US20140166682A1 - Container and Closure Assembly - Google Patents
Container and Closure Assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140166682A1 US20140166682A1 US13/661,240 US201213661240A US2014166682A1 US 20140166682 A1 US20140166682 A1 US 20140166682A1 US 201213661240 A US201213661240 A US 201213661240A US 2014166682 A1 US2014166682 A1 US 2014166682A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- ring
- rim
- sealing surface
- membrane
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/18—Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures
-
- 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
- B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
- B65D77/10—Container closures formed after filling
- B65D77/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers
- B65D77/2024—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers the cover being welded or adhered to the container
- B65D77/2068—Means for reclosing the cover after its first opening
- B65D77/2072—Mechanical means
- B65D77/2088—Mechanical means attached to the cover
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/76—Making non-permanent or releasable joints
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/11—Joint cross-sections comprising a single joint-segment, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising a single joint-segment in the joint cross-section
- B29C66/112—Single lapped joints
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/13—Single flanged joints; Fin-type joints; Single hem joints; Edge joints; Interpenetrating fingered joints; Other specific particular designs of joint cross-sections not provided for in groups B29C66/11 - B29C66/12
- B29C66/131—Single flanged joints, i.e. one of the parts to be joined being rigid and flanged in the joint area
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/20—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines
- B29C66/23—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being multiple and parallel or being in the form of tessellations
- B29C66/232—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being multiple and parallel or being in the form of tessellations said joint lines being multiple and parallel, i.e. the joint being formed by several parallel joint lines
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/20—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines
- B29C66/24—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being closed or non-straight
- B29C66/242—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being closed or non-straight said joint lines being closed, i.e. forming closed contours
- B29C66/2422—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being closed or non-straight said joint lines being closed, i.e. forming closed contours being circular, oval or elliptical
- B29C66/24221—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being closed or non-straight said joint lines being closed, i.e. forming closed contours being circular, oval or elliptical being circular
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/53—Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars
- B29C66/534—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars
- B29C66/5346—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars said single elements being substantially flat
- B29C66/53461—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars said single elements being substantially flat joining substantially flat covers and/or substantially flat bottoms to open ends of container bodies
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/73—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
- B29C66/739—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
- B29C66/7392—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of at least one of the parts being a thermoplastic
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
- B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
- B65B7/28—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
- B65B7/2842—Securing closures on containers
- B65B7/285—Securing closures on containers by deformation of the closure
- B65B7/2857—Securing closures on containers by deformation of the closure and the container rim
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
- B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
- B65B7/28—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
- B65B7/2842—Securing closures on containers
- B65B7/2878—Securing closures on containers by heat-sealing
-
- 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
- B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
- B65D77/10—Container closures formed after filling
- B65D77/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers
- B65D77/2024—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers the cover being welded or adhered to the container
- B65D77/2068—Means for reclosing the cover after its first opening
- B65D77/2072—Mechanical means
- B65D77/2088—Mechanical means attached to the cover
- B65D77/2092—Mechanical means attached to the cover the means being a part initially broken from the container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
- B29C65/08—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using ultrasonic vibrations
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/344—Stretching or tensioning the joint area during joining
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/347—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined using particular temperature distributions or gradients; using particular heat distributions or gradients
- B29C66/3472—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined using particular temperature distributions or gradients; using particular heat distributions or gradients in the plane of the joint, e.g. along the joint line in the plane of the joint or perpendicular to the joint line in the plane of the joint
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/72—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined
- B29C66/723—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being multi-layered
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/83—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof characterised by the movement of the joining or pressing tools
- B29C66/832—Reciprocating joining or pressing tools
- B29C66/8322—Joining or pressing tools reciprocating along one axis
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
- B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
- B29C66/914—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
- B29C66/9141—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature
- B29C66/91421—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature of the joining tools
- B29C66/91423—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature of the joining tools using joining tools having different temperature zones or using several joining tools with different temperatures
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
- B29C66/92—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools
- B29C66/924—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools by controlling or regulating the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools
- B29C66/9241—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools by controlling or regulating the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools by controlling or regulating the pressure, the force or the mechanical power
- B29C66/92451—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools by controlling or regulating the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools by controlling or regulating the pressure, the force or the mechanical power using joining tools having different pressure zones or using several joining tools with different pressures
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/56—Stoppers or lids for bottles, jars, or the like, e.g. closures
- B29L2031/565—Stoppers or lids for bottles, jars, or the like, e.g. closures for containers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/712—Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to container and closure assembly.
- the closure forms a hermetic seal with the container, with the seal being removable and the closure being replaceable on the container.
- Closures in the form of a lid or overcap for a container are provided in a number of forms.
- An example of a container with a flat sealing rim and a plastic overcap is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,165,306.
- Means for hermetically sealing a container in conjunction with the reclosable lid or overcap are also known.
- One example of a hermetic seal for a container is the provision of a flexible membrane sealed to the rim of the container, with the membrane being removable to provide access to the contents of the container.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,171,084 to Smith shows a closure for a container having an outer ring with a central opening that is closed by a laminate sheet.
- the ring includes an upper circular portion and vertically positioned skirt portion. The two portions surround the top and outside edge of the rim of the container.
- the laminate sheet is secured between the bottom surface of the upper ring portion and the upper edge of the container rim.
