CA1155088A

CA1155088A - Multiple seal container device

Info

Publication number: CA1155088A
Application number: CA000380580A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Daniel Bernhardt
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1980-08-05
Filing date: 1981-06-25
Publication date: 1983-10-11
Also published as: GB2081229A

Abstract

ABSTRACT
The present invention is directed to a container device having multiple seals, and particularly to a container device of the type described which provides an initial high security seal and which is preferably subject to reclosing after initial opening. The device in its broadest sense is characterized in the provision of a container 10 having a flange 17 projecting laterally therefrom. A cap 12 is mounted in the mouth of the container, the cap having a further flange 23 in coplanar alignment with the flange of the container. A membrane 13 is disposed in covering relation of the container and flanges and a pair of continuous concentric seals S, S' are formed between the membrane and the flanges. After opening of the container by removal of the membrane, the cap may be replaced to provide a temporary reclosure. In accordance with various embodiments, the first mentioned structure may in turn be mounted in an additional surrounding container, itself having a flange 118, in which case a third seal is effected between the membrane and the flange of the outermost container. In accordance with a further embodiment, the cap member 212 may include a central raised table portion 227 which is coplanar with the flanges, with a further seal being effected between the membrane and the table. Desirably the membrane may incorporate indicia and the device may be constructed and arranged such that when the membrane is removed to open the container, the indicia containing components remain fixed to the table.

Description

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Title: MULTIPLE SEAL CONTAINER DEVICE
The present invention is directed to improvements in container devices and particularly in container devices of the type used for vending comestibles, although the same is not to be construed as limited thereto.
The invention in its more particular aspects is directed to a container having multiple seals which is preferably subject to reclosing after initial opening thereof.

It is known to provide containers and particularly containers of transparent plastic material for such articles as candy, food portions, hardware items and the like. Such containers are commonly comprised of shaped polymeric materials, such as injection molded or vacuum formed plastics, both transparent and opaque, having a surrounding flange disposed in a plane essentially coincident with the uppermost surface of the container. Such containers are typically sealed by disposing a film,sized to register with the flange, atop the flange and thereafter effecting connection between the film and the flange. The connection may be defined by a heat sealing arrangement, or by pressure sensitive or other adhesives.
Containers of the type described, although in widespread use, have the disadvantage that, once opened, they are no longer subject to reclosure. Additionally, such containers, defining as they do but a single seal line between flange and membrane, may be compromised if some portion of the seal is incomplete.

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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention may-be summarized as directed to an improved recloseable container device wfiich provides an initial reliable hermetic sealing of the internal compartment or compartments within the container.
The invention ;s furtfier directed to a closure device of the type described which may preferably be reclosed ~al~eit not with the same hermetic effectiveness~ after init;al opening of the device.
The invention, in its simplest form, is comprised of a recloseable multiple seal package comprising a container having a bottom and side wall portions extending upwardly from said bottom, the upper ends of said wall portions defining an open mouth portion, a laterally directed flange extending outwardly of said wall portions, said flange including a planar upper surface, a cap member disposed in closing position of said mouth portion, said cap member including a depending skirt dispased within said container and frictionally engaging inner faces of said side wall portions, said cap member including perimetrical portions disposed in coplanar alignment with said upper surface of said flange, a raised table portion formed on said cap member within the area defined by said skirt, said table portion including an upper planar face portion in substantial coplanar alignment uith said upper surface of said flange, a resilient closure film sealingly connected to said flange along a first substan-tially continuous perimetrical seal line, said film having indicia means in registry with said table and being sealingly connected to said table at least in the area in registry with said indicia means.
Reference is now made to the accompanying drawingsJ forming a part hereof, in which:

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Figure 1 is a top plan view of the package in accordance with the invention;
Figure 2 is a magnified vertical section taken on the line 2--2 of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of a package in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 is a section taken on the line 4--4 of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a section taken on the line 5--5 of Figure 3;
Figure la is a vertical sectional view through a multiple compartment package in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2a is a plan view of the package of Figure la Figure 3a is a vertical sectional view of a composite package in accordance with a still further embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4a is a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 3a;
Figure lb is an exploded perspective view of the components of a package in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2b is a perspective view of a completed package in accordance with the embodiment of the invention depicted in Figure lb in the course of opening the same Figure 3b is a magnified vertical section taken on ,~ the line 3--3 of Figure 2b.

