other ingestible products that may be preheated prior to sealing. More specifically, as generally illustrated in  FIGS. 15-17  and more particularly illustrated in the detail view of  FIG. 18 , in one example, primary panel  440  of lid  422  additionally includes a recess  512  with a frangible protrusion  514 , which is one example of a pressure equalization feature, plugging the recess and extending upwardly therefrom beyond top surface  484  of primary panel  440 . When frangible protrusion  514  is in place, the airtight or vacuum seal between closure  414  and a corresponding container is maintained. However, frangible protrusion  514  is configured to be broken off of primary panel  440  when a horizontal force is applied thereto in a manner creating an open port, as generally indicated at  530 , to an interior of the container and allowing air into the corresponding container. 
     In this example, lever  424  is formed such that a cavity  516  is defined between opposing portions of sidewall  482  as illustrated with reference to  FIG. 20 , with interior surfaces  518  of sidewall  482  being immediately adjacent cavity  516 . When lever  424  is in the storage position ( FIG. 14 ), frangible protrusion  514  extends upwardly beyond primary panel  440  into cavity  516  of lever  424 . Rotation of lever  424  about coupling pin  426  toward a use position ( FIG. 15 ), moves lever  424  in a manner pushing interior surface  518  of lever  424  into contact with frangible protrusion  514 . Continued movement of lever  424  toward use position breaks frangible protrusion  514  away from a remainder of primary panel  440  leaving a small opening to a container cavity (not shown) in recess  512 , thus breaking any air tight seal between lid  422  and the associated container. 
     In another example, frangible protrusion  514  is not frangible and/or may have a ramped surface (not shown) such that protrusion  514  serves as snap stop or lock for lever  424 . More specifically, such a protrusion  514  would assist in holding lever in a storage position via interaction with interior surface  518  of lever  424  while still being fairly easily cleared and moved over by lever  424  when a slight forces is applied thereto. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates an airtight seal feature as an alternative to frangible protrusion  514  of  FIG. 18 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 19 , an aperture  520  is formed through primary panel  440  and a thin diaphragm  522 , which is one example of a pressure equalization feature, or similar material extends over aperture  520  in a manner providing an airtight seal thereto. In this embodiment, lever  424  additionally includes a protruding member  526  extending further downwardly from bottom edge  488  of lever  424 . When lever  424  is in a storage position, protruding member  526  is spaced from diaphragm  522 , for example is located in an angled groove  524  along primary panel  440  leading to diaphragm  522 . Rotation of lever  424  about coupling pin  426  toward a use position, moves protruding member  526  over diaphragm  522  puncturing diaphragm  522  leaving a small opening or open port, generally indicated at  530  to a container cavity (not shown) in within aperture  520 , thereby breaking any air tight or vacuum seal between lid  422  and the associated container to allow an equalization of pressure between an interior and an exterior of an interior compartment of the associated container. Other airtight seal formations are also contemplated, as is elimination of any airtight seal feature. 
       FIGS. 21 and 22  illustrate an embodiment of a container assembly  610 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. Container assembly  610  includes any suitable container, such as bottle  612  partially illustrated in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , and a closure  614 . Closure  614  is substantially similar to closure  414  other than being resized to fit a neck of bottle  612  rather than the wider mouth closures described above. Closure  614  includes a lid  622  and a lever  624 . Lid  622  includes a primary panel  640 , skirt  642 , coupling pin  626 , protruding block  666 , and other features substantially identical to lid  422  with primary panel  540 , sidewall  542 , coupling pin  426 , and protruding block  566 , etc. other than dimensional changes. Likewise, lever  624  is substantially identical to lever  524  other than dimensional attributes. Lever  624  couples with lid  622  in a manner leaving lever  624  rotatable about coupling pin  626  as limited only by protruding block  666  just as lever  524  couples with lid  422  in a manner leaving lever  524  rotatable about coupling pin  426  limited by protruding block  466 . In this manner, closure  614  provides similar advantages and force amplification during opening of container  612  as closure  414  provides. 
     However, since the overall diameter and turning radius of closure  614  about container  612  is quite small in nature, in some instances the simple amplification of forces via lever  624  may not be sufficient to remove closure  614  from container  612  in some instances, such as where the user is particularly weak. In these instances, a cylindrical or otherwise suitably shaped tool  700  is used to further assist in forcibly opening container  612 . In such an embodiment, an exterior surface  702  of tool  700  is sized to partially nest with the interior curvature of lever  624 , and extends above and below lever  624 . As such, tool  700  provides additional surface area for a user to grasp and/or otherwise interface to increase the force the user is able to impart to lever  624  as will be apparent to those of skill in the art reading this application. While tool  700  is shown with closure  614 , in one example a similar tool may be utilized with other closures described herein, including, but not limited to closure  414  illustrated in  FIGS. 14-17 . 
       FIG. 23  illustrates an underside of closure  614  simply to illustrate that in one embodiment a diaphragm or other elastomeric and sealing material  652  may extend over a bottom of primary panel  640 , such as over a recess  650  defined under protruding block  666 . In yet another example, rather than including an additional sealing material  652 , material forming lid  622  is greatly thinned over recess  650  such that the vacuum seal of closure  614  to an associated container would result in a concavity of a top panel of recess  650  when the vacuum seal is maintained, while releasing to a non-concave state when the vacuum is seal is negated. In this manner, both visual and tactile indication of the integrity of the vacuum seal is achieved; with a non-concave top surface of protruding block  666  (see  FIGS. 21 and 22 ) indicating to the user that the vacuum seal has been previously released. 
       FIG. 23  also illustrates an alternative rotational coupling means  654  extending inwardly from interior surfaces  646  of skirt  642  to threads as described above. In this example, tabs  654  extend inwardly from interior surface  646  in two rows each extending circumferentially around an inner diameter of skirt  642 . Such tabs  654  are configured to removably interact with ribs about an opening of an associated container and release the container upon application of a counterclockwise or other rotatable force applied to closure  614 . Other various rotatable coupling means are also contemplated and will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application. 
     In view of the above, the current innovation provides a closure with an integrated lever useful in opening containers making use of the closure by amplifying opening and/or closing forces applied thereto. More particularly, the lever is rotatable, relative to a container-covering lid of the closure, between a storage position and at least one use position. In the storage position the lever is maintained within the footprint of the lid, such that no additional horizontal shelf or box space is required to support a resultant container assembly. When the lever is rotated to the use position, the lever extends considerably beyond an outer perimeter of the remainder of the closure (e.g., the lid) outside a footprint of the lid. In this manner, the lever provides additional spacing from a rotational center of lid to a location where an opening or closing force is applied to closure, resulting in an amplification of the torque applied to open or close the container per unit force as compared to force applied direction to an edge of the lid. 
     The closure, as disclosed herein, is simple to manufacture and assemble as it generally consists of two parts, the lid and the lever, which can easily be snapped together and made ready for use. In one example, the above-described features of the closure make the closure ready for use in existing packaging runs. The lever in addition includes substantially planar top surface, in some examples, that may be used in marketing the closure and/or products maintained therein, providing instructions, and/or other information in either a visually or tactilely (e.g., Braille) manner. 
     Although the invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments, such embodiments are meant for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered to limit the invention. Various alternatives and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. Other modifications within the scope of the invention and its various embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.