Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
  • B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
  • B65D43/0204—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections
  • B65D43/0212—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F23/00—Cases for tobacco, snuff, or chewing tobacco
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2203/00—Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
  • B65D2203/02—Labels
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
  • B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
  • B65D2543/00074—Shape of the outer periphery curved
  • B65D2543/00092—Shape of the outer periphery curved circular
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
  • B65D2543/00231—Overall construction of the lid made of several pieces
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
  • B65D2543/00259—Materials used
  • B65D2543/00277—Metal
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
  • B65D2543/00259—Materials used
  • B65D2543/00296—Plastic
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
  • B65D2543/00259—Materials used
  • B65D2543/00314—Combination, e.g. laminates, several different materials
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
  • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
  • B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
  • B65D2543/00611—Profiles
  • B65D2543/0062—Groove or hollow bead
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
  • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
  • B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
  • B65D2543/00675—Periphery concerned
  • B65D2543/00685—Totality
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
  • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
  • B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
  • B65D2543/00722—Profiles
  • B65D2543/0074—Massive bead
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
  • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
  • B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
  • B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
  • B65D2543/00796—Totality

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates to lids and containers using the same. More particularly, the disclosure relates to lids for packaging products made or derived from tobacco, or that otherwise incorporate tobacco, and are intended for human consumption in a smokeless form.
• Example consumable products that are often packaged in such containers include a wide variety of consumer products, including“smokeless” tobacco-related products.
• Particularly popular smokeless tobacco products are employed by inserting some form of processed tobacco or tobacco-containing formulation into the mouth of the user. See for example, the types of smokeless tobacco formulations, ingredients, and processing methodologies set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,376,586 to Schwartz; 3,696,917 to Levi; 4,513,756 to Pittman et al.; 4,528,993 to Sensabaugh, Jr.
• Representative smokeless tobacco products that have been marketed include those referred to as CAMEL Snus, CAMEL Orbs, CAMEL Strips and CAMEL Sticks by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco
• snuff products are manufactured in Europe, particularly in Sweden, by or through companies such as Swedish Match AB, Fiedler & Lundgren AB, Gustavus AB, Skandinavisk Tobakskompagni A/S and Rocker Production AB.
• Snus products previously or currently available in the U.S.A. have been marketed under the trade names such as CAMEL Snus Frost, CAMEL Snus Original, and CAMEL Snus Spice, CAMEL Snus Mint, CAMEL Snus Mellow, CAMEL Snus Winterchill, and CAMEL Snus Robust by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.
• Snus products such as CAMEL Snus Original
• the pouches are typically a nonwoven fleece material, and contain about 0.4 to 1.5 grams of pasteurized tobacco. These products typically remain in a user's mouth for about 10-30 minutes. Unlike certain other smokeless tobacco products, snus does not require expectoration by the user.
• Smokeless tobacco products have been packaged in tins, "pucks” or “pots” that are manufactured from metal or plastic such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,098,421 to Foster; 4,190,170 to Boyd; 8,556,070 to Bried et ah; 8,910,781 to Pipes et ak; and U.S. Patent Application Pub. Nos. 2010/0065076 to Bergstrom et ak; and 2010/0065077 to Lofgreen-Ohm et ak; each of which is incorporated by reference herein.
• a desirable feature for certain containers configured to store a product such as snus is the protection of the product from environmental effects, particularly those effects that may degrade the product stored in the container. For example, in humid environments, moisture may invade the storage space housing the product, thereby damaging the product or otherwise rendering the product unusable. Conversely, moisture may escape the product and exit the storage space, rendering the product overly dry.
• a lid in one aspect, may include a laterally -extending wall having opposing first and second surfaces and defining a periphery.
• the wall may have a central axis extending perpendicularly to the first and second surfaces.
• a sidewall may extend from the second surface parallel to the central axis and about the periphery of the wall.
• the wall and the sidewall are formed of a polymeric material.
• a metallic cladding is engaged with the wall so as to extend laterally across the first surface.
• a method of manufacturing a lid for a container for storing a smokeless tobacco product may include coating at least a portion of a surface of a metallic cladding with a heat-actuated adhesive coating.
