U.S. patent application number 10/771220 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-04 for double rib overcap for a container with a removable membrane.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sonoco Development, Inc.. Invention is credited to Varadarajan, Krishnaraju.
Application Number | 20050167430 10/771220 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34679361 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050167430 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Varadarajan, Krishnaraju |
August 4, 2005 |
Double rib overcap for a container with a removable membrane
Abstract
There is provided a double rib overcap for a container with a
removable membrane. The skirt of the overcap includes a first
inwardly projecting rib and a second inwardly projecting rib that
are axially separated and includes inside surfaces of the skirt
that are axially above each rib. The container has an opening that
is encircled by a rim and the membrane covers the opening such that
the membrane extends radially onto an outer surface of the rim. A
first inside surface above the first rib of the overcap is
dimensionally sized to create an interference-fit with the membrane
and the rim when the overcap is connected to the container.
Likewise, a second inside surface above the second rib of the
overcap is dimensionally sized to create an interference-fit with
the rim of the container when the overcap is connected to the
container after the membrane has been removed.
Inventors: |
Varadarajan, Krishnaraju;
(Florence, SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Assignee: |
Sonoco Development, Inc.
Hartsville
SC
|
Family ID: |
34679361 |
Appl. No.: |
10/771220 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/258.1 ;
220/780 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/00416
20130101; B65D 43/0212 20130101; B65D 2543/00527 20130101; B65D
2543/00685 20130101; B65D 2543/00805 20130101; B65D 2251/0093
20130101; B65D 51/18 20130101; B65D 2543/0074 20130101; B65D
2543/00296 20130101; B65D 2543/00537 20130101; B65D 2251/0018
20130101; B65D 2543/0025 20130101; B65D 2543/00638 20130101; B65D
2543/00092 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/258.1 ;
220/780 |
International
Class: |
B65D 051/20; B65D
041/18 |
Claims
That which is claimed:
1. 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; and a second rib projecting inwardly
from the skirt and axially located between the second inside
surface and the first inside surface; wherein the first rib engages
beneath the rim of the container to resist detachment of the
overcap when the membrane is attached and the second rib engages
beneath the rim of the container to resist detachment of the
overcap when the membrane is not attached.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. An interference-fit overcap according to claim 1, wherein the
first rib and the second rib each defines an uninterrupted
circumferential rib.
5. An interference-fit overcap according to claim 1, wherein the
first rib and the second rib each defines a plurality of
circumferentially spaced portions.
6. An interference-fit overcap according to claim 1, wherein the
skirt extends substantially perpendicular to the top panel of the
overcap.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. An interference-fit overcap according to claim 1, wherein the
overcap is a thermoplastic material.
10. 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;
and an 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; and a second rib projecting
inwardly from the skirt and axially located between the second
inside surface and the first inside surface; wherein the first rib
engages beneath the rim of the container to resist detachment of
the overcap when the membrane is attached and the second rib
engages beneath the rim of the container to resist detachment of
the overcap when the membrane is not attached.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. A container according to claim 10, wherein the outwardly
protruding rim is an outwardly rolled bead.
14. A container according to claim 10, wherein the first rib and
the second rib each defines an uninterrupted circumferential
rib.
15. A container according to claim 10, wherein the first rib and
the second rib each defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced
portions.
16. A container according to claim 10, wherein the skirt extends
substantially perpendicular to the top panel of the overcap.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. A container according to claim 10, wherein the membrane is a
metal foil.
21. A container according to claim 10, wherein the overcap is a
thermoplastic material.
22. A sealable storage device, comprising: a container, comprising:
a body formed by a wall, an opening defined by the wall, and an
outwardly rolled bead encircling the opening of the container,
wherein the bead protrudes generally outward from the wall and
defines an outer surface; 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; and an 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;
and a second rib projecting inwardly from the skirt and axially
located between the second inside surface and the first inside
surface; wherein the first rib engages beneath the bead of the
container to resist detachment of the overcap when the membrane is
attached and the second rib engages beneath the bead of the
container to resist detachment of the overcap when the membrane is
not attached.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 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.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] 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:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an overcap, partially in
section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0011] 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
[0012] 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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 an overcap 12, a container 14, and a
membrane 16. The container 14 is structured to store products
within the container and to provide access to the stored products
through an opening 18. A variety of products can be stored in the
storage device 10; however, the storage device is preferably used
to store perishable products because the membrane 16 provides a
barrier to seal the container 14.
