Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
  • B65D85/30—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure
  • B65D85/36—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for bakery products, e.g. biscuits
• • 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
  • B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
  • B65D1/12—Cans, casks, barrels, or drums
  • B65D1/14—Cans, casks, barrels, or drums characterised by shape
• • 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
  • B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
  • B65D1/22—Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents
  • B65D1/26—Thin-walled containers, e.g. formed by deep-drawing operations
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
  • B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
  • B65D43/0204—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections
  • B65D43/0212—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
  • B65D51/18—Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures
  • B65D51/20—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing
• • 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
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
  • B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
  • B65D2251/0006—Upper closure
  • B65D2251/0018—Upper closure of the 43-type
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
  • B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
  • B65D2251/0068—Lower closure
  • B65D2251/0093—Membrane
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
  • B65D2543/00027—Stackable lids or covers
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
  • B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
  • B65D2543/00074—Shape of the outer periphery curved
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
  • B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
  • B65D2543/00074—Shape of the outer periphery curved
  • B65D2543/00111—Shape of the outer periphery curved triangular-like, i.e. three curved sides
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
  • B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
  • B65D2543/0012—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners
  • B65D2543/00157—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners three straight sides
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
  • B65D2543/00259—Materials used
  • B65D2543/00296—Plastic
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00342—Central part of the lid
  • B65D2543/00398—Reinforcing ribs in the central part of the closure
  • B65D2543/00416—Reinforcing ribs in the central part of the closure circular
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
  • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
  • B65D2543/0049—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container
  • B65D2543/00527—NO contact
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
  • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
  • B65D2543/00537—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the outside, or a part turned to the outside of the mouth of the container
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
  • B65D2543/00574—Contact between the container and the lid secured locally, i.e. a lot less than half the periphery
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
  • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
  • B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
  • B65D2543/00611—Profiles
  • B65D2543/00638—Rolled edge
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
  • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
  • B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
  • B65D2543/00675—Periphery concerned
  • B65D2543/00685—Totality
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
  • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
  • B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
  • B65D2543/00722—Profiles
  • B65D2543/00731—Groove or hollow bead
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
  • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
  • B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
  • B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
  • B65D2543/00805—Segments
• • 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
  • B65D2577/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks, bags
  • B65D2577/10—Container closures formed after filling
  • B65D2577/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers
  • B65D2577/2041—Pull tabs
  • B65D2577/205—Pull tabs integral with the closure

Definitions

• the present invention relates to providing closure for a container, and more particularly, structures for providing a removable closure.
• Preshaped snack pieces are typically frangible and might be fragile and easily broken during packaging, shipping and/or other handling operations.
• Conventional packaging techniques provide bags and/or boxes that can permit a significant number of the snack pieces to break or crush prior to consumption.
• the well known Pringles® shaped potato chip snack pieces, a product of The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, are individual snack pieces having a "saddle" shape and are packaged in a manner which overcomes disadvantages of the prior art.
• the Pringles® snack pieces have conventionally been packaged as a single nested stack in a cylindrical container which provides enhanced protection during packaging, shipping and/or other handling. As a result, the Pringles® snack pieces are typically presented to the consumer without breakage.
• a membrane lid is provided.
• the membrane lid includes a surface with a substantially triangular-shaped perimeter.
• the perimeter includes first, second and third corner portions, wherein each corner portion is bisected by an imaginary line.
• the membrane lid further includes a projection with a tab and adapted to initially direct a lifting force to at least one of the corner portions.
• the projection either extends outwardly from the perimeter such that the projection is non-symmetrically disposed with respect to the imaginary line of any adjacent corner portion, or the projection extends non-continuously from an adjacent corner portion and is substantially symmetrically disposed with respect to the imaginary line of the adjacent corner portion.
• a container is provided with a lip having a substantially triangular-shaped horizontal cross-section.
• the membrane lids according to the invention allow application of an over-cap with high reliability and minimal interference with the membrane lid.
• the membrane lids of the invention may be conveniently removed when desired yet avoid inadvertent removal during packaging, shipping or other handling.
• the container lips according to the invention further allow the formation of a reliable and durable hermetic seal with the membrane lid and contribute to over- cap retention, even when containers employing the lip are subjected to pressure differentials, for example at high altitudes.
• FIG. 2A is a top plan view of a second embodiment of a membrane lid according to the invention.
• FIG. 2B is a partial plan view of a third embodiment of a membrane lid according to the invention
• FIG. 2C is a partial plan view of a fourth embodiment of a membrane lid according to the invention.
• FIG. 2E is a partial plan view of a sixth embodiment of a membrane lid according to the invention.