• the method may also include arranging the metallic cladding adjacent to a first surface of a laterally-extending wall such that the heat-actuated adhesive coating is positioned between the metallic cladding and the first surface and such that the cladding extends laterally across the first surface.
• the wall may have a second surface opposing the first surface, defining a periphery, having a central axis extending perpendicularly to the first and second surfaces, and having a sidewall extending from the second surface parallel to the central axis and about the periphery of the wall, with the wall and the sidewall being formed of a polymeric material.
• the method may also include exposing the metallic cladding and the heat-actuated adhesive coating to a magnetic field so as to actuate the heat- actuated adhesive coating to bond the metallic cladding to the first surface.
• the disclosure includes, without limitation, the following embodiments.
• Embodiment 1 A lid for a container for storing a smokeless tobacco product, the lid comprising: a laterally- extending wall having opposing first and second surfaces and defining a periphery, the wall having a central axis extending perpendicularly to the first and second surfaces; a sidewall extending from the second surface about the periphery of the wall, with the wall and the sidewall being formed of a polymeric material; and a metallic cladding engaged with the wall so as to extend laterally across the first surface.
• Embodiment 2 The lid of any preceding embodiment, wherein the sidewall includes a groove recessed in an exterior surface thereof, wherein the groove is configured to receive a peripheral edge of the cladding.
• Embodiment 3 The lid of any preceding embodiment, wherein the peripheral edge of the cladding is angled to reside in the groove.
• Embodiment 4 The lid of any preceding embodiment, wherein the groove is recessed radially inward toward the central axis of the wall from the exterior surface of the sidewall by a distance greater than or about equal to a thickness of the cladding.
• Embodiment 5 The lid of any preceding embodiment, wherein the cladding comprises a metallic sheet.
• Embodiment 6 The lid of any preceding embodiment, wherein the metallic sheet is embossed.
• Embodiment 7 The lid of any preceding embodiment, wherein the metallic sheet comprises a raised ridge adjacent to a periphery thereof.
• Embodiment 8 The lid of any preceding embodiment, wherein the raised ridge is self-supporting.
• Embodiment 9 The lid of any preceding embodiment, wherein the metallic sheet has a thickness between about 0.1 mm and about 0.5 mm.
• Embodiment 10 The lid of any preceding embodiment, wherein the sidewall extends substantially parallel to the central axis of the laterally -extending wall.
• Embodiment 11 The lid of any preceding embodiment, further comprising a rib structure projecting from the second surface of the laterally extending wall, the rib structure comprising a plurality of rib segments arranged in spaced relation proximate the periphery of the wall.
• Embodiment 12 The lid of any preceding embodiment, wherein the sidewall further comprises a radially inward extending detent extending circumferentially around the central axis of the laterally-extending wall.
• Embodiment 13 The lid of any preceding embodiment, wherein an adhesive layer is positioned between the cladding and the first surface.
• Embodiment 14 The lid of any preceding embodiment, wherein the adhesive layer is a coating pre-applied to the cladding.
• Embodiment 15 The lid of any preceding embodiment, wherein the adhesive layer is actuated by heat to form a bond between the cladding and the wall when the cladding is subjected to a magnetic field.
• Embodiment 16 The lid of any preceding embodiment, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a heat- actuated adhesive.
• Embodiment 17 A method of manufacturing a lid for a container for storing a smokeless tobacco product, the method comprising:
• a lid structure comprising a laterally-extending wall having opposing first and second surfaces and defining a periphery, the wall having a central axis extending perpendicularly to the first and second surfaces, and a sidewall extending from the second surface about the periphery of the wall, with the wall and the sidewall being formed of a polymeric material;
• Embodiment 18 The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the sidewall includes a groove recessed in an exterior surface thereof, and the method further comprises arranging a peripheral edge of the metallic cladding within the groove.
• Embodiment 19 The method of any preceding embodiment, further comprising embossing the metallic cladding.
• Embodiment 20 The method of any preceding embodiment, further comprising the step of coating the heat- actuated adhesive onto either at least a portion of a surface of the metallic cladding or at least a portion of the first surface of the laterally -extending wall of the lid structure prior to said arranging step.