- the laminate is sealed to both the ring and container rim by induction heating. Opening the container by removal of the ring causes a separation of the laminate from the rim of the container.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,359,169 to Helms et al shows a closure for a container having a membrane sealed between the underside surface of the outer peripheral edge of the closure and the top surface of the rim of the container.
- the closure includes a pivotable inner member surrounded by an outer ring member.
- the pivotable member includes a rim having a downwardly projecting flange that is sealed to the membrane. As the pivotable member is lifted, the membrane tears adjacent the flange and a central portion of the membrane is carried by the member.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,892,351 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,973,719 to Johnson et al show a container with a membrane seal attached to the upper surface of the container rim.
- An overcap is provided on an underside surface with a pattern of heat deformable ribs that engage the edge of the membrane in the area of the container rim.
- An RF source is used to heat a conductive portion of the membrane to create a seal with the rim while simultaneously heating the ribs. The heated ribs conform to the surface of the membrane.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,345 to Helms shows a composite lid structure for a container.
- a molded upper ring member is combined with a flexible laminate panel positioned on the underside of the ring member that closes the center area of the ring.
- An adhesive is provided under the panel and below the ring to temporarily secure the panel during assembly.
- An RF source is used to heat metal particles in the panel to form a seal with the rim of the container.
- the lid (ring and panel combination) may be removed from the container, leaving the membrane sealed to the rim.
- a container and closure assembly is provided.
- the container defines an internal volume by one or more walls and an opening therein for access to the product retained within the container.
- a projecting rim surrounds the opening and includes a rim sealing surface.
- the closure is provided for covering the container opening.
- the closure is formed from a support ring, dimensioned to surround the rim of the container, and a sealing membrane.
- the ring includes a ring sealing surface positioned concentric with the rim sealing surface when the ring is positioned to surround the container rim.
- the membrane is sealed to the rim sealing surface and further to the ring sealing surface. The seal of the membrane to the rim sealing surface is separable upon removal of the ring from its position surrounding the rim of the container, while the seal of the membrane to the ring remains in place upon ring removal.
- the concentric positioned ring and rim sealing surfaces are positioned substantially in the same plane. Further, it is preferred that the membrane is heat sealed to the ring sealing surface and the rim sealing surface.
- a lifting tab may be provided, framing a projection on the periphery of the ring.
- the container rim extends outward, transverse to the opening defined in the container.
- the ring may comprise a skirt portion extending substantially transverse to the ring sealing surface.
- a retaining ridge or similar resilient attachment means may be formed on an inwardly facing surface of the skirt portion.
- the retaining ridge is preferably formed for engaging the rim of the container and retaining the ring and sealed membrane on the rim.
- the container is preferably formed from a thermoplastic material, as is the ring structure.
- the container and ring are preferably injection molded.
- the container and ring may be separately formed or may be integrally molded, with a frangible connection there between.
- a method of sealing a closure to a container is also contemplated by the present disclosure.
- the method of sealing the container is defined by providing a container having an interval volume, an opening therein for access to the internal volume, a projecting rim surrounding the opening, and the rim having a sealing surface.
- a support ring is further provided that is dimensioned to surround the rim of the container, and is preferably concentric with the rim.
- the ring is provided with a ring sealing surface.
- the ring sealing surface is positioned to surround the rim sealing surface, with the ring sealing surface preferably positioned in substantially the same plane as the rim sealing surface when the ring surrounds the rim.
- a membrane is provided having a surface area corresponding to the area defined by the support ring.
- the membrane is positioned to contact the rim sealing surface and the ring sealing surface and then sealed there to.
- the seal of the membrane to the rim sealing surface is formed to be separable upon removal of the ring from its position surrounding the rim.
- the seal of the membrane to the ring remains in place upon ring removal, creating a closure lid that may be repeatedly positioned on and removed from the rim of the container.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container and closure assembly, in a form contemplated by the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2 is a top view of the closure as shown in FIG. 1 , with container portions shown in phantom.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the constituent parts of the container and closure assembly.
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged, partial cross sectional view of constituent parts of the container and closure assembly prior to sealing of the closure.
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged, partial cross sectional view of constituent parts of the container and closure assembly after sealing of the closure.
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged, partial cross sectional view of constituent parts of the container and closure assembly prior after removal of the seal between the closure and the container.
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged, partial cross sectional view of constituent parts of the container and closure assembly after reclosing the container.
- FIG. 1 an assembly forming a sealed package, which is generally referred to by the numeral 10 .
- the assembly 10 is composed of a container 12 and a closure 14 , which may also be referred to as—among other things—an overcap or lid.
- the closure 14 is positioned on the top end of the container 12 and is secured to a rim 18 surrounding the opening into the container 12 .
- An opening tab 16 projects from the peripheral edge of the closure 14 for ease of removing the closure 14 from the container 12 .
- FIG. 2 it can be seen that the closure 14 surrounds the container rim 18 (shown in phantom).
- the closure 14 is formed by a ring structure 20 and membrane seal 22 .
- the ring 20 is preferably dimensioned such that a central opening 24 in the ring 20 has an inside dimension generally the same as the outside dimension of rim 18 of the container 12 .
- the membrane 22 is dimensioned to extend across the area of the central opening 24 and to also overlap with the upper surface of the ring 20 . Hence, the membrane 22 also covers the container opening 26 and rim 18 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ).
- FIG. 4 In the partial cross section of FIG. 4 there is shown a portion of the container rim 18 and the ring 20 , prior to the attachment of the membrane 22 to the complete the assembly.