[0015] The membrane 16 is removably attached to the container 14
during the packaging of the stored product, subsequent to the
placement of the product within the container. The membrane 16
substantially covers the entire opening 18 of the container 14 and
minimizes or prevents the passage of oxygen, moisture, and/or other
contaminants into the container. The membrane 16 must be removed,
either completely or partially, to provide access to the product,
during normal use of the storage device 10. After the membrane 16
has been removed, it generally cannot be reattached to seal the
container 14, and is usually discarded.
[0016] The container 14 as illustrated in FIG. 1 is a cylindrical
tube. Further embodiments of the invention may include containers,
and corresponding 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. The container 14 of FIG. 1 includes the opening
18, which is encircled by a radially outwardly protruding rim 20.
The rim 20 of the illustrated container 14 is an outwardly rolled
bead. Other containers 14 of the present invention may include a
rim 20 of any configuration. The rim 20 includes a top surface 22,
an outer surface 24, and a bottom surface 26. The rim 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 the overcap 12 or membrane 16.
[0017] The membrane 16 of FIGS. 1-3 is attached to both the top
surface 22 and the outer surface 24 of the rim 20. Other
embodiments of the storage device 10 may include a membrane 16 that
is attached only to the top surface 22 or that is attached to the
top surface, the outer surface 24, and the bottom surface 26. The
overcaps 12 of such embodiments are structured and arrange to
accommodate the membrane 16 attached to the various surfaces to
improve the fit between the overcap and the membrane and rim
20.
[0018] The overcap 12 of FIG. 1 includes a top panel 30 and a skirt
32. The top panel 30 is generally disk-shaped and may include
additional features on the top surface and the bottom surface of
the top panel. The top panel 30 also defines a periphery 34
proximate the outer circumference of the top panel. The skirt 32
extends downward from the periphery 34 of the top panel 30. The
overcap 12 of further embodiments of the storage device 10 may
include features that are at a radial distance beyond the periphery
34 or above the top panel 30. Such features may include surfaces to
facilitate the disconnecting or connecting of the overcap 12 and
container 14. The skirt 32 of illustrated overcap 12 extends
generally perpendicular from the top panel 30 to a distal end 36.
Other embodiments of the overcap 12 may include a skirt 32 that
extends from the top panel 30 at a non-perpendicular angle.
[0019] The skirt 32 of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 has an outside surface 40
and an inside surface facing the interior of the overcap. The
inside surface of the skirt 32 includes a first inside surface 42
and a second inside surface 44. The first inside surface 42 is
axially spaced apart from the top panel 30 and is proximate the
distal end 36 of the skirt 32. The second inside surface 44 is
axially positioned between the first inside surface 42 and the top
panel 30. Furthermore, the skirt 32 includes a first rib 52 that
projects inwardly from the inside surface of the skirt and is
axially located between the first inside surface 42 and the distal
end 36. The skirt 32 also includes a second rib 54 that projects
inwardly from the inside surface of the skirt and is axially
located between the second inside surface 44 and the first inside
surface 42.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates the overcap 12 connected to the container
14, when the membrane 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 first inside
surface 42 is diametrically dimensioned to produce an
interference-fit with the membrane 16 and the rim 20. The inside
diameter of the first inside surface 42 of the undeformed overcap
12 is generally less than the diameter of the outer surface 24 of
the rim 20 added to twice the thickness of the membrane. This
difference in diameter creates an interference-fit when the overcap
12 is pushed onto the top of the container. A slight growth in
diameter of the overcap 12 and/or a slight reduction in diameter of
the rim 20 and membrane 16 occurs through material deformation.