• FIG. 2F is a partial plan view of a seventh embodiment of a membrane lid according to the invention.
• FIG. 2G is a partial plan view of an eighth embodiment of a membrane lid according to the invention
• FIG. 2H is a partial plan view of a ninth embodiment of a membrane lid according to the invention.
• FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 4;
• FIG. 5B is a partial sectional view depicting a second embodiment of a lip structure
• FIG. 5C is a partial sectional view illustrating a third embodiment of a lip structure
• FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of Detail 6 in FIG. 4;
• FIG. 7 is an enlarged view Detail 7 in FIG. 4;
• FIG. 7A is an enlarged view of the second embodiment of the lip structure
• FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the over-cap set forth in FIG. 8.
• substantially triangular-shaped includes a generally three-side polygon shape wherein the sides are connected with one another at respective corner portions and can comprise a sharp angle or a more rounded configuration.
• the rounded comer portions connect straight or substantially straight sides.
• straight may include a distance between the corner portions, rather than requiring any surface or cross-sectional configuration of the sides.
• One aspect of the present invention includes membrane lid structures for providing closure to a container.
• the membrane lid may have a substantially triangular shape to connect with a substantially triangular-shaped opening of a container.
• Each of the exemplary projections in accordance with the present invention are structured to direct a lifting force to at least one corner portion regardless of the location along the perimeter of the membrane.
• Providing one or more projections with one or more of the above-mentioned structures may reduce or prevent interference of the membrane lid projection(s) with the container lip and/or inner extensions of the over-cap corner portions.
• an over-cap is typically applied over the membrane lid for protecting the membrane lid and/or to permit selective closure of the container once the membrane lid is at least partially removed.
• Exemplary over-caps that may be used with the inventive concepts of the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/248,089, filed November 13, 2000, and also
• any interference between the membrane lid projection and the over-cap tends to reduce the reliability of the connection between the over-cap and the membrane sealed container.
• interference between the membrane lid projection and over-cap may present a significant obstacle when applying the over-cap to the container on a high-speed assembly line.
• any interference between the projection and over-cap may cause inadvertent disengagement of the over-cap from the container.
• the above-mentioned interference can present a problem with changes in atmospheric or external air pressure resulting in changes in the interior chamber pressure of the container. If the outside air pressure decreases (e.g., that might develop in high altitude locations), the over-cap may disconnect as the container expands in response to increased interior chamber pressure.
• FIG. 1 depicts one exemplary embodiment of a membrane lid 10 comprising a generally planar surface 12 having a substantially triangular-shaped perimeter 14.
• the perimeter of the membrane includes three sides 16 wherein at least one of the sides (e.g., "16a") can be represented by a hidden line.
• the hidden lines illustrated throughout the figures demonstrate the substantially triangular shape of the perimeter adjacent the one or more projections and is not intended to denote perforations or any other type of alteration to the generally planar surface 12.
• the membrane lid 10 has a substantially equilateral triangular-shaped perimeter, wherein the sides 16 of the triangular shape are of equal or substantially equal length.
• the membrane lid 10 also includes comer portions 20a, 20b, 20c which are shown as rounded but may be more or less angled as desired and each include an imaginary center line 18a, 18b, 18c that bisects each corresponding corner portions 20a, 20b, 20c.
• the membrane lid 10 is sized and dimensioned to cover a similarly substantially triangular-shaped container, such as a perimeter of a container opening.
• the membrane lid 10 may be used to connect to a container lip 54 located adjacent one end of a container body 52 (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 5).
• the lengths of the sides 16 of the membrane lid 10 will be designed to cover the perimeter of the opening and may be sealed to the container lip, if provided.
• FIG. 5 The lengths of the sides 16 of the membrane lid 10 will be designed to cover the perimeter of the opening and may be sealed to the container lip, if provided.
• the membrane lid has side lengths "L" that can be from about 4 cm to about 14 cm, for example from about 6 cm to about 9 cm. In particular exemplary embodiments, the side length "L" is from about 7.5 cm to about 8.5 cm. The above lengths, however, are for exemplary purposes only; therefore, the sides may be provided with other lengths depending on the particular application.
• the membrane lid 10 can include a projection 24 extending outwardly from the perimeter 14 of the membrane lid 10 without intersecting the imaginary line 18a, 18b of any adjacent comer portion 20a, 20b.
• the membrane lid could be provided with a plurality of projections, for example, comprising any combination of the exemplary projections described throughout this application or their equivalents. When the perimeter of the membrane lid is adhered to a surface, each of the membrane lid projections described herein is dimensioned and located to initially direct a lifting force toward at least one of the corner portions.
