Elastomeric hinge for closure lid

摘要

A hinge structure is provided for connecting two members, such as a container closure base and lid, so as to accommodate movement between an open position and a closed position. An elastomeric element extends from one of the members to the other of the members. The elastomeric element has an outer surface that is outwardly exposed when the two members are in the closed position as well as when the two members are in the open position. The elastomeric element exerts a force to urge the two members from the closed position toward the open position. In one embodiment, the elastomeric element has two lateral margins, and the hinge structure is free of structure laterally of the elastomeric element so that the two lateral margins are laterally exposed when the two members are in the closed position as well as when the two members are in the open position. The elastomeric element outer surface is in tension when the two members are in the closed position.