EP1561696A1 - Double rib overcap for a container with a removable membrane - Google Patents
Double rib overcap for a container with a removable membrane Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1561696A1 EP1561696A1 EP05250526A EP05250526A EP1561696A1 EP 1561696 A1 EP1561696 A1 EP 1561696A1 EP 05250526 A EP05250526 A EP 05250526A EP 05250526 A EP05250526 A EP 05250526A EP 1561696 A1 EP1561696 A1 EP 1561696A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- overcap
- rib
- container
- membrane
- skirt
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
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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
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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
- 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
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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
- 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
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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
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
- B65D2251/0068—Lower closure
- B65D2251/0093—Membrane
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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
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
- B65D2543/00074—Shape of the outer periphery curved
- B65D2543/00092—Shape of the outer periphery curved circular
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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
- 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
- B65D2543/0025—Multi-position closures
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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
- 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
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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
- 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
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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
- 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
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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
- 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
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00611—Profiles
- B65D2543/00638—Rolled edge
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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
- 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
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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
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00722—Profiles
- B65D2543/0074—Massive bead
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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
- 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
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates generally to containers with overcaps. More particularly the invention relates to overcaps for containers with a removable membrane. The overcap has a skirt configured to engage a rim of the container with an interference-fit to seal the container.
- Containers that store perishable goods, such as food products, often include a sealed membrane to minimize the transfer of oxygen, moisture, or contaminants into the container. The membrane is removed by the customer when the container is first opened, and the membrane is discarded. An overcap is provided for re-closing the container after the initial opening. The overcap engages a rim (e.g., a rolled bead or a flange) on the top of the container in such a way that a snap-fit or interference-fit connection exists to retain the overcap in place on the container.
- When the membrane is located directly below the overcap, both overcap and membrane provide a sealing barrier over the opening prior to the first opening of the container. Once the membrane has been removed, the overcap provides the only barrier for the remaining product during subsequent storage. Therefore, the overcap should securely connect to the container to reseal the stored product.
- While a membrane is attached to a container, it often extends outwardly to the surface of the container to which the overcap attaches. In such a situation, the overcap is dimensioned to create a tight fit with the container surface and the membrane. However, once the membrane has been removed and the overcap replaced, the overcap may not create a tight fit with only the container surface because of the missing membrane. An insufficient fit may allow oxygen, moisture, or contaminants to enter the container or may cause the overcap to come off unintentionally.
- Therefore, a need exists for an overcap for containers with membranes that provides an interference-fit when the membrane is attached and when the membrane is removed.
- The invention addresses the above needs and achieves other advantages by providing an interference-fit or snap-fit overcap for engaging a radially outwardly protruding rim of a container that includes a removably attached membrane. The overcap includes a top panel with a periphery and a skirt that extends from the periphery of the top panel to a distal end. The skirt defines a first inside surface that is axially spaced from the top panel and is proximate the distal end of the skirt. The skirt also defines a second inside surface axially positioned between the first inside surface and the top panel. The first inside surface is diametrically dimensioned to produce an interference-fit with the membrane and rim when the overcap is connected to the container with the attached membrane. The second inside surface is diametrically dimensioned to produce an interference-fit with the rim alone when the overcap is connected to the container without the membrane.
- The skirt of the overcap includes a first rib projecting inwardly from the skirt and axially located between the first inside surface of the skirt and the distal end of the skirt. The skirt also includes a second rib projecting inwardly from the skirt and axially located between the second inside surface and the first inside surface. When the overcap is connected to the container with the attached membrane such that the membrane and rim create an interference-fit with the first inside surface, the first rib engages beneath the rim of the container to resist detachment of the overcap. When the overcap is connected to the container without the attached membrane such that second inside surface creates an interference-fit with the rim and the second rib engages beneath the rim of the container to resist detachment of the overcap.