- the rim 18 as illustrated is defined at the top of the sidewall 28 of the container 12 .
- the rim 18 is integrally formed with the sidewall 28 and includes an inside surface 30 , a top surface 32 and a radially outward projecting flange 34 .
- the flange 34 includes a rounded bead portion 36 and an undercut surface 38 .
- the undercut surface 38 joins with the outside surface of the sidewall 28 .
- the present form of the rim 18 and container 12 are provided for illustration purposes.
- Other forms of containers and rims are known and may be used along with the closure contemplated herein.
- the container may have a shape other than a round body and opening, as illustrated.
- the container shape may be oval, square, rectangular, oblong, etc.
- the shapes of the opening and container may differ.
- the rim of the container may included various flat, pointed, undulating, or rounded (concave, convex or both) surfaces.
- the rim is contemplated to be defined by a substantially continuous surface that surrounds the container opening.
- the rim is formed on a projection from the container body.
- the top surface of the rim is sometimes referred to as a chime and generally faces outwardly, transverse to the area of the container opening.
- the top surface may further be formed as a radial inwardly projected flange or surface.
- the ring 20 is positioned concentric with the rim 18 .
- the ring 20 includes a top surface 40 , an inward surface 42 , a retaining ridge 44 and an outside periphery 46 .
- the top surface 40 of the ring 20 is shown to be positioned in the same plane as the top or chime surface 32 of the container rim 18 .
- the inside surface 42 of the ring 20 faces radially inward and is shown to be in contact with the rounded bead 36 on the flange 34 .
- the retaining ridge 44 also faces inwardly, having a portion underneath the bead 36 .
- the membrane 22 is positioned above the planer top surface 32 of the rim 18 and the top surface 40 of the concentric ring 20 .
- the membrane 22 is shown as being sealed to both the rim 18 of the container 12 and the ring 20 .
- a sealing tool 62 is moved downwardly (arrow 60 ) towards the top surface 52 of the membrane 22 .
- the sealing tool form a rim seal 48 inward of a ring seal 50 due to the relative positioning of the rim 18 and ring 20 .
- the two seals 48 , 50 are heat seals created by the application of pressure and heat by the sealing tool 62 against the membrane 22 , with the pressure directed downwardly towards the top surface 32 of the rim 18 and the top surface 40 of the ring 20 .
- the two seals 48 , 50 are preferably formed simultaneously.
- the sealing tool 62 preferably includes a sealing surface that conforms to the contours of the two surfaces 32 , 40 .
- a separate support (not shown) may be provided to position the container and ring during the application of the sealing force/pressure.
- the membrane may be preformed to conform to the outline of the ring (with or without including the area of the lift tab extension).
- a tensioning force may also be applied to the membrane, transverse to the sealing force.
- each of the two seals 48 , 50 is preferably different so as to create a peelable or separable seal between the rim 18 and membrane 22 and a more permanent seal between the membrane 22 and ring 20 .
- the container 12 upon sealing the membrane 22 to the rim, the container 12 is hermetically sealed, protecting the product retained within the interior volume.
- the sealing of the membrane 22 to the ring 20 creates a closure 14 for the container 12 .
- the closure 14 which is the combination of the ring 20 and membrane 22 , is shown as separated from the rim 18 of the container 12 .
- the separation may be cause by a lifting force 56 applied to the ring 20 , such as an upward force of the tab 16 (as shown in FIGS. 1-3 ).
- the lifting force 56 on the ring 20 is contemplated to separate the peelable seal ( 48 ) connecting the rim 18 to the membrane 22 , with the seal 50 between the ring 20 and membrane remaining in place.
- the lifting force 56 is also contemplated to move the retaining ridge 44 around the bead 36 of flange 34 , resulting from the flexibility of the ring 20 and its associated material.
- the ridge 44 separation is contemplated to be similar to the removal of a typical overcap from a container.
- the closure 14 is shown in a covering position with the container rim 18 .
- the membrane 22 and ring 20 remain sealed to one another and create a composite structure.
- the closure 14 acts like a typical overcap and may be replaced on the rim 18 for closing the container 12 .
- a closure force 58 is directed to the ring portion 20 and serves to overcome the resistance of the ridge 44 and bead 36 , due to their dimensional relationship.
- the ring 20 material is contemplated to flex to permits the ridge 44 to move around the bead 36 of the rim 18 .
- the seal 50 between the ring 20 and the membrane 22 remains in place in the creation of the closure 14 .
- the seal ( 48 ) between the membrane 22 and rim 18 has previously been removed.
- the replacement of the closure 14 on the rim is no longer a hermetic seal, but provides a (temporary) freshness closure for the container contents.
- the closure 14 may be removed ( FIG. 6 ) and replaced ( FIG. 7 ) as often as desired.
- the assembly 10 and its method of formation may create a number of advantages.
- the creation of a composite closure, formed from a ring and membrane, is contemplated to create a relatively light weight structure that has a reduced production cost, as compared to a molded overcap with a central body also part of the molded element.
- the structure may be formed with a hermetic seal using the membrane that also forms the closure lid.
- the sealing surfaces be aligned adjacent one another, with both facing upwardly from the top surfaces ( 32 , 40 ) of the rim ( 18 ) and ring ( 20 ).
- the similarly facing sealing surfaces provide for forming the two seals in a single step, using a single sealing tool structure.
