MXPA05001345A

MXPA05001345A - Double rib overcap for a container with a removable membrane.

Info

Publication number: MXPA05001345A
Application number: MXPA05001345A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Krishnaraju Varadarajan
Original assignee: Sonoco Dev Inc
Priority date: 2004-02-03
Filing date: 2005-02-02
Publication date: 2005-09-08
Also published as: BRPI0500282A; US20050167430A1; CA2495322A1; EP1561696A1

Abstract

There is provided a double rib overcap for a container with a removable membrane. The skirt of the overcap includes a first inwardly projecting rib and a second inwardly projecting rib that are axially separated and includes inside surfaces of the skirt that are axially above each rib. The container has an opening that is encircled by a rim and the membrane covers the opening such that the membrane extends radially onto an outer surface of the rim. A first inside surface above the first rib of the overcap is dimensionally sized to create an interference-fit with the membrane and the rim when the overcap is connected to the container. Likewise, a second inside surface above the second rib of the overcap is dimensionally sized to create an interference-fit with the rim of the container when the overcap is connected to the container after the membrane has been removed.

Description

TOP DOUBLE RIB TOP FOR A CONTAINER WITH A REMOVABLE MEMBRANE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to containers with top covers. More particularly, the invention relates to upper covers for containers with a removable membrane. The top cover has a rim configured to engage a flange of the container with a tightening fit to seal the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Containers that store perishable items, such as food products, often include a sealed membrane to minimize the transfer of oxygen, moisture, or contaminants within the container. The membrane is removed by the customer when the container is opened for the first time, and the membrane is discarded. A top cover is provided to re-close the container after the initial opening. The top cover couples a flange (eg, a rolled flange or flange) on top of the container in such a way that the adjustment fitting with snap or snap fit exist to keep the top cover in place on the container.

When the membrane is placed directly under the top cover, both of the top cover and the membrane provide a sealing barrier over the opening before the first opening of the container. Once the membrane has been removed, the top cover provides the only barrier to the remaining producer during subsequent storage. Therefore, the top cover should securely connect to the container to reseal the stored product. While a membrane is attached to a container, it often extends outwardly from the surface of the container to which the top cover is attached. In such a situation, the top cover is sized to create a forced fit with the surface of the container and the membrane. However, once the membrane has been removed and the top cover replaced, it may be that a forced fit is not created with only the surface of the container due to the missing membrane. Insufficient adjustment may allow oxygen, moisture, or contaminants to enter the container or may cause the top cover to come out involuntarily. Therefore, there is a need for an upper cover for containers with membranes that provides a tightening fit when the membrane is attached and when the membrane is removed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention addresses the above needs and obtains other advantages by providing an upper adjustment cap with tightening or instantaneous adjustment for coupling a flange projecting radially outwardly of a container that includes a removably attached membrane. The top cover includes a top panel with a periphery and an edge extending from the periphery of the top panel to a distal end. The edge defines a first interior surface that is spaced axially from the top panel and that is proximal to the distal end of the edge. The edge also defines a second inner surface axially positioned between the first inner surface and the upper panel. The first interior surface is diametrically dimensioned to produce a tightening fit with the membrane and the flange when the top cover is connected to the container with the membrane attached. The second inner surface is dimensioned diametrically to produce a tightening fit with the flange only when the upper cap is connected to the container without the membrane. The edge of the top cap includes a first rib projecting inward from the edge and being axially positioned between the first inner surface of the edge and the distal end of the edge. The edge also includes a second rib projecting inwardly from the edge and positioned axially between the second inner surface and the first inner surface. When the top cover is connected to the container with the membrane attached in such a way that the membrane and the flange create a tightening fit with the first inner surface, the first rib engages below the rim of the container to resist separation of the top cover. When the top cover is connected to the container without the membrane attached such that the second interior surface creates a tightening fit with the flange and the second rib engages below the container flange to resist separation of the top cover. The present invention also provides a container with a membrane and a top cover. The container includes a container body formed by a wall, wherein the wall defines an opening surrounded by a ridge projecting radially outwardly. The membrane removably attaches to the container to substantially cover the opening while the membrane joins. The top cover includes an edge with two interior surfaces and two ribs, as described above. One embodiment of the invention includes a membrane that extends radially outwardly on the outer surface of the rim, and another embodiment includes a membrane that covers the opening of the container without extending radially outwardly on the outer surface of the rim.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an upper lid, partially in section, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional, schematic view of the top cover of Figure 1 showing the first interior surface of the top cover that couples the membrane and the container flange to create a tightening fit. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional, schematic view of the top cover of the Figural showing the second interior surface of the top cover which engages the rim of the container to create a tightening fit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, of the embodiments of the invention are shown. Actually the invention can be formed in many different ways and should not be considered as limited to the modalities disclosed herein, but these modalities are provided so that this description satisfies the applicable legal requirements. Similar numbers refer to similar elements throughout the description. With reference to Figures 1 to 3, the sealable storage device according to one embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The storage device 10 includes an upper lid 12, a container 14, and a membrane 16. The container 14 is constructed to store products within the container and provide access to the stored products through an opening 18. A variety can be stored. of products in the storage device 10; however, the storage device is preferably used to store perishable products because the membrane 16 provides a barrier to seal the container 14. The membrane 16 removably attaches to the container 14 during packaging of the stored products, subsequent to the placement of the product inside the container. The membrane 16 substantially covers the entire opening 18 of the container 14 and minimizes or prevents the passage of oxygen, moisture and / or other contaminants into the container. The membrane 16 must be removed, either completely or partially, to provide access to the product, during normal use of the storage device 10. After the membrane 16 has been moved, the membrane 16 can not usually be reattached to seal the membrane. container 14, and it is usually discarded. The container 14 as illustrated in Figure 1 is a cylindrical tube. Additional embodiments of the invention may include containers, and corresponding tops 12, which are of any geometric shape. Thus, although they are used herein as diameter, circumferential, radial, and the like, they are not intended to limit the invention to any particular configuration, but are only used as descriptive terms. The container 14 of Figure 1 includes the opening 18, which is surrounded by a radially outwardly projecting flange 20. The flange 20 of the illustrated container 14 is an outwardly rolled flange. Other containers 14 of the present invention may include a flange 20 of any configuration. The flange 20 includes an upper surface 22, an outer surface 24, and a lower surface 26. The flange 20 of Figure 1 has a generally consistent cross section along the entire circumference of the container; however, other containers 14 of the present invention may include a flange that includes one or more variant cross-sectional features. Said features may be included to facilitate the removal of the upper cap 12 or the membrane 16. The membrane 16 of Figures 1 to 3 is attached to both of the upper surface 22 and the outer surface 24 of the flange 20. Other embodiments of the device storage 10 may include a membrane 16 that is only attached to the upper surface 22 or that is attached to the upper surface, to the outer surface 24, and to the lower surface 26. The upper covers 12 of such embodiments are structured and arranged to accommodate the membrane 16 attached to several surfaces to improve the fit between the top cover and the membrane and the flange 20. Top cap 12 of Figure 1 includes a top panel 30 and an edge 32. The top panel 30 is generally disk-shaped and may include additional features on the upper surface and the lower surface of the top panel. The upper panel 30 also defines a periphery 34 close to the outer circumference of the upper panel. The edge 32 extends downwardly from the periphery 34 of the top panel 30. The top cap 12 of the additional embodiments of the storage device 10 may include features that are at a radial distance beyond the periphery 34 or on the top panel 30 Such features may include surfaces to facilitate disconnection or connection of the top cover 12 and container 14. The edge 32 of the illustrated top cover 12 extends generally perpendicular from the top panel 30 to a distal end 36. Other embodiments of the top cover 12 may include an edge 32 extending from the top panel 30 at a non-perpendicular angle. The edge 32 of Figure 2 and Figure 3 have an outer surface 40 and an interior surface facing inwardly of the top cap. The inner surface of the edge 32 includes a first inner surface 42 and a second inner surface 44. The first inner surface 42 is axially spaced from the upper panel 30 and is close to the distal end 36 of the edge 32. The second inner surface 44 is axially positioned between the first inner surface 42 and the upper panel 30. Moreover, the edge 32 includes a first rib 52 that projects inward from the inner surface of the edge and is positioned axially between the first inner surface 42 and the distal end 36. The edge 32 also includes a second rib 54 projecting inward from the inner surface of the edge and is axially positioned between the second inner surface 44 and the first inner surface 42. Figure 2 illustrates the top cap 12 connected to the container 14, when the membrane 16 is attached to the container, and Figure 3 illustrates the top cover connected to the container when it has been I excited the membrane. As shown in Figure 2, the first inner surface 42 is dimensioned diametrically to produce a tightening fit with the membrane 16 and the flange 20. The inner diameter of the first inner surface 42 of the non-deformed top cap 12 is generally less than the diameter of the outer surface 24 of the flange 20 added twice the thickness of the membrane. This difference in diameter creates a tightening fit when the top cap 12 is pushed over the top of the container. A slight increase in the diameter of the top cap 12 and / or a slight reduction in diameter of the flange 20 and membrane 16 occurs through the deformation of the material. Since the materials have elasticity, they exert a restoring force, which tends to retain attached to the upper cover 12. Other embodiments of the upper cover 12 with tightening adjustment can create the tightening fit having a friction fit or an adjustment with clamping between the membrane 16 and / or a surface of the flange 20 and the first inner surface 42 of the edge 32, between the membrane and / or a surface of the flange and the first rib 52, between the membrane and / or a surface of the flange and the second rib 54, or between any combination of flange characteristics and edge characteristics. As shown in Figure 3, the second inner surface 44 is dimensioned diametrically to produce a tightening fit with the flange 20 only. The inner diameter of the second inner surface 44 of the upper cap 12 with tightening adjustment is generally smaller than the diameter of the outer surface 44 of the flange 20. This difference in diameter creates the tightening fit. Other embodiments of the top cap with tightening adjustment 12 can create the tightening fit having a frictional fit or tightening fit between a surface of the flange 20 and the second interior surface 44 of the edge 32, between a surface of the flange and the second rib 54, between a surface of the flange and the upper panel 30, or between any combination of the characteristics of the flange and the characteristics of the edge. The first inner surface 42 of the edge 32 defines an inner diameter that is approximately equivalent to a combined distance of the inner diameter of the second inner surface 44 and twice the thickness of the membrane 16, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. Additional embodiments of the top cap 12 may include a first interior surface 42 and a second interior surface 44 having several relative inner diameters. The ribs 52 and 54 of the top cover couple the flange 20 of the container 14 to resist separation of the upper lid of the container when the rim of the container is positioned axially above the respective rib. When the membrane 16 is joined and the membrane and flange 20 engage the first inner surface 42, the first rib 52 can contact the flange on the lower surface 26, the outer surface 24, or some combination of both surfaces to resist the separation of the upper lid 12 of the container 14. Also, when the membrane 16 is removed and the flange 20 engages the second inner surface 44, the second rib 54 can contact the flange on the lower surface 26, the outer surface 24, or some combination of both surfaces to resist separation of the upper lid 12 of the container 14. The upper lid 12 of Figures 2 and 3 has a first rib 52 and