• the one or more projections described above can include one or more tabs to extend from two or more sides of the substantially triangular-shaped membrane lid, thereby facilitating tab access at different positions of the container relative to the consumer.
• the projections described herein may comprise three or more tabs extending from the perimeter in accordance with the present invention.
• Each tab 26a, 26b can be gripped by a consumer at lifting point 28a or 28b to apply a lifting force to the projection 24 to facilitate removal of the membrane lid 10 from the container lip or other surface to which the membrane lid is adhered.
• the projections of the present invention are structured to discourage tearing of the membrane when a consumer applies a lifting force to at least one tab to remove the membrane lid from the attached surface (e.g., a lip of a container).
• proper distribution of the lifting force can be accomplished by a projection which substantially covers a lifting area defined by two imaginary lines that extend from an outer tangential point at each of the two adjacent corner portions to a lifting point which is used to grip the membrane lid for application of the lifting force.
• the lifting point should be position a sufficient distance from the perimeter of the membrane lid such that a consumer may sufficiently grip the projection to remove the membrane lid from the container.
• the lifting point is located at least about 4 mm from the perimeter of the membrane lid. In other embodiments, the lifting point is located at least about 8 mm from the perimeter of the membrane lid.
• Other lifting point distances could also be used in accordance with the present invention without departing from the scope of the claims.
• the projection 24 may also be structured such that the lifting areas 34a, 34b define an overlap area 36 to provide additional support to further discourage tearing of the membrane, for example, when the entire lifting force is applied to a single tab (e.g., either 26a or 26b).
• This arrangement removes acute forces in the membrane from a point close to the middle of the corresponding side and therefore reduces the probability of undesired tearing of the membrane.
• FIG. 2 A discloses portions of an alternative membrane lid 110 with a surface 112 and a substantially triangular-shaped perimeter 114.
• the perimeter 114 includes sides 116 wherein at least one side (e.g., "116a”) can be represented by a hidden line.
• the membrane lid 110 further includes comer portions 120a, 120b, 120c that are bisected by imaginary lines 118a, 118b, 118c.
• the exemplary membrane lid 110 includes a projection 124 including a single tab 126.
• the projection 124 is non-symmetrically disposed with respect to the imaginary lines 118a, 118b of adjacent comer portions 120a, 120b.
• embodiments of the present invention including a single or multiple tabs extending outwardly from a side may be symmetrically disposed along the perimeter with respect to the imaginary line 118c of a distal comer portion 120c.
• Optional dual tabs can be provided to distribute a lifting force and/or to permit easy access from a left-handed or right-handed individual.
• Tabs in accordance with each of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention described throughout this application may be located closer to one corner portion or the other such that the tabs are not symmetrically disposed along the perimeter with respect to any imaginary line.
• the projection 124 includes a single tab 126 which is sized to accommodate gripping by a consumer to apply a lifting force to the projection 124 at a lifting point 128 to remove the membrane lid 110 from the container lip or other surface to which it is adhered.
• the membrane lid 110 is sized and structured to discourage tearing of the membrane when a consumer is lifting the tab 126 to remove the membrane lid 110 from the container or other surface to which the membrane lid 110 is attached. Redirection of the lifting force to reduce tearing incidents can be accomplished by structuring the projection 124 to substantially or entirely cover a lifting area 134.
• the lifting area 134 is at least partially or entirely defined by the perimeter 114 and a first imaginary line 130 extending from the lifting point 128 to an outer tangential point of the first comer portion 120a and a second imaginary line 132 extending from the lifting point 128 to an outer tangential point of the second comer portion 120b.
• the projection 124 is therefore dimensioned to at least substantially or entirely cover the lifting area 134 to distribute force over the lifting area while initially directing the lifting force to at least one of the corresponding comer portions 120a, 120b.
• the outer perimeter 127 of the tab 126 may be curved inwardly such that the tab 126 includes less material. Reducing the amount of material may be desirable to reduce material costs while also preventing the tab from obscuring an advertising or other informational display disposed on the exterior surface of the container to which the membrane lid may be attached.
• the outer perimeter 127 should have a sufficient size to permit the tab 126 to at least substantially or entirely cover the lifting area 134 at least substantially or entirely defined by the perimeter 114 and lines 130, 132.
• FIG. 2B includes a membrane lid 210 similar to the membrane lid 110 described above.
• the membrane lid 210 can be identical to the membrane lid 110.
• the membrane lid 210 includes a projection 224 having an outer perimeter 227 that does not have a reduced portion and does not curve inwardly.