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Turning now to the drawings, and referring par-ticularly to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, there is disclosed a recepta~le or package 10 which is comprised of three parts, namely, a container 11, a reuseable lid 12 and a sealing film or membrane 13. The container 11 includes a bottom wall 14 and continuous perimetal side wall portions 15.
While the container has been illustrated as essentially square in plan, it will be readily recognized that the concept is by no means limited to square or rectangular containers but may be equally employed with round, oval, triangular or otherwise shaped containers.
Optionally but preferably, the container may be comprised of a transparent polymeric material such as an acetate, polyester, polystyrene or any other polymeric material.
Alternatively, the device may be made of a polymeric foam or of opaque plastic. While conceptually the device may be made of cardboard, it is preferable, in view of the configuration of the container and particularly the flange portions thereof, that the same be made of a material subject to being molded.
The container 11 includes an open mouth portion 16, which mouth portion is surrounded by a perimetal, horizontally extending flange assembly 17. The flange assembly 17 includes a recessed ledge member 18 extending from the side walls 15, an upwardly directed rim or shoulder 19 extending from the ledge 18, and a laterally directed flange portion or margin 20.
The cap member 12, which may be formed of the same polymeric material as the container 11, includes a cover por-tion 21, an upwardly directed skirt 22, and a laterally ex-tending flange member or shoulder 23.

_~--1~55~8 As is apparent from Figure 2, the thickness of the material of the shoulder or flange member 23 is preferably coordinated with the height of the rim 19, such that the upper surfaces 24, 25 of the flange 20 of the container and the shoulder or flange 23 of the lid, respectively, are in coplanar alignment.
With the lid 12 emplaced in the container 11 in the manner shown, it will be observed that the skirt 22 forms a continuous perimetal frictional seal with the inner surface of side walls 15 of the container.
The membrane or film 13, which is sized to register with the outermost margins of the flange 20 of the container, is next laid atop the container with the emplaced lid in position, and continuous perimetal seals S and S' are formed between the undersurface 26 of the film 13 and the flange 20 and shoulder 23, respectively.
Optionally but preferably the seals S and S' are formed by a heat sealing arrangement (assuming that the material for the container, lid and membrane are selected to be effectively heat sealed).
The formation of the seals S and S' is accomplished in a manner known per se, i.e. by providing a recessed fixture which underlies and supports the container at the flange area. After emplacement of the membrane, heat and pressure producing means are disposed in registry with the desired seal areas S, S' and said areas are clamped between the heat producing means and the fixture.

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Alternatively, seals S and S' may be effected through the use of adhesive, or a border or the entire undersurface 26 of the membrane may be treated with a pressure sensitive adhesive which, upon application to the upwardly exposed portions of flanges 20 and 23, will adhere to the upwardly directed surfaces 24, 25 thereof.
It will be observed that the package formed as defined may be readily opened by first stripping the membrane and thereafter lifting off the lid 12.
In order to facilitate lifting of the flange 23 of the lid, the connection between the membrane and the lid may be utilized, for instance by stripping the connection between the membrane and the flange of the container while permitting a small area of connection between the lid and membrane, whereby lifting forces exerted on the membrane or film will tend to withdraw the lid from frictional connection with the container.
; It will further be observed that as a result of the recessing of the cover portion 21 of the lid to a level below the level of the flanges, there is defined between the membrane 13 and the cover portion 21 an empty space or void V
encompassing a sealed cushion of air. If a second container is stacked such that its undersurface 14 is seated on the membrane in registry with the void, and this second container, in turn, has a further container or containers stacked there-above, it will be recognized that the weight of the respective containers is prevented from exerting compressive forces against the contents of the packages.

