EP1854731A2 - Dual function overcap for a container with a removable membrane - Google Patents
Dual function overcap for a container with a removable membrane Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1854731A2 EP1854731A2 EP07251937A EP07251937A EP1854731A2 EP 1854731 A2 EP1854731 A2 EP 1854731A2 EP 07251937 A EP07251937 A EP 07251937A EP 07251937 A EP07251937 A EP 07251937A EP 1854731 A2 EP1854731 A2 EP 1854731A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- container
- membrane
- overcap
- interference
- fit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/18—Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures
- B65D51/20—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
- B65D21/0209—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together one-upon-the-other in the upright or upside-down position
- B65D21/0217—Containers with a closure presenting stacking elements
- B65D21/0219—Containers with a closure presenting stacking elements the closure presenting projecting peripheral elements receiving or surrounding the bottom or peripheral elements projecting from the bottom of a superimposed container
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
- B65D43/0204—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections
- B65D43/0212—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
- B65D2251/0006—Upper closure
- B65D2251/0018—Upper closure of the 43-type
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
- B65D2251/0068—Lower closure
- B65D2251/0093—Membrane
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
- B65D2543/00074—Shape of the outer periphery curved
- B65D2543/00092—Shape of the outer periphery curved circular
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/0025—Multi-position closures
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00259—Materials used
- B65D2543/00296—Plastic
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/0049—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container
- B65D2543/00527—NO contact
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/00537—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the outside, or a part turned to the outside of the mouth of the container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00611—Profiles
- B65D2543/00638—Rolled edge
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00675—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00685—Totality
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00722—Profiles
- B65D2543/0074—Massive bead
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00796—Totality
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to containers with overcaps. More particularly the invention relates to overcaps for containers with a removable membrane.
- the membrane is removed by the customer when the container is first opened, and the membrane is discarded.
- An overcap is provided for re-closing the container after the initial opening.
- the overcap engages a rim (e.g., a rolled bead or a flange) on the top of the container in such a way that a snap-fit or interference-fit connection exists to retain the overcap in place on the container.
- both overcap and membrane provide a sealing barrier over the opening prior to the first opening of the container. Once the membrane has been removed, the overcap provides the only barrier for the remaining product during subsequent storage. Therefore, the overcap should securely connect to the container to reseal the stored product.
- the overcap While a membrane is attached to a container, it often extends outwardly to the surface of the container to which the overcap attaches. In such a situation, the overcap is dimensioned to create a tight fit with the container surface and the membrane. However, once the membrane has been removed and the overcap replaced, the overcap may not create a tight fit with only the container surface because of the missing membrane. A loose fit may allow oxygen, moisture, or contaminants to enter the container or may cause the overcap to come off unintentionally.
- the invention addresses the above needs and achieves other advantages by providing an interference-fit or snap-fit overcap for engaging a radially outwardly protruding rim of a container that includes a removably attached membrane.
- the overcap includes a top panel with a periphery and a skirt that extends from the periphery of the top panel. The skirt provides an interference-fit with the rim when the membrane is removably attached to the container.
- the overcap also includes a circumferential ring that extends in a direction opposite the skirt, and the circumferential ring defines an outside surface that is diametrically dimensioned to produce an interference-fit with an inner wall of the container after the membrane has been removed from the container.
- the present invention provides an overcap that in one orientation can be secured to the container when the membrane is attached, and that in an opposite orientation can seal the container closed after the membrane has been removed.
- the circumferential ring of the overcap of some embodiments of the present invention defines an outside surface that is generally angled relative to the axis of the opening of the container to thereby provide an interference-fit with the inner wall of the container. Furthermore, the circumferential ring of additional embodiments defines an innermost portion that is diametrically dimensioned to receive a bottom portion of a second container to thereby allow stacking of containers prior to removal of the membrane.
- the present invention also provides a container with a membrane and an overcap.
- the container includes a container body formed by a wall, where the wall defines an opening encircled by a radially outwardly protruding rim.
- the membrane is removably attached to the container to substantially cover the opening while the membrane is attached.
- the overcap includes a skirt and an opposed circumferential ring, as described above.
- the storage device 10 includes an overcap 12, a container 14, and a membrane 16.