- The present invention also provides a container with a membrane and an overcap. The container includes a container body formed by a wall, where the wall defines an opening encircled by a radially outwardly protruding rim. The membrane is removably attached to the container to substantially cover the opening while the membrane is attached. The overcap includes a skirt with two inside surfaces and two ribs, as described above. One embodiment of the invention includes a membrane that extends radially outward onto the outer surface of the rim, and another embodiment includes a membrane that covers the container opening without extending radially outward onto the outer surface of the rim.
- Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an overcap, partially in section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the overcap of FIG. 1 showing the first inside surface of the overcap engaging the membrane and the rim of the container to create an interference-fit; and
- FIG. 3 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the overcap of FIG. 1 showing the second inside surface of the overcap engaging the rim of the container to create an interference-fit.
-
- The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
- With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a sealable storage device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The
storage device 10 includes anovercap 12, acontainer 14, and amembrane 16. Thecontainer 14 is structured to store products within the container and to provide access to the stored products through anopening 18. A variety of products can be stored in thestorage device 10; however, the storage device is preferably used to store perishable products because themembrane 16 provides a barrier to seal thecontainer 14. - The
membrane 16 is removably attached to thecontainer 14 during the packaging of the stored product, subsequent to the placement of the product within the container. Themembrane 16 substantially covers theentire opening 18 of thecontainer 14 and minimizes or prevents the passage of oxygen, moisture, and/or other contaminants into the container. Themembrane 16 must be removed, either completely or partially, to provide access to the product, during normal use of thestorage device 10. After themembrane 16 has been removed, it generally cannot be reattached to seal thecontainer 14, and is usually discarded. - The
container 14 as illustrated in FIG. 1 is a cylindrical tube. Further embodiments of the invention may include containers, andcorresponding overcaps 12, that are of any geometric shape. Thus, although terms such as diameter, circumferential, radial, and the like, are used herein, they are not intended to limit the invention to any particular configuration, but are merely used as descriptive terms. Thecontainer 14 of FIG. 1 includes the opening 18, which is encircled by a radially outwardly protrudingrim 20. Therim 20 of the illustratedcontainer 14 is an outwardly rolled bead.Other containers 14 of the present invention may include arim 20 of any configuration. Therim 20 includes atop surface 22, anouter surface 24, and abottom surface 26. Therim 20 of FIG. 1 has a generally consistent cross-section throughout the entire circumference of the container; however,other containers 14 of the present invention may include a rim that includes one or more features of varying cross-section. Such features may be included to facilitate removal of theovercap 12 ormembrane 16. - The
membrane 16 of FIGS. 1-3 is attached to both thetop surface 22 and theouter surface 24 of therim 20. Other embodiments of thestorage device 10 may include amembrane 16 that is attached only to thetop surface 22 or that is attached to the top surface, theouter surface 24, and thebottom surface 26. Theovercaps 12 of such embodiments are structured and arrange to accommodate themembrane 16 attached to the various surfaces to improve the fit between the overcap and the membrane andrim 20. - The
overcap 12 of FIG. 1 includes atop panel 30 and askirt 32. Thetop panel 30 is generally disk-shaped and may include additional features on the top surface and the bottom surface of the top panel. Thetop panel 30 also defines aperiphery 34 proximate the outer circumference of the top panel. Theskirt 32 extends downward from theperiphery 34 of thetop panel 30. Theovercap 12 of further embodiments of thestorage device 10 may include features that are at a radial distance beyond theperiphery 34 or above thetop panel 30. Such features may include surfaces to facilitate the disconnecting or connecting of theovercap 12 andcontainer 14. Theskirt 32 of illustratedovercap 12 extends generally perpendicular from thetop panel 30 to adistal end 36. Other embodiments of theovercap 12 may include askirt 32 that extends from thetop panel 30 at a non-perpendicular angle. - The