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It will also be observed that the contents adjacent the bottom walls 14 of all of the stacked packages except the bottommost package will likewise be protected against damage, and shock isolated by the air cushion and/or stretching effect of the membrane. The mutual shock isolating effects noted make the package particularly well suited for use with fragile candy items and the like, i.e. malted milk balls, mint wafers, etc.
Turning now to the em bodiment of Figures 3 to 5 wherein like parts have been given like but primed reference numerals, the lid portion 12' has been formed with a laterally projecting tab 27 extending in the same plane as the plane of the shoulder or flange 23'. The flange portion 20' of the container 11' is formed with a laterally directed channel 28, sized to correspond with the transverse dimension D of the tab 27, and includes an extending ear 20" formed with an aperture 29 outwardly of the tab 27.
The lid structure, with the exception of the tab 27 and channel 28, and the manner of assembly thereof to the container 11' are as described above, i.e. the lid is frictionally engaged in position in such manner that the depending skirt 22' frictionally engages the inner surface of the surrounding side walls 15' of the container 11'. There-after the covering membrane 13' is positioned and the seals S and S' are formed in the manner aforesaid, the outer seal S', in addition, surrounding the outer surface of the tab 27.
As will be understood from the preceding description, the tab 27 provides a convenient means for stripping the membrane and removing the cover from closing position of the container.
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~155Q~3 The provision of the aperture 29 is desirable where the package lO' is to be displayed on a peg of a dispensing rack or the like.
From the foregoing it will be apparent that there is described in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5 a package which provides an attractive appearance and a highly effective hermetic seal, guarding the freshness or integrity of the contents against environmental influences. The packages may be readily opened, and are subject to reclosing through the use of the frictionally engageable lid. Additionally, the packages are mutually and elastically contact and shock isolating since, when stacked, the bottom of an upper package will rest on the stretched film atop a lower package.
The embodiments of Figures la to 4a, which illustrate the invention in conjunction with multi-compartment containers, will next be described.
There is shown in Figure la an embodiment of the in-vention-comprising a multiple compartment container assembly llO
including a first or outer container lll formed preferably of a polymeric material of a type previou~y described, A second container 112 nests with the first container in the manner hereinafter set forth, a lid member 113 for sealing of the second container, and a film member 114 providing a double sealing function.
More particularly, the outer container lll which, in the illustrated embodiment is square in transverse section but may be of any desired geometric configuration, e. g. circular, etc., includes a mouth portion 115 surrounded by a flange assembly 1155~8 116. The flange assembly 116 includes a recessed portion 117 disposed between the mouth 115 and the flange member 118.
The inner container 112 includes a circumferential flange assembly 119 surrounding open mouth portion 120 thereof.
The flange assembly 119 includes a ledge member 121, an upwardly directed lip 122 and a flange member 123. The lip 122 is sized to define a frictional fit with the interior surfaces of the outer container 111 in the area immediately adjacent the mouth 115 thereof. The flange member 123 of the flange assemhly 119 is sized to fit within the recessed portion 117 of the outer container. When thus positioned, the upwardly facing surfaces of the flange portions 118 and 123 are in coplanar alignment.
The lid member 113 includes a depending skirt 124 sized frictionally to fit in the open mouth portion 120 of the inner container and includes a laterally outwardly directed shoulder 125 sized to be seated on the ledge member 121 of the flange assembly 119.
The uppermost surface of the shoulder 125, in the inserted position of the lid within the inner container, is disposed in coplanar alignment with the uppermost surfaces of the flange portions 118 and 123.
In use, a fo~d portion or the like is inserted within the first container 111, following which the second container 112 is positioned within the first container in the manner hereinabove set forth. A second portion may previously or thereafter be charged into the container 112, following which the lid 113 is applied. Thereafter, the membrane or film 114, which preferably :~. q 115S~

is congruent with the outer dimensions of the flange portion 118 of the container lll, is disposed atop the said container.
In thle embodiment of Figure la, three discrete, continuous seals S , S and S are formed between the membrane 114 and the flange portion 116, the flange portion 123, and the shoulder 125, respectively. Preferably, the continuous perimetal seals Sl, s2 and S are formed by a heat sealing operation. However, it will be readily recognized that the said seals may be pro-vided by forming a rectangular pressure sensitive border on the undersurface of the film 114, which border registers with the noted flange portions and shoulder, whereby sealing is effected by merely applying the film and pressing the same into engagement with the respective flange portions and shoulder.
Alternatively, the entire undersurface of the film 114 may be covered with a pressure sensitive material or an adhesive may be applied to the areas of the flanges and shoulder where a seal is to be formed, and the film affixed to such adhesive coated areas.