• the outer perimeter 227 has straight line portions and, although not shown, may even curve outwardly. Structuring with outer perimeter such that the projection does not have a reduced portion (e.g., with straight line segments as illustrated) or includes augmented portions (e.g., with outwardly curved portions) will increase the structural strength of the projections 224, thereby reducing stress concentrations and corresponding tearing incidents.
• FIGS. 2C-2H illustrate alternative embodiments of a projection that extends non- continuously from an adjacent comer portion and is substantially symmetrically disposed with respect to the imaginary line bisecting the adjacent comer portion.
• a substantially symmetrical projection will include projections that are symmetrical with respect to the imaginary line when viewed without the features that provide the non-continuous extension.
• Non-continuous extension of the projection can result from alternate projection material configuration, construction, composition, interruption, or the like when viewing the outer surface of the projection and/or through a cross-section of the projection.
• the non-continuous extension can result from a weakened area of the projection.
• the aperture 338 may be adapted to prevent interference between the over-cap and portions of the container opening. For example, providing an aperture 338 may facilitate the connection between the inner extensions 78 of the over-cap 70 and the lip 54 of the container 50 by limiting or preventing the projection from interfering with the connection between the over-cap and the lip. Indeed, the aperture 338 can be located on the projection so that the inner extensions 78 at least partially extends through the aperture 338 to engage the lip 54 when the over-cap 70 is installed on the container 50.
• the symmetrical location of the aperture 338 along the imaginary line 318 causes the aperture 338 to interrupt the projection 324 along the imaginary line 318.
• the aperture 338 may be offset from the imaginary line 318 and/or a plurality of apertures may be provided such that the projection 324 is not interrupted along the imaginary line 318.
• exemplary embodiments include a plurality of apertures symmetrically offset about the imaginary line 318 without intersecting with the imaginary line 318 such that the projection 324 is not interrupted along the imaginary line 318.
• the aperture 338 can have a half-moon or "D" shape to further prevent interference between the projection 324 and the container 50.
• the projection 324 may need to be reinforced or structured with increased tearing resistance to prevent failure or ripping at the relatively sharp comer portions 342 of the aperture 338.
• the projection 424 includes at least one tab 426 and extends non-continuously from the adjacent comer portion 420 and includes a weakened area that comprises portions of the projection that define one or more apertures 438 with a closed perimeter 440.
• the aperture 438 of the membrane lid 410 includes a perimeter 440 with rounded or smooth comer portions 442 designed to reduce stress concentrations in the membrane when applying a lifting force at lifting point 428 to thereby reduce or prevent tearing incidents.
• the aperture 438 in FIG. 2D may have a substantially circular shape.
• the apertures, if provided in any of the projections, could also have an oblong shape or other shape to simplify the manufacturing process and/or enhancing the functional characteristic of the aperture to prevent interference between the over-cap and the container.
• FIG. 2E illustrates yet another embodiment of a membrane lid 510 in accordance with the present invention.
• the membrane lid 510 can be identical to the membrane lid described in FIGS.
• the membrane lid 510 includes a substantially triangular-shaped perimeter 514 with sides 516 wherein at least one of the sides (e.g., "516a") can be represented by a hidden line.
• At least one comer portion 520 is bisected by an imaginary line 518.
• a projection 524 extends outwardly from the perimeter 514 of an adjacent comer portion 520 and is substantially symmetrically disposed with respect to the imaginary line 518 bisecting the adjacent comer portion 520.
• the projection 524 includes at least one tab 526 presenting at least one lifting point 528a, 528b.
• the projection 524 extends non-continuously from the adjacent co er portion 520 and includes a weakened area that comprises portions of the projection that define one or more apertures 538 to facilitate connection between the over-cap and the container as described above.
• the symmetrical location of the aperture 538 along the imaginary line 518 causes the aperture 538 to interrupt the projection 524 along the imaginary line 518.
• the aperture 538 may be offset from the imaginary line 518 and/or a plurality of apertures may be provided such that the projection 524 is not interrupted along the imaginary line 518.
• exemplary embodiments include a plurality of apertures symmetrically offset about the imaginary line 518 without intersecting with the imaginary line 518 such that the projection 524 is not interrupted along the imaginary line 518.
• the aperture 538 may include an opening 541 providing the aperture 538 with an open perimeter 540.
• the open perimeter allows the membrane lid to be formed with a single perimeter comprising an outermost perimeter rather than an inner aperture perimeter distinct from an outermost perimeter. Providing a single outermost perimeter may reduce manufacturing steps and/or otherwise reduce the manufacturing costs for producing the membrane lid.
• the opening 541 may be a narrow or wide slit or the like. In one embodiment, the opening 541 extends along the imaginary line 518 that bisects the comer portion 520 to provide symmetrical division of lifting force when simultaneously lifting the tab at lifting points 528a, 528b.