skirt 32 of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 has anoutside surface 40 and an inside surface facing the interior of the overcap. The inside surface of theskirt 32 includes a firstinside surface 42 and a secondinside surface 44. The first insidesurface 42 is axially spaced apart from thetop panel 30 and is proximate thedistal end 36 of theskirt 32. The second insidesurface 44 is axially positioned between the firstinside surface 42 and thetop panel 30. Furthermore, theskirt 32 includes afirst rib 52 that projects inwardly from the inside surface of the skirt and is axially located between the firstinside surface 42 and thedistal end 36. Theskirt 32 also includes asecond rib 54 that projects inwardly from the inside surface of the skirt and is axially located between the secondinside surface 44 and the firstinside surface 42. - FIG. 2 illustrates the
overcap 12 connected to thecontainer 14, when themembrane 16 is attached to the container, and FIG. 3 illustrates the overcap connected to the container when the membrane has been removed. As shown in FIG. 2, the firstinside surface 42 is diametrically dimensioned to produce an interference-fit with themembrane 16 and therim 20. The inside diameter of the firstinside surface 42 of theundeformed overcap 12 is generally less than the diameter of theouter surface 24 of therim 20 added to twice the thickness of the membrane. This difference in diameter creates an interference-fit when theovercap 12 is pushed onto the top of the container. A slight growth in diameter of theovercap 12 and/or a slight reduction in diameter of therim 20 andmembrane 16 occurs through material deformation. Since the materials have resilience, they exert a restoring force, which tends to keep theovercap 12 attached. Other embodiments of the interference-fit overcap 12 may create the interference-fit by having a friction-fit or an interference-fit between themembrane 16 and/or a surface of therim 20 and the firstinside surface 42 of theskirt 32, between the membrane and/or a surface of the rim and thefirst rib 52, between the membrane and/or a surface of the rim and thesecond rib 54, or between any combination of the rim features and the skirt features. - As shown in FIG. 3, the second
inside surface 44 is diametrically dimensioned to produce an interference-fit with therim 20 alone. The inside diameter of the secondinside surface 44 of the interference-fit overcap 12 is generally less than the diameter of theouter surface 24 of therim 20. This difference in diameter creates the interference-fit. Other embodiments of the interference-fit overcap 12 may create the interference-fit by having a friction-fit or an interference-fit between a surface of therim 20 and the secondinside surface 44 of theskirt 32, between a surface of the rim and thesecond rib 54, between a surface of the rim and thetop panel 30, or between any combination of the rim features and the skirt features. - The first inside
surface 42 of theskirt 32 defines an inside diameter that is approximately equivalent to a combined distance of the inside diameter of the secondinside surface 44 and twice the thickness of themembrane 16, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Further embodiments of theovercap 12 may include a firstinside surface 42 and secondinside surface 44 that have various relative inside diameters. - The
ribs rim 20 of thecontainer 14 to resist detachment of the overcap from the container when the rim of the container is located axially above the respective rib. When themembrane 16 is attached and the membrane and rim 20 engage the firstinside surface 42, thefirst rib 52 may contact the rim on thebottom surface 26, theouter surface 24, or some combination of both surfaces to resist detachment of theovercap 12 from thecontainer 14. Likewise, when themembrane 16 is removed and therim 20 engages the secondinside surface 44, thesecond rib 54 may contact the rim on thebottom surface 26, theouter surface 24, or some combination of both surfaces to resist detachment of theovercap 12 from thecontainer 14. - The
overcap 12 of FIGS. 2 and 3 has afirst rib 52 and asecond rib 54 that each define arounded portion 56 at the innermost surface of the rib. The roundedportion 56 of therib 52 and of therib 54 is the surface of the respective rib opposite theoutside surface 40 of theskirt 32. The roundedportion 56 of each rib facilitates the connecting and disconnecting of theovercap 12, while minimizing or preventing damage to themembrane 16 or therim 20. The roundedportion 56 of thefirst rib 52 defines a diametrical distance relatively smaller than the inside diameter of the firstinside surface 42. Therefore, when theovercap 12 is connected to thecontainer 14, theskirt 32 of the overcap must flex outward and/or therim 20 flex inward to allow passage of themembrane 16 and the rim past thefirst rib 52 and into the first inside surface, as shown in FIG. 2. Likewise, the roundedportion 56 of thesecond rib 54 has an inside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the secondinside surface 44. Therefore, when theovercap 12 is connected to thecontainer 14, theskirt 32 of the overcap must flex outward and/or therim 20 flex inward to allow passage of the rim past thefirst rib 52 andsecond rib 54 and into the first inside surface, as shown in FIG. 3. - The