• Embodiment 21 The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the coating step comprises printing the heat-actuated adhesive on at least a portion of a surface of the metallic cladding.
• Embodiment 22 The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein either the metallic cladding or the lid structure is received pre-treated with the heat-actuated adhesive.
• Embodiment 23 The method of any preceding embodiment, further comprising forming a peripheral ridge in the metallic cladding.
• Fig. l is a perspective view of a container comprising a lid and a body in a coupled configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
• Fig. 2 is a top perspective view of the body of the container of Fig. 1;
• Fig. 3 is an interior perspective view of the lid of the container of Fig. 1;
• Fig. 4A is a sectional view of a portion of a lid of the container according to one embodiment of the present disclosure along line 4-4 of Fig. 1;
• Fig. 4B is a detailed sectional view of a portion of Fig. 4A;
• Fig. 4C is an exploded sectional view of Fig. 4B;
• Fig. 5A is a sectional view of a portion of a lid of the container according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure
• Fig. 5B is a detailed sectional view of a portion of Fig. 5 A;
• Fig. 6A is a sectional view of a portion of a lid of the container according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure
• Fig. 6B is a detailed sectional view of a portion of Fig. 6A;
• Fig. 7A is a sectional view of a portion of a lid of the container according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.
• Fig. 7B is a detailed sectional view of a portion of Fig. 7A.
• lids and containers described in the present application can be used to store a variety of products, but are particularly well-suited for products designed for oral consumption.
• Example consumable products that are often packaged in such containers include a wide variety of consumer products, including tobacco products in smokeless form.
• Example tobacco products include pelletized tobacco products (e.g., compressed or molded pellets produced from powdered or processed tobacco, such as those formed into the general shape of a coin, cylinder, bean, pellet, sphere, orb, strip, obloid, cube, bead, or the like), extruded or cast pieces of tobacco (e.g., as strips, films, or sheets, including multilayered films formed into a desired shape), products incorporating tobacco carried by a solid substrate (e.g., where substrate materials range from edible grains to inedible cellulosic sticks), extruded or formed tobacco-containing rods or sticks, tobacco-containing capsulelike materials having an outer shell region and an inner body portion region, straw-like (e.g., hollow formed) tobacco -containing shapes, sachets or packets containing tobacco (e.g., snus-like products), pieces of tobacco -containing gum, and the like.
• pelletized tobacco products e.g., compressed or molded pellets produced from powdered or processed
• example tobacco products include tobacco formulations in a loose form such as, for example, a moist snuff product.
• Example loose form tobacco used with the containers of the present disclosure may include tobacco formulations associated with, for example, commercially available GRIZZLY moist tobacco products and KODIAK moist tobacco products that are marketed by American Snuff Company, LLC.
• Example smokeless tobacco compositions that can be packaged in the containers of the present disclosure are set forth in, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 1,376,586 to Schwartz; 3,368,567 to Speer;
• Smokeless tobacco compositions utilized as the product contained in the containers of the disclosure will often include such ingredients as tobacco (typically in particulate form), sweeteners, binders, colorants, pH adjusters, fillers, flavoring agents, disintegration aids, antioxidants, oral care additives, and preservatives. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 7,861,728 to Holton et al., which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
• the tobacco formulation can be contained within a container, such as a pouch or bag, such as is the type commonly used for the manufacture of snus types of products (e.g., a sealed, moisture permeable pouch that is sometimes referred to as a "portion").
• a representative moisture permeable pouch can be composed of a "fleece” type of material.
• the tobacco formulation is in turn contained within a package, such as the containers of the present disclosure described more fully hereinbelow.
• the package is closeable, and is composed of a suitable material, such that the atmospheric conditions within that closed package may be modified and/or controlled. In one example, the package can provide a good barrier that inhibits the passage of compositions such as moisture and oxygen therethrough.
• the atmosphere within the sealed package can be further modified by introducing a selected gaseous species (e.g., nitrogen, argon, or a mixture thereof) into the package prior to sealing, or by drawing a vacuum therein (vacuum sealing).
• a selected gaseous species e.g., nitrogen, argon, or a mixture thereof
• the atmospheric conditions to which the tobacco composition is exposed may be controlled during conditions of preparation, packing, storage and handling.
• the atmospheric conditions are controlled by allowing for air exchange between the interior of the closed package and the ambient environment. Air exchange may be facilitated by the permeability of the materials or through vents or other structures constructed as a portion of the package.
• a vented container may be particularly suitable for storing fermented moist tobacco products.
• An example pouch may be manufactured from materials, and in such a manner, such that during use by the user, the pouch undergoes a controlled dispersion or dissolution.
• Such pouch materials may have the form of a mesh, screen, perforated paper, permeable fabric, or the like.
• pouch material manufactured from a mesh-like form of rice paper, or perforated rice paper may dissolve in the mouth of the user.
• the pouch and tobacco formulation each may undergo complete dispersion within the mouth of the user during normal conditions of use, and hence the pouch and tobacco formulation both may be ingested by the user.
• pouch materials may be manufactured using water dispersible film forming materials (e.g., binding agents such as alginates, carboxymethylcellulose, xanthan gum, pullulan, and the like), as well as those materials in combination with materials such as ground cellulosics (e.g., fine particle size wood pulp).
• water dispersible film forming materials e.g., binding agents such as alginates, carboxymethylcellulose, xanthan gum, pullulan, and the like
• ground cellulosics e.g., fine particle size wood pulp.
• Some pouch materials, though water dispersible or dissolvable, may be designed and manufactured such that under conditions of normal use, a significant amount of the tobacco formulation contents permeate through the pouch material prior to the time that the pouch undergoes loss of its physical integrity.
• flavoring ingredients, disintegration aids, and other desired components may be incorporated within, or applied to, the pouch material.
• Snus products can be manufactured using equipment such as that available as SB 51-1/T, SBL 50 and SB 53-2/T from Merzmaschinen GmbH. G.D SpA out of Italy also supplies tobacco pouching equipment.
• Snus pouches can be provided as individual pouches, or a plurality of pouches and can be connected or linked together (e.g., in an end-to-end manner) such that a single pouch or individual portion can be readily removed for use from a one-piece strand or matrix of pouches.
• FIG. 1-3 illustrate one container 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• the container 10 may be formed by an open-ended body 20 and a lid 40.
• the lid 40 is removable from the body 20 to provide access to a product held within the container 10.
• the body 20 has a bottom wall 22 (see Fig. 2), which, in some instances, may be substantially planar, and a peripheral flange 24 depending from the bottom wall 22 which, in some instances, may be cylindrical as shown.
• the peripheral flange 24 may define a peripheral portion of the container 10 such that the peripheral flange includes an outer peripheral surface 28.
• the bottom wall 22 and the peripheral flange 24 cooperate to define an internal storage compartment 26 for storage of a plurality of units of a product.
• an upper portion 30 of the peripheral flange 24 may define a lip 32 in such a manner that the upper portion 30 the peripheral flange has a neck region 34 of reduced diameter (as compared to the diameter of the remainder of the outer surface of the peripheral flange).
• a projection 39 may extend from the neck region 34 and be provided about the periphery of the upper portion 30 of the peripheral flange 24 to provide an interference fit with the lid 40.
• the lid 40 may be provided for enclosing the units of product within the internal storage compartment 26.
• the lid 40 is typically removably secured to the body 20 by a snap-fit or an interference fit.
• the lid 40 has a laterally-extending wall 42, which, in some instances, may be substantially planar.
• the wall 42 has opposing outer and inner surfaces 44, 46 and defines a periphery.
• the wall 42 has a central axis C extending perpendicularly to the outer and inner surfaces 44, 46.
• a sidewall 48 extends from the inner surface and about the periphery of the wall. In one embodiment, the sidewall 48 extends parallel to the central axis C. In the illustrated embodiment, the sidewall 48 is cylindrical.
• the sidewall 48 of the lid 40 may be received over the peripheral flange 24 of the body 20 so as to form an enclosure therebetween.
• an edge 50 of the sidewall 48 may interact with a surface 36 of the lip 32 to form a stop when the lid 40 is received upon the body 20.