- the two surfaces may be positioned in a single plane. Variations in the form of the tool or the sealing process may permit formation at differing surface levels. For example, small variations in the position of the two sealing surfaces may result in an advantageous difference in sealing force applied. Hence, a relatively greater heat and/or pressure on the ring seal may result in a stronger seal as compared to the seal formed with the container rim.
- rim seal which is contemplated to be peelable or otherwise breakable while the ring seal is contemplated to be permanent so as to form the reusable closure lid.
- the rim seal ( 48 ) is shown as being wider than the ring seal ( 50 ).
- the size of the seal, the amount of heat and pressure applied, and the materials involved in creating a seal are contemplated.
- the rim is integrally formed with the container body and is preferably formed by an injection molding process.
- the rim may be separately attached to the container and may have forms different from those shown.
- the rim and ring may also be integrally formed with a frangible connection provided between the two parts.
- a coating or other adhesive may be used to create or assist in creating the various seals between the rim, ring and membrane.
- the membrane may have a variety of forms.
- the membrane may be composed of a laminate material or a single layer of a flexible plastic.
- a foil material may also be utilized, with a desired coating applied on the inside surface for forming the heat seal with the rim and ring structures.
- the membrane may be formed of polyethylene or other flexible plastic.
- the container may be injection molded from a polypropylene material.
- the ring may also be molded using polypropylene or another moldable plastic.
- the container may be formed from a composite material, incorporating one or more layers of paper.
- the container may include a rolled rim or a separately attached rim structure, formed of metal, plastic or a composite structure.
- a coating may be applied to the exposed top surface of the rim and/or the ring to assist in the formation of the membrane seal.
Abstract
A container and closure assembly is provided. A projecting rim surrounds an opening into the container and includes a rim sealing surface. The closure is provided for covering the container opening. The closure is formed from a support ring dimensioned to surround the rim of the container and a sealing membrane. The ring includes a ring sealing surface positioned concentric with the rim sealing surface. The membrane is sealed to the rim sealing surface and further sealed to the ring sealing surface. The seal of the membrane to the rim sealing surface is separable upon removal of the ring from its position surrounding the rim of the container, while the seal of the membrane to the ring remains in place upon ring removal.
Description
- The present disclosure relates to container and closure assembly. Preferably, the closure forms a hermetic seal with the container, with the seal being removable and the closure being replaceable on the container.
- Closures in the form of a lid or overcap for a container are provided in a number of forms. An example of a container with a flat sealing rim and a plastic overcap is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,165,306. Means for hermetically sealing a container in conjunction with the reclosable lid or overcap are also known. One example of a hermetic seal for a container is the provision of a flexible membrane sealed to the rim of the container, with the membrane being removable to provide access to the contents of the container.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,171,084 to Smith shows a closure for a container having an outer ring with a central opening that is closed by a laminate sheet. The ring includes an upper circular portion and vertically positioned skirt portion. The two portions surround the top and outside edge of the rim of the container. The laminate sheet is secured between the bottom surface of the upper ring portion and the upper edge of the container rim. The laminate is sealed to both the ring and container rim by induction heating. Opening the container by removal of the ring causes a separation of the laminate from the rim of the container.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,359,169 to Helms et al shows a closure for a container having a membrane sealed between the underside surface of the outer peripheral edge of the closure and the top surface of the rim of the container. The closure includes a pivotable inner member surrounded by an outer ring member. The pivotable member includes a rim having a downwardly projecting flange that is sealed to the membrane. As the pivotable member is lifted, the membrane tears adjacent the flange and a central portion of the membrane is carried by the member.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,892,351 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,973,719 to Johnson et al show a container with a membrane seal attached to the upper surface of the container rim. An overcap is provided on an underside surface with a pattern of heat deformable ribs that engage the edge of the membrane in the area of the container rim. An RF source is used to heat a conductive portion of the membrane to create a seal with the rim while simultaneously heating the ribs. The heated ribs conform to the surface of the membrane.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,345 to Helms shows a composite lid structure for a container. A molded upper ring member is combined with a flexible laminate panel positioned on the underside of the ring member that closes the center area of the ring. An adhesive is provided under the panel and below the ring to temporarily secure the panel during assembly. An RF source is used to heat metal particles in the panel to form a seal with the rim of the container. The lid (ring and panel combination) may be removed from the container, leaving the membrane sealed to the rim.
- A container and closure assembly is provided. The container defines an internal volume by one or more walls and an opening therein for access to the product retained within the container. A projecting rim surrounds the opening and includes a rim sealing surface. The closure is provided for covering the container opening. The closure is formed from a support ring, dimensioned to surround the rim of the container, and a sealing membrane. The ring includes a ring sealing surface positioned concentric with the rim sealing surface when the ring is positioned to surround the container rim. The membrane is sealed to the rim sealing surface and further to the ring sealing surface. The seal of the membrane to the rim sealing surface is separable upon removal of the ring from its position surrounding the rim of the container, while the seal of the membrane to the ring remains in place upon ring removal.
- In a further aspect of the assembly, the concentric positioned ring and rim sealing surfaces are positioned substantially in the same plane. Further, it is preferred that the membrane is heat sealed to the ring sealing surface and the rim sealing surface.
- In a still further aspect of the assembly, a lifting tab may be provided, framing a projection on the periphery of the ring. Preferably, the container rim extends outward, transverse to the opening defined in the container.
- In a further aspect of the assembly, the ring may comprise a skirt portion extending substantially transverse to the ring sealing surface. A retaining ridge or similar resilient attachment means may be formed on an inwardly facing surface of the skirt portion. The retaining ridge is preferably formed for engaging the rim of the container and retaining the ring and sealed membrane on the rim.