It will be observed that following affixation of the membrane or film 114, there is provided a composite container structure having at least two discrete compartments, namely, the compartment defined between container 111 and container 112 ~ and the compartment defined between conta~ner 112 and the lid ; member 113.
It will be seen that a further compartment of limited volume is also defined between the upper surface of lid 113 and the film 114, which additional compartment may be . --.~

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utilized for reta~ining articles having relatively small volume, such as packets of salt, pepper, sugar, ketchup, a napkin, etc.
Additionally, it will be o~erved that each of the compartmentsis multiple sealed, one such seal being defined by the frictional interfit of the parts and the other such seal by the seal lines Sl, S2, S3.
As previously noted in conjunction with the embodiment of Figure 3, the lid and/or the flange portions of the respective containers may be provided with laterally directed tabs (not shown) to facilitate stripping and opening of the various compartments, or with an aperture or apertures through the flange area to facilitate attachment to a display rack, etc.
In the embodiment of Figures 3a and 4a, wherein like parts bear like reference numerals, the outer container 111' is provided with a recess 117' of slightly greater depth than the recess 117 of the embodiment of Figure la. The inner con-tainer 112' includes a laterally outwardly directed flange portion 123' which is seated in the recess 117'. In such seated con-dition, a frictional interfit is defined between the containers 111' and 112' adjacent the mouth portion 115' of the outer container.
The li'd member 113' includes a depending skirt 124' sized frictionally to interfit with the mouth portion 120' of the inner container.
By virtue of the additional depth of the recess 117' of the outer container 111', the shoulder 125' of the lid 113' when seated over the flange portion 123' of the container 112' is _~

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disposed in coplanar alignment with the flange portion 118' of the container 111'.
Film 114' is applied in accordance with the previously described embodiment. However, in this case only two seals S4 and S5 are effected, respectively between the film and the flange portion 118' and the film and the shoulder 125'.
In all other respects and effects, the container of Figures 3a and 4a is similar to the container of Figures la and 2a.
From the foregoing it will be understood that there is described and illustrated in accordance with the invention of Figures la to 4a a multiple container structure which includes internesting containers which preferably define frictional seals with each other, in combination with a lid sealing the innermost container, and a film or membrane sealingly connected along multiple seal lines to the container structures to define a positive second seal protecting and hermetically isolating the contents of the containers.
; While the illustrated embodiments of Figures la to 4a disclose structures incorporating two discrete containers and a lid, ~ 20 it will be readily recognized that three or more such containers ; may be provided, all of which, in accordance with the invention, would be sealed both by their engagement with other containers (or a lid) and by their sealed connection with the covering film or membrane. Since access to an interiorly located container is prevented not only by the seal extending between the film and that container but also by the seals joining the film to outer containers, the contents of inner containers will be perceived to be particularly securely isolated from the atmosphere.

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Reference will now be made to the embodiment of Figures lb to 3b.
In accordance with such embodiment, there is disclosed a package assembly 210 which is comprised of a container portion 211, a cover or lid 212 and a sealing membrane 213.
The container component 211 is essentially identical to that shown in Figures 1 and 2 hereof except that the container walls are preferably tapered to a greater degree than the slight taper depicted in said Figures 1 and 2.
The container 211 may include a bottom wall 214, side walls 215, a ledge member 216, a rim member 217 extending up-wardly from the ledge member, and an upwardly directed perimetal flange 218. Optionally a stop shoulder 219 may be formed at an intermediate position along the wall portions 215.
The cap member 212 includes a body portion 220 ourrounded by a depending skirt 221, the uppermost margins of the skirt including a laterally directed perimetal flange 222.
- When the cap member is positioned within the open mouth 223 of the container 211, it will be perceived that the flange 222 lies in the recess defined between the ledge 216 and the rim 217 of the container, and that the skirt 221 forms a tight frictional fit with the wall portions 224 between the ledge and the stop shoulder.
It will be further seen that the depth of the rim 217 is calculated such that the upper surface 225 of the flange 222 of the cap and the upper surface 226 of the flange 218 of the conta~ner are in coplanar alignment.