• FIG. 2F illustrates another embodiment of a membrane lid 610 in accordance with the present invention.
• the membrane lid 610 can be identical to the membrane lid described in FIGS. 2C-2E or other embodiments described throughout the present invention unless otherwise noted.
• the membrane lid 610 includes a substantially triangular-shaped perimeter 614 with sides 616 wherein at least one of the sides (e.g., "616a") can be represented by a hidden line.
• At least one comer portion 620 is bisected by an imaginary line 618.
• a projection 624 extends outwardly from the perimeter 614 of an adjacent comer portion 620 and is substantially symmetrically disposed with respect to the imaginary line 618 bisecting the adjacent comer portion 620.
• the one or more slits 638 can be shaped in a variety of patterns, such as waved, sinusoidal, arcuate or other shape. Moreover, a plurality of slits may be provided to further weaken the projection. As illustrated in FIG. 2F for example, one slit can be intersected with a plurality of cross slits. The arcuate shape of the larger slit is designed to substantially match the contact area between the inner extension of the over-cap and the lip to reduce or prevent interference therebetween.
• a single slit, rather than multiple slits, may be provided to weaken the projection to reduce interference without weakening the projection to the point that it rips or tears when applying a lifting force to the projection.
• a plurality of slits may be provided to further weaken the area to further minimize interference.
• the slit may be formed as a cross (i.e., two intersecting slits).
• the slit 638 may be narrow (as illustrated in FIG. 2F) or wide to facilitate functionality while reducing manufacturing costs. Providing a thin cut slit, rather than a wide slit or slot, may be easier to manufacture and prevent accumulation of scrap material. However, a wider slit or slot may be provided to further reduce interference.
• a wide slit can take the form of a channel (i.e., wherein the slit does not extend entirely through the thickness of the membrane lid) or an open slot (i.e., wherein the slit extends entirely through the thickness of the membrane lid).
• FIG. 2G illustrates another embodiment of a membrane lid 710 in accordance with the present invention.
• the membrane lid 710 can be identical to the membrane lid described in FIGS. 2C-2F or other embodiments described throughout the present invention unless otherwise noted.
• the membrane lid 710 includes a substantially triangular-shaped perimeter 714 with sides 716 wherein at least one of the sides (e.g., "716a") can be represented by a hidden line.
• At least one comer portion 720 is bisected by an imaginary line 718.
• a projection 724 extends outwardly from the perimeter 714 of an adjacent comer portion 720 and is substantially symmetrically disposed with respect to the imaginary line 718 bisecting the adjacent comer portion 720.
• the projection 724 extends non-continuously from the adjacent comer portion 720.
• a weakened area of the projection 724 includes a scored portion wherein the projection includes a plurality of perforations or slits 738.
• the one or more perforations or slits 738 can be formed as pinpoint pricks or cuts that extend partially or entirely through the thickness of the projection.
• the perforations or slits 738 can by symmetrically or non-symmetrically disposed about the imaginary line 718. In one example, one or more of the slits intersect the imaginary line to cause an interruption in the projection 724 along the imaginary line 718. In alternative embodiments, each of the perforations or cuts 738 may be offset from the imaginary line 718 such that the projection 724 is not interrupted along the imaginary line 718. For example, although not shown, exemplary embodiments include a plurality of perforations or cuts 738 symmetrically disposed about the imaginary line 718 without intersecting with the imaginary line 718 such that the projection 724 is not interrupted along the imaginary line 718.
• the perforations or cuts 738 may be arranged in a variety of patterns along the projection 724. In one embodiment, the perforations or cuts 738 are arranged in an arcuate pattern to substantially match the inner extension 78 from the over-cap 70, thereby minimizing interference between the over-cap and container lip.
• the above-described embodiments are exemplary in nature and may include other embodiments in accordance with the concepts of the present invention.
• any combination of the above features, or their equivalents could be incorporated to provide the non- continuous extension.
• the non-continuous extension of exemplary embodiments described above have related to projections that are substantially symmetrically disposed with respect to the imaginary line of the adjacent comer portion
• the projection can also extend non-continuously from the perimeter of other embodiments to further limit or prevent portions of the projection from interfering with the connection between the over-cap and the lip.
• the projection can extend non-continuously from the perimeter while also being non-symmetrically disposed with respect to the imaginary line of any adjacent comer portion.
• the tabs may be joined together with membrane portions having an outer perimeter with a curved perimeter and/or a perimeter without sharp angles that might otherwise provide potential stress concentration points for membrane tear.
• providing a projection with a plurality of tabs may assist in left or right handed removal of the membrane lid from the container.