overcap 12 of FIG. 1 can be made of various materials that have sufficient flexibility and resilience to allow the necessary deformation of the overcap as it is pushed onto the container rim. Suitable materials include but are not limited to polyester, polyolefins (including homopolymers, co-polymers, etc.) such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polystyrene, elastomers (including thermoplastic rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.), and mixtures or combinations thereof. Theovercap 12 of the illustrated embodiment is made of a material that is sufficiently flexible and resilient to allow passage of therim 20 of thecontainer 14 through thefirst rib 52 and thesecond rib 54 of the overcap. Anovercap 12 of a more rigid material may include a thin-wall portion in thetop panel 30 orskirt 32 such that the rigid material is allowed to flex enough to allow passage of therim 20 of thecontainer 14 through thefirst rib 52 and thesecond rib 54 of the overcap. - Each of the
ribs overcap 12 of FIGS. 1-3 defines an uninterrupted circumferential rib to provide uniform retention of the overcap when the overcap is attached or connected to thecontainer 14. Other embodiments of theovercap 12 may include afirst rib 52 and/or asecond rib 54 that defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced portions. These spaced portions may be of equal circumferential width and spacing or may be of random width and spacing. Each of the portions of the plurality of circumferentially spaced portions defining a single rib are all located at an equivalent axial distance from thetop panel 30, so that when theovercap 12 is attached to the container, the top panel is generally parallel to theopening 18. - The
membrane 16 can be manufactured from any suitable material or combinations or two or more different materials, and can be removably attached by any suitable adhesive or process. Themembrane 16 of the illustratedstorage device 10 is a metal foil that is joined with adhesive to acontainer 14 that is a paperboard tube. Where moisture and/or gas barrier performance is required of the membrane, the membrane can comprise various barrier materials, including but not limited to metal foil, polyethylene terephthalate, metallized polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, metallized polypropylene, metal oxide and silicate coated polyester, metal oxide and silicate coated polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, and mixtures thereof. Instead of or in addition to a barrier layer of such materials, the membrane can include one or more layers of other materials such as polyester, polyolefin, and others. Themembrane 16 can be adhered to the container by various materials, including but not limited to glues or adhesives such as hot melt glues, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethyl methyl acrylate, metallocenes, and the like, heat seal materials such as ionomers (e.g., SURLYN®, TRANCEND®, or the like), polypropylene (with or without mineral filler), high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and others. The container itself can be formed of various materials and by various processes including but not limited to spiral winding of composite materials, convolute winding of composite materials, injection molding, blow molding, or thermoforming a suitable polymer material, and others. - Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
Claims (22)
- An interference-fit overcap, for engaging a radially outwardly protruding rim encircling a container opening having a removably attached membrane, comprising:a top panel having a periphery;a skirt extending from the periphery of the top panel to a distal end such that the skirt defines a first inside surface axially spaced from the top panel proximate the distal end of the skirt and defines a second inside surface axially positioned between the first inside surface and the top panel, wherein the first inside surface is diametrically dimensioned to produce an interference-fit with the membrane and rim and the second inside surface is diametrically dimensioned to produce an interference-fit with the rim alone;a first rib projecting inwardly from the skirt and axially located between the first inside surface of the skirt and the distal end of the skirt; anda second rib projecting inwardly from the skirt and axially located between the second inside surface and the first inside surface;
- An interference-fit overcap according to claim 1, wherein the radially outwardly protruding rim encircling the container defines an outer surface and the membrane extends radially outward onto the outer surface of the rim.