- the container 14 is structured to store products within the container and to provide access to the stored products through an opening 18.
- a variety of products can be stored in the storage device 10; however, the storage device is preferably used to store perishable products, and the membrane 16 provides a barrier to seal the container 14.
- the membrane 16 is removably attached to the container 14 during the packaging of the stored product.
- the membrane 16 substantially covers the entire opening 18 of the container 14 and minimizes or prevents the passage of oxygen, moisture, and/or other contaminants into the container.
- the membrane 16 must be removed, either completely or partially, to provide access to the product, during normal use of the storage device 10. After the membrane 16 has been removed, it generally cannot be reattached to seal the container 14, and is usually discarded.
- the container 14 as illustrated in FIG. 1 is a generally cylindrical tube that tapers radially outward as the container extends in an axial direction toward the opening.
- Further embodiments of the invention may include containers, and corresponding overcaps, that are of any geometric shape.
- the container 14 of FIG. 2 includes the opening 18, which is encircled by a radially outwardly protruding rim 20.
- the rim 20 of the illustrated container 14 is an outwardly rolled bead.
- Other containers of the present invention may include a rim of any configuration.
- the rim 20 includes a top surface 22, an outer surface 24, and a bottom surface 26.
- the rim 20 of FIG. 2 has a generally consistent cross-section throughout the entire circumference of the container; however, other containers of the present invention may include a rim that includes one or more features of varying cross-section. Such features may be included to facilitate removal of the overcap or membrane.
- the membrane 16 of FIG. 2 is attached to only the top surface 22 of the rim 20.
- Other embodiments of the storage device 10 may include a membrane 16 that is attached to both the top surface 22 and the outer surface 24 of the rim 20 or that is attached to the top surface, the outer surface 24, and the bottom surface 26.
- the overcaps 12 of such embodiments are structured and arrange to accommodate the membrane 16 attached to the various rim surfaces to improve the fit between the overcap and the membrane and rim 20.
- the overcap 12 of FIG. 2 includes a top panel 30 and a skirt 32.
- the top panel 30 is generally disk-shaped and defines a periphery 34 proximate the outer circumference of the top panel.
- the skirt 32 extends downward from the periphery 34 of the top panel 30 in a first direction.
- the first direction in which the skirt 32 extends is generally in the same direction as the axis of the opening 18 and container 14; however, further embodiments of the present invention include skirts that extend in alternative directions relative to the opening and/or container.
- the overcap 12 also includes a circumferential ring 36, as discussed in more detail below, and further embodiments of the storage device may include additional features, including features that are at a radial distance beyond the periphery or axially above the circumferential ring. Such features may include surfaces to facilitate the disconnecting or connecting of the overcap and container.
- the skirt 32 of illustrated overcap 12 extends generally perpendicular from the top panel 30 to a distal end 38.
- Other embodiments of the overcap may include a skirt that extends from the top panel at a non-perpendicular angle.
- the skirt 32 of FIG. 2 has an outside surface 40 and an inside surface 42 facing the interior of the overcap.
- the inside surface 42 is axially positioned between the top panel 30 and the distal end 38 of the skirt 32.
- the skirt 32 includes a rib 44 that extends radially-inwardly from the inside surface of the skirt and is axially located proximate the distal end 38.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the overcap 12 connected to the container 14 when the membrane 16 is attached to the container
- FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the overcap connected to the container when the membrane has been removed.
- the skirt 32 is sized to produce an interference-fit with the rim 20 when the membrane 16 is removably attached to the container 14.
- the inside diameter of the inside surface 42 of the undeformed overcap 12 is generally less than the diameter of the outer surface 24 of the rim 20, and the axial distance between the bottom surface of the top panel 30 and the top of the rib 44 is generally less than the axial thickness of the membrane 16 and the rim 20.
- This difference in diameter and axial thickness creates an interference-fit when the overcap 12 is pushed onto the top of the container when the membrane 16 is attached.
- further embodiments of the present invention define the interference-fit in either the diametrical or axial directions in alternative fashions suitable to keep the overcap securely retained to the container when the membrane is removably attached.