• the additional tabs may also facilitate removal of residual membrane lid portions if the membrane lid rips during the process of removing the membrane lid from the container. For example, a first tab might be gripped to remove the lid. After applying a lifting force, the membrane may inadvertently tear into two portions wherein only a first portion is removed by the consumer. The second tab could then be used to remove the remaining portions of the lid.
• FIG. 3 illustrates a stack of membrane lids 1000 where each membrane lid 1010 can includes at least one bevel portion 1011 to assist in stacking and aligning a plurality of membrane lids prior to applying the membrane lid to the container.
• each membrane lid 1010 can includes at least one bevel portion 1011 to assist in stacking and aligning a plurality of membrane lids prior to applying the membrane lid to the container.
• a 6.4 mm horizontal distance "bj" could be provided, with an end bevel offset "b 2 " of about 1.5 mm.
• each of the embodiments described herein may include a membrane lid with at least one bevel portion to facilitate stacking and aligning of a plurality of membrane lids.
• the bevel portion may be provided on the projection or other areas of the membrane lid and can extend about the entire periphery of the membrane lid in additional embodiments.
• FIG. 4 sets forth a container which may be used together with a membrane lid according to the present invention.
• a suitable container is disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/248,340 filed November 13, 2000, to Buisson et al entitled "An Improved Plastic Package for Snack Pieces," Attorney Docket 8332P.
• the container may optionally include a container and/or a container bottom design as disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/248,103, filed
• a container with an opening adapted to receive a membrane lid such as one of the membrane lids described above, to provide a hermetic seal while also presenting a removable closure that can easily be removed by a consumer at will.
• a stronger seal typically requires increased pressure, heat and/or adhesive between the membrane and container opening to provide a seal strength sufficient to provide the desired hermetic condition.
• increasing the seal strength results in increased effort by the consumer to remove the membrane lid.
• undue seal strength may also result in ripping or tearing of the membrane as the consumer applies the required lifting force to break the seal and remove the membrane from the container. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a seal sufficient to achieve a hermetic condition while further presenting a user-friendly membrane lid that may be easily removed when desired.
• a substantially uniform reaction pressure may be desired at each point of the seal along the lip when pressing the membrane lid against the container during the sealing process. Providing a substantially uniform reaction pressure will permit application of sealing force sufficient to meet the minimum requirements of a hermetic seal without having unnecessarily strong sealing areas that are more difficult to overcome.
• the structure of circular containers having a circular horizontal cross-section generally provide a uniform lip having a uniform reaction pressure when sealing a membrane lid to the container.
• the lip of a substantially triangular-shaped container inherently has a greater degree of vertical rigidity at the comer portions than at the sides between the comer portions, thereby resulting in a higher degree of flexing of the sides than the comer portions upon application of a sealing force to the membrane lid. Accordingly, by the inherent nature of a substantially triangular-shaped lip, the reaction force and corresponding reaction pressure will typically be greater at the comer portions resulting in a higher seal strength at the comer portions than at the sides between the comer portions. To ensure a sufficient hermetic seal strength at the sides, an increased application force must be administered to the membrane lid that will also cause excessive reaction pressure and a correspondingly excessive seal strength at the comer portions. The increased seal strength at the comer portions may be difficult to overcome by a consumer attempting to remove the membrane lid or may also result in membrane lid tears.
• the lip of the substantially triangular-shaped container has sides that are structured differently than the comer portions to increase the relative rigidity of the sides with respect to the comer portions.
• the different stmcture reduces or substantially prevents differences in vertical rigidity between the comer portions and sides and can result in a substantially constant reaction pressure in response to a sealing force.
• a membrane lid may be sealed to a substantially triangular-shaped lip with a substantially constant strength seal about the opening of the container. For example, FIGS.
• FIG. 5 A, 6 and 7 depict exemplary embodiments of a container 50 including a lip 54 adjacent an opening of a container body 52 wherein the lip 54 has sides 58 structured differently than the comer portions 56 to increase the relative rigidity of the sides 58 with respect to the comer portions 56. Indeed, the different structure of the sides 58 and comer portions 56 provides a lip that exhibits a substantially uniform reaction pressure when applying a membrane lid to the lip 54 of the container 50.
• FIG. 6 depicts an enlarged side view of an exemplary comer portion 56 of the lip 54 from Detail 6 in FIG. 4, while FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged side view of the side 58 of the lip 54 from Detail 7 in FIG. 4.
• FIG. 5A depicts a cross-sectional view of the comer portion 56 and side 58 of the lip 54.
• the lip 54 has a top surface 60, an outer wall surface 62, 63 and a bottom surface 64.