- The container is preferably formed from a thermoplastic material, as is the ring structure. The container and ring are preferably injection molded. The container and ring may be separately formed or may be integrally molded, with a frangible connection there between.
- A method of sealing a closure to a container is also contemplated by the present disclosure. The method of sealing the container is defined by providing a container having an interval volume, an opening therein for access to the internal volume, a projecting rim surrounding the opening, and the rim having a sealing surface. A support ring is further provided that is dimensioned to surround the rim of the container, and is preferably concentric with the rim. The ring is provided with a ring sealing surface. The ring sealing surface is positioned to surround the rim sealing surface, with the ring sealing surface preferably positioned in substantially the same plane as the rim sealing surface when the ring surrounds the rim. A membrane is provided having a surface area corresponding to the area defined by the support ring. The membrane is positioned to contact the rim sealing surface and the ring sealing surface and then sealed there to. The seal of the membrane to the rim sealing surface is formed to be separable upon removal of the ring from its position surrounding the rim. The seal of the membrane to the ring remains in place upon ring removal, creating a closure lid that may be repeatedly positioned on and removed from the rim of the container.
- For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings one or more forms that are presently preferred; it being understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown,
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container and closure assembly, in a form contemplated by the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2 is a top view of the closure as shown inFIG. 1 , with container portions shown in phantom. -
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the constituent parts of the container and closure assembly. -
FIG. 4 is an enlarged, partial cross sectional view of constituent parts of the container and closure assembly prior to sealing of the closure. -
FIG. 5 is an enlarged, partial cross sectional view of constituent parts of the container and closure assembly after sealing of the closure. -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged, partial cross sectional view of constituent parts of the container and closure assembly prior after removal of the seal between the closure and the container. -
FIG. 7 is an enlarged, partial cross sectional view of constituent parts of the container and closure assembly after reclosing the container. - Referring now to the drawings, where like numerals identify like elements, there is shown in
FIG. 1 an assembly forming a sealed package, which is generally referred to by the numeral 10. InFIG. 1 , theassembly 10 is composed of acontainer 12 and aclosure 14, which may also be referred to as—among other things—an overcap or lid. Theclosure 14 is positioned on the top end of thecontainer 12 and is secured to arim 18 surrounding the opening into thecontainer 12. Anopening tab 16 projects from the peripheral edge of theclosure 14 for ease of removing theclosure 14 from thecontainer 12. InFIG. 2 , it can be seen that theclosure 14 surrounds the container rim 18 (shown in phantom). - In
FIG. 3 , the constituent parts of theassembly 10 are shown. Theclosure 14 is formed by aring structure 20 andmembrane seal 22. Thering 20 is preferably dimensioned such that acentral opening 24 in thering 20 has an inside dimension generally the same as the outside dimension ofrim 18 of thecontainer 12. Themembrane 22 is dimensioned to extend across the area of thecentral opening 24 and to also overlap with the upper surface of thering 20. Hence, themembrane 22 also covers thecontainer opening 26 and rim 18 (as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 ). - In the partial cross section of
FIG. 4 there is shown a portion of thecontainer rim 18 and thering 20, prior to the attachment of themembrane 22 to the complete the assembly. Therim 18 as illustrated is defined at the top of thesidewall 28 of thecontainer 12. Therim 18 is integrally formed with thesidewall 28 and includes aninside surface 30, atop surface 32 and a radially outward projectingflange 34. Theflange 34 includes arounded bead portion 36 and an undercutsurface 38. The undercutsurface 38 joins with the outside surface of thesidewall 28. - The present form of the
rim 18 andcontainer 12 are provided for illustration purposes. Other forms of containers and rims are known and may be used along with the closure contemplated herein. As a non-limiting example, the container may have a shape other than a round body and opening, as illustrated. The container shape may be oval, square, rectangular, oblong, etc. In addition, the shapes of the opening and container may differ. Further, the rim of the container may included various flat, pointed, undulating, or rounded (concave, convex or both) surfaces. Generally, the rim is contemplated to be defined by a substantially continuous surface that surrounds the container opening. Preferably, the rim is formed on a projection from the container body. The top surface of the rim is sometimes referred to as a chime and generally faces outwardly, transverse to the area of the container opening. The top surface may further be formed as a radial inwardly projected flange or surface. - In
FIG. 4 , thering 20 is positioned concentric with therim 18. Thering 20 includes atop surface 40, aninward surface 42, a retainingridge 44 and anoutside periphery 46. Thetop surface 40 of thering 20 is shown to be positioned in the same plane as the top orchime surface 32 of thecontainer rim 18. Theinside surface 42 of thering 20 faces radially inward and is shown to be in contact with therounded bead 36 on theflange 34. The retainingridge 44 also faces inwardly, having a portion underneath thebead 36. In the initial step, themembrane 22 is positioned above the planertop surface 32 of therim 18 and thetop surface 40 of theconcentric ring 20. - In
FIG. 5 , themembrane 22 is shown as being sealed to both therim 18 of thecontainer 12 and thering 20. A sealingtool 62 is moved downwardly (arrow 60) towards the top surface 52 of themembrane 22. The sealing tool form arim seal 48 inward of aring seal 50 due to the relative positioning of therim 18 andring 20. Preferably, the twoseals tool 62 against themembrane 22, with the pressure directed downwardly towards thetop surface 32 of therim 18 and thetop surface 40 of thering 20. The twoseals tool 62 preferably includes a sealing surface that conforms to the contours of the twosurfaces - The strength of each of the two