- the overcap 12 When the overcap 12 is attached, a slight growth in diameter of the skirt 32 or axial distance between the top panel 30 and the rib 44 and/or a slight reduction in diameter of the rim 20 or slight reduction in axial thickness of the membrane 16 and rim occurs through material deformation. Since the materials have resilience, they exert a restoring force, which tends to keep the overcap 12 attached.
- Further embodiments of the storage device that include a membrane that is attached to the top surface of the rim and/or the top surface and outer surface of the rim include an overcap with skirt and/or rib that are sized to accommodate the additional thickness of the membrane while still providing an interference fit.
- the overcap 12 includes a circumferential ring 36 that extends from the top panel 30 in a second direction that is generally opposite the first direction in which the skirt 32 extends.
- the circumferential ring 36 of the illustrated embodiments defines a ring of continuous cross-section; however, further embodiments of the present invention include circumferential rings with alternative cross-sections and/or cross-sections that change as the ring extends circumferentially, to describe two non-limiting ways in which the circumferential ring may vary from the illustrated embodiment.
- the circumferential ring 36 of FIG. 2 defines an outside surface 50 on a radially outermost portion of the circumferential ring.
- the outside surface 50 is diametrically dimensioned to define a diameter that is greater than the diameter of an inner wall 52 of the container 14 that the outside surface of the circumferential ring 36 engages when the overcap is inverted and inserted into the opening 18 of the container. Because the outside surface 50 defines a greater diameter than the inner wall 52, the circumferential ring 36 produces an interference-fit with the inner wall of the container after the membrane 16 has been removed from the container.
- the outside surface 50 of the circumferential ring 36 of the illustrated embodiments of the present invention defines a surface that is generally angled relative to the axis (or axial direction) of the container 14.
- the angled outside surface 50 is structured to generally coincide with the angle of an inner wall 52 of the container 14 such that when the overcap is inverted, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the circumferential ring 36 produces the interference-fit with the inner wall of the container.
- Further embodiments of the present invention define outside surfaces and inner walls at alternative angles, that define curved surfaces, or that are axially aligned with the axis of the container or opening. Still further embodiments of the present invention include surface texturing or additional components on the outside surface and/or inner wall to enhance the interference-fit and the resulting seal.
- the overcap 12 of FIGS. 1-4 can be made of various materials that have sufficient flexibility and resilience to allow the necessary deformation of the overcap as it is pushed onto the container rim. Suitable materials include but are not limited to polyester, polyolefins (including homopolymers, co-polymers, etc.) such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polystyrene, elastomers (including thermoplastic rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.), and mixtures or combinations thereof.
- the membrane 16 can be manufactured from any suitable material or combinations of two or more different materials, and can be removably attached by any suitable adhesive or process.
- the membrane 16 of the illustrated storage device 10 is a metal foil that is joined with adhesive to a container 14 that is a paperboard container.
- the membrane can comprise various barrier materials, including but not limited to metal foil, polyethylene terephthalate, metallized polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, metallized polypropylene, metal oxide and silicate coated polyester, metal oxide and silicate coated polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, and mixtures thereof.
- barrier materials including but not limited to metal foil, polyethylene terephthalate, metallized polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, metallized polypropylene, metal oxide and silicate coated polyester, metal oxide and silicate coated polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, and mixtures thereof.
- the membrane can include one or more layers of other materials such as polyester, polyolefin, and others.
- the membrane 16 can be adhered to the container by various materials, including but not limited to glues or adhesives such as hot melt glues, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethyl methyl acrylate, metallocenes, and the like, heat seal materials such as ionomers (e.g., SURLYN®, TRANCEND®, or the like), polypropylene (with or without mineral filler), high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and others.
- the container itself can be formed of various materials and by various processes including but not limited to spiral winding of composite materials, convolute winding of composite materials, injection molding, blow molding, or thermoforming a suitable polymer material, and others.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates generally to containers with overcaps. More particularly the invention relates to overcaps for containers with a removable membrane.
- Containers that store perishable goods, such as food products, often include a sealed membrane to minimize the transfer of oxygen, moisture, or contaminants into the container. The membrane is removed by the customer when the container is first opened, and the membrane is discarded. An overcap is provided for re-closing the container after the initial opening. The overcap engages a rim (e.g., a rolled bead or a flange) on the top of the container in such a way that a snap-fit or interference-fit connection exists to retain the overcap in place on the container.