• the outer wall surface 62 of the comer portion 56 has an outwardly protruding substantially U-shaped configuration with a rounded apex 68. This configuration provides the comer portions 56 with sufficient structural integrity to receive the membrane lid.
• the sides 58 of the lip 54 are structured differently with a substantially flat outer wall surface 63 when compared to the U-shape of the outer wall surface 62 of the lip comer portions 56.
• the desired comer portion and side rigidity can be obtained while maintaining a uniform vertical height Hj from the top surface 60 to the bottom surface 64 of the lip 54.
• the substantially flat outer wall 63 can have a minor degree of curvature
• the outer wall 63 is substantially flat when compared to the U-shaped profile of the outer wall surface 62 at the comer portions 56. Modifying the outer wall 63 such that it is substantially flat, rather than having a U-shaped profile, increases the relative rigidity to the sides 58 with respect to the comer portions 56.
• the combination of the U-shaped outer wall surface 62 of the comer portions 56 and the substantially flat outer wall surface 63 of the sides 58 provides a substantially triangular-shaped container lip 54 which exhibits a substantially uniform reaction pressure when applying a membrane lid to the lip of the container when compared to the reaction pressure exhibited when applying a membrane lid to a substantially triangular-shaped container lip with a substantially uniform lip stmcture at the comers and sides. While a wide range of protrusion distances may achieve the desired lip stmcture, FIG. 6 depicts one embodiment where the distance Lj which the lip protrudes beyond the container body, may be from about 0.03 to about 0.10 inch. In one particular example, Lj is about 0.08 inch.
• the distance L 2 which the lip protrudes beyond the container body may be from about 0.01 to about 0.10 inch. In one particular example, L 2 is about 0.06 inch.
• the container lip 154 further includes sides 158 stmctured differently than the comer portions 156 of the lip 154 to increase the relative rigidity of the sides 158 with respect to the comer portions 156.
• the exemplary sides 158 are stmctured with an outwardly protruding substantially W-shaped outer wall surface 163 wherein apex areas 167 of the W-shaped surface 163 extend outwardly from the container body and are disposed on opposite sides of a recessed central portion 169.
• the W-shaped sides 158 have a horizontal thickness Tj at the apex areas 167 and has a greater horizontal thickness than the horizontal thickness T 3 of the recessed central portion 169 or the horizontal thickness T 2 of the comer portion 156.
• Such extra horizontal lip thickness at the apex areas 167 may be obtained by creating the W-shaped sides using a blow-molding process.
• Providing the container lip 154, as illustrated in FIGS. 5B and 7A, with W-shaped sides 158 having increased horizontal thickness Tj at the apex areas 167 increases the relative rigidity of the sides 158 with respect to the comer portions such that the comer portions 156 and sides 158 are adapted to exhibit a substantially uniform reaction pressure when applying a membrane lid to the lip of the container when compared to the reaction pressure exhibited when applying a membrane lid to a substantially triangular-shaped container lip with a substantially uniform lip structure at the corners and sides.
• FIG. 1 As with the embodiment of FIG.
• FIGS. 5C and 7B illustrate additional embodiments of a container lip 254 includes having comer portions 256 with an outer wall surface 262 having a substantially U-shaped configuration with a rounded apex 268 and sides 258 with an outer wall surface 263 with rounded apex 267 that is similar or identical to the outer wall surface 262. As further illustrated in FIG.
• the horizontal lip thickness Tj of the sides 258 is larger than the horizontal thickness T 2 of the comer portions 256 to increase the relative rigidity of the sides 258 with respect to the comer portions 256 such that the comer portions 256 and sides 258 are adapted to exhibit a substantially uniform reaction pressure when applying a membrane lid to the lip of the container when compared to the reaction pressure exhibited when applying a membrane lid to a substantially triangular-shaped container lip with a substantially uniform lip structure at the co ers and sides.
• the structural properties of the lip 254 may be achieved with the comer portions and the sides having a wall surface with the same vertical height between the top surface 260 to the bottom surface 264.
• the above embodiments are exemplary in nature. Additional structural differences between the sides and comer portions are intended to be encompassed by the present invention as long as the sides are adapted to exhibit a substantially uniform reaction pressure when applying a membrane lid to the lip of the container. Moreover, the term "substantially uniform reaction pressure” is intended to include reaction pressures that are uniform at the corner portions and sides as well as “substantially uniform” when compared to the differences in reaction pressure between the comer portions and sides when applying a membrane lid to a substantially triangular- shaped container lip with a substantially uniform lip structure at the comers and sides.
• a "substantially uniform pressure” may include pressures that are different but more uniform than would otherwise be exhibited by comer portions and sides having substantially the same lip stmcture.