Since the materials have resilience, they exert a restoring force,
which tends to keep the overcap 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 the membrane
16 and/or a surface of the rim 20 and the first inside surface 42
of the skirt 32, between the membrane and/or a surface of the rim
and the first rib 52, between the membrane and/or a surface of the
rim and the second rib 54, or between any combination of the rim
features and the skirt features.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, the second inside surface 44 is
diametrically dimensioned to produce an interference-fit with the
rim 20 alone. The inside diameter of the second inside surface 44
of the interference-fit overcap 12 is generally less than the
diameter of the outer surface 24 of the rim 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
the rim 20 and the second inside surface 44 of the skirt 32,
between a surface of the rim and the second rib 54, between a
surface of the rim and the top panel 30, or between any combination
of the rim features and the skirt features.
[0022] The first inside surface 42 of the skirt 32 defines an
inside diameter that is approximately equivalent to a combined
distance of the inside diameter of the second inside surface 44 and
twice the thickness of the membrane 16, as illustrated in FIGS. 2
and 3. Further embodiments of the overcap 12 may include a first
inside surface 42 and second inside surface 44 that have various
relative inside diameters.
[0023] The ribs 52 and 54 of the overcap engage the rim 20 of the
container 14 to resist detachment of the overcap from the container
when the rim of the container is located axially above the
respective rib. When the membrane 16 is attached and the membrane
and rim 20 engage the first inside surface 42, the first rib 52 may
contact the rim on the bottom surface 26, the outer surface 24, or
some combination of both surfaces to resist detachment of the
overcap 12 from the container 14. Likewise, when the membrane 16 is
removed and the rim 20 engages the second inside surface 44, the
second rib 54 may contact the rim on the bottom surface 26, the
outer surface 24, or some combination of both surfaces to resist
detachment of the overcap 12 from the container 14.
[0024] The overcap 12 of FIGS. 2 and 3 has a first rib 52 and a
second rib 54 that each define a rounded portion 56 at the
innermost surface of the rib. The rounded portion 56 of the rib 52
and of the rib 54 is the surface of the respective rib opposite the
outside surface 40 of the skirt 32. The rounded portion 56 of each
rib facilitates the connecting and disconnecting of the overcap 12,
while minimizing or preventing damage to the membrane 16 or the rim
20. The rounded portion 56 of the first rib 52 defines a
diametrical distance relatively smaller than the inside diameter of
the first inside surface 42. Therefore, when the overcap 12 is
connected to the container 14, the skirt 32 of the overcap must
flex outward and/or the rim 20 flex inward to allow passage of the
membrane 16 and the rim past the first rib 52 and into the first
inside surface, as shown in FIG. 2. Likewise, the rounded portion
56 of the second rib 54 has an inside diameter smaller than the
inside diameter of the second inside surface 44. Therefore, when
the overcap 12 is connected to the container 14, the skirt 32 of
the overcap must flex outward and/or the rim 20 flex inward to
allow passage of the rim past the first rib 52 and second rib 54
and into the first inside surface, as shown in FIG. 3.
[0025] 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. The overcap 12 of the
illustrated embodiment is made of a material that is sufficiently
flexible and resilient to allow passage of the rim 20 of the
container 14 through the first rib 52 and the second rib 54 of the
overcap. An overcap 12 of a more rigid material may include a
thin-wall portion in the top panel 30 or skirt 32 such that the
rigid material is allowed to flex enough to allow passage of the
rim 20 of the container 14 through the first rib 52 and the second
rib 54 of the overcap.
[0026] Each of the ribs 52 and 54 of the 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 the container 14. Other embodiments of the overcap 12 may
include a first rib 52 and/or a second 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 the top
panel 30, so that when the overcap 12 is attached to the container,
the top panel is generally parallel to the opening 18.
[0027] 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. The
membrane 16 of the illustrated storage device 10 is a metal foil
that is joined with adhesive to a container 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. The membrane 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.RTM., TRANCEND.RTM., 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.
[0028] 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.
* * * * *