seals rim 18 andmembrane 22 and a more permanent seal between themembrane 22 andring 20. Generally, upon sealing themembrane 22 to the rim, thecontainer 12 is hermetically sealed, protecting the product retained within the interior volume. In addition, the sealing of themembrane 22 to thering 20 creates aclosure 14 for thecontainer 12. - In
FIG. 6 , theclosure 14, which is the combination of thering 20 andmembrane 22, is shown as separated from therim 18 of thecontainer 12. The separation may be cause by a liftingforce 56 applied to thering 20, such as an upward force of the tab 16 (as shown inFIGS. 1-3 ). The liftingforce 56 on thering 20 is contemplated to separate the peelable seal (48) connecting therim 18 to themembrane 22, with theseal 50 between thering 20 and membrane remaining in place. The liftingforce 56 is also contemplated to move the retainingridge 44 around thebead 36 offlange 34, resulting from the flexibility of thering 20 and its associated material. Theridge 44 separation is contemplated to be similar to the removal of a typical overcap from a container. - In
FIG. 7 , theclosure 14 is shown in a covering position with thecontainer rim 18. Themembrane 22 andring 20 remain sealed to one another and create a composite structure. Theclosure 14 acts like a typical overcap and may be replaced on therim 18 for closing thecontainer 12. Aclosure force 58 is directed to thering portion 20 and serves to overcome the resistance of theridge 44 andbead 36, due to their dimensional relationship. Thering 20 material is contemplated to flex to permits theridge 44 to move around thebead 36 of therim 18. Once theclosure 14 is positioned on therim 18, themembrane 22 is positioned adjacent the rimtop surface 32, with thering 20 concentrically positioned. - The
seal 50 between thering 20 and themembrane 22 remains in place in the creation of theclosure 14. The seal (48) between themembrane 22 and rim 18 has previously been removed. Hence, the replacement of theclosure 14 on the rim is no longer a hermetic seal, but provides a (temporary) freshness closure for the container contents. Further, theclosure 14 may be removed (FIG. 6 ) and replaced (FIG. 7 ) as often as desired. - The
assembly 10 and its method of formation may create a number of advantages. The creation of a composite closure, formed from a ring and membrane, is contemplated to create a relatively light weight structure that has a reduced production cost, as compared to a molded overcap with a central body also part of the molded element. Further, the structure may be formed with a hermetic seal using the membrane that also forms the closure lid. - In forming a seal for the container, it is preferred that the sealing surfaces be aligned adjacent one another, with both facing upwardly from the top surfaces (32, 40) of the rim (18) and ring (20). The similarly facing sealing surfaces provide for forming the two seals in a single step, using a single sealing tool structure. The two surfaces may be positioned in a single plane. Variations in the form of the tool or the sealing process may permit formation at differing surface levels. For example, small variations in the position of the two sealing surfaces may result in an advantageous difference in sealing force applied. Hence, a relatively greater heat and/or pressure on the ring seal may result in a stronger seal as compared to the seal formed with the container rim. Such variation are intended in the creation of the rim seal, which is contemplated to be peelable or otherwise breakable while the ring seal is contemplated to be permanent so as to form the reusable closure lid. In the figures, the rim seal (48) is shown as being wider than the ring seal (50). However, such is not a fixed requirement for the formation and use of the assembly. Other variations in the size of the seal, the amount of heat and pressure applied, and the materials involved in creating a seal are contemplated.
- The materials used to form the rim of the container, the container body, the ring and the membrane may vary without departing from the advantages contemplated by the structure specifically described herein. As shown, the rim is integrally formed with the container body and is preferably formed by an injection molding process. The rim may be separately attached to the container and may have forms different from those shown. The rim and ring may also be integrally formed with a frangible connection provided between the two parts. A coating or other adhesive may be used to create or assist in creating the various seals between the rim, ring and membrane.
- The membrane may have a variety of forms. For example, the membrane may be composed of a laminate material or a single layer of a flexible plastic. A foil material may also be utilized, with a desired coating applied on the inside surface for forming the heat seal with the rim and ring structures. Alternatively, the membrane may be formed of polyethylene or other flexible plastic. The container may be injection molded from a polypropylene material. The ring may also be molded using polypropylene or another moldable plastic. The container may be formed from a composite material, incorporating one or more layers of paper. The container may include a rolled rim or a separately attached rim structure, formed of metal, plastic or a composite structure. A coating may be applied to the exposed top surface of the rim and/or the ring to assist in the formation of the membrane seal.
- In the drawings and specification, there has been set forth one or more embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, these terms are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the invention is set forth in the following claims.
Claims (29)
1. A container and closure assembly, comprising:
a container having a volume defined by one or more walls and an opening therein for access to the defined volume, the opening defined by a projecting rim surrounding the opening, the rim having a rim sealing surface, and
a closure for covering the container opening, the closure comprising
a support ring dimensioned to surround the rim of the container, the ring having a ring sealing surface, the ring sealing surface positioned concentric with the rim sealing surface when the ring is positioned to surround the rim, and
a membrane having a surface area defined by the support ring, the membrane sealed to the rim sealing surface and sealed to the ring sealing surface,
wherein the seal of the membrane to the rim sealing surface is separable upon removal of the ring from its position surrounding the rim of the container, while the seal of the membrane to the ring remains in place upon ring removal.