• the horizontal thickness of the lip could vary (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 5C) as well as the profile of the outer wall surface (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B).
• the upward angle of the top surface also assists in providing a substantially uniform reaction pressure along the lip upon application of the membrane and alleviates the impact of imperfections in the lip resulting from trimming, mold parting lines and the like. While the top surface is illustrated as being directed upwardly and inwardly, the top surface could alternatively be oriented to extend upwardly and outwardly.
• a uniformly angled top surface is obtained by using a mold with a greater top surface angle "c" at the sides than the top surface angle "c" at the comer portions of the lip.
• a mold may be provided with a top surface comer portion angle "c" of about 15° with respect to the horizontal and a top surface side angle "c" of about 20° with respect to the horizontal.
• membrane lid and lip structure described above are useful individually, they may be used in combination.
• a combination of any of the membrane lids with any of the lip structures described herein can be used to provide a substantially uniform reaction pressure along the perimeter of the lip upon application of the membrane lid to obtain and maintain a hermetic seal while providing a membrane lid that can be easily removed by a consumer at will.
• the hermetic seal provided by the membrane lid will create an effective barrier against oxygen and moisture
• the containers 50 in accordance with the present invention may be formed by a variety of methods.
• the container 50 may be formed from a thermoplastic material and can be blow molded, although other production methods may be employed.
• Suitable thermoplastic materials include, but are not limited to, polyolefins, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, vinyl polymers such as ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH), or the like. These materials may be monolayered and some of the materials may be combined.
• a multilayer material may include both a polyolefin layer and an EVOH layer.
• the container 50 is blow molded from a multilayer material comprising a layer of EVOH sandwiched between two layers of high density polyethylene (HDPE).
• HDPE high density polyethylene
• blow-molded, multiple-layer plastic structure of the container is as follows: a virgin polyolefin layer, a tie layer, a layer of EVOH, another tie layer, and another virgin polyolefin layer.
• container 50 will also have one or more layers of regrind material in-between the tie layer and the virgin polyolefin layer.
• the layer of EVOH might be no less than 0.00005 inches thick and no thicker than 0.006 inches, for example no less than 0.00005 inches and no greater than 0.003 inches and in another example no less than 0.0001 inches and no greater than 0.0012 inches.
• this six-layer structure can comprise (from outside layer to inside layer): about 10.7 grams (g) or about 19.4% by weight of HDPE; about 21.66 g or about 39.4% by weight of Plant Regrind and HDPE; about 0.69 g or about 1.3% by weight of a tie layer; about 2.33 g or about 4.2% by weight of EVOH; about 0.69 g or about 1.3% of a tie layer; and about 18.94 g or about 34.4% of Plant Regrind and HDPE.
• the container will typically have a thickness of from about 0.005 to about 0.055 inches, for example from about 0.010 to about 0.045 inches.
• the container body 52 and the lip 54 are integrally formed, for example, by a blow molding process.
• the lip structure described herein is self-supportive on the underside of the top surface of the lip.
• the lip stmcture may be formed by blow molding while overcoming the disadvantages of many conventional lip designs which require mechanical support for application of the membrane.
• the skirt 74 includes substantially rounded comer portions and substantially straight sides extending around the perimeter 76 of the top surface 72.
• the skirt comer portions include inner extensions 78 while the skirt sides are substantially free of inner extensions.
• substantially free of inner extensions includes instances wherein the skirt sides have a sufficiently small percentage of such inner extensions such that the comer portion inner extensions are not prevented from moving inward when an outward pressure is exerted on the underside of the over-cap. In one embodiment, the skirt sides are free of inner extensions.
• the skirt including comer portions having inner extensions and skirt sides substantially free of inner extensions provides the over-cap with the ability to securely attach to the lip 54 of the container 50 described herein and resist pressure differentials between inner and outer sides of such a container.
• this stmcture also allows easy removal of the over-cap from such a container when desired by a consumer.

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• 2001
  • 2001-11-13 WO PCT/US2001/047051 patent/WO2002038462A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2001-11-13 CN CNA01818801XA patent/CN1474775A/zh active Pending
  • 2001-11-13 EP EP01990905A patent/EP1334046A2/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2001-11-13 MX MXPA03004200A patent/MXPA03004200A/es not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2001-11-13 BR BR0115267-0A patent/BR0115267A/pt not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2001-11-13 US US10/008,583 patent/US20020117500A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2001-11-13 AU AU2002230666A patent/AU2002230666A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2001-11-13 CA CA002424582A patent/CA2424582A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2001-11-13 JP JP2002541010A patent/JP2004513036A/ja not_active Withdrawn

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