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The cap of the invention in accordance with the instant embodiment is provided with a raised central table portion 227 having an upper surface portion 228 which is in coplanar alignment with the upper surface portions 225, 226 of the cover or cap 212 and container 211, respectively.
While in the instant drawings the table is shown to be circular in plan, it will be readily recognized that any desired shape of table may be employed.
The covering film or member 213, as shown in Figure lb, is shaped in plan such as substantially to register with the outermost boundary 218 of the container 211. Indicia or markings 229 may be imprinted on the membrane or film 213 at a central area A which, in the assembled condition, will register with the raised table 227 of the cover 212. rreferably, the film 213 includes a weakened score line or perfor ation line 230 surrounding the indicia components 229.
The device is assembled by first filling the con-tainer with the product P to be dispensed and thereafter posi-tioning the cover 212 within the open mouth portion 223 of the container, pressing the same downwardly to achieve frictional interfit between the skirt 221 and portions 224 of the walls 215 of the container. Thereafter the film 213 is placed in registry with the uppermost surface of the container and is sealed or otherwise bonded to the uppermost surfaces of the cap and container, The seal is preferably effected by a heat sealing step but, alternatively, may be secured by adhesive, such as ~.~ss~

by a pressure sensitive adhesive connection. Optionally, the entire undersurface of the film 213 may be coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive.
In the course of seal formation, a first perimetal seal area 231 is defined between the undersurface of the film 213 and a registering area of the flange 218 of the container.
Preferably a second seal area 232 is formed between the membrane 213 and the upper surface 225 of the flange 222 of the cap member.
A further seal 233 is effected between upper surface 228 of the table 227 and a portion or the portions of the film which register with the table.
It will thus be seen that there results a package sealed by the frictional interfit of the cap or cover and the container and also by the seal lines 231 and 232.
While the perforation or score line 230 may be disposed anywhere in the area of the film, it is preferred that such line 230 be in slightly overlapping relation of the table 227 whereby the seal effected between the ~embrane and the table surrounds the score line and precludes the ingress of moisture, etc. through the score or we~ ~ed tear line 230 and into the area protected by the seal 232. It should be noted, however, that even if the score line 230 is formed out-wardly of the periphery of the table, the contents of the container are sealed by the seal 232 and by the frictional inter-fit between the cover and the inner walls of the container.
The tear or score line may be eliminated since, even in the ~ss~
absence thereof, particularly where a heat seal technique is employed, there is a substantial tendency for the membrane to tear at an area in registry with the margins of the table.
When it is desired to open the device, the user merely tears the membrane upward (see Figure 2b) and separates the membrane from connection with the flange 222 of the cover and the flange 218 of the container. The tearing action may be facilitated by providing an extending tab (not shown) on the membrane, as described in a prior embodiment, or by punching a hole through the membrane in the area between the skirt 221 and the table.
In the course of tearin~ away the membrane, the components thereof disposed within the score line 230 will remain attached to the table 227 and, thus, the indicia 229 carried by the membrane or film will remain permanently affixed to the cover and be accessible so long as the cover is retained.
; As will be appreciated from the description of Figures lb to 3b, there is provided in accordance with such embodiment a recloseable package assembly which is susceptible of being manufactured from a stock container and cap, yet readily customized as a result of the application of an indicia marked sealing film thereto, the indicia bearing por-tions of which sealing film are retained as a permanent part of the cover assembly. Opening of the container and removal of the film results in portions of the film beari~g the intlicia _~_ ~.~5~

remaining on the cap and being separated from the portions of the film surrounding the table.
Numerous variations in structural details may be made in the described package devices without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is to be broadly construed within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A recloseable multiple seal package comprising a container having a bottom and side wall portions extending upwardly-from said bottom, the upper ends of said wall portions defining an open mouth portion, a laterally directed flange extending outwardly of said wall portions, said flange including a planar upper surface, a cap member disposed in closing position of said mouth portion, said cap member including a depend-ing skirt disposed within said container and frictionally engaging inner faces of said side wall portions, said cap member including perimetrical portions disposed in coplanar alignment with said upper surface of said flange, a raised table portion formed on said cap member within the area defined by said skirt, said table portion including an upper planar face portion in substantial coplanar alignment with said upper surface of said flange, a resilient closure film sealingly connected to said flange along a first substantially continuous perimetrical seal line, said film having indicia means in registry with said table and being sealingly connected to said table at least in the area in registry with said indicia means.

2. A package in accordance with claim 1 and including a weakened tear line in said film surrounding said indicia means.

3. A package in accordance with claim 1 and including a second continuous perimetrical seal area between said film and said perimetrical portion of said cap.

4. A container in accordance with claim 1 wherein said table portion includes upwardly directed side wall portions spaced inwardly from said skirt of said cap member.

5. A container in accordance with claim 4 wherein said film includes a weakened tear line formed in substantial coincidence with said side wall portions of said table.

6. A container in accordance with claim 5 wherein said tear line surrounds said indicia means.