a second rib 54 each defining a rounded portion 56 on the surface plus inner rib The rounded portion 56 of the rib 52 and of the rib 54 is the surface of the respective rib opposite the outer surface 40 of the edge 32. The rounded portion 56 of each rib facilitates the connection and disconnection of the top cap 12, while minimizes or prevents damage to the membrane 16 or to the flange 20. The rounded portion 56 of the first rib 52 defines diametral distance relatively smaller than the inner diameter of the first inner surface 42. Therefore, when the top cover 12 is connected to the container 14, the edge 32 of the top cover must flex outwardly and / or the flange 20 must flex inwardly to allow passage of the membrane 16 and the flange beyond the first rib 52 and into the first surface interior, as shown in Figure 2. Also, the rounded portion 56 of the second rib 54 has an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the second inner surface 44. Therefore, when the upper lid 12 is connected to the container 14, the edge 32 of the top cover must flex outwardly and / or the flange 20 must flex inwardly to allow the passage of the flange beyond the edge. first rib 52 and second rib 54 and inside the first inner surface, as shown in Figure 3. The upper lid 12 of Figure 1 can be made of several materials that have sufficient flexibility and elasticity to allow the necessary deformation of the top cap when it is pushed over the container flange. Suitable materials include but are not limited to polyester, polyolefins (including homopolymers, copolymers, etc.) such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polystyrene, elastomers (including thermoplastic rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.), and mixtures or combinations thereof. The top cap 12 of the illustrated embodiment was made of a material that is sufficiently flexible and resilient to allow passage of the rim 20 of the container 14 through the first rib 52 and the second rib 54 of the top cap. An upper lid 12 of a stiffer material may include a thin wall portion in the upper panel 30 or an edge 32 in such a way that the rigid material is allowed to flex too much to allow passage of the rim 20 of the container 14 through the first rib 52 and the second rib 54 of the top cover. Each of the ribs 52 and 54 of the top cap 12 of Figures 1 to 3 define an uninterrupted circumferential rib to provide uniform retention of the top cap when the top cap attaches to or connects to the container 14. Other embodiments of the cap upper 12 may include a first rib 52 and / or a second rib 54 defining a plurality of circumferentially spaced portions. These spaced portions may be of equal circumferential width and spacing or may be of random width and spacing. Each of the portions of the plurality of circumferentially spaced portions defining a single rib are all placed at an equivalent axial distance from the top panel., so that when the upper lid 12 is attached to the container, the upper panel is generally parallel to the opening 18. The membrane 16 can be made from any suitable material or combinations or two or more different materials, and can be attach removably by means of any adhesive or suitable procedure. The membrane 16 of the storage device 10 illustrated is a sheet of metal that is bonded with adhesive to a container 14 which is a cardboard tube. When moisture function and / or membrane gas barrier is required, the membrane may comprise various barrier materials, including but not limited to a sheet of metal, polyethylene terephthalate, metallized polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate. , metallized polypropylene, polyester coated with silicate and metal oxide, polypropylene coated with silicate and metal oxide, copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof. Instead of or in addition to a barrier layer of such materials, the membrane may include one or more layers of other materials such as polyester, polyolefin, and others. The membrane 16 can be adhered to the container by means of various materials, including but not limited to glue pastes or adhesives such as hot melt gums, vinyl ethylene acetate, ethyl methyl acrylate, metallocenes, and the like, hot seal such as ionomers (for example, SURLYN®, TRANCEND®, or similar), polypropylene (with or without mineral filler), high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, and others. The container itself can be formed from various materials and by means of various processes including but not limited to spiral winding of composite materials, convolute winding of composite materials, injection molding, blow molding, or thermoforming a suitable polymeric material, and others.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein will occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and associated drawings. Therefore, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described and that modifications and other modalities are proposed to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are used in the present description, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A top cap of tightening fit, for coupling a radially outwardly projecting rim surrounding the opening of a container having a removably attached membrane comprising: a top panel having a periphery; an edge extending from the periphery of the top panel to a distal end such that the edge defines a first axially spaced interior surface of the top panel which is proximal to the distal end of the edge and defines a second interior surface axially placed between the first inner surface and upper panel, wherein the first inner surface is dimensioned diametrically to produce a tightening fit with the membrane and flange and the second inner surface is dimensioned diametrically to produce a tightening fit with the flange alone; a first rib projecting inwardly from the edge and which is axially positioned between the first inner surface of the edge and the distal end of the edge; and a second rib projecting inwardly from the edge and which is axially positioned between the second inner surface and the first inner surface; wherein the first rib engages below the container rim to resist separation of the top cap when the membrane is attached and the second rib engages below the rim of the container to resist separation of the top cap when the membrane is not attached .

2. - The upper adjustment cap with clamping according to claim 1, further characterized in that the radially outwardly projecting rim surrounding the container defines an outer surface and the membrane extends radially outwardly on the outer surface of the rim.

3. - The upper adjustment cap with clamping according to claim 1, further characterized in that the radially outwardly projecting rim surrounding the container defines an outer surface and the membrane covers the container opening without extending radially outwardly on the container. exterior surface of the flange.

4. - The top cap of tightening adjustment according to claim 1, further characterized in that the first rib and the second rib, each defines an uninterrupted circumferential rib.

5. - The top cap of adjustment with tightening according to claim 1, further characterized in that the first rib and the second rib, each defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced portions.

6. The top cap of tightening adjustment according to claim 1, further characterized in that the edge extends substantially perpendicular to the top panel of the top cover.

7. - The top cap with clamping adjustment according to claim 1, further characterized in that the first rib and the second rib of the top cap, each define a rounded rim portion on a radially inwardly opposite surface to the first inner surface and to the second inner surface of the edge.

8. - The upper adjustment cap with tightening according to claim 7, further characterized in that the rounded flange portion of the first rib defines an inner diameter relatively greater than the inner diameter of the rounded flange portion of the second rib.

9. - The top cap with tightening adjustment according to claim 1, further characterized in that the top cover is a thermoplastic material.

10. - A container comprising: a container body formed by a wall, wherein the wall defines an opening surrounded by a ridge projecting radially outwards; a removably attached membrane that substantially covers the opening while the membrane joins; and an upper adjustment cap with tightening, comprising: an upper panel having a periphery; an edge extending from the periphery of the top panel to a distal end such that the edge defines a first axially spaced interior surface of the top panel which is proximal to the distal end of the edge and defines a second interior surface axially placed between the first inner surface and upper panel, wherein the first inner surface is dimensioned diametrically to produce a tightening fit with the membrane and flange and the second inner surface is dimensioned diametrically to produce a tightening fit with the flange alone; a first rib projecting inwardly from the edge and which is axially positioned between the first inner surface of the edge and the distal end of the edge; and a second rib projecting inwardly from the edge and which is axially positioned between the second inner surface and the first inner surface; wherein the first rib engages below the container rim to resist separation of the top cap when the membrane is attached and the second rib engages below the rim of the container to resist separation of the top cap when the membrane is not attached .

11. The container according to claim 10, further characterized in that the radially outwardly projecting rim surrounding the container defines an outer surface and the membrane extends radially outwardly on the outer surface of the rim.

12. - The container according to claim 10, further characterized in that the radially outwardly projecting rim surrounding the container defines an outer surface and the membrane covers the container opening without extending radially outwardly on the outer surface of the rim.

13. - The container according to claim 10, further characterized in that the flange projecting outwards is an outwardly rolled flange.

14. The container according to claim 10, further characterized in that the first rib and the second rib each define an uninterrupted circumferential rib.

15. - The container according to claim 10, further characterized in that the first rib and the second rib each define a plurality of circumferentially spaced portions.

16. The container according to claim 10, further characterized in that the edge extends substantially perpendicular to the upper panel of the upper cover.

17. - The container according to claim 10, further characterized in that the first rib and the second rib of the top cover each define a rounded flange portion on a radially inward surface opposite the first inner surface and the second inner surface. interior surface of the edge.

18. - The container according to claim 17, further characterized in that the rounded flange portion of the first rib defines an inner diameter relatively greater than the inner diameter of the rounded flange portion of the second rib.

19. The container according to claim 10, further characterized in that the membrane defines a thickness and the inner diameter of the first inner surface is approximately equivalent to a combined distance of the inner diameter of the second inner surface and twice the thickness of the inner surface. the membrane.

20. The container according to claim 10, further characterized in that the membrane is a metal sheet.

21. - The container according to claim 10, further characterized in that the top cover is a thermoplastic material.

22. - A sealable storage device comprising: a container, comprising: a body formed by a wall, an opening defined by the wall, and an outwardly rolled flange surrounding the container opening, wherein the flange protrudes generally out of the wall and defines an exterior surface; a membrane removably attached to the rim in such a manner that the membrane substantially covers the opening and extends radially outwardly on the outer surface of the rim while the membrane is attached; and an upper adjustment cap with tightening, comprising: a top panel having a periphery; an edge extending from the periphery of the top panel to a distal end such that the edge defines a first axially spaced interior surface of the top panel which is proximal to the distal end of the edge and defines a second interior surface axially placed between the first inner surface and upper panel, wherein the first inner surface is dimensioned diametrically to produce a tightening fit with the membrane and flange and the second inner surface is dimensioned diametrically to produce a tightening fit with the flange alone; a first rib projecting inwardly from the edge and which is axially positioned between the first inner surface of the edge and the distal end of the edge; and a second rib projecting inwardly from the edge and which is axially positioned between the second inner surface and the first inner surface; wherein the first rib engages below the container rim to resist separation of the top cap when the membrane is attached and the second rib engages below the rim of the container to resist separation of the top cap when the membrane is not attached .