- When the membrane is located directly below the overcap, both overcap and membrane provide a sealing barrier over the opening prior to the first opening of the container. Once the membrane has been removed, the overcap provides the only barrier for the remaining product during subsequent storage. Therefore, the overcap should securely connect to the container to reseal the stored product.
- While a membrane is attached to a container, it often extends outwardly to the surface of the container to which the overcap attaches. In such a situation, the overcap is dimensioned to create a tight fit with the container surface and the membrane. However, once the membrane has been removed and the overcap replaced, the overcap may not create a tight fit with only the container surface because of the missing membrane. A loose fit may allow oxygen, moisture, or contaminants to enter the container or may cause the overcap to come off unintentionally.
- Therefore, a need exists for an overcap for containers with membranes that provides an interference-fit when the membrane is attached and when the membrane is removed.
- The invention addresses the above needs and achieves other advantages by providing an interference-fit or snap-fit overcap for engaging a radially outwardly protruding rim of a container that includes a removably attached membrane. The overcap includes a top panel with a periphery and a skirt that extends from the periphery of the top panel. The skirt provides an interference-fit with the rim when the membrane is removably attached to the container. The overcap also includes a circumferential ring that extends in a direction opposite the skirt, and the circumferential ring defines an outside surface that is diametrically dimensioned to produce an interference-fit with an inner wall of the container after the membrane has been removed from the container. Thus, the present invention provides an overcap that in one orientation can be secured to the container when the membrane is attached, and that in an opposite orientation can seal the container closed after the membrane has been removed.
- The circumferential ring of the overcap of some embodiments of the present invention defines an outside surface that is generally angled relative to the axis of the opening of the container to thereby provide an interference-fit with the inner wall of the container. Furthermore, the circumferential ring of additional embodiments defines an innermost portion that is diametrically dimensioned to receive a bottom portion of a second container to thereby allow stacking of containers prior to removal of the membrane.
- The present invention also provides a container with a membrane and an overcap. The container includes a container body formed by a wall, where the wall defines an opening encircled by a radially outwardly protruding rim. The membrane is removably attached to the container to substantially cover the opening while the membrane is attached. The overcap includes a skirt and an opposed circumferential ring, as described above. Thus containers of the present invention may be sealed by interference-fits with the overcap when the membrane is attached and when the membrane is removed.
- Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of two containers that are each in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the containers stacked one upon the other;
- FIG. 2 is a partial schematic, cross-sectional view of one overcap of FIG. 1 showing the skirt providing an interference-fit with the rim when the membrane is removably attached to the container;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the overcap in the inverted position after the membrane has been removed from the container;
- FIG. 4 is a partial schematic, cross-sectional view of the overcap of FIG. 3 showing the circumferential ring providing an interference-fit with the inner wall of the container when the membrane has been removed from the container.
- The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which some but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
- With reference to FIGS. 1-4, a sealable storage device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The
storage device 10 includes anovercap 12, acontainer 14, and amembrane 16. Thecontainer 14 is structured to store products within the container and to provide access to the stored products through anopening 18. A variety of products can be stored in thestorage device 10; however, the storage device is preferably used to store perishable products, and themembrane 16 provides a barrier to seal thecontainer 14. - Referring now to FIG. 2, the
membrane 16 is removably attached to thecontainer 14 during the packaging of the stored product. Themembrane 16 substantially covers theentire opening 18 of thecontainer 14 and minimizes or prevents the passage of oxygen, moisture, and/or other contaminants into the container. Themembrane 16 must be removed, either completely or partially, to provide access to the product, during normal use of thestorage device 10. After themembrane 16 has been removed, it generally cannot be reattached to seal thecontainer 14, and is usually discarded. - The
container 14 as illustrated in FIG. 1 is a generally cylindrical tube that tapers radially outward as the container extends in an axial direction toward the opening. Further embodiments of the invention may include containers, and corresponding overcaps, that are of any geometric shape. Thus, although terms such as diameter, circumferential, radial, and the like, are used herein, they are not intended to limit the invention to any particular configuration, but are merely used as descriptive terms. Thecontainer 14 of FIG. 2 includes the opening 18, which is encircled by a radially outwardly protrudingrim 20. Therim 20 of the illustratedcontainer 14 is an outwardly rolled bead. Other containers of the present invention may include a rim of any configuration. Therim 20 includes atop surface 22, anouter surface 24, and abottom surface 26. Therim 20 of FIG. 2 has a generally consistent cross-section throughout the entire circumference of the container; however, other containers of the present invention may include a rim that includes one or more features of varying cross-section. Such features may be included to facilitate removal of the overcap or membrane. - The
membrane 16 of FIG. 2 is attached to only thetop surface 22 of therim 20. Other embodiments of thestorage device 10 may include amembrane 16 that is attached to both thetop surface 22 and theouter surface 24 of therim 20 or that is attached to the top surface, theouter surface 24, and thebottom surface 26. Theovercaps 12 of such embodiments are structured and arrange to accommodate themembrane 16 attached to the various rim surfaces to improve the fit between the overcap and the membrane andrim 20. - The
overcap 12 of FIG. 2 includes atop panel 30 and askirt 32. Thetop panel 30 is generally disk-shaped and defines aperiphery 34 proximate the outer circumference of the top panel. Theskirt 32 extends downward from theperiphery 34 of thetop panel 30 in a first direction. For the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first direction in which theskirt 32 extends is generally in the same direction as the axis of theopening 18 andcontainer 14; however, further embodiments of the present invention include skirts that extend in alternative directions relative to the opening and/or container. Theovercap 12 also includes acircumferential ring 36, as discussed in more detail below, and further embodiments of the storage device may include additional features, including features that are at a radial distance beyond the periphery or axially above the circumferential ring. Such features may include surfaces to facilitate the disconnecting or connecting of the overcap and container. Referring again to FIG. 2, theskirt 32 of illustratedovercap 12 extends generally perpendicular from thetop panel 30 to a distal end 38. Other embodiments of the overcap may include a skirt that extends from the top panel at a non-perpendicular angle. - The
skirt 32 of FIG. 2 has anoutside surface 40 and aninside surface 42 facing the interior of the overcap. Theinside surface 42 is axially positioned between thetop panel 30 and the distal end 38 of theskirt 32. Furthermore, theskirt 32 includes arib 44 that extends radially-inwardly from the inside surface of the skirt and is axially located proximate the distal end 38. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate theovercap 12 connected to thecontainer 14 when themembrane 16 is attached to the container, and FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the overcap connected to the container when the membrane has been removed. As shown in FIG. 2, theskirt 32 is sized to produce an interference-fit with therim 20 when themembrane 16 is removably attached to thecontainer 14. The inside diameter of theinside surface 42 of theundeformed overcap 12 is generally less than the diameter of theouter surface 24 of therim 20, and the axial distance between the bottom surface of thetop panel 30 and the top of therib 44 is generally less than the axial thickness of themembrane 16 and therim 20. This difference in diameter and axial thickness creates an interference-fit when theovercap 12 is pushed onto the top of the container when themembrane 16 is attached. However, further embodiments of the present invention define the interference-fit in either the diametrical or axial directions in alternative fashions suitable to keep the overcap securely retained to the container when the membrane is removably attached. When theovercap 12 is attached, a slight growth in diameter of theskirt 32 or axial distance between thetop panel 30 and therib 44 and/or a slight reduction in diameter of therim 20 or slight reduction in axial thickness of themembrane 16 and rim occurs through material deformation. Since the materials have resilience, they exert a restoring force, which tends to keep theovercap 12 attached. Further embodiments of the storage device that include a membrane that is attached to the top surface of the rim and/or the top surface and outer surface of the rim include an overcap with skirt and/or rib that are sized to accommodate the additional thickness of the membrane while still providing an interference fit. - Referring again to FIG. 2, the
overcap 12 includes acircumferential ring 36 that extends from thetop panel 30 in a second direction that is generally opposite the first direction in which theskirt 32 extends. Thecircumferential ring 36 of the illustrated embodiments defines a ring of continuous cross-section; however, further embodiments of the present invention include circumferential rings with alternative cross-sections and/or cross-sections that change as the ring extends circumferentially, to describe two non-limiting ways in which the circumferential ring may vary from the illustrated embodiment. Thecircumferential ring 36 of FIG. 2 defines anoutside surface 50 on a radially outermost portion of the circumferential ring. Theoutside surface 50 is diametrically dimensioned to define a diameter that is greater than the diameter of aninner wall 52 of thecontainer 14 that the outside surface of thecircumferential ring 36 engages when the overcap is inverted and inserted into theopening 18 of the container. Because theoutside surface 50 defines a greater diameter than theinner wall 52, thecircumferential ring 36 produces an interference-fit with the inner wall of the container after themembrane 16 has been removed from the container. - The
outside surface 50 of thecircumferential ring 36 of the illustrated embodiments of the present invention defines a surface that is generally angled relative to the axis (or axial direction) of thecontainer 14. The angled outsidesurface 50 is structured to generally coincide with the angle of aninner wall 52 of thecontainer 14 such that when the overcap is inverted, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, thecircumferential ring 36 produces the interference-fit with the inner wall of the container. Further embodiments of the present invention define outside surfaces and inner walls at alternative angles, that define curved surfaces, or that are axially aligned with the axis of the container or opening. Still further embodiments of the present invention include surface texturing or additional components on the outside surface and/or inner wall to enhance the interference-fit and the resulting seal. - The
overcap 12 of FIGS. 1-4 can be made of various materials that have sufficient flexibility and resilience to allow the necessary deformation of the overcap as it is pushed onto the container rim. Suitable materials include but are not limited to polyester, polyolefins (including homopolymers, co-polymers, etc.) such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polystyrene, elastomers (including thermoplastic rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.), and mixtures or combinations thereof. Themembrane 16 can be manufactured from any suitable material or combinations of two or more different materials, and can be removably attached by any suitable adhesive or process. Themembrane 16 of the illustratedstorage device 10 is a metal foil that is joined with adhesive to acontainer 14 that is a paperboard container. Where moisture and/or gas barrier performance is required of the membrane, the membrane can comprise various barrier materials, including but not limited to metal foil, polyethylene terephthalate, metallized polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, metallized polypropylene, metal oxide and silicate coated polyester, metal oxide and silicate coated polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, and mixtures thereof. Instead of or in addition to a barrier layer of such materials, the membrane can include one or more layers of other materials such as polyester, polyolefin, and others. Themembrane 16 can be adhered to the container by various materials, including but not limited to glues or adhesives such as hot melt glues, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethyl methyl acrylate, metallocenes, and the like, heat seal materials such as ionomers (e.g., SURLYN®, TRANCEND®, or the like), polypropylene (with or without mineral filler), high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and others. The container itself can be formed of various materials and by various processes including but not limited to spiral winding of composite materials, convolute winding of composite materials, injection molding, blow molding, or thermoforming a suitable polymer material, and others. - Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
Claims (12)
- An interference-fit overcap for engaging a radially outwardly protruding rim encircling a container opening having a removably attached membrane, wherein the container defines an opening encircled by an inner wall of the container, the overcap comprising:a top panel having a periphery;a skirt extending in a first direction from the periphery of the top panel to a distal end, wherein the skirt provides an interference-fit with the rim when the membrane is removably attached to the container; anda circumferential ring extending in a second direction, which is generally opposite the first direction, from the top panel and defining an outside surface on a radially outermost portion of the circumferential ring, wherein the outside surface is diametrically dimensioned to produce an interference-fit with the inner wall of the container after the membrane has been removed from the container.
- An interference-fit overcap according to claim 1, wherein the container defines an axial direction and the outside surface of the circumferential ring defines a generally angled surface relative to the axial direction.
- An interference-fit overcap according to claim 1, wherein the skirt defines a radially-inwardly extending bead at the distal end of the skirt.
- An interference-fit overcap according to claim 1, wherein the circumferential ring defines an innermost portion that is diametrically dimensioned to receive a bottom portion of a second container.
- A container, comprising:a container body formed by a wall, wherein an inner wall defines an opening encircled by a radially outwardly protruding rim;a removably attached membrane substantially covering the opening while the membrane is attached; andan interference-fit overcap, comprising:a top panel having a periphery;a skirt extending in a first direction from the periphery of the top panel to a distal end, wherein the skirt provides an interference-fit with the rim when the membrane is removably attached to the container; anda circumferential ring extending in a second direction, which is generally opposite the first direction, from the top panel and defining an outside surface on a radially outermost portion of the circumferential ring, wherein the outside surface is diametrically dimensioned to produce an interference-fit with the inner wall of the container after the membrane has been removed from the container.
- A container according to claim 5, wherein the outwardly protruding rim is an outwardly rolled bead.
- A container according to claim 5, wherein the container defines an axial direction and the outside surface of the circumferential ring defines a generally angled surface relative to the axial direction.
- A container according to claim 5, wherein the skirt defines a radially-inwardly extending bead at the distal end of the skirt.
- A container according to claim 10, wherein the circumferential ring defines an innermost portion that is diametrically dimensioned to receive a bottom portion of a second container.
- A container according to claim 10, wherein the membrane is a metal foil.
- A container according to claim 10, wherein the overcap is a thermoplastic material.
- A sealable storage device, comprising:a container, comprising:a body formed by a wall,an opening defined by an inner wall of the container, andan outwardly rolled bead encircling the opening of the container, wherein the bead protrudes generally outward from the wall;a removably attached membrane substantially covering the opening while the membrane is attached; andan interference-fit overcap of thermoplastic material, comprising:a top panel having a periphery;a skirt extending in a first direction from the periphery of the top panel to a distal end, wherein the skirt provides an interference-fit with the rim when the membrane is removably attached to the container; anda circumferential ring extending in a second direction, which is generally opposite the first direction, from the top panel and defining an outside surface on a radially outermost portion of the circumferential ring, wherein the outside surface is diametrically dimensioned to produce an interference-fit with the inner wall of the container after the membrane has been removed from the container.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/382,775 US20070262077A1 (en) | 2006-05-11 | 2006-05-11 | Dual function overcap for a container with a removable membrane |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1854731A2 true EP1854731A2 (en) | 2007-11-14 |
EP1854731A3 EP1854731A3 (en) | 2008-09-17 |
Family
ID=38442064
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP07251937A Withdrawn EP1854731A3 (en) | 2006-05-11 | 2007-05-10 | Dual function overcap for a container with a removable membrane |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070262077A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1854731A3 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0704009A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2588082A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2007005712A (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AT12859U1 (en) * | 2011-09-07 | 2013-01-15 | Baumit Beteiligungen Gmbh | STACKABLE TIEGEL |
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US20060261065A1 (en) * | 2005-05-17 | 2006-11-23 | Rubbermaid Incorporated | Reversible lid storage container |
US20080128312A1 (en) * | 2006-10-19 | 2008-06-05 | Zak Designs, Inc. | Food container |
EP2277802A1 (en) * | 2009-07-21 | 2011-01-26 | Barilla G. e R. Fratelli S.p.A. | Packaged frozen ready-made meal |
US20130140311A1 (en) * | 2011-12-01 | 2013-06-06 | Jiffy International As | Lockable and reversible lid for a base container |
US9617048B2 (en) | 2011-12-02 | 2017-04-11 | The Hillshire Brands Company | Peelable and resealable packaging |
US20170021966A1 (en) * | 2015-07-20 | 2017-01-26 | Waddington Group, Inc. | Container offering multiple configurations |
USD971724S1 (en) * | 2019-11-16 | 2022-12-06 | F.D.S. Manufacturing Company | Container with cup connector |
WO2021142505A1 (en) * | 2020-01-18 | 2021-07-22 | LIAO, Yun-Hsuan | Paper pulp cup lids with double lock structure and its forming method |
US11623795B2 (en) * | 2020-11-20 | 2023-04-11 | D6 Inc. | Food storage container with a reversible lid |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20070262077A1 (en) | 2007-11-15 |
MX2007005712A (en) | 2008-11-26 |
CA2588082A1 (en) | 2007-11-11 |
BRPI0704009A (en) | 2008-04-01 |
EP1854731A3 (en) | 2008-09-17 |
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