- An interference-fit overcap according to claim 1, wherein the radially outwardly protruding rim encircling the container defines an outer surface and the membrane covers the container opening without extending radially outward onto the outer surface of the rim.
- An interference-fit overcap according to claim 1, wherein the first rib and the second rib each defines an uninterrupted circumferential rib.
- An interference-fit overcap according to claim 1, wherein the first rib and the second rib each defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced portions.
- An interference-fit overcap according to claim 1, wherein the skirt extends substantially perpendicular to the top panel of the overcap.
- An interference-fit overcap according to claim 1, wherein the first rib and the second rib of the overcap each define a rounded edge portion at a radially inward surface opposite the first inside surface and the second inside surface of the skirt.
- An interference-fit overcap according to claim 7, wherein the rounded edge portion of the first rib defines an inside diameter relatively larger than an inside diameter of the rounded edge portion of the second rib.
- An interference-fit overcap according to claim 1, wherein the overcap is a thermoplastic material.
- A container, comprising:a container body formed by a wall, wherein the wall defines an opening encircled by a radially outwardly protruding rim;a removably attached membrane substantially covering the opening while the membrane is attached; andan interference-fit overcap, comprising:a top panel having a periphery;a skirt extending from the periphery of the top panel to a distal end such that the skirt defines a first inside surface axially spaced from the top panel proximate the distal end of the skirt and defines a second inside surface axially positioned between the first inside surface and the top panel, wherein the first inside surface is diametrically dimensioned to produce an interference-fit with the membrane and rim and the second inside surface is diametrically dimensioned to produce an interference-fit with the rim alone;a first rib projecting inwardly from the skirt and axially located between the first inside surface of the skirt and the distal end of the skirt; anda second rib projecting inwardly from the skirt and axially located between the second inside surface and the first inside surface;
- A container according to claim 10, wherein the radially outwardly protruding rim encircling the container defines an outer surface and the membrane extends radially outward onto the outer surface of the rim.
- A container according to claim 10, wherein the radially outwardly protruding rim encircling the container defines an outer surface and the membrane covers the container opening without extending radially outward onto the outer surface of the rim.
- A container according to claim 10, wherein the outwardly protruding rim is an outwardly rolled bead.
- A container according to claim 10, wherein the first rib and the second rib each defines an uninterrupted circumferential rib.
- A container according to claim 10, wherein the first rib and the second rib each defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced portions.
- A container according to claim 10, wherein the skirt extends substantially perpendicular to the top panel of the overcap.
- A container according to claim 10, wherein the first rib and the second rib of the overcap each define a rounded edge portion at a radially inward surface opposite the first inside surface and second inside surface of the skirt.
- A container according to claim 17, wherein the rounded edge portion of the first rib defines an inside diameter relatively larger than an inside diameter of the rounded edge portion of the second rib.
- A container according to claim 10, wherein the membrane defines a thickness and the inside diameter of the first inside surface is approximately equivalent to a combined distance of the inside diameter of the second inside surface and twice the thickness of the membrane.
- A container according to claim 10, wherein the membrane is a metal foil.
- A container according to claim 10, wherein the overcap is a thermoplastic material.