2. The container and closure assembly as in claim 1 wherein the concentrically positioned ring sealing surface and rim sealing surface are positioned substantially in the same plane.
3. The container and closure assembly as in claim 1 wherein the membrane and the ring sealing surface are heat sealed to one another.
4. The container and closure assembly as in claim 1 wherein the membrane and the rim sealing surface are heat sealed to one another.
5. The container and closure assembly as in claim 1 wherein the closure further comprises a lifting tab projecting from the periphery of the ring.
6. The container and closure assembly as in claim 1 wherein the container rim extends outwardly from the projecting rim and the opening defined thereby.
7. The container and closure assembly as in claim 1 wherein the ring further comprises a skirt portion, the skirt portion extending substantially transverse to the ring sealing surface.
8. The container and closure assembly as in claim 7 wherein the ring further comprises a retaining ridge formed on an inwardly facing surface of the skirt portion, the retaining ridge formed for engaging the container and retaining the ring and sealed membrane on the rim.
9. The container and closure assembly as in claim 1 wherein the container is formed from a thermoplastic material.
10. The container and closure assembly as in claim 1 wherein the container is injection molded.
11. The container and closure assembly as in claim 1 wherein the ring is molded from a thermoplastic material.
12. The container and closure assembly as in claim 1 wherein the ring and container rim are separately formed.
13. The container and closure assembly as in claim 1 wherein the ring and container rim are integrally molded and frangibly connected to one another.
14. A container and closure assembly, comprising:
a container for retaining a product, the container including an opening for access to the retained product, a projecting rim surrounding the opening, and an outwardly facing rim sealing surface, and
a closure for covering the container opening, the closure comprising
a support ring dimensioned to surround the rim of the container, the ring having a ring sealing surface positioned concentric with the rim sealing surface when the ring surrounds the rim, and
a flexible membrane fixedly sealed to the rim sealing surface and separately sealed to the ring sealing surface, the separate seal being peelable from the rim upon application of a lifting force,
wherein the closure is removable from the containers, with removing the closure separating the seal between the membrane and the rim sealing surface, and wherein the closure may be replaced onto the container rim for releasably covering the opening.
15. The container and closure assembly as in claim 14 wherein the concentrically positioned ring sealing surface and rim sealing surface are positioned substantially in the same plane.
16. The container and closure assembly as in claim 14 wherein the ring further comprises a lifting tab projecting from the periphery.
17. The container and closure assembly as in claim 14 wherein the ring further comprises a skirt portion, the skirt portion extending substantially transverse to the ring sealing surface.
18. The container and closure assembly as in claim 17 wherein the ring further comprises a retaining ridge formed on an inwardly facing surface of the skirt portion, the retaining ridge formed for engaging the rim of the container and retaining the ring and sealed membrane on the rim.
19. A method of sealing a closure to a container, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a container having a volume defined by one or more walls, an opening therein for access to the defined volume, a projecting rim surrounding the opening, and a rim sealing surface,
providing a support ring dimensioned to surround the rim of the container, the ring having a ring sealing surface,
positioning the ring sealing surface to surround the rim sealing surface, wherein the ring sealing surface is adjacent the rim sealing surface when the ring surrounds the rim,
providing a membrane having a surface area corresponding to the inward area defined by the support ring,
positioning the membrane in contact with the rim sealing surface and the ring sealing surface, and
sealing the membrane to the rim sealing surface and the ring sealing surface, wherein the seal of the membrane to the rim sealing surface is separable upon removal of the ring from its position surrounding the rim of the container, and the seal of the membrane to the ring remains in place upon ring removal.
20. The method as in claim 19 further comprising the step of positioning the concentrically ring sealing surface and rim sealing surface in substantially in the same plane.
21. The method as in claim 19 wherein the sealing of the membrane to the ring sealing surface and to the rim sealing surface results from a heat sealing operation.
22. The method as in claim 19 further comprising the step of providing a lifting tab projecting from the periphery of the ring.
23. The method as in claim 19 wherein the container rim extends radially outwardly from the container opening.
24. The method as in claim 19 wherein the support ring further comprises a skirt portion, the skirt portion extending substantially transverse to the ring sealing surface.
25. The method as in claim 24 wherein the support ring further comprises a retaining ridge formed on an inwardly facing surface of the skirt portion, and further comprising the step of engaging the ridge with the rim of the container for resiliently retaining the ring on the rim.
