CA1253088A - Low-cost, full function container for food, beverages and other products - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A low-cost, full-function container includes a tubular convolute, spiral-wound, continuously formed, or die-cut formed paperboard or composite material structure of various geometric shapes to enclose a thin-walled vessel of material constituting a barrier for enclosing and protecting a product, the structure having sufficient thickness and rigidity for supporting and protecting at least the enclosed sides as well as the bottom of the vessel. The vessel material wall thickness is inadequate for permitting the vessel conventionally to serve alone as a container for the product and to withstand the stresses of processing, filling, merchandising, distribution, storage and handling. A closure for the vessel at its upper end seals the product hermetically or atmospherically with the product being protected from the air, other gases, moisture and light. The material for the vessel is of such thinness that it alone would be unable to withstand such stresses. The material is selected from one of various resins and polymers having minimum required barrier characteristics against water vapor, oxygen and/or gas permeation, as dependent upon the product to be contained. Metal or glass may be also used for the vessel. The vessel may be formed in situ within the structure. Various interrelationships between the vessel and structure enhance package integrity and strength. One such arrangement provides for a tamper proof container. The container achieves lowest possible cost of materials, maximizing the functional characteristics of the materials used and minimizing the amount or thickness used, thereby effectively producing a significantly lower cost rigid or semi-rigid package.
A variety of materials including carbonated beverages and other perishable liquids and foods may be packaged in the container.

Description

lZS3~8 LOW-COST, FULL FUNCTION CONTAINER
FOR FOOD, BEVERAGES ~ND OTHER PRODUCTS

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to improvements in containers for food and beverages and other products which must be packaged in a sealed condition, being l~'ZS;~8

- 2 -especially well suited to the packaging of hermetic-packed products which are sensitive to or effected in some way by oxygen (or other gases), moisture and/or light, including but not limited to all types of food, beverages and other products such as those which have been heretofore hot filled, cold packed, frozen, aseptically prepared, pasteurized, retorted, high-temp-erature, short-time IHT-ST) packed, etc., and otherwise processed. Containers of the invention are also useful for packaging of atmosphere-packed products such as, for example, motor oil, industrial and consumer products, lotions, medicines, wet or dry chemicals, cleaners, cleansers, automotive supplies, and so on.
Conventional containers, whether made of metal, plastic, glass, paperboard, or of single-layer or laminated materials, including foil-lined paperboard, coated, treated or waxed materials, and including many polymers and resins, have inherent disadvantages. Among other things, conventional containers utilize too much material, sacrificing thinness for the advantage of strength. Thus, it is common to utilize metal, rela-tively thick glass, or polymeric or resinous materials simply to obtain the necessary stiffness, rigidity and resistance to breakage. However, maximizing structural strength maximizes the cost of materials. In the case of products which must be sealed against air, other gases, and/or moisture, high barrier plastics can be utilized, but the provision of sufficient thickness for strength, utilizing such materials, increases cost and does not conserve materials. In the case of glass bottles, excellent resistance against moisture and atmospheric contamination and internal pressure is provided, but at the sacrifice of great weight, to ensure against breakage.
Steel cans are decidedly ohsolescent, having become expensive to manufacture and having always been beset with functional problems. In no case of more modern cans formed of drawn aluminum, the desire to reduce the amount of material utilized has provided cans of such thinness that they sometimes develop leakage through pinholes during the normal abrasion of filling processes. Thin-walled cans are dented and damaged during physical distribution.
As compared with other materials of which containers may be formed, paper, such as in the form of layers of wound paperboard, is the least expensive.
Since paper is a semisynthetic product made by chemical processing cellulosic fibers, such as from various sources including mainly soft woods but also sometimes hard woods as well as other raw organic materials, including flax, bagasse, straw, etc., it is the ultimately preferred material from an environmental viewpoint. It permits recycling of organic source materials, including waste products, and is both incinerable as well as biodegradable. By contrast, most synthetic resin materials are poorly biodegradable.
Metals are not easily incinerated and only low carbon steel is biodegradable through oxidation, whereas aluminum is so expensive and limited in availability as to preclude its merely being discarded after use. Even though aluminum is being increasingly recycled, a terrible wastage occurs through discarding and wasted 1253it~8 burial of aluminum containers which slip through recycling efforts. Paper materials, on a pound-to-pound basis, are also among the strongest available container materials, providing extremely high tensile strength coupled with resilience, as desirable for container manufacturing.
Although composite cans consisting of spirally or convolutely wound paperboard, including a foil or polymer lining, or foil-polymer combinations, have been utilized on a widespread basis, they suffer also from disadvantages~ including leaking. Such spiral-wound composite cans have been utilized, for example, for containing snack food, frozen concentrates, and motor oil, but have been prone to buckling, collapse, devel-opment of pin holes, as well as capillary leakage orwicking. Folds or seals of the lining of composite cans, such as produced by the so-called Anaconda fold process, are typically required in forming composite cans for containing liquids and gases for which the lining must provide a seal against moisture and gas leakage. Such seals constitute a potential for leakage and require material and process procedures which it would be desirable to eliminate. They also create bulges and creases, creating crevices at the bottom and top edges of the containers which must be accommodated when applying closures.
Additional problems are posed by containers which contain carbonated beverages, since the internal pressure of the container when filled must be withstood by the containment vessel if rupture is to be avoided.
Indeed, the rupture of glass soda bottles has been a widespread problem as well as a source of injury and loss to customers leading to the development of resin containers but which must be of substantial thickness and which require reinforced constructions.
Carbonated beverage containers must also provide protection against permeation of CO2 through the walls of the container in order to achieve a desired shelf life, but prior art containers have either required glass or formation of the container from large amounts of synthetic materials providing a barrier against permeation, but formation of the entire container from such barrier materials is costly. However, it is generally true that permeation of gases such as oxygen and CO2 through walls of synthetic material containers has been achieved by forming the entire container of such barrier materials, so that the wall thickness is far greater than necessary to produce the desired barrier properties since the wall thickness has been dictated by the strength requirements of the container such as will enable it to survive the stresses of filling, handling, warehousing, and so forth.
There is a need for a new generation of low-cost containers capable of providing the full functions which consumers demand or expect from containers.
It is believed that the packaging industry has failed to address the needs and concerns to which the present invention is directed; the packaging industry has developed around standardized production, concen-trating on the high volume, low-cost continuation of existing technologies and endeavoring to protect existing markets.

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Although there are a number of different packaging and material technologies, including polymers and resins, composite cans, metal containers, flexible packages, as well as glass, these are all separate bodies of knowledge, materials experiences, science and art. It stands to reason, for example, that someone in the plastic container industry would not concentrate on combining plastics with other forms of packaging or materials because such has tended to pose the risk of market deterioration. There has been little concentra-tion on materials outside a particular industry.
Further, there is inherent tendency to maintain the status quo, coupled with industry-limited concerns for labor, capital, cost and foreign competition.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to combine dissimilar materials and packaging technologies to provide a low-cost, full-function container of greatly improved character for food, beverages and other products which must be packaged in a sealed condition, thereby to provide a container which provides improved function, structure, shape and graphics (including printing, labeling, illustrative and decorative effects) by the combination, in a novel manner, of an external structure together with an internal vessel, surrounded by the structure, the vessel being of material for providing a high barrier seal for the products to be contained.
It is an object additionally to provide such a low-cost, full-function container which can be more easily and cheaply manufactured, and which utilizes less materials, than prior art containers of comparable :~53i~

utility, in general constituting a more economical package while performing functions as well as or better than prior art containers, such a low-cost, full-function container wherein the structure of the container is based upon paper and the vessel is of thin-walled configuration but with total thickness normally inadequate for conventionally serving as a container against the normal stresses of processing, filling, merchandising, distribution, and handling, but as enelosed within such paper structure, a container of the invention is capable of proteeting against such stresses, whereby its full-funetion eharacter is aehieved at the least possible expense for materials and manufaeture.
A further objeet of the invention is the provision of a container of the eharacter stated eapable of utilizing very thin vessels, surrounded by proteetive and supportive strueture, such vessels being formed of materials of minimal thickness, being thinner than heretofore recognized in the paekaging industry as suitable for the containment of foods, beverages, and other produets, but nevertheless having suffieient material eharaeteristies and strength to form an adequate vessel and barrier against oxygen, other gases, moisture and light.
Another objeet of the invention is the provision of a eontainer of the eharaeter stated whieh is eapable of the eontainment of an extremely wide and diverse range of produets and substanees, eapable of providing not only the marketer but also the consumer with a variety of shapes and sizes of containers, including configura-tions not heretofore readily available.
A further object of the invention may be noted as being the provision of a container of such character which allows vessels to be formed by drawing of resins and polymers to a deeper draw ratio than heretofore has been obtainable with existing containers, including permitting the vessels of the container to be produced by drawing from a flat sheet or membrane of such synthetic materials.
Another object of the invention is the provisions of such a container having a vessel and surrounding structure which can be made by forming the vessel directly within the structure by forming or drawing of the vessel from a sheet or membrane of such synthetic material, or which can be made by preforming the vessel and then inserting it into the structure.
It is an object of the invention to provide such a container which can be formed with metal or glass as the vessel in a thinner wall thickness than has heretofore been obtainable economically or feasably with previously known packaging concepts.
It is an object also of the invention to provide a container of the character stated which has fewer functional pieces than has heretofore been possible.
Still another object of the invention is the provision of such a container which allows plastics, i.e., resins and polymers, to be utilized more 1~Z5~

economically and effectively than in the past for the packaging of carbonated beverages and alcoholic beverages, including beer, food and other products.
Among still other objects of the invention may be noted the provision of such a container which allows more economical and more functional closures or opening features; and which is superior in its suitability for having graphics provided on the container; and which is more nearly biodegradable than existing synthetic containers in utilizing a fully biodegradable structure and a vessel of very little substance, so that the invention will minimize the amount of waste in landfills, etc. In this regard, the invention also has as an object the provision of a combustible product, as compared with presently used thick, incombustible materials.
Another object of the invention is the provisions of an advantageously simple method of making the new container by the in situ formation of a vessel within a structure therefor.
The problems to be solved, and the objects of the invention are attained by a minimal cost, contents-protecting container for containing products requiring a barrier protection against permeation through the container of water vapor or gas of greater than maximum permissible permeation rates with the container protecting against the stresses of processing, filling, ware-housing, distribution, merchandising and consumer use. That container comprises a thin-walled barrier vessel for enclosing and barrier-protecting the products enclosed therein but not structurally protecting the products enclosed therein, a structure for carrying and protecting the vessel, and a closure for the vessel characterized by the vessel being of thin-walled con-figuration and formed with at least one side wall and a bottomwall integrally formed with such side wall, with the side and bottom walls being of total thickness which normally would be inadequate for conventionally serving as a container for the product in the face of those stresses, if used alone as a container.
The vessel side and bottom walls each define a barrier material exhibiting an oxygen barrier permeability of no greater than 1.0-1.5 cc/mil/100 sq. in/24 hr. at 72F, a water vapor permeability ~53~
- 9a -of not greater than 4.0-5.0 g/mil/100 sq. in/24 hr. at 100F, 90% RH, or a CO2 permeability of not greater than 20.0-25.0 cc/mil/100 sq. in/24 hr., and the vessel side and bottom walls define a barrier thickness adequate for providing moisture or gas permeation protection appropriate for the product throughout the intended shelf-life of the filled container. The structure is constituted either substantially or wholly of paper material, with the structure being of tubular configuration, and including top and bottom edges, for surrounding, protecting and structurally supporting the vessel within the structure, the structure having at least one side wall but no bottom wall, the structure thereby being open at the bottom but defining at its bottom edge a reinforcing portion and with the vessel having a bottom located above the structure bottom edge. The vessel includes a lip-defining portion at its upper end extending beyond the top edge of the structure, with the closure being formed for providing and for closing the upper end of the vessel, and a bonding sub-stance is located between at least portions of the at least one side wall of the vessel and the surrounding structure for securing the vessel within the structure in bonding relationship, whereby the contained products are barrier-protected against moisture or gas permeation, and the container is capable of withstanding the stresses of processing, filling, warehousing, distribution, merchandising, and consumer use.
The invention also contemplates a contents-protecting container for containing a product requiring barrier protection against permeation through the container of water vapor or gas of greater than maximum permissible permeation rates while protecting the container against stresses of processing, filling, warehousing, distribution, merchandising and customer use, wherein that container comprises a vessel for enclosing the product and barrier-protecting the product so enclosed, a structure for carrying and stress protecting the vessel, and a closure for closing the vessel at its upper end. The inventive improvement comprises the vessel being formed of synthetic polymeric material including side and bottom walls each of thin-walled character and each of total thickness inadequate for protecting against the stresses if the vessel were used alone as a container without the structure, 12S3~3l3 - 9b -with the vessel side and bottom walls each defining a barrier layer exhibiting an oxygen permeability of not greater than 1.0-1.5 cc/mil/100 sq. in./24 hr at 72F, a water vapor permeability of not greater than 4.0-5.0 g/mil/100 sq. in./24 hr. at 100F, 90% relative humidity, or a CO2 permeability of not greater than 20.0-25.0 cc/mil/100 sq. in./24 hr, and with the vessel including a lip-defining portion at its upper end extending radially out-wardly from its side wall. The structure is formed of substantially paper-containing nonbarrier structurally protective material of tubular configuration, including top and bottom edges, and having a side wall but no bottom wall, including vessel-supporting structure at the top edge for receiving the lip-defining portion of the vessel for thereby supporting the vessel, the structure bottom edge extending below the vessel bottom wall for providing a protective space between the structure bottom edge and the vessel bottom wall, the structure bottom edge including a reinforcing portion, and the structure surrounding, structurally protecting and supporting the vessel within the structure in protected relationship so as to impart to the container protection of the contents in the face of those stresses. A bonding sub-stance extends between at least portions of the side wall of the vessel and corresponding portions of the side wall of the structure for securement of the vessel within the structure in bonded relationship to prevent mutual separation of the vessel and structure, whereby contents-barrier protection and container stresses protection are functionally separated between the structure and vessel for minimized use of the synthetic polymer material.
The containers set out in both of the foregoing descriptions are further characterized by the vessel being formed of a single layer or multiple layers of such material with the overall wall thickness of the vessel being from about 0.001 in. to about 0.030 in.
In a further embodiment, the invention provides a contents-protecting container for containing a product requiring barrier protection against permeation through the container of water vapor or gas of greater than maximum permissible permeation rates while protecting the container against stresses of processing,

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- gc -filling, warehousing, distribution, merchandising and customer use wherein the container comprises a vessel for enclosing the product and barrier-protecting the product so enclosed, a structure for carrying and stress protecting the vessel, and a closure for closing the vessel a-t its upper end. The inventive improvement comprises the vessel being formed of synthetic polymeric material including side and bottom walls each of thin-walled character with an overall wall thickness of from about 0.001 in. (0.025 mm) to about 0.030 in. (0.75 mm), the vessel side and bottom walls each defining a barrier layer exhibiting an oxygen permeability of not greater than 1.0-1.5 cc/mil/100 sq. in./24 hr at 72F, a water vapor permeability of not greater than 4.0-5.0 g/mil/100 sq. in./24 hr. at 100F, 90% relative humidity, or a CO2 permeability of not greater than 20.0-25.0 cc/mil/100 sq. in.
/24 hr, whereby each of the vessel side and bottom walls is of total thickness inadequate for protecting against those stresses if the vessel were used alone as a container without the structure, and the vessel includes a lip-defining portion at its upper end extending radially outwardly from its side wall. The structure is formed of substantially paper-containing nonbarrier structurally protective material of tubular configuration including top and bottom edges, and having a side wall but no bottom wall, and including vessel-supporting structure at the top edge for receiving the lip-defining portion of the vessel for thereby supporting the vessel, with the structure bottom edge extending below the vessel bottom wall for providing a protective space between the structure bottom edge and the vessel bottom wall, with the structure bottom edge including a reinforcing portion, and with the structure surrounding, structurally protecting and supporting the vessel within the structure in protected relationship so as to impart to the container protection of the contents in the face of those stresses. The vessel defines at its lower edge a peripheral supporting flange proximate the inner surface of the structure side wall, with the supporting flange being spaced from the bottom edge of the structure, and with the bottom edge of the structure including a curl extending inwardly of the structure side wall for simultaneously serving to support the vessel within the structure while closing any space between the 3~

- 9d -outer surface of -the vessel side wall and the inner surface of the structure side wall. The lip-defining structure at the upper end of the vessel comprises a peripheral flange which is sub-stantially flat and horizontal, and the closure having a central portion and a substantially flat, horizontal rim surrounding the central portion, the central portion being recessed relative to the closure rim, the closure rim being seated upon the vessel flange, the closure being of the same material of the vessel but of greater thickness, and the closure rim being bonded to the vessel flange. A bonding substance extends between at least portions of the side wall of the vessel and corresponding portions of the side wall of-the structure for securement of the vessel within the structure in bonded relationship to prevent mutual separation of the vessel and structure, whereby contents-barrier protection and container stresses protection are functionally separated between the structure and vessel for minimized use of the synthetic polymer material.
Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view of a prior art can of the drawn type.
FIGURE 2 is a vertical cross section of a mold having a sheet of polymeric material clamped therein for being drawn into a vessel for utilization in the invention, the thickness of the material being exaggerated.
FIGURE 3 is a similar vertical cross section of the arrangement of FIGURE 2, showing a ram received within the mold during the drawing operation to produce a drawn vessel, also with material thickness exaggerated.
FIGURE 4 is a partial vertical cross section of a mold arrangement, including portions of a ram, with a flat sheet of material being shown, with exaggerated thickness, in position for being drawn and formed in situ within a structural member of the invention.
FIGURE 5 is a similar vertical cross section illustrating the vessel as so formed in situ within the structure provided in FIGURE 4.
FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a vessel for utilization in providing a container in accordance with and embody-ng the present invention, the material thickness being exagerated.
FIGURE 7 is a similar perspective view of a structural member, or so-called structure, partly broken away, for utilization in the new container.

U8~3 FIGURE 8 is a similar perspective view of the container comprised of the structure and vessel of FIGURES 7 and 8, with portions thereof being broken away for illustration. Thickness of materials is exaggera-ted.
FIGURES 9A - 9C are fragmentary cross sectional illustrations, with thicknesses being exaggerated, of polymeric constructison utilized for vessel portion of containers of the present invention.
FIGURES 10, 11 and 12 are, respectively, a top plan veiw, side elevation, and vertical cross section of one form of vessel of the invention.
FIGURES 13, 14 and 15 are similar views of another possible form of vessel of the invention.
FIGURES 16, 17 and 18 are similar views of yet another possible form of vessel of the invention.
FIGURE 19 is a perspective view of a triangular-form container of the invention, with both the structure and vessel thereof being partly broken away for illustration.
FIGURE 20 is a perspective view of a beverage container in accordance with the invention, with the structure being partly broken away for showing the presence of the vessel therein; its m~terial thickness being exaggerated.
FIGURE 21 is a fragmentary vertical cross section of a container in accordance with the invention, showing one form of closure, material thicknesses being exaggerated.

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- ~2 -FIGURE 22 is a comparable vertical cross section of another container in accordance with the invention, showing yet another closure secured to the container by double-seamed seal as well as illustrating the secure-ment of the vessel within the structurel materialthickness being exaggerated.
FIGURES 23A and 23B are fragmentary vertical cross sections, also with thicknesses being exaggerated, showing two other forms of containers of the invention and closures therefor, as with a single or double seam heat-seal, ultrasonic seal, or spin-weld seal.
FIGURE 24 is a side elevation view of a food, beverage, or other products container in accordance with the invention.
FIGU~E 25 is a vertical cross section, as taken generally along line 25--25 of FIGURE 24, showing with exaqgerated material thickness the structure, vessel and closure features of the container of FIGURE 24.
FIGURE 26 is a side elevation view of yet another container ln accordance with the invention but employing metal, glass or plastic vessel and its closure.
FIGURE 27A is a vertical cross section, as taken generally along line 27--27 of FIGURE 26, and showing the securement of the metal, glass or plastic vessel within the structure, as well as the closure, which is of the screw-on or roll-on type; and FIGURE 27B shows a plastic, metal or glass vessel variant.
FIGURE 28 is a side elevation view of another form of container of the invention, wherein the vessel protrudes above the structure.

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FIGURE 29 is a vertical cross section of the container of FIGURE 28, the thicknesses being exaggerated, as taken generally along the line 29--29 thereof.
FIGURE 30 is a side elevation view of a bottle-form container constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention.
FIGURE 31 is a vertical cross section, partly broken away, of a container according to FIGURE 30, as taken generally along line 31--31 thereof, where the vessel is formed of two pieces, a lower piece of thin section being within the structure and an upper piece of thicker section adhered to the lower piece by bonding, heat sealing, spin welding or ultrasonic bonding.
FIGURE 32 is a fragmentary vertical cross section of a similar container but with the vessel being differently formed and integral with the top of the container, also with thicknesses being exaggerated.
FIGURE 33 is a~erspective view, partially cut away, of an alternate form of container of the invention such as useful for containing frozen fruit juice or frozen juice concentrate.
FIGURE 34 is a vertical cross section taken generally along line 34--34 of FIGURE 33, with material thicknesses being exaggerated.
FIGVRE 35 is a perspective view, partially cut away, of a rectangular container of the invention.
FIGURE 36 is a partial vertical cross section thereof, as taken along line 36--36.
FIGURE 37 is a cut-away perspective view of a prior art composite can-type container.

lZ5~3~8 FIGURE 38 is an enlarged partial vertical cross section thereof, as taken on line 38--38.
FIGURE 39 is a vertical cross section of an upper portion of a modified container of the invention similar to that of FIGURE 33.
FIGURE 40 is a vertical cross section of a lower portion of such a modified container of the invention.
Throughout the several views of the drawings, none a.e necessarily to scale or are accurately representa-tive of material thickness.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Backqround Referring to FIGURE 1, there is generally illustra-ted a drawn can of the prior art and constituting just one of many conventional containers for food, beverages and other semi-solid or liquid products wherein the container must serve primarily a dual function of not only protecting the contents, but also providing a package of sufficient structural rigidity and strength that ordinary handling of the can during filling, physical distribution, commerce, and ultimately by the consumer will not cause the can or container to dent, distort, rupture or leak its contents. In many ways, can 1 represents the state-of-art in the container packaging industry, where the incentive to reduce the cost of materials is restricted by certain approaching design limitations. Thus, with a can of such configura-tion, drawn of thin aluminum to provide a closed bottom end 3 and having a closure 5 across its upper end including a body wall beaded as at 7, the thinness of the material has reached the point where even through the abrasion of normal filling and packaging operations, pinholes may develop through which leakage may occur.
Also, the side walls 9 are of such thinness that they may easily be collapsed or crushed, or otherwise damaged, resulting in an unsightly denting or rupturing of the can, during normal handling. Therefore, it may be said that for such existing packages or containers, wherein there is a combination of both the structural lZS~t~8~3 and containment functions in a single entity or single materials technology, a limiting stage in the evolution of such containers has been reached.
Brief Summary of the Invention The invention provides a low-cost, full-function container which differs from standard, typical or conventional containers, making use of different technologies, materials, and combination of separate pieces, to accomplish the several functions requisite for containers. A container of the invention broadly comprises a thin-walled vessel of material constituting a barrier for enclosing and protecting a product; the wall thickness of the vessel is inadequate for permitting it to serve conventionally alone in normal use, i.e., as a standard or typical container for the product. Such material is selected from the group consisting of polymers and resins, thin metals, and thin glass. Separately, there is provided a structure of convolute, spiral or continuously wound as well as die-cut formed and sealed paperboard herein defined as also including paperboard, foil and/or paperboard-polymer composites, of sufficient thickness and rigidity for at least partially enclosing the vessel to support and protect at least sides and bottom of the vessel. An example of a die-cut formed and sealed container is a gable-top package or folding carton used for milk or snack foods. Finally, a closure, such as of conventional flexible membrane, plastic or metal type, is utilized for closing the vessel at least at one end and for sealing the product atmospherically of hermetically within the vessel, whereby the product is ~ Z5~ 88 contained under conditions protecting it from air, other gases, moisture and light. The closure can be combined in a novel way with the vessel or combined with both the vessel and structure.
Basic Construction Referring now to FIGURES 6-8, reference numerals 11, 13 and 15, respectively, indicate a new container in accordance with the invention, the so-called structure, and the vessel which is enclosed by the structure. In this example, vessel 15 is formed of a so-called tub or cup configuration having either a flat or upwardly convex floor 17, straight or tapered sidewalls 19 and a peripheral flange 21 which extends radially outwardly from an enlarged diameter portion 23 defining a de-nesting ring or ledge 25. Vessel 15 may be transparent, translucent or opaque. It is received within structure 13, which is formed of paperboard wound by the use of commercially available convolute, spiral or continuous winding technology or die-cut and formed being thereby opaque. The paperboard is of sufficient thickness and rigidity for supporting and protecting at least the sides and bottom of vessel 15. The shapes of the vessel and structure may be of various geometric configurations. Tubular structures are most preferred.
In the tubular form shown, structure 13 has vertical sidewalls 27 having at the bottom to provide an inwardly-directed curl or roll 29 and tapered outwardly slightly at the upper margin 31, upon which de-nesting ring 25 is seated. Thus, the vessel is contained within the structure so that the enlarged diameter portion 23 extends above the structure. The structure, open at its ~ Z53~

lower end, is of sufficient height so that a space exists between a surface upon which container 11 is seated and the supporting surface 17.
Although not shown, a film of resin, polymer, foil, paper, or a composite of these materials (herein, "composite") may be used to close the open lower end of the structure, as for reasons of still further protection for the vessel, appearance, and cosmetics.
It is preferred that a layer of adhesive, bonding substance or polymer-film be provided between the interior surfaces 33 of structure 13 and the outer walls 19 of vessel 15 in order to bond or adhere preferably upper portions of the structure and vessel together in integral relationship. Other means may be utilized for securing the structure and vessel together in integral relationship, such as crimping.
Materials of Constructions A wide range of materials are available for construction of vessels of the invention, including resilient resins and polymers as well as thin metals and glass. Most preferred are the polymeric high barrier materials providing a sufficient barrier against the movement of oxygen, other gases, moisture and light across the barrier, even with extremely small thickness.
Greatly preferred barrier materials are the saran resins. The generic term "saran" represents a series of vinylidene chloride copolymers with, e.g., vinyl chloride or acrylonitrile, it being possible to use other copolymers including vinyl acetate, allyl esters, unsatured ethers, acrylates and methacrylates, and styrene. The term saran includes generally such ~53~ B

vinylidene chloride copolymers as well as polyvinylidene chloride; the properties of a saran include inertness to common acids and alkalies, the complete resistance to water during immersion, negligible water vapor transmission, toughness, and durability, being available in sheet and films which can be formed into vessels of the present invention. Also, the polymeric coextruded ox laminated sheet and films available commerically under the designation "EVAL" ~or "EVOH") being a class of ethyl vinyl alcohol polymers or copolymers, are of extreme interest in providing high barrier capabilities usable for the present vessels, also useful are a group of ionomeric resins available under the trade designation "Surlyn", which are thermoplastically formable. Other synthetic polymers may be used depending upon the strength required and the need for a barrier, and such materials include high density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene ~UHMWPE), polypropylene (PP), oriented polypropylene ~OPP), high impact polystyrene ~HIPS) and general purpose polystyrene ~GPPS) as well as styreneacrylonitrile ~SAN), acrylonitrile butadiene-styrene ~ABS), the high nitrile barrier resins, "~AREX"
polymer and polyethylene terephthalate ~PET and PETG~.
The high barrier materials such as the sarans and EVAL
may be combined with mono-layers of other low barrier materials, such as low density polyethylene ~LDPE), HDPE, PP, and HIPS, to advantage in constructing vessels of the invention with good physical properties, including resilience, toughness and strength in spite of thin overall material thickness.

*trade marks - 20 - lZ~

Also capable of being used for construction of vessels of the invention are materials incorporating a layer of nylon or polyamide fiber. Nylon is especially desirable for providing a high oxygen barrier, being a markedly superior flavor, aroma and odor barrier. For example~ nylon film may be incorporated in a multilaminate film having HDPE - nylon - EVAL layers.
Nylon may also be sandwiched between HDPE layers or other polyolefinic layers.
Metals may also be used, especially drawn steel or aluminum of very thin thickness and foil-like nature, including polymer-coated metals or foils to provide a high barrier against permeation of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water.
Since enclosed portions of vessels of the invention are not primarily required to exhibit strength, being protected by the structure, they need not be stiffly resilient but may be of flexible plastics, as well as flexible or paper-laminated materials, and particularly : 20 of a coated nature.
It is contemplated also that glass, a very high barrier material, may be utilized for vessels of the invention but with much less thickness than has been heretofore possible for glass containers; the glass may be coated with such polymers and resins.
The following table illustrates barrier properties of various materials which may be utilized for making vessels of the invention.
~31 1 PER~3ILITY

~ter V~r C~ygen ~niVlOOsq. ~/24hrs. ~nil/lOOsq. in/24hrs. a2 IDPE ~t lOOd~lqrOee~s F~ 90~ S0_430- _ , 1200 hOPE 0.3-0.4 130-lSo sao PP 0.25-O.S lS0 650 PVC 2-S. 1 10-20 25 Nn~ 16-22 2. 6 PEr 1.0-2.0 3-4 PEIG 4.0 25.0 130 ~YIDNI~I~ 3.5-S.0 O.S-l.0 2 PS7. 0-10. 0 350 PV~C0.10 0.05-0.15 EVAL (E~H) 1.~-3.8 0.'01-0.10 n.oB
~RLYN o 65-0.3 1~0-265 OPP0. 3 130 320 1253~

Against these barrier properties are to be considered the barrier requirements for various products listed merely as examples in the following table.

T~IE I I
Product ~istur~ ~Jun qht l~rqarinc x ~utter x x x ~ndensed And Flavored Milk x x x o~rd And Prnccsscd Checsc x x x Frult l~rinks And J~llo~s x x x Food Entree~ x ,c x S~lads x x x F1sh And Me~t Prcducts x x ~ffee x x M~Ml~de x Jams And Jellies x x DehydrAted Foods x x rot~ca~ x 17lBlJ~

TYP SIELF l~}E C~NrA~R
~ ~ s ~RS.) r~vli~r CIARITY
1~ Acld Gas/Flwr/Odor 2~ Retort (250F) ~Cle~r Moisture lUgh J~cld G~s/FlA~!or/C~ar 0.5-2 Not F111/
P~5teurizAtiOn cleA~r (180-210- ) JAms, Jellle~-, De~serts G~/FlAvor/Oder 0.5-2 l~t FllV
PAsteurlzAtion Cle~r (180-210- ) Pe3nut Putter G4s/Flavor/Cdor 0.5-1 Hot Fill(85-95-) a~ar Dressings Gas/Fla~r/C~or 0.5-1 Not Fill~
Pasteuriz~tion ~ntact (180-210-) aear/Clear Pickle3 Gas/Fl~vor~Odor 0.5-l Hot FllV
Pasteuriz~tion ' ae~r ~F~D6 In~ect~bles GAs/Odor 0.~2 Retort (250) Cont~ct CleAr/CleAr 1~5,3(~

With respect to whether or not a material may be considered to provide a high barrier against permeation, the following minimum barrier properties for materials utilized in making containers of the invention are considered requisite:
~N~M ~AMIE:R r~rE~
~YGEN 1.0-1.5 (Unlt~ ~Ig ln ~le I) R V~ . 0-5. 0 0 ~1~2 20.0-25.0 Most preferred are the lower values of permeability set forth in Table IV, but with minimum barrier properties being pos~ibly within the ranges set forth depending upon product requirements, such as where shorter possible shelf life permits barrier properties higher in the range.
Thus, for example, if fruit drinks and juices are to be contained, requiring a high oxygen barrier as well as a high water vapor tmoisture) barrier, materials must be used by vessels of the invention to provide either single or multiple layer materials exhibiting oxygen permeability not more than 1.0 cc/mil ~in units as defined above), and a water vapor permeability of not more than 4.0 cc/mil (in units as defined above) materials meeting these requirements would include PVDC
and EVAL. However, the appropriate selection of layers of different materials, the same requirements can be made even though materials in either layer may fail to constitute a high barrier as to both oxygen and water 1~3~

barrier permeation. For example, HDPE may be combined with EVAL which exhibits higher water vapor permeability than may be desired.
In the design of containers of the invention for containment of carbonated beverages, carbon dioxide permeability must also be taken into consideration.
Thus, EVAL constitutes high barrier material against carbon dioxide permeation.
Methods and Details of Construction With respect particularly to the use of plastics for the formation of a vessel of the invention, attention is directed to FIGURES 2 and 3, illustrating the use of a technique known as the scrapless forming process (SFP) for making vessels. The process makes use of a mold 35 in which a preform 37 is clamped betwen lip rings 39, 91 for being pressed into mold cavity 43, to which vents 45 provide commmunication with a vacuum source for assisting drawing of the preform into the mold cavity. An assist plug or die 47 aids formation of the preform 37 into an initially formed vessel 37', pressure being provided through a vent 49 for assisting in the drawing into the mold cavity 43. The lip rings 39, 41 form the peripheral configuration or rim of the shaped article 37' upon closure of the lip ring, which may be cooled, whereas the inner portion of the preform is maintianed at an elevated temperature prior to being drawn, such as from 230F to 280F. The mold 35 is itself cooled so that the article will retain its shape when the draw is complete, as in FIGURE 3.

3~

Although thus-formed vessels used for prior art containers typically might exhibit an average wall thickness of up to 60 mils or more, wall thickness of vessels such as the tub or cup 37' formed in FIGURE 3 to be utilized in constructing a container of the present invention will be far thinner, as from about 1 to about 20 mils, or possibly up to about 30 mils for large containers, enabling the draw ratio, i.e., the ratio of the diameter of the drawn article to its height, to be much greater than previously obtainable.
Conventionally, it has been common practice to use a draw ratio of up to 1:1. 5, with the deepest draws obtainable being from about 1:1.5 to 1:2, but thin wall vessels of the present invention allow draws to ratios of potentially up to 1:3 or 1:4. Thus, very deep vessels can be constructed by the use of the forming process described above.
The vessels can also be made by solid-phase pressure forming of such resins or polymers, or by thermoforming, the SFP process being illustrative only of one forming method.
Referring to FIGURE 4, there is illustrated a novel method of in situ formation of a vessel 52 within a structure 51 of the invention. Structure 51 is retained within a mold 53, whereby the interior 55 of the structure becomes the mold cavity for forming therein of the vessel from a hot sheet 57 of the desired polymer by deforming it by an assist plug or plunger 59. A cutting knife 61 may be utilized to trim a sheet of film of material 57 to its desired dimensions before or as the plug 59 is pressed downward. In FIGURE 5, the ram or 1~3~J~38 plug 59 has moved down, forcing the sheet 57 into a formed vessel 57', while a lip ring 63 retains and forms the flange 65 of the thus-formed vessel. The mold may be relieved, as at 67 to provide space for receiving a body curl 68 of the structure. Although not shown, a layer of adhesive, bonding substance, resin or polymer film may be provided within the space 68 between the vessel 57' and structure 51 for bonding the two together in integral relationship.
In FIGURE 9A, the construction of vessel material is illustrted, there being a relatively thick layer 69 representing the structural material of the container and a very thin polymeric layer 71 representing such portion of the vessel as is contained within and/or bonded to the structural material by a thin adhesive coating or adhesive layer 73 of adhesive bonding material of a suitable conventional type, such as thermally activated type. Additionally, a film of resin or polymeric material, e.g., those of thermoplastic type, may be utilized for the adhering layer. The thickenss of layer 71 is here exaggerated, being within the generally preferred range of from about 0.001 to 0.030 in.
Portions of the vessel which extend above the structure and are accordingly unprotected may, if formed of such polymeric materials, have a total wall thickness of up to about 0.040 in., as may be necessary especially for large containers.
in FIGURE 9B, layer 71 is shown with even more exaggerated thickness according to one possible construction of a multi-layer, extruded laminated form which can be used. Thus, there is provided a layer 75 of PS, PE, or PP, the thickness of which may be, for example, 0.001 to 0.010 in. Similarly, a layer 77 of one of such materials may also be on the opposite side and of dimensions comparable to layer 75, there being a barrier layer 79 between layers 75 and 77 and tied to them by tie or adhesive layers 81, 83 of minimal thickness. The barrier layer 79 may be as little as 0.00005 in. but, more preferrably, at least 0.0001 in.
and, thus, of material such as EVAL or a saran or "Surlyn". However, the thickness of layer 79 may be increased up to as much as about 0.004 in. but preferrably not more than about 0.002-0.003 in., while the thickness of the carrier layers 75, 77 may approach zero. The so-called tie layers may be of a thermoset adhesive as has heretofore been utilized for the typing together of such co-extruded or laminated materials.
In FIGURE 9C, a multilayer form of vessel material is illustrated, as produced by co-extrusion, there being representatively shown an outer (structure-adjacent) layer 84a, as of PP or PE, a barrier layer 84b, as of EVAL, and an inner layer 84c, as of PP. Other multiple layer constructions are also possible.
Structures of the invention are formed most preferrably by use of convolute, spiral or continuous wound or die-cut and formed paperboard methodology of existing single-ply or multi-ply type using simple paperboard or what are herein termed composite materials including paperboard backed with or bonded to foil, resins and polymers, including the previously mentioned "Surlyn". The adhesive layer may be carried by structures, and caused to bond or adhere to the vessel only after insertion of the vessel within the structure, as by heat treating. The structures may be externally or internally finished with various polymers or wax coatings, and the bottom end or both ends may be further treated or dip-coated to prevent moisture from degrading such end or ends and for additional stiffening. Such structures are well-suited for labeling or printing of graphics directly on their outer surfaces, such as multicolored designs and text. Further, the structures may be manufactured with designed material coloration.
The structures also may be apertured for decorative purposes or textured effect, and may have smooth or rough surfaces as desired. Typical material thickness for sidewalls of structure of the invention, as used for containers of up to one gallon capacity, preferrably may be within the range of about 0.020 in. to about 0.080 in.
Container Strenqths and Capabilities As is shown, containers of commercially produced types are expected to encounter various stresses during processing, filling, warehousing, distribution, merchandising, and consumer use. Prior art containers have commonly withstood only some of these stresses satisfactorily. For example, composite cans are prone to collapse, leakage, denting and rupturing. As a further example, also noted previously, thinly-drawn aluminum cans are easily crushed, dented or ruptured, being also prone to developing pinholes. As another example, plastic carbonated beverage containers have occasionally cracked, split and ruptured during merchandising and handling.
If not contained by structures of the invention, i.e., if used alone as a container, the presently disclosed vessels are inadequate for conventional serving as a container for the product in the face of such stresses.
However, vessels of the invention may optionally be configured to provide thickness and strength sufficient only for being filled, sealed and processed, such as by retorting of the filled vessel; and only then to be inserted in a structure of the invention, whereupon the completed container is indeed capable of fully and reliably surviving such stresses.
Containers of the invention provide structure and strength equal to or better than rigid (e.g., metal, glass, plastic and composite types) and semirigid containers ~e.g., gable-top milk or juice containers), folding cartons and so-called paper bottle (i.e., of "BRIK-PAC" type).

*trade mark , ., ... . .

~conomics of the Invention The following table illustrates the packaging cost for conventional rigid or semirigid prior rat containers as percentage of these ingredients for various products.
P~ck~glng Cost P~ gingcost~s~ 50-100peroent percer~t of the costof of the food }temFo~d In~redients Item Inqredients 10 Beer 510 P~lishes, Spioes and Se~son~s 8B
Prep~red F~ds 214 Wines ~nd Br~ndy 86 Soft Drinks 189Fk~vorings 74 ~t~rSpeci~lties 147 15 Pet FO~I
Dlbtilled Splrlts 101 ~ruY~d Fruits rnd Veg. 101 Sc~rve: 1977 ~sus of ~rwf~rers; Fcod ~ Druq Pack~qirq, Sept. 3, 1981 The material cost for containers of the invention having comparable functions and utility is dramatically lower than high barrier metal, all-plastic or composite containers. As examples, for comparable containers, a container of the invention has material cost of 30% of metal, 40% of plastic, and 40-50~ of composite containers.

3~8~

The following examples illustrate the invention:
EXAMPLE I
Referring to FIGURES 10-12, a container of the invention may be rectangular, being provided with a vessel 85 having a flat bottom 87 from which slope inwardly a flat lip or flange 9l extends horizontally outwardly from the upper ends upon the upper edges of the walls thereby providing a surface to which a foil, polymer, foil/polymer or coated paper closure may be readily adhered by heat sealing or ultrasonic bonding.
The lip 9l also serves to support the vessel within a suitable structure of the type hereinabove described High barrier materials including a saran or EVAL may be used for vessel 85, and it may be molded or drawn of a laminated form or co-extruded multiple-layer material as shown in FIGURE 9B. The configuration is well suited for certain food products such as sauces, entrees, snacks and the like. The vessel 85 alternatively may be of thin metal such as aluminum or steel.
EXAMPLE II
Referring to FIGURES 13-15, a vessel 93 of the invention may be molded, formed or drawn of circular shape and cup or tub-like configuration, having an upwardly convex bottom 95, from which slope outwardly a flat sidewall 97 having at its upper end a relatively wide downwardly-directed horizontal flange 99. Vessel 93 may be formed of a polymeric of resinous material as previously described, and may be molded, formed or drawn. Very thin-section aluminum or steel may also be used.

~5;3~

EXAMPLE III
Referring to FIGURES l6-18, a vessel 101 of the invention is of oval or elliptical shape, having a flat bottom 103 from which extend vertically upward a single sidewall 105 provided at its upper end with an outwardly directed horizontal flange 107. There may be used one of the various polymers or resins previously indicated, pigmented, or not, as desired, and transparent, translucent or opaque as dependent upon the need to block light from the contents. Steel of very thin, cross-section may be used, such as from about 0.001 in.
to about 0.010 in. in thickness, such as will be less than the thinnest drawn aluminum cans of approximately 13 mils thickness.
EXAMPLE IV
Referring to FIGURE 19, a container 109 is of triangular shape; having a vessel 110 with a flat floor 113, from which the sidewalls 115 extend upwardly and in slightly outwardly diverging relationship to a horizontal flange 111. Surrounding the walls and of slightly greater height is an opaque paperboard or composite material structure 117 having vertical side walls, as at 119, which terminate in an inwardly directed roll 121 at the lower edge. Each such side wall 119 of the tubular structure 117 has a slightly outwardly tapered portion 119' at its upper end for tight conformance with the vessel sidewall 115.
Adhesive bonding substance 123 of suitable type is provided between the vessel and structure, being coextensive with at least the upper one-half and ~25~88 preferrably slightly more of the side wall extent for bonding the structure 117 to vessel 110 in integral relationship.
EXAMPLE V
Referring to FIGURES 20-22, a container 125 of the invention is used for containing a carbonated beverage such as beer. It includes a cylindrical, tubular structure 127 similarly of convolute or spiral or continuous wound paperboard or composite construction as previsouly described, which is provided at its lower edge with a roll 129. The bottom of such structure 125 is open but may instead be closed with a thin layer such as polymer film, for reasons of protecting the vessel or appearance. Contained within the structure 125 is a vessel 131 of the previously described type of preferred synthetic material, e.g., a polymer or resin, such as of the laminated cross-section shown in FIGURE 9B, including a barrier layer 79. The vessel may instead be of thinly drawn steel or aluminum. The container is closed at its upper end with an aluminum or steel closure 133 forming with the vessel and structure 125 a single-seam or crimp or double-seam or crimp or periphery 135. A conventional pull tab opener 137 is provided for easy opening of the can. Referring to FIGURE 21, the container is shown by fragmentary view before the seamed or crimped seal 135 is provided. The side wall of the vessel 131 is designated 139, being provided at its upper extent with a slight flair or nesting ledge 141, a further nearly upright but slightly outwardly directed extension 143 and a radial outstanding flange 145. Similarly, structure wall 127 is provided with a nesting ring or body bead 147 and an outwardly directed, horizontal flange 149 which is parallel to and supports the vessel flange 145. Closure 133 is similarly provided with an outwardly oriented hGrizontal flange 151 having a slightly downwardly turned portion 151' exteriorly of the periphery of flanges 145, 149. For completion of assembly, flange 151 and its outward extent 151' are rolled tightly about structure flange 149 and vessel flange 145 to provide the single or double-seamed seal 135. A lowermost region of structure 125 is wax coated or otherwise treated with a polymer coating to waterproof it and prevent the roll 129 from wicking up moisture or becoming deformed. Such region is designated at 153.
It will be further observed that the bottom 155 of vessel 131 is upwardly convex for permitting outward expansion, that is, flexing, in response to internal pressure generated by carbonated beverages such as soda and beer. High internal pressure is possible with such a container. An adhering layer of adhesive, bonding substance, or resin or polymer film 157 is provided between the upper half of the vessel 131 and structure 125 for bonding the two together.
EXAMPLE VI
~5 Referring to FIGVRE 23A, vessel 131 is of very thinly drawn steel or polymer, for example, and has a metal closure which is single- or double-seam sealed to a necked-in shoulder 124 of the vessel. Structure 127 of the previously-described construction, terminates at shoulder 124, exposing only a small amount of the vesel.
The vessel is necked-in and has a metal easy-open closure similar to existing beverage containers.
Referring to FIGURE 23B, an alternate closure variation is illustrated, providing what is termed as easy-open ("~Z-Open") membrane style closure 133 as of polymer coated aluminum foil or coextruded high barrier materials, as in FIGURES 9A-9C. Closure 133 has a portion 151 bonded as by heat-sealing or ultrasonic bonding to a corresponding flange 145 of vessel 131, the structure 125 having a slightly flanged or tapered upper extent 159 upon which a de-nesting ledge 161 of vessel 125 is seated. Adhesive or other bonding substance 157 bonds the structure 125 to vessel 131. Closure 133 is easily peeled away from flange 151 for opening as by a tab 133'.
EXAMPLE VII
Referring now to FIGURES 24 and 25, there is illustrated a container 163 of the general type formed, for example, by the process of FIGURE 5, wherein there is provided a structure 165 of convolute or spiral wound paperboard of cylindrical tubular configuration, having at its lower end an outwardly folded curl 167. A
radial, outwardly-directed flange may instead be provided. The vesse] 169 has its bottom 170 spaced well above the bottom edge. Here, the upper end 171 of the structure ends abruptly without a roll or flange, but the vessel is provided with a downwardly turned lip 172 for receiving said upper portion 171, there being adhesive 173 throughout the upper half of the container between the structure and vessel and with such adhesive lapping over and around the upper end 171 of the structure. Accordingly, there is provided a well-~253~

defined, and an upper periphery of the vessel for receiving a closure 175 such as may include a curled periphery 177 for providing an easy-pull or snap-on relationship with lip 172. Closure 175 may be of various materials, including aluminum, foil/polymer film, "Surlyn" film, coated paper, foil, and synthetic coextruded high-barrier substances and combinations (as in FIGURES 9A-9C). The downfolded lip 172 of the vessel provides a clean, hygienic surface, having been covered by the closure periphery 177, as will be attractive to the consumer, especially for consumption of beverages directly from the container 163. For containing beverages generating internal pressure or vacuum within the vessel 169, the bottom is provided with an upwardly convex portion 179. If vessel 169 is of drawn steel, it may have a wall thickness of preferrably from about 0.001 in. to about 0.015 in. Alternatively, a foil-polymer combination material may be used for vessel 169;
and such material may be heat sealed within structure 163, providing thermal activation of adhesive 173. The interior of structure 165 may be precoated with adhesive as by roll-on or spray coating prior to the vesel being placed within and adhered to the structure.
EXAMPLE VIII
Referring to FIGURES 26 and 27A, a container of the invention is provided with a structure 183 having a necked-in or beaded portion 185. Structure 183 is provided at its lower edge with an inwardly turned roll 187, the structure being open and providing a recess 189 below a vessel 191. As shown, the vessel may be of thin glass or plastic, being provided also with a necked-in ~L ~ 5 ,3 ~

region 187 for conformance with the neck 185 of the structure, thereby providing a means for securing the structure and vessel together in integral relationship.
A lip 193 is formed at the upper end of the vessel, being turned down to define a recess within the lip for receiving the upper end of the structure. A layer of adhesive 194 may be provided between the vessel and structure for bonding them together, or the bonding or locking together of the vessel and structure may be provided by means of the mutually configured necked regions 185, 187 of the respective structure and vessel.
Threads as at 195 may be formed on neck 193 for receiving a screw-on or roll-on closure or cap 197, which may be or metal, polymer, or polymer-coated metal.
The thickness of vessel 191 in the region of its lip 193 may be increased relative to that in the side walls, as at 199 to provide greater strength in the region of closure 197. In those regions of the vessel contained within the structure, the vessel wall thickness may be from about 0.002 in. to about 0.20 in. for a container capactiy ranging between about 4 oz. to about 64 oz. In lieu of glass or plastic, vessel 191 may be formed of drawn aluminum, steel or other thin composite materials, including a single layer or multiple layer polymers of the type previously described, but in any event, being by itself of insufficient thickness to serve alone as a standard or typical container, requiring the structure 183 for requisite strength and protection of the vessel.
Referring to FIGVRE 27B, container 181 may have its vessel 191 of thin glass, metal resin or polymer material of single or multi-layer type described lZ~

hereinabove, and secured by the adhering layer 194 within structure 183, which terminates below the top of the vessel. The exposed vessel portion has its upper margin threaded as at 195 for receiving screw-on or roll-on closure 197.
EXAMPLE IX
A further variation of a container of the invention is designated at 201 in FIGURES 28 and 29. Said container is provided by a tubular structure 203 of convolute or spiral or continuous wound paperboard, being, for example, but not necessarily, of cylindrical form and provided at its upper end with a horizontal radial flange 205, and at its lower end with an inwardly-turned roll 206. A similar flange may be substituted for roll 206. Within structure 203, there is provided a vessel generally designated 207 but having a lower portion 209 and an upper portion 211 of different configurations. The lower portîon has a flat bottom 213 (which may instead be upwardly convex) and from which there extends with a slight taper upwardly side walls 215 which conform closely to the inner surface of said structure 203. A layer of suitable adhering or bonding material or layer 217 is provided throughout the upper half of said portion 209 for bonding it to the interior of structure 203. The adhesive is provided also across the top of lip or flange 205. Upper portion 211 is of upwardly diverging or tapered cup-shaped configuration and of larger diameter than the lower portion 209, being provided with a seat or flange 213 for seating upon the structure flange 205 and being bonded to it by the adhesive. An 3C3~

external roll, flange or head 219 is provided at the upper end of portion 211 for receiving a snap-on, seamed-on or membrane closure or cap 221, which may be of metal, foil, plastic or combinations of metal, plastic and foil. The lid, which is of larger diameter than upper vessel portion 211, has a lip 223 for snapping over curl 219. Closure 221 may be instead of a membrane type and may be of snap-on type as shown or instead sealed suitably as by heat-sealing or ultrasonic bonding. Single or double-seamed sealing may also he used. Althouqh the wall thickness of vessel 207 is shown to be constant, the upper lower portion 211 may be of greater material thickness than the lower portion 209 since it is not fully enclosed and protected by structure 203. Container 201 is particularly well-suited for beverages of a carbonated or non-carbonated character, being easily grasped by the reduced diameter aspect of its lower portion whereas the upper portion 211 of the vessel diverges into a cup-like configuration exposing a large extent of the vessel material for contrasting appearance or to provide an attractive clean surface for drinking. Vessel 207 may be formed of a single layer polymer of multiple layer polymers of the type previously described, but less preferrably may be formed also of steel or other thin materials, previously identified. Container 201 may be of a size from a few ounces to substantially more, such as, e.g., about 16 ounces. Alternatively, container 201 may be formed with an "EZ-Open" membrane closure of the type shown in FIGURE 23, with polymer-coated foil heat-sealed to the vessel.

~Z53~

EXAMPLE X
Referring to FIGURES 30 and 31, a further container 225 of the invention is well suited to the containment of relatively large volumes of liquid, such as one or two liters being thereby of size heretofore utilized for carbonated soda beverages. Container 225 includes composite, convolute spiral or continuous wound paperboard structure 227 of cylindrical or other geometric configuration, being provided with a relatively large, heavy-duty outwardly-directed roll 229 at its lower end but open to provide protective space 231 below the vessel, which is designated generally 233.
Vessel 233 is provided with upwardly convex bottom 235 and from which extend upwardly with a slight outward taper side walls 237 for being secured within the structure by a layer of adhesive 239 throughout the upper half of the structure. As in the previous example, there are two portions of vessel 233, a lower portion 241 contained almost fully within structure 227, and an exposed dome-shaped upper portion 243. In the example shown in FIGURES 30 and 31, the upper portion 243 is separate from the lower portion 241, being provided with an enlarged diameter collar or flared portion 245 for being received upon a downwardly turned lip 247 of the lower portion, and secured thereto as by heat-sealing, ultrasonic bonding or spin-welding.
Portion 243 may be of relatively greater thickness than the lower portion 241, which is of a material thickness insufficient for serving by itself as a containex in normal usage. At the upper end of said upper portion 243 is a spout or neck 245 which is threaded, as at 247, 53U8~3 for receiving a small conventional screw-on cap of the type used for prior art carbonated beverage containers of comparable size and configuration.
EXAMPLE XI
With reference to FIGURE 32, a variant of container 225 is designated 225', being provided with its upper portion 243 in integral relationship with the lower portion 241. In this variant, the structure 227 is provided with a flange or slight taper 229 at its upper periphery upon which is seated a sloping portion 249 of the vessel demarcating the lower portion 241 and relatively larger diameter upper portion 243. Again, by proper control of the thickness of the material of the vessel, the upper portion 243 of variant 225' may be of greater strength than the enclosed lower portion 241.
The vessel may be formed either of a single layer or preferrably a multiple layer of polymeric material of the type previously described. Sturcture 227 is of convolute or spiral wound paperboard or composite material, the lower end of which within a region 249 is provided with a coating of wax or water impervious material, such as a spray-on or dip-applied polymer, for moisture protection and to prevent wicking or deformation of the curl 229.
EXAMPLE XII
Referring to FIGURES 33 and 34, a container 249 of the invention is particularly useful for containing frozen juices and frozen concentrated juices, such as frozen orange juice concentrate such as 6-12 ounce sizes. Vessel 251 is of a high barrier material of the type previously described, such as HDPE of 0.001-0.015 ~lz~3l~

sizes. Vessel 251 is of a high barrier material of the type previously described, such as HDPE of 0.001-0.015 in. in wall thickness. A slight taper configuration is shown, there being adhesive 253 between the upper portion of the vessel and the structure 255 which is of rolled paperboard or composite construction of convolute or spiral wound type and having a cylindrical configuration. At the bottom of the structure an inwardly directed curl 257 is provided. A plug-type closure 259 is utilized, being formed to provide a recess 261 into which extends a lip 263 for permitting closure 259 to be withdrawn. At its upper end, vessel 251 includes a flange 265 for seating upon the upper periphery of structure 255. Said closure 259 defines also a radial flange 259' which extends over and is seated upon the vessel flange and which may be secured by adhesvie of spin-welding of the closure to the vessel. Such securement is not so rigid or strong that the user cannot withdraw the closure by force against lip 263. Integrity of the closure is secured and enhanced by causing a periphery margin 267 of the vessel to be crimped down upon the closure flange in seal-tight configuration. Thus, there is provided a bead 267' which serves to secure the closure while providing a tell-tale of the integrity of the package. Once closure 259 is withdrawn, the crimped portion 267 will be deformed and the thus-open status of the container will be apparent. Crimping of portion 267 may be carried out by heat shrinking or heat forming. Accordingly, the new package is of tamper proof configuration.

EXAMPLE XI I I
FIGURES 35 and 36 illustrate a container 269 of rectangular configuration such as particularly useful for packaging and merchandising of single strength juices and other beverages, including milk. Both the structure 271 and vessel 273 contained therein are of such rectangular shape. The structure may be convolutely wound, contrinuously formed, or die-cut, folded and adhered. Vessel 273 is of one of the high barrier materials hereinabove described, while structure 271 is formed of composite or paperboard materials as also described herein. Adhesive is provided at 275 between the vessel and structure within at l~ast the upper portion of the container, such as by spotting, strips, spray coating or the like. At its upper end, vessel 273 defines a peripheral flange 277 of extremely narrow extent for seating upon the upper peripheral margin of the structure 271. A rectangular plug-type closure 279 is fitted, being adhesively secured as by thermal bonding around its periphery to the flange 277.
A peel-off tab 281 is secured to closure 270 to permit access to an opening 283.
Such a container of the invention contrasts with composite can technology of the prior art, highlighting the advantages of the invention compared to such composite canst gable-top cartons and folding cartons.
Referring to FIGURES 37 and 38, a spiral wound composite can is illustrated in its entirety at 285, being typically of those produced for a number of years.
Such a composite can 285 is formed with a metal bottom 287 and a metal lid (not shown). Although heretofore available ln different sizes and shapes, such a can ~S~3U~

typically has a wall construction characerized by a liner 289 which is carried by body stock consisting of spiral wound layers 291, 293 of Kraft material, the liner and spiral wound layers being adhesively secured together. A label 295 is typically wound about and adhesively secured to the outer body layer 293 by a layer of adhesive 296. In order to provide securement of the top and bottom, it is conventional to provide a crimped rolled, single or double seam designated in its entirety at 297, in which the end closure 287 is wound about the multi-layer wall consisting of liner and multiple body stock layers. In order to provide sealing within the ends, at both top and bottom, a layer of compound sealant 299 is utilized. Such sealant represents cost and complexity which would be desirably eliminated but is necessary for filling voids or crevices resulting from bulges and creases produced by liner fold, termed in the industry an "Anaconda" fold.
Referring to FIGURE 38, such fold is utilized for providing a secured sealing of marginal portions of the spirally wound layer upon itself. Such liner 289 may typically consist of a foil layer 301, a Kraft layer 303 and a polymer coating or inner layer 305. These three layers, as secured together, are lapped over to provide a roll or lap 307 wherein the polymer inner layer 305 seals, as at 309, against the polymer layer of the liner upon which it is to be wrapped by spiral winding. Lap adhesive 311 is utilized for maintaining the lapped relationship. The resultant lap or roll 307 extends, because of the spirally wound nature of the wall, from top to bottom of the can. It extends as well to the xegion of the rolled, crimped, single or double seam 297, where it represents an enlargement or bulge which intereferes with the crimping procedure and necessitates the use of the sealant 299. Such lap or roll 307 is, thus, a source of leakage and production irregularity in composite cans which is entirely avoided by a container of the invention, which thereby provides far greater assurance against leakage and the permeation of gases through end closures for particularly food products such as juices and juice concentrates.
EXAMPLE XIV
Referring to FIGURES 39 and 40, container 313 ~f the invention illustrates further suitability for use in containing frozen juice concentrates and the like. A
structure 315 is employed having two spiral wound layers 317, 317' of paperboard to define a cylindrical package.
A vessel 319 is fitted within the structure, its side wall being substantially of cylindrical configuration for providing a relatively tight fit within the structure and without substantial tapering inwardly of the vessel toward its bottom. The vessel and structure are secured together by adhesive 321 provided over at least upper portions of the container as by spotting, striping, spraying or the like. The close fit between vessel and structure results in there being almost negligible space between vessel and structure throughout their length. At the lGwer end of the container, the structure is provided with an inwardly-directed curl 323 precisely dimensioned to oppose and confront a ledge 325 defined by the bottom 327 of the vessel. Said bottom 327 defines a centrally downward extension 329 and ~s~

provides an upwardly convex configuration for providing expansion and contraction resuLting from a pressure differential. Accordingly, the curl 323 supports the vessel at its lower portion and provides a nearly void-free line of contact 329 around the periphery of thevessel bottom 327 whereby dirt, moisture, insects and the like are prevented from entering the space between the vessel wall and the inner surface ofthe structure 315, thereby to avoid weakening of the container or objectionable appearance or the like.
At the upper end, the container has a deeply closure 331 recessed and includes a flat central portion 333 and a peripheral rim 334 including an inner flange 335. The closure may terminate at the periphery of rim 334 or may, as shown, have also an outer portion 337 and so defining a V-sahped recess 339 for receiving marginal portions of both the vessel and structure. The vessel is formed to include a narrow flange 341 which does not extend beyond the diameter of the structure and whereby such flange 341 will be received within the closure recess 339. Flange 341 is sufficient for supporting vessel 319 within the structure at its upper end, while the lower end of the vessel is supported by ledge 325 engaging the curl 323, providing an extremely strong container. Rim 334 is substantially flat to provide substantial area of contact with the vessel flange 341 which it overlies. Further, the material of construction of closure 331 is preferably the same as that of vessel 319, but is of much greater thickness than the side wall of vessel 319, which side wall may be of extreme thinness such as sufficient only to provide - ~6 -barrier properties for the product contained. Thus, it should be understood that the wall thickness is exaggerated in FIGURES 39 and 40 merely for illustration. Because of the compatible or identical material of the closure as compared with vessel 319, closure 339 may be bonded, heat-sealed or spin-welded to flange 341. If desired, adhesive may coat the inside surface of closure portion 337 for enhanced union with the structure.
A label 343 surrounds the package and preferably terminates at its upper end at a point below the extent of closure flange 337, as shown in FIGURE 39. Label 343 either does not extend fully to the bottom of the structure, terminating at a point proximate the lower edge, or else may extend fully around the curl or flange 323.
Although the structure is shown to have two plies of paperboard, the structure could have additional plies or a single ply of paperboard or composite materials.
Accordingly, it is seen by the examples that the invention lends itself to the construction of advantageous containers having vessels and structures in many different geometries, as well as being useful for receiving closures of numerous types and materials.
Such containers may be used for either hermetic or atmospheric packing of a wide variety of foods, beverages, substances and products. Vessels and structures of the invention make a strong and secure container being bonded together by adhesives, bonding substances, films or heat sealing substances.

~53(~8 Although the foregoing includes a description of the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention, various modifications are contemplated.
As various modifications could be made in the constructions herein described and illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting.

Claims (26)

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A minimal cost, contents-protecting container for containing products requiring a barrier protection against permeation through the container of water vapor or gas of greater than maximum permissible permeation rates, the container pro-tecting against the stresses of processing, filling, warehousing, distribution, merchandising and consumer use, said container comprising a thin-walled barrier vessel for enclosing and barrier-protecting the products enclosed therein but not structurally protecting the products enclosed therein, a structure for carrying and protecting the vessel, and a closure for the vessel characterized by:
the vessel being of thin-walled configuration and formed with at least one side wall and a bottom wall integrally formed with such side wall, the side and bottom walls being of total thickness which normally would be inadequate for conven-tionally serving as a container for the product in the face of said stresses, if used alone as a container, the vessel side and bottom walls each defining a barrier material exhibiting an oxygen barrier permeability of no greater than 1.0-1.5 cc/mil/100 sq. in/24 hr. at 72°F, a water vapor permeability of not greater than 4.0-5.0 g/mil/100 sq. in/24 hr. at 100°F, 90% RH, or a CO2 permeability of not greater than 20.0-25.0 cc/mil/100 sq. in/24 hr., the vessel side and bottom walls defining a barrier thickness adequate for providing moisture or gas permeation protection appropriate for the product throughout the intended shelf-life of the filled container;
the structure being constituted either substantially or wholly of paper material, the structure being of tubular configuration, and including top and bottom edges, for surrounding, protecting and structurally supporting the vessel within the structure, the structure having at least one side wall but no bottom wall, the structure thereby being open at the bottom but defining at its bottom edge a reinforcing portion, the vessel having a bottom located above the structure bottom edge;
the vessel including a lip-defining portion at its upper end extending beyond the top edge of the structure;
the closure being formed for providing and for closing the upper end of the vessel; and a bonding substance located between at least portions of said at least one side wall of the vessel and the surrounding structure for securing the vessel within the structure in bonding relationship;
whereby the contained products are barrier-protected against moisture or gas permeation, and the container is capable of withstanding the stresses of processing, filling, warehousing, distribution, merchandising, and consumer use.

2. A container as set forth in Claim 1 and further characterized by the vessel being formed of a single layer or multiple layers of such material, the overall wall thickness of the vessel being from about 0.001 in. to about 0.030 in.

3. A container as set forth in Claim 2 and further characterized by the vessel material being of multiple layer configuration including a barrier layer of thickness less than the overall wall thickness of the vessel material, the barrier layer being of thickness of from about 0.0005 in. to about 0.004 in.

4. A container as set forth in Claim 1, Claim 2 or Claim 3 and further characterized by the vessel being of a material selected from the group of materials consisting of polymers and resins, metal and glass.

5. A container as set forth in Claim 1, Claim 2 or Claim 3 and further characterized by the vessel comprising a resin or polymeric material selected from the group consisting of EVAL, sarans, nylon, "Surlyn" ionomeric resins, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene, and combinations thereof.

6. A container as set forth in Claim 1, Claim 2 or Claim 3 and further characterized by the vessel being of a material selected from the group of materials consisting of polymers and resins, metal and glass, and further characterized by the structure being formed of convolute, spiral, continuously formed, or die-cut and formed paperboard or a composite material consisting of paper and film materials from the group consisting of resin and polymer.

7. A container as set forth in claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3 and further characterized by the re-enforcing portion at the bottom edge of the structure being defined by a curl or flange extending around the periphery of the bottom edge of the structure, the curl or flange being inwardly or outwardly directed from the structure side wall.

8. A container as set forth in claim 1 and further characterized by the lip-defining vessel portion being constituted by a flange extending radially outwardly from the vessel side wall around the periphery at the upper end of the vessel, whereby said flange supports the vessel within the structure.

9. A container as set forth in claim 8 and further characterized by the vessel including an upper portion of relatively greater thickness than said at least one side wall and extending above the top edge of the structure, the vessel upper portion extending laterally beyond the top edge of the structure, the vessel upper portion defining a ledge peripherally supported by the upper edge of the structure.

10. A container as set forth in claim 9 and further characterized by said vessel upper portion being formed as an internal unit separately from a lower portion of the vessel within the structure, the vessel upper portion being secured to the vessel lower portion by heat-sealing, ultrasonic bonding or spin-welding.

11. A container as set forth in claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3 and further characterized by the vessel defining at its lower edge a peripheral supporting portion proximate the inner surface of the structure side wall, said flange being spaced from the bottom edge of the structure, the bottom edge of the structure including a curl extending inwardly of the bottom and directed upwardly against said vessel flange for supporting the vessel within the structure and for closing any space between the outer surface of the vessel side wall and the inner surface of the structure side wall.

12. A container as set forth in claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3 and further characterized by the lip-defining portion at the upper end of the vessel extending upwardly to define a flange for receiving an enclosure, said flange being formed around the peripheral edge of the closure in sealing relationship to provide a tamper proof relationship between the closure and vessel.

13. In a contents-protecting container for containing a product requiring barrier protection against permeation through the container of water vapor or gas of greater than maximum permissible permeation rates while protecting the container against stresses of processing, filling, warehousing, distribution, merchandising and customer use, the container comprising a vessel for enclosing the product and barrier-protecting the product so enclosed, a structure for carrying and stress protecting the vessel, and a closure for closing the vessel at its upper end, the improvement comprising:
the vessel being formed of synthetic polymeric material including side and bottom walls each of thin-walled character and each of total thickness inadequate for protecting against said stresses if the vessel were used alone as a container without said structure, the vessel side and bottom walls each defining a barrier layer exhibiting an oxygen permeability of not greater than 1.0-1.5 cc/mil/100 sq. in./24 hr at 72°F, a water vapor permeability of not greater than 4.0-5.0 g/mil/100 sq.in./24 hr. at 100°F, 90% relative humidity, or a CO2 permeability of not greater than 20.0-25.0 cc/mil/100 sq.in./24 hr, the vessel including a lip-defining portion at its upper end extending radially outwardly from its side wall;
the structure being formed of substantially paper-containing nonbarrier structurally protective material of tubular configuration, including top and bottom edges, and having a side wall but no bottom wall, including vessel-supporting structure at said top edge for receiving the lip-defining portion of the vessel for thereby supporting the vessel, the structure bottom edge extending below the vessel bottom wall for providing a protective space between the structure bottom edge and the vessel bottom wall, the structure bottom edge including a reinforcing portion, the structure surrounding, structurally protecting and supporting the vessel within the structure in protected relationship so as to impart to the container protection of the contents in the face of said stresses; and a bonding substance extending between at least portions of the side wall of the vessel and corresponding portions of the side wall of the structure for securement of the vessel within the structure in bonded relationship to prevent mutual separation of the vessel and structure;
whereby contents-barrier protection and container stresses protection are functionally separated between the structure and vessel for minimized use of said synthetic polymer material.

14. A container as set forth in Claim 13, the overall wall thickness of the vessel material being from about 0.001 in.
(0.025 mm) to about 0.030 in. (0.75 mm).

15. A container as set forth in Claim 14, the vessel material being of multiple layer configuration including a barrier layer of thickness less than the overall wall thickness of the vessel material, the barrier layer being of thickness of at least about 0.0005 in. (0.013 mm) to about 0.004 in. (0.10 mm).

16. A container as set forth in Claim 13, the reinforcing portion of the structure bottom edge being defined by a curl.

17. A container as set forth in Claim 13, the reinforcing portion of the structure bottom edge being defined by a flange.

18. A container as set forth in Claim 13, the vessel defining at its lower edge a peripheral supporting flange proximate the inner surface of the structure side wall, the supporting flange being spaced from the bottom edge of the structure, the bottom edge of the structure including a curl extending inwardly of the structure side wall for simultaneously serving to support the vessel within the structure while closing any space between the outer surface of the vessel side wall and the inner surface of the structure side wall.

19. A container as set forth in Claim 13, the lip-defining structure at the upper end of the vessel being a peripheral flange which is substantially flat and horizontal, the closure having a central portion and a substantially flat, horizontal rim surrounding the central portion, the central portion being recessed relative to the closure rim, the closure rim being seated upon the vessel flange, the closure being of the same material of the vessel but of greater thickness, the closure rim being bonded to the vessel flange.

20. A container as set forth in Claim 19, the closure rim being bonded to the vessel flange by being heat-sealed thereto.

21. A container as set forth in Claim 19, the closure rim being bonded to the vessel flange by being spin welded thereto.

22. A container as set forth in Claim 19, the closure rim having a downwardly directed peripheral flange extending around upper marginal portions of the structure.

23. A container as set forth in Claim 13, the vessel polymeric material being selected from the group consisting of EVAL, sarans, nylon, "Surlyn", ionomeric resins, polyethylene, polyethylene therephthalate, polypropylene, and combinations thereof.

24. In a contents-protecting container for containing a product requiring barrier protection against permeation through the container of water vapor or gas of greater than maximum permissible permeation rates while protecting the container against stresses of processing, filling, warehousing, distribution, merchandising and customer use, the container comprising a vessel for enclosing the product and barrier-protecting the product so enclosed, a structure for carrying and stress protecting the vessel, and a closure for closing the vessel at its upper end, the improvement comprising:

the vessel being formed of synthetic polymeric material including side and bottom walls each of thin-walled character with an overall wall thickness of from about 0.001 in. (0.025 mm) to about 0.030 in. (0.75 mm), the vessel side and bottom walls each defining a barrier layer exhibiting an oxygen permeability of not greater than 1.0-1.5 cc/mil/100 sq. in./24 hr at 72°F, a water vapor permeability of not greater than 4.0-5.0 g/mil/100 sq.in./24 hr. at 100°F, 90% relative humidity, or a CO2 permeability of not greater than 20.0-25.0 cc/mil/100 sq.in./24 hr, whereby each of the vessel side and bottom walls is of total thickness inadequate for protecting against said stresses if the vessel were used alone as a container without said structure, the vessel including a lip-defining portion at its upper end extending radially outwardly from its side wall;
the structure being formed of substantially paper-containing nonbarrier structurally protective material of tubular configuration, including top and bottom edges, and having a side wall but no bottom wall, including vessel-supporting structure at said top edge for receiving the lip-defining portion of the vessel for thereby supporting the vessel, the structure bottom edge extending below the vessel bottom wall for providing a protective space between the structure bottom edge and the vessel bottom wall, the structure bottom edge including a reinforcing portion, the structure surrounding, structurally protecting and supporting the vessel within the structure in protected relationship so as to impart to the container protection of the contents in the face of said stresses;
the vessel defining at its lower edge a peripheral supporting flange proximate the inner surface of the structure side wall, the supporting flange being spaced from the bottom edge of the structure, the bottom edge of the structure including a curl extending inwardly of the structure side wall for simultaneously serving to support the vessel within the structure while closing any space between the outer surface of the vessel side wall and the inner surface of the structure side wall, the lip-defining structure at the upper end of the vessel comprising a peripheral flange which is substantially flat and horizontal, the closure having a central portion and a substantially flat, horizontal rim surrounding the central portion, the central portion being recessed relative to the closure rim, the closure rim being seated upon the vessel flange, the closure being of the same material of the vessel but of greater thickness, the closure rim being bonded to the vessel flange; and a bonding substance extending between at least portions of the side wall of the vessel and corresponding portions of the side wall of the structure for securement of the vessel within the structure in bonded relationship to prevent mutual separation of the vessel and structure;
whereby contents-barrier protection and container stresses protection are functionally separated between the structure and vessel for minimized use of said synthetic polymer material.

25. A container as set forth in Claim 24, the closure rim having a downwardly directed peripheral flange extending around upper marginal portions of the structure.

26. A container as set forth in Claim 25, the vessel polymeric material being polyethylene.