• the edge 50 of the lid 40 which is typically substantially planar, will abut the surface 36 of the lip 32, which is also typically substantially planar, when the lid 40 is fully seated upon the body 20.
• a cylindrical exterior surface 52 of the lid 40 may have the same approximate size or diameter as the peripheral flange 24 of the body 20 such that the lid and body form a smooth exterior surface when the lid is placed over the neck region 34 of the peripheral flange and fully seated upon the body.
• the exterior surface 52 of the lid 40 may have a size or diameter that is larger than the peripheral flange 24 of the body 20 so the user may access the edge 50 of the lid 40 for removing the lid from the body.
• the material for constructing the body 20 can vary.
• Example materials include metal, wood, and synthetic plastic materials.
• the body 20 is formed from a polymeric material. Polymeric materials that can be extruded and/or molded into desired shapes are typically utilized, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyamide, and the like.
• Fig. 3 shows an interior perspective view of the lid 40.
• a rib structure 60 projects from the inner surface 46 of the laterally extending wall 42.
• the rib structure 60 may be integrally formed with the wall 42.
• the rib structure 60 may be formed by a plurality of rib segments 62 arranged in spaced relation around the periphery of the wall 42 (e.g., positioned circumferentially about the wall 42 where the lid 40 is cylindrical). Any number of rib segments 62 greater than one may be provided in accordance with the present disclosure (e.g., about 2 to about 20 rib segments or about 5 to about 15 rib segments).
• the rib segments 62 are separated from one another by a vent channel 64.
• each pair of adjacent rib segments 62 may form a vent channel 64 therebetween that allows venting from the interior of the container 10 to the atmosphere exterior of the container.
• the sidewall 48 of the lid 40 may include a radially inward extending detent 68 extending circumferentially around the central axis C of the lid 40.
• the detent 68 may be configured to engage with the projection 39 of the body 20 to assist with retention of the lid 40 on the body 20.
• the laterally extending wall 42, sidewall 48, and rib structure 60 of the lid 40 are integrally formed into a base 70 from polymeric materials.
• Example polymeric materials that can be formed into the base 70 are materials that can be extruded and/or molded into the desired shapes, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyamide, and the like.
• the shape of the exterior surface 52 of the lid 40 of the disclosure can vary. Therefore, although the container 10 is represented as a substantially cylindrical“puck” shape, the container 10 may be configured with alternative peripheral shapes, such as a square, a rectangle, various other regular or irregular polygonal shapes, an oval, or other suitable shapes. Further, the sides or edges of the containers of the disclosure could be flattened, rounded, or beveled, and the various surfaces or edges of the container exterior could be concave or convex unless expressly stated otherwise in claimed embodiments. Further, the opposing sides, ends, or edges of the container can be parallel or non-parallel such that the container becomes narrower in one or more dimensions.
• the dimensions of the containers described herein can vary without departing from the disclosure. However, in some embodiments, the containers of the disclosure can be described as having a cylindrical size suitable for handheld manipulation and operation.
• Example dimensions for such handheld cylindrical embodiments include diameters in the range of about 50 mm to about 100 mm, and more typically about 60 mm to about 80 mm.
• Example wall thicknesses include the range of about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm, and more typically about 0.8 mm to about 1.4 mm.
• Example depths for handheld container embodiments of the present disclosure range from about 5 mm to about 50 mm, more typically about 8 mm to about 30 mm, and most often about 15 mm to about 25 mm.
• the number of solid product units stored in the containers of the disclosure can also vary, depending on the size of the container and the size of the product units. Typically, the number of stored product units will vary from about 5 to about 100, more typically about 10 to about 50, and most often about 15 to about 30.
• a cross section of the lid 40 according to a first embodiment is illustrated in further detail.
• the polymeric base 70 of the lid 40 which includes at least the laterally extending wall 42 and the sidewall 48, supports a metallic cladding 80 engaged with the wall 42 so as to extend laterally across the outer surface 44 of the wall.
• the cladding 80 comprises a metallic material, such as tin, brass, bronze, nickel, aluminum, steel, or tin coated steel plate.
• the cladding 80 may be formed from a single sheet of metal via punching, stamping, trimming, forming the sheet of metal and/or via other operations.
• Providing a metallic cladding 80 engaged with a polymeric base 70 may be advantageous in that the illustrated combination may provide an aesthetically appealing appearance by using a metallic material to form the prominent merchandizing portion of the container 10, while also allowing the remainder of the base 70 and container to be less expensively produced using, for example, an injection molding process.
• Advantageous embodiments of the present disclosure utilize an adhesive to bond the cladding 80 to the polymeric base 70.
• the metallic cladding 80 can be bonded to the polymeric base 70 during a molding operation.
• insert molding techniques could be used to affix the cladding 80 to the base 70 during an injection molding process used to create the final shape of the base portion of the lid structure.
• Such processes typically involve placing an insert, in this case a cladding material, within a mold prior to injection of a polymeric material into the mold. As the final polymeric structure is formed, structural integration with the insert takes place.
• the cladding 80 may provide a merchandizing portion of the lid 40 by being embossed with product branding or other aesthetically pleasing or informative labeling 82.
• the labeling 82 may additionally or alternatively be provided integrally with the cladding 80 through other processes such as casting, printing (e.g., infusing dyes into the surface of the cladding), etching (e.g., via various laser, chemical, and/or other suitable etching techniques), or other suitable process for adding text, graphics, and/or other ornamentation to a metal surface.
• the labeling 82 may alternatively be separately attached to the cladding, such as by use of a labeling sticker.
• the cladding 80 may be substantially planar.
• the cladding 80 comprises a metallic sheet having a thickness between about 0.1 mm and about 0.5 mm. In one embodiment, the metallic sheet has a thickness between about 0.1 mm and about 0.2 mm.
• the cladding 80 may be characterized as a foil. In other embodiments, the cladding 80 may be a coating applied to the base 70. In further embodiments, the cladding 80 may comprise a film applied to the base 70.
• the cladding 80 may be engaged with the outer surface 44 of the wall 42 using an adhesive layer 84 disposed therebetween.
• the adhesive layer 84 may have a thickness of between about 0.01 mm and about 0.5 mm.
• the adhesive layer 84 is a coating applied to a surface of the cladding 80 in a step separate from joining the cladding to the base 70.
• the coating is a solvent-based polyolefin dispersion heat-seal coating, which may be characterized as a heat-actuated adhesive coating.
• a suitable coating may be sold under the tradename MORPRIMETMby the Dow Chemical Company.
• Acrylic, aqueous heat seal coatings available from Roymal Inc. may also be suitable.
• Aqueous emulsion waterborne heat-seal coatings available from Mico-Corp may also be suitable.
• the coatings may be applied to the cladding with known processes such as printing, gravure, rotogravure, flexographic, and offset.
• a heat-seal coating or heat-actuated adhesive coating as the adhesive layer 84 allows the cladding 80 to be pre-coated with the adhesive layer for later attachment to the base 70.
• the coating particularly a heat-seal coating, can then be activated by heat to facilitate a bond between the metallic cladding 80 and the polymeric base 70.
• the coating Prior to being heated, the coating may not be tacky, facilitating use of a cladding 80 with an adhesive layer coating in high-speed production lines.
• heat for activing the adhesive layer 84 coating may be created using induction heating.
• Adherence between the cladding 80 with the adhesive layer 84 and the base 70 may be generated using the same or similar methodology as employed within known induction sealing or heat sealing machines.
• Such machines including production line machines, are available from companies such as Relco UK, Selig Sealing Products, Inc., and ME.RO S.p.A, and Enercon Industries.
• Induction sealers would be used to create an electromagnetic field in the presence of the metallic cladding 80. Exposure of the cladding 80 and heat-actuated adhesive layer 84 to the magnetic field induces eddy currents within the cladding that causes the cladding to quickly generate heat therein, wherein the heat would be conducted to the adhesive layer 84.
• Typical induction sealers include a power source, a coil for generating a magnetic field, and a cooling system.
• the lid 40 may have a maximum height along a direction parallel with the central axis C of less than about 0.35 inches. In another embodiment, the maximum height of the lid 40 may be less than about 0.30 inches and may be less than about 0.28 inches. The height includes both the body 70 and the cladding 80. The same suitable dimensions may apply to the further embodiments discussed below.
• Figs. 5 A and 5B show a lid 40a according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The interior of the lid 40a may be substantially similar to the lid 40 discussed above, and as a result, the lid 40a may be configured to engage the body 20 in the same manner as discussed above.
• the lid 40a illustrates the cladding 80a extending across substantially the entirety of the top surface 44 of the wall 42. Particularly, in the illustrated embodiment, the top surface 44 of the polymeric base 70 is substantially entirely hidden from view by the cladding 80a.
• the cladding 80a may include an adhesive layer 84, coated thereon in advance, that may be active by heat through an induction bonding machine as discussed hereinabove.
• Figs. 6A and 6B show a lid 40b according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.
• the interior of the lid 40b may be substantially similar to the lid 40 discussed above, and as a result, the lid 40b may be configured to engage the body 20 in the same manner as discussed above.
• the cladding 80b is engaged with the wall 42 using an adhesive layer 84, such as the induction bonded, heat seal coating layer described above.
• the wall 48 of the base 70b may also include a groove 49 recessed in the exterior surface 52.
• the groove 49 may be configured to receive the peripheral edge 86 of the cladding 80b.
• the peripheral edge 86 may be bent or otherwise angled to reside in the groove 49.
• the depth of the groove 49 in the radial direction toward axis C may be selected such that the exterior surface 52 is flush with the surface of the cladding 80b when the peripheral edge 86 is disposed within the groove 49.
• the groove 49 is deeper than the thickness of the cladding 80b such that the cladding is recessed relative to the exterior surface 52.
• Figs. 7A and 7B show a lid 40c according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.
• the interior of the lid 40c may be substantially similar to the lid 40 discussed above, and as a result, the lid 40c may be configured to engage the body 20 in the same manner as discussed above.
• the cladding 80c is engaged with the wall 42 using an adhesive layer 84, such as the induction bonded, heat seal coating layer described above.
• the wall 48 of the base 70b may also include a groove 49 recessed in the exterior surface 52.
• the groove 49 may be configured to receive the peripheral edge 86 of the cladding 80c.
• the peripheral edge 86 may be bent or otherwise angled, such as by stamping, to reside in the groove 49.
• the cladding 80c may be less susceptible to peeling away from the base 70b.
• the depth of the groove 49 in the radial direction toward axis C may be selected such that the exterior surface 52 is flush with the surface of the cladding 80c when the peripheral edge 86 is disposed within the groove 49.
• the groove 49 is deeper than the thickness of the cladding 80c such that the cladding is recessed relative to the exterior surface 52.
• the cladding 80c may be pre-formed, such as by stamping, with a peripheral ridge 87.
• the peripheral ridge 87 may assist with the rigidity of the cladding 80c and help minimize warping near the center of the cladding.
• the peripheral ridge 87 may provide a tactile feature that assist the user with at least one of adding or removing the lid 40c from the body 20 (FIG. 1).
• the material and thickness of the cladding 80c may be selected such that the peripheral ridge 87 is self-supporting and would remain raised under force conditions typical to opening or closing the container 10 and force conditions typically encountered during transportation of the container.
• the peripheral ridge 87 of the cladding 80c may avoid the use of an upward projection formed from the polymeric material of the base 70b.
• the containers 10 of the disclosure can be sealed with a circumferential label or wrapper of a pervious or impervious material.
• the label or wrapping material useful in accordance with the present disclosure can vary. Typically, the selection of the packaging label or wrapper is dependent upon factors such as aesthetics, desired barrier properties (e.g., so as to provide protection from exposure to oxygen, or so as to provide protection from loss of moisture), or the like.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Packages (AREA)
• Closures For Containers (AREA)

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Publications (2)

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• 2019
  • 2019-04-12 EP EP19726486.4A patent/EP3774570B1/de active Active
  • 2019-04-12 DK DK19726486.4T patent/DK3774570T3/da active
  • 2019-04-12 WO PCT/IB2019/053050 patent/WO2019198055A2/en not_active Ceased
• 2020
  • 2020-05-15 US US16/875,732 patent/US20200277110A1/en not_active Abandoned

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