- A sealable storage device, comprising:a container, comprising:a body formed by a wall,an opening defined by the wall, andan outwardly rolled bead encircling the opening of the container,a membrane removably attached to the bead such that the membrane substantially covers the opening and extends radially outward onto the outer surface of the bead while the membrane is attached; andan interference-fit overcap, comprising:a top panel having a periphery;a skirt extending from the periphery of the top panel to a distal end such that the skirt defines a first inside surface axially spaced from the top panel proximate the distal end of the skirt and defines a second inside surface axially positioned between the first inside surface and the top panel, wherein the first inside surface is diametrically dimensioned to produce an interference-fit with the membrane and bead and the second inside surface is diametrically dimensioned to produce an interference-fit with the bead alone;a first rib projecting inwardly from the skirt and axially located between the first inside surface of the skirt and the distal end of the skirt; anda second rib projecting inwardly from the skirt and axially located between the second inside surface and the first inside surface;
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US771220 | 1991-10-04 | ||
US10/771,220 US20050167430A1 (en) | 2004-02-03 | 2004-02-03 | Double rib overcap for a container with a removable membrane |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1561696A1 true EP1561696A1 (en) | 2005-08-10 |
Family
ID=34679361
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP05250526A Withdrawn EP1561696A1 (en) | 2004-02-03 | 2005-02-01 | Double rib overcap for a container with a removable membrane |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20050167430A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1561696A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0500282A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2495322A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA05001345A (en) |
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WO2007104118A1 (en) * | 2006-03-10 | 2007-09-20 | Brasilata S.A. Embalagens Metálicas | Closure arrangement for containers |
DE102006021079A1 (en) * | 2006-03-21 | 2007-10-11 | IMPRESS Metal Packaging S.A., Crosmières | Container with closure combination |
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WO2008103343A1 (en) * | 2007-02-23 | 2008-08-28 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Hinged overcap from a container |
FR2969584A1 (en) * | 2010-12-22 | 2012-06-29 | Cgl Pack Service | Container for storing food, has bowl and cover co-operating with each other in closing position in which cover is offset axially with respect to its position in another closed position, while ensuring tight sealing of bowl |
NL2006482C2 (en) * | 2011-03-29 | 2012-10-02 | Gereedschappenfabriek Van Den Brink B V | HOLDER. |
WO2024038032A1 (en) * | 2022-08-17 | 2024-02-22 | Weener Plastics Group B.V. | Snap cap |
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US7337916B2 (en) * | 2003-12-29 | 2008-03-04 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Pressure/moisture release cooking container |
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US20070262077A1 (en) * | 2006-05-11 | 2007-11-15 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Dual function overcap for a container with a removable membrane |
DE102009012632A1 (en) * | 2009-03-10 | 2010-09-23 | Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland Gmbh | A sealing device for sealing a volume of a medical treatment arrangement against another volume and arrangement and method |
DE202010003547U1 (en) * | 2010-03-15 | 2010-07-08 | Mars Incorporated | Stackable box with lid |
US9469445B2 (en) * | 2011-02-07 | 2016-10-18 | Berry Plastics Corporation | Package with lid sealing system |
US8517212B2 (en) | 2011-05-05 | 2013-08-27 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Overcap for a container |
US9032698B2 (en) | 2011-07-07 | 2015-05-19 | Berry Plastics Corporation | Package with lid sealing system |
US9023445B2 (en) | 2011-10-14 | 2015-05-05 | Kellogg North America Company | Composite containers for storing perishable products |
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US10407222B2 (en) * | 2012-02-16 | 2019-09-10 | David O. Allen | Container and closure assembly |
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US9630762B2 (en) | 2014-01-22 | 2017-04-25 | Berry Plastics Corporation | Package with peelable closure |
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US10421585B2 (en) | 2017-03-31 | 2019-09-24 | Core Nutrition, Llc | Overcap for a bottle having an inner skirt and outer skirt |
USD896076S1 (en) * | 2017-11-28 | 2020-09-15 | A&R Carton Lund Aktiebolag | Membrane for packaging |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
MXPA05001345A (en) | 2005-09-08 |
CA2495322A1 (en) | 2005-08-03 |
US20050167430A1 (en) | 2005-08-04 |
BRPI0500282A (en) | 2005-09-27 |
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