26. The method as in claim 19 wherein the container is formed from a thermoplastic material.
27. The method as in claim 26 wherein the container is injection molded.
28. The method as in claim 27 wherein the support ring is molded from a thermoplastic material.
29. The method as in claim 28 wherein the support ring and container rim are separately formed.
Priority Applications (3)
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US13/661,240 US20140166682A1 (en) | 2012-12-19 | 2012-12-19 | Container and Closure Assembly |
CA2823897A CA2823897A1 (en) | 2012-12-19 | 2013-08-19 | Container and closure assembly |
EP13186314.4A EP2746187A1 (en) | 2012-12-19 | 2013-09-27 | Container and closure assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US13/661,240 US20140166682A1 (en) | 2012-12-19 | 2012-12-19 | Container and Closure Assembly |
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US13/661,240 Abandoned US20140166682A1 (en) | 2012-12-19 | 2012-12-19 | Container and Closure Assembly |
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US20160280440A1 (en) * | 2015-03-23 | 2016-09-29 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Se & Co. Kg | Thermoforming packaging machine, method and packaging |
US20160288978A1 (en) * | 2013-12-04 | 2016-10-06 | Billerudkorsnäs Ab | Sealable package and production thereof |
US10179343B2 (en) | 2014-07-28 | 2019-01-15 | Cryovac, Inc. | Dispensing system, packaging system, package, closure system, dispensing gun system, method of making a package, and method of dispensing a product |
US20190225401A1 (en) * | 2018-01-23 | 2019-07-25 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Packaging Container With Preformed Sealing Ring |
JP2021104858A (en) * | 2019-12-26 | 2021-07-26 | 恒平 神尾 | Container with lid and lid presser for container with lid |
US11172781B2 (en) * | 2018-04-23 | 2021-11-16 | 2266170 Ontario Inc. | Capsules and other containers with optimized recycling attributes and methods for making same |
US11312085B2 (en) | 2017-05-30 | 2022-04-26 | Campbell Soup Company | High rate ultrasonic sealer |
US20220169417A1 (en) * | 2019-07-03 | 2022-06-02 | Lgab Llc | Pulp Container with Fused Junction and Method of Making Same |
US20220315261A1 (en) * | 2021-04-05 | 2022-10-06 | Braga Fresh Foods, LLC | Reduced plastic sonically weldable fresh produce packaging lid |
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US3892351A (en) | 1974-07-12 | 1975-07-01 | Procter & Gamble | Container subassembly having a membrane-type closure |
US3973719A (en) | 1974-07-12 | 1976-08-10 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Container having a membrane-type closure |
US4171084A (en) | 1978-07-21 | 1979-10-16 | Phillips Petroleum Company | Closure assembly and container sealed therewith |
US4359169A (en) | 1981-08-28 | 1982-11-16 | Container Corporation Of America | Container end closure arrangement |
US4448345A (en) | 1982-07-29 | 1984-05-15 | Container Corporation Of America | Composite lid |
NL1011462C2 (en) * | 1999-03-05 | 2000-09-06 | Willemsen Michael Gerard | Reinforced lid. |
US7165306B2 (en) | 2003-10-15 | 2007-01-23 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Overcap having improved fit |
DE102008034493A1 (en) * | 2008-07-24 | 2010-01-28 | Huhtamaki Ronsberg, Zweigniederlassung Der Huhtamaki Deutschland Gmbh & Co. Kg | Resealable packaging with peel membrane |
-
2012
- 2012-12-19 US US13/661,240 patent/US20140166682A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2013
- 2013-08-19 CA CA2823897A patent/CA2823897A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-09-27 EP EP13186314.4A patent/EP2746187A1/en not_active Withdrawn
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US20130036715A1 (en) * | 2010-02-03 | 2013-02-14 | Saint-Gobain Emballage | Method for easily opening a heat-sealed seal on the locking ring of a glass container |
US9302837B2 (en) * | 2010-02-03 | 2016-04-05 | Saint-Gobain Emballage | Method for easily opening a heat-sealed seal on the locking ring of a glass container |
US20160288978A1 (en) * | 2013-12-04 | 2016-10-06 | Billerudkorsnäs Ab | Sealable package and production thereof |
USD736080S1 (en) * | 2014-04-03 | 2015-08-11 | Christian Lavender | Food-preserving elastomeric cap |
US10179343B2 (en) | 2014-07-28 | 2019-01-15 | Cryovac, Inc. | Dispensing system, packaging system, package, closure system, dispensing gun system, method of making a package, and method of dispensing a product |
US10625295B2 (en) | 2014-07-28 | 2020-04-21 | Cryovac, Llc | Dispensing system, packaging system, package, closure system, dispensing gun system, method of making a package, and method of dispensing a product |
US20160280440A1 (en) * | 2015-03-23 | 2016-09-29 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Se & Co. Kg | Thermoforming packaging machine, method and packaging |
US11312085B2 (en) | 2017-05-30 | 2022-04-26 | Campbell Soup Company | High rate ultrasonic sealer |
US10766682B2 (en) * | 2018-01-23 | 2020-09-08 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Packaging container with preformed sealing ring |
US20190225401A1 (en) * | 2018-01-23 | 2019-07-25 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Packaging Container With Preformed Sealing Ring |
US11325767B2 (en) | 2018-01-23 | 2022-05-10 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Packaging container with preformed sealing ring |
US11172781B2 (en) * | 2018-04-23 | 2021-11-16 | 2266170 Ontario Inc. | Capsules and other containers with optimized recycling attributes and methods for making same |
US20220169417A1 (en) * | 2019-07-03 | 2022-06-02 | Lgab Llc | Pulp Container with Fused Junction and Method of Making Same |
US11840369B2 (en) * | 2019-07-03 | 2023-12-12 | Lgab Llc | Pulp container with fused junction and method of making same |
JP2021104858A (en) * | 2019-12-26 | 2021-07-26 | 恒平 神尾 | Container with lid and lid presser for container with lid |
US20220315261A1 (en) * | 2021-04-05 | 2022-10-06 | Braga Fresh Foods, LLC | Reduced plastic sonically weldable fresh produce packaging lid |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2746187A1 (en) | 2014-06-25 |
CA2823897A1 (en) | 2014-06-19 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC., SOUTH CAROLINA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HUFFER, SCOTT WILLIAM;REEL/FRAME:029744/0255 Effective date: 20121025 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |