CONTAINER CLOSURE

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/063,714, filed Oct. 14, 2014, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a package, and particularly to a package including a closure for mounting on a brim of a container. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a re-closable closure provided with a membrane sheet that mates with a container brim when the closure is mounted on the container brim.

[0003] According to the present disclosure, a package includes a closure adapted to mate with a brim of a container to close an opening that opens into an interior product-storage region formed in the container.

[0004] In illustrative embodiments, the closure includes a sheet-support ring and a multi-layer sheet. The sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim by a snap-fit connection. The multi-layer sheet is coupled permanently to the sheet-support ring by a permanent bond and coupled temporarily to an upwardly facing surface of the brim by a temporary bond to cause an endless hermetic seal to be established between the brim and the multi-layer sheet. The multi-layer sheet is configured to provide means for communicating visually to a user that the closure has been separated from the container previously in response to separation of the closure from the container.

[0005] In illustrative embodiments, the multi-layer sheet includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and a coupling layer. The outer layer is spaced apart from the brim. The inner layer is located between the outer layer and brim and cooperates with the brim to establish the temporary bond. The coupling layer is located between the inner and outer layers and is configured to provide means for causing an inner portion of the inner layer to delaminate in a controlled manner from the coupling layer in response to separation of the sheet-support ring from the brim a first time to cause the film lid to be established while maintaining the hermetic seal between the film lid and the brim so that the removable cover is established for covering the top aperture after the film lid is removed and separated from the container. In illustrative embodiments, the coupling layer is an adhesive layer.

[0006] In illustrative embodiments, the inner layer includes an inner portion, an outer portion, and a peel-initiation zone. The outer portion is located in spaced-apart relation to the inner portion. The peel-initiation zone is located between the inner portion and the outer portion and is configured to provide means for causing the inner portion of the inner layer to delaminate in a controlled manner from the coupling layer in response to separation of the sheet-support ring from the brim to cause the film lid to be established while maintaining the hermetic seal between the film lid and the brim so that the removable cover is established for covering the top aperture after the film lid is removed and separated from the container.

[0007] Also in accordance with the present disclosure, in illustrative embodiments, a package includes a container and a closure. The container includes a bowl formed to include a product-storage region therein and a brim coupled to the bowl and formed to include a top aperture arranged to open into the product-storage region. The closure includes a sheet-support ring and a multi-layer sheet. The sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim. The multi-layer sheet includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and a coupling layer. The outer layer is coupled permanently to the sheet-support ring by a first permanent bond. The inner layer is coupled temporarily to an upwardly facing surface of the brim by a temporary bond to cause an endless seal to be established between the brim and the inner layer of the multi-layer sheet. The coupling layer is located between the inner and outer layers and configured to provide means for communicating visually to a user that the closure has been separated previously from the container by a user.

[0008] Also in accordance with the present disclosure, in illustrative embodiments, a package includes a container and a closure. The container includes a bowl formed to include a product-storage region therein and a brim coupled to the bowl and formed to include a top aperture arranged to open into the product-storage region. The closure includes a sheet-support ring and a multi-layer sheet. The sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim. The multi-layer sheet is coupled permanently to the sheet-support ring by a permanent bond and coupled temporarily to an upwardly facing surface of the brim by a temporary bond to cause an endless hermetic seal to be established between the brim and the multi-layer sheet. The sheet-support ring is configured to provide means for communicating visually to a user that the closure has been separated from the container previously in response to separation of the closure from the container.

[0009] Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the disclosure as presently perceived.

[0031] A first embodiment of a package 10 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown, for example, in FIG. 1. Package 10 includes a container 12 and a closure 14 mounted on container 12 to close selectively a top aperture 16 formed in container 12 as suggested in FIGS. 2 and 7. Closure 14 includes a sheet-support ring 24 and a multi-layer sheet 22 configured to provide means for communicating visually to a user that closure 14 has been separated from container 12 previously in response to separation of closure 14 from container 12. A second embodiment of a package 110 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 9. A third embodiment of a package 210 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 10-13. A fourth embodiment of a package 310 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 14-20.

[0032] Package 10 is configured to receive and store products such as, for example, food. Container 12 includes a bowl 17 that is formed to include an interior product-storage region 36 therein and top aperture 16 that is arranged to open into interior product-storage region 36. Closure 14 is configured to mount on container 12 to close top aperture 16 and selectively block access to interior product-storage region 36.

[0033] Container 12 includes bowl 17 and a brim 18 as shown, for example, in FIG. 2. Closure 14 is mounted on brim 18 of container 12 as suggested in FIGS. 1-5. Closure 14 includes multi-layer sheet 22 and sheet-support ring 24 as shown in FIGS. 1-5. Multi-layer sheet 22 is coupled permanently to sheet-support ring 24 by a permanent bond 42P as shown in FIG. 3. Multi-layer sheet 22 is bonded temporarily by a temporary bond 42T to an upwardly facing top surface 18U of container brim 18 at a container-filling factory to establish an endless hermetic seal between closure 14 and container brim 18 as suggested in FIGS. 1-5.

[0034] Multi-layer sheet 22 includes an outer layer 22A, an inner layer 22C spaced apart from outer layer 22A, and a coupling layer 22B located therebetween as shown in FIG. 4. In one example, coupling layer 22B is an adhesive layer 22B. While multi-layer sheet 22 is shown to include three layers, more or less layers may be included in accordance with the present disclosure. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/454,283, filed on Aug. 7, 2014, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for disclosure relating to multi-layer sheet compositions and formulations of various layers therein in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0035] Closure 14 is coupled to container 12 in a container-filling factory. As a result, multi-layer sheet 22 is coupled to brim 18 of container 12 by temporary bond 42T (represented as XXXXXXX) as shown in FIG. 4. Portions of multi-layer sheet 22 are coupled to sheet-support ring 24 by permanent bond 42P. Package 10 is opened in a series of illustrative steps in which package 10 assumes various configurations including a closed-sealed arrangement as shown in FIG. 1, an opened-sealed arrangement as shown in FIG. 6, an opened arrangement as shown in FIG. 7, and a closed arrangement as shown in FIG. 8.

[0036] Package 10 is established in the container-filling factory in the closed-sealed arrangement. When in the closed-sealed arrangement, a continuous hermetic seal is established between multi-layer sheet 22 and brim 18 by temporary bond 42T. In one example, temporary bond 42T is a heat bond formed as a result of a sealing head using heat to establish temporary bond 42T.

[0037] A consumer/purchaser/user of package 10 in the field (e.g., home) causes package 10 to assume the opened-sealed arrangement by pulling sheet-support ring 24 away from container 12. As a result, portions of inner layer 22C of multi-layer sheet 22 delaminate in a controlled manner to cause a removable cover 20 and a film lid 26 to be established as shown in FIG. 6. During controlled delamination, an outer portion 22C1 of inner layer 22C of multi-layer sheet 22 remains coupled to coupling layer 22B and sheet-support ring 24 establishing removable cover 20 as shown in FIG. 8. A remaining inner portion 22C2 of inner layer 22C remains coupled to brim 18 by temporary bond 42T to establish film lid 26 as shown in FIG. 6.

[0038] Inner layer 22C includes a peel-initiation zone 28 located between inner portion 22C2 and outer portion 22C1 of inner layer 22C as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. Peel-initiation zone 28 is configured to provide means for causing inner layer 22C to delaminate in a controlled manner in response to separation of sheet-support ring 24 from brim 18 to cause film lid 26 to be established while maintaining the hermetic seal between film lid 26 and brim 18 so that removable cover 20 is established for covering top aperture 16 after film lid 26 is removed and separated from container 12.

[0039] In one illustrative example, peel-initiation zone 28 is an area of weakness in inner layer 22C of multi-layer sheet 22. The area of weakness may be a series of spaced-apart cuts formed in multi-layer sheet 22 and extending through only inner layer 22C. The area of weakness may be a continuous cut formed in multi-layer sheet 22 that extends only through inner layer 22C. In one embodiment, the area of weakness is a continuous and uninterrupted cut formed in inner layer 22C and arranged to extend only through inner layer 22C. The cut is located between inner portion 22C2 of inner layer 22C and outer portion 22C1 of inner layer 22C.

[0040] In another illustrative example, peel-initiation zone 28 is formed as a result of inner layer 22C being configured to fracture during removal of sheet-support ring 24 from brim 18 in such a way as to establish film lid 26 that maintains the hermetic seal between brim 18 and film lid 26. A combination of factors may be adjusted to provide for a peel-initiation zone 28 in accordance with the present disclosure. The factors may include the inner layer formulation, adhesive strength of adhesive layer 22B, and the strength of temporary bond 42T formed between inner layer 22C and brim 18.

[0041] As shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 4, sheet-support ring 24 includes a support band 32 arranged to extend around brim 18 and a closure-opening tab 38. Closure-opening tab 38 is appended to support band 32 to extend outwardly beyond a perimeter of support band 32 and is configured to be grasped by a consumer/purchaser/user of package 10 in the field (e.g., home) and simplify application of an opening force to closure 14 to cause package 10 to assume the opened-sealed arrangement.

[0042] Multi-layer sheet 22 includes a body 40 arranged to cover and close top aperture 16 when package 10 is in the closed-sealed arrangement or the opened-sealed arrangement and a peel-initiation tab 44 as shown in FIG. 6. Peel-initiation tab 44 is appended to body 40 of multi-layer sheet 22 and arranged to extend beyond brim 18 to simplify removal of film lid 26 after delamination and removal of removable cover 20 from container 12. As a result of separating film lid 26 from container 12, package 10 is caused to assume the opened arrangement of package 10 in which access to interior product-storage region 36 is allowed through top aperture 16 as shown in FIG. 7.

[0043] After film lid 26 is separated from container 12, removable cover 20 may be coupled to brim 18 to establish the closed arrangement as shown in FIG. 8. In the closed arrangement, removable cover 20 closes top aperture 16 and blocks access to interior product-storage region 36 by dust, dirt, etc. In one example, inner portion 22C2 of inner layer 22C delaminates from outer layer 22A to expose adhesive layer 22B. Adhesive layer 22B may be used to establish an adhesive bond between removable cover 20 and brim 18. As a result, access to interior product-storage region 36 by water, liquids, air etc. may be blocked or minimized.

[0044] In some embodiments, outer layer 22A includes a portion that is generally transparent to light and configured to communicate first visual information through the portion of outer layer 22A when package 10 is in a closed-sealed arrangement and is further configured to communicate second visual information through the portion of outer layer 22A when package 10 is in an opened arrangement. Coupling layer 22B includes a portion that is transparent to light and configured to allow a user to view visual information through the portion of coupling layer 22B.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first visual information is one of an image, text, embossing, or a color and is included in inner layer 22C. In some embodiments, the second visual information is one of an image, text, embossing, or a color, the second visual information is different than the first visual information, and the second visual information is included in brim 18 of container 12.

[0046] Another embodiment of a package 110 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 9. Package 110 includes a container 112 and a closure 114. Package 110 may be arranged in one of a closed-sealed arrangement, an opened-sealed arrangement, an opened arrangement, and a closed arrangement at the option of the user as suggested in FIG. 9.

[0047] Container 112 includes bowl 117 and a brim 118 as shown, for example, in FIG. 9. Closure 114 is mounted on brim 118 of container 112 as suggested in FIG. 9. Closure 114 includes a multi-layer sheet 122 and a sheet-support ring 124 as shown in FIG. 9. Multi-layer sheet 122 is coupled permanently to sheet-support ring 124 by a permanent bond. Multi-layer sheet 122 is bonded temporarily by a temporary bond to an upwardly facing top surface 118U of container brim 118 at a container-filling factory to establish an endless hermetic seal between closure 114 and container brim 118 as suggested in FIG. 9.

[0048] Multi-layer sheet 122 includes an outer layer, an inner layer spaced apart from the outer layer, and an adhesive layer located therebetween. While multi-layer sheet 122 is shown to include three layers, more or less layers may be included in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0049] Closure 114 is coupled to container 112 in a container-filling factory. As a result, multi-layer sheet 122 is coupled to brim 118 of container 112 by a temporary bond. Portions of multi-layer sheet 122 are coupled to sheet-support ring 124 by a permanent bond. Package 110 is opened in a series of steps in which package 110 assumes various configurations including the closed-sealed arrangement, the opened-sealed arrangement, the opened arrangement, and the closed arrangement as shown in FIG. 9.

[0050] A consumer/purchaser/user of package 110 in the field (e.g., home) causes package 110 to assume the opened-sealed arrangement by pulling sheet-support ring 124 away from container 112. As a result, portions of the inner layer of multi-layer sheet 122 delaminate in a controlled manner to cause a removable cover 120 and a film lid 126 to be established as shown in FIG. 9. During controlled delamination, an outer portion of the inner layer of multi-layer sheet 122 remains coupled to the adhesive layer and sheet-support ring 124 establishing removable cover 120 as shown in FIG. 9. A remaining inner portion of the inner layer remains coupled to brim 118 by the temporary bond to establish film lid 126 as shown in FIG. 9.

[0051] The inner layer includes a peel-initiation zone located between the inner portion and the outer portion of the inner layer. The peel-initiation zone is configured to provide means for causing a portion of the inner layer to delaminate in a controlled manner in response to separation of sheet-support ring 124 from brim 118 to cause film lid 126 to be established while maintaining the hermetic seal between film lid 126 and brim 118 so that removable cover 120 is established for covering a top aperture 116 after film lid 126 is removed and separated from container 112.

[0052] After film lid 126 is separated from container 112, removable cover 120 may be coupled to brim 118 to establish the closed arrangement. In the closed arrangement, removable cover 120 closes top aperture 116 and blocks access to interior product-storage region 136 by dust, dirt, etc. In one example, the inner portion of the inner layer delaminates from the outer layer to expose the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may be used to establish an adhesive bond between the removable cover and the brim 118. As a result, access to interior product-storage region 136 by water, liquids, air etc. may be blocked or minimized.

[0053] Another embodiment of a package 210 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 10-13. Package 210, is configured to receive and store products such as, for example, food. Package 210 includes container 12 and a closure 214 mounted on container 12 to close selectively top aperture 16 formed in container 12 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12. Closure 214 includes sheet-support ring 24 and a multi-layer sheet 222 configured to provide means for communicating visually to a user that closure 214 has been separated from container 12 previously in response to separation of closure 214 from container 12.

[0054] Container 12 includes bowl 17 that is formed to include interior product-storage region 36 therein and top aperture 16 that is arranged to open into interior product-storage region 36 as shown in FIG. 11. Closure 214 is configured to mount on container 12 to close top aperture 16 and selectively block access to interior product-storage region 36 as shown in FIGS. 10, 12, and 13.

[0055] Closure 214 is mounted on brim 18 of container 12 as shown in FIG. 10. Closure 214 includes multi-layer sheet 222 and sheet-support ring 24 as shown in FIGS. 10-13. Multi-layer sheet 222 is coupled permanently to sheet-support ring 24 by a permanent bond 242P as shown in FIG. 12. Multi-layer sheet 222 is bonded temporarily by a temporary bond 242T to an upwardly facing top surface 18U of container brim 18 at the container-filling factory to establish an endless hermetic seal between closure 214 and container brim 18 as suggested in FIGS. 10-13.

[0056] Multi-layer sheet 222 includes an outer layer 222A, an inner layer 222C spaced apart from outer layer 222A, and a coupling layer 222B located therebetween as shown in FIG. 12. In one example, coupling layer 222B is an adhesive layer 222B. While multi-layer sheet 222 is shown to include three layers, more or less layers may be included in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0057] Closure 214 is coupled to container 12 in the container-filling factory. As a result, multi-layer sheet 222 is coupled to brim 18 of container 12 by temporary bond 242T (represented as XXXXXXX) as shown in FIG. 12. Outer layer 222A of multi-layer sheet 222 is coupled to sheet-support ring 24 by permanent bond 242P. Package 210 is opened in a series of illustrative steps in which package 210 assumes various configurations including a closed-sealed arrangement as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, an opened-sealed arrangement, an opened arrangement as shown in FIG. 11, and a closed arrangement as shown in FIG. 13.

[0058] Package 210 is established in the container-filling factory in the closed-sealed arrangement. When in the closed-sealed arrangement, a continuous hermetic seal is established between multi-layer sheet 222 and brim 18 by temporary bond 242T. In one example, temporary bond 242T is a heat bond formed as a result of a sealing head using heat to establish temporary bond 242T.

[0059] A consumer/purchaser/user of package 210 in the field (e.g., home) causes package 210 to assume the opened-sealed arrangement by pulling sheet-support ring 24 away from container 12. As a result, inner layer 222C of multi-layer sheet 222 delaminates in a controlled manner to cause a removable cover 220 and a film lid 226 to be established as suggested in FIG. 11. During controlled delamination, outer layer 222A of multi-layer sheet 222 remains coupled to coupling layer 222B and sheet-support ring 24 establishing removable cover 220 as suggested in FIG. 11. Inner layer 222C remains coupled to brim 18 by temporary bond 242T to establish film lid 226.

[0060] In other embodiments, during controlled delamination, outer layer 222A of multi-layer sheet 222 remains coupled to sheet-support ring 24 establishing removable cover 220. Inner layer 222C remains coupled to coupling layer 222B and brim 18 by temporary bond 242T to establish film lid 226.

[0061] In some embodiments, inner layer 222C includes a peel-initiation zone 228 that extends outward beyond brim 18 as shown in FIG. 11. Peel-initiation zone 228 is configured to provide means for causing inner layer 222C to delaminate in a controlled manner in response to separation of sheet-support ring 24 from brim 18 to cause film lid 226 to be established while maintaining the hermetic seal between film lid 226 and brim 18 so that removable cover 220 is established for covering top aperture 16 after film lid 226 is removed and separated from container 12.

[0062] In one illustrative example, peel-initiation zone 228 is an area of weakness in inner layer 222C of multi-layer sheet 222. The area of weakness may be a series of spaced-apart cuts formed in multi-layer sheet 222 and extending through only inner layer 222C. The area of weakness may be a continuous cut formed in multi-layer sheet 222 that extends only through inner layer 222C.

[0063] In another illustrative example, peel-initiation zone 228 is formed as a result of inner layer 222C being configured to fracture during removal of sheet-support ring 24 from brim 18 in such a way as to establish film lid 226 that maintains the hermetic seal between brim 18 and film lid 226. A combination of factors may be adjusted to provide for a peel-initiation zone 228 in accordance with the present disclosure. The factors may include the inner layer formulation, adhesive strength of adhesive layer 222B, and the strength of temporary bond 242T formed between inner layer 222C and brim 18.

[0064] As shown, for example, in FIG. 10, sheet-support ring 24 includes a support band 32 arranged to extend around brim 18 and a closure-opening tab 38. Closure-opening tab 38 is appended to support band 32 to extend outwardly beyond a perimeter of support band 32 and is configured to be grasped by a consumer/purchaser/user of package 210 in the field (e.g., home) and simplify application of an opening force to closure 214 to cause package 210 to assume the opened-sealed arrangement.

[0065] Multi-layer sheet 222 includes a body 240 arranged to cover and close top aperture 16 when package 210 is in the closed-sealed arrangement or the opened-sealed arrangement and a peel-initiation tab 244 as shown in FIG. 11. Peel-initiation tab 244 is appended to body 240 of multi-layer sheet 222 and arranged to extend beyond brim 18 to simplify removal of film lid 226 after delamination and removal of removable cover 220 from container 12. As a result of separating film lid 226 from container 12, package 210 is caused to assume the opened arrangement of package 210 in which access to interior product-storage region 36 is allowed through top aperture 16 as shown in FIG. 11.

[0066] After film lid 226 is separated from container 12, removable cover 220 may be coupled to brim 18 to establish the closed arrangement as shown in FIG. 13. In the closed arrangement, removable cover 220 closes top aperture 16 and blocks access to interior product-storage region 36 by dust, dirt, etc. In one example, inner layer 222C delaminates from outer layer 222A to expose adhesive layer 222B. Adhesive layer 222B may be used to establish an adhesive bond between removable cover 220 and brim 18. As a result, access to interior product-storage region 36 by water, liquids, air etc. may be blocked or minimized.

[0067] Another embodiment of a package 310 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 14-20. Package 310, is configured to receive and store products such as, for example, food. Package 310 includes container 112 and a closure 314 mounted on container 112 to close selectively top aperture 116 formed in container 112 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 18. Closure 314 includes sheet-support ring 324 and a multi-layer sheet 322 configured to provide means for communicating visually to a user that closure 314 has been separated from container 112 previously in response to separation of closure 314 from container 112.

[0068] Container 112 includes bowl 117 that is formed to include interior product-storage region 136 therein and top aperture 116 that is arranged to open into interior product-storage region 136 as shown in FIG. 16. Closure 314 is configured to mount on container 112 to close top aperture 116 and selectively block access to interior product-storage region 136 as shown in FIGS. 14-20.

[0069] Closure 314 is mounted on brim 118 of container 112 as shown in FIG. 14. Closure 314 includes multi-layer sheet 322 and sheet-support ring 324 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 18. Multi-layer sheet 322 is coupled permanently to sheet-support ring 324 by a permanent bond 342P as shown in FIGS. 18 and 20. Multi-layer sheet 322 is bonded temporarily by a temporary bond 342T to upwardly facing top surface 118U of container brim 118 at the container-filling factory to establish an endless hermetic seal between closure 314 and container brim 118 as suggested in FIG. 18.

[0070] Illustratively, multi-layer sheet 322 includes an outer layer 322A and an inner layer 322C as shown in FIG. 18. While multi-layer sheet 322 is shown to include two layers, more or less layers may be included in accordance with the present disclosure. As an example, multi-layer sheet 322 may include a coupling layer located between the outer layer 322A and the inner layer 322C. Coupling layer may couple inner layer 322C to outer layer 322A. In one example, coupling layer is an adhesive layer.

[0071] Illustratively, inner layer 322C extends about halfway down an outer surface of upper annular band 352 as shown in FIG. 19. In other embodiments, inner layer 322C extends less than about halfway down the outer surface of upper annular band 352. In other embodiments, inner layer 322C extends more than about halfway down the outer surface of upper annular band 352. In other embodiments, inner layer 322C extends downwardly beyond a bottom surface of upper annular band 352.

[0072] Illustratively, outer layer 322A extends more than about halfway down an outer surface of lower annular band 354 as shown in FIG. 20. In other embodiments, outer layer 322B extends less than about halfway down the outer surface of lower annular band 354. In other embodiments, outer layer 322B extends about halfway down the outer surface of lower annular band 354. In other embodiments, outer layer 322B extends downwardly beyond a bottom surface of lower annular band 354.

[0073] In the illustrative embodiment, outer layer 322A and inner layer 322C comprise materials that resist bonding to one another so that outer layer 322A does not bond to inner layer 322C. In the illustrative embodiment, inner layer 322C extends partway down the outer surface of upper annular band 352. As such, a gap is formed between outer layer 322A and upper annular band 352 as shown in FIG. 18.

[0074] Sheet-support ring 324 includes an upper annular band 352, a lower annular band 354 located in spaced-apart relationship to upper annular band 352, and a series of frangible connectors 356 as shown in FIG. 18. Frangible connectors 356 are arranged to extend between and interconnect upper annular band 352 and lower annular band 354 to cause lower annular band 354 to separate and move away from upper annular band 352 in response to application of a cover-removal force to lower annular band 354.

[0075] Closure 314 is coupled to container 112 in the container-filling factory. As a result, multi-layer sheet 322 is coupled to brim 118 of container 112 by temporary bond 342T (represented as XXXXXXX) as shown in FIG. 18. Outer layer 322A of multi-layer sheet 322 is coupled to sheet-support ring 324 by permanent bond 342P. Package 310 is opened in a series of illustrative steps in which package 310 assumes various configurations including a closed-sealed arrangement as shown in FIGS. 14 and 18, an opened-sealed arrangement as shown in FIGS. 15 and 19, an opened arrangement as shown in FIG. 16, and a closed arrangement as shown in FIGS. 17 and 20.

[0076] Package 310 is established in the container-filling factory in the closed-sealed arrangement. When in the closed-sealed arrangement, a continuous hermetic seal is established between inner layer 322C and brim 118 by temporary bond 342T. In one example, temporary bond 342T is a heat bond formed as a result of a sealing head using heat to establish temporary bond 342T.

[0077] A consumer/purchaser/user of package 310 in the field (e.g., home) causes package 310 to assume the opened-sealed arrangement by pulling lower annular band 354 of sheet-support ring 324 away from container 112. As a result, lower annular band 354 separates from upper annular band 352 at frangible connectors 356 in a controlled manner to cause a removable cover 320 and a film lid 326 to be established as suggested in FIG. 15. During controlled separation, outer layer 322A of multi-layer sheet 322 remains coupled to lower annular band 354 of sheet-support ring 324 establishing removable cover 320 as suggested in FIGS. 15 and 20. Inner layer 322C remains coupled to upper annular band 352 and to brim 118 by temporary bond 342T to establish film lid 326 as shown in FIGS. 15 and 19.

[0078] Upper annular band 352 is formed to include a peel-initiation tab 344 as shown in FIG. 15. Peel-initiation tab 344 is arranged to extend beyond brim 118 to simplify removal of film lid 326 after delamination and removal of removable cover 320 from container 112. As a result of separating film lid 326 from container 112, package 310 is caused to assume the opened arrangement of package 310 in which access to interior product-storage region 136 is allowed through top aperture 116 as shown in FIG. 16.

[0079] After film lid 326 is separated from container 112, removable cover 320 may be coupled to brim 118 to establish the closed arrangement as shown in FIGS. 17 and 20. In the closed arrangement, removable cover 320 closes top aperture 116 and blocks access to interior product-storage region 136 by dust, dirt, etc. In one example, inner layer 322C delaminates from outer layer 322A to expose adhesive layer 322B. Adhesive layer 322B may be used to establish an adhesive bond between removable cover 320 and brim 118. As a result, access to interior product-storage region 136 by water, liquids, air etc. may be blocked or minimized.

[0080] In some embodiments, inner layer 322C includes a peel-initiation zone configured to provide means for causing inner layer 322C to delaminate from a coupling layer in a controlled manner in response to separation of lower annular band 354 of sheet-support ring 324 from brim 118 to cause film lid 326 to be established while maintaining the hermetic seal between film lid 326 and brim 118 so that removable cover 320 is established for covering top aperture 116 after film lid 326 is removed and separated from container 112.

[0081] In one example, peel-initiation zone is an area of weakness in inner layer 322C of multi-layer sheet 322. The area of weakness may be a series of spaced-apart cuts formed in multi-layer sheet 322 and extending through only inner layer 322C. The area of weakness may be a continuous cut formed in multi-layer sheet 322 that extends only through inner layer 322C.

[0082] In another illustrative example, peel-initiation zone is formed as a result of inner layer 322C being configured to fracture during removal of lower annular band 354 of sheet-support ring 324 from brim 118 in such a way as to establish film lid 326 that maintains the hermetic seal between brim 118 and film lid 326. A combination of factors may be adjusted to provide for a peel-initiation zone in accordance with the present disclosure. The factors may include the inner layer formulation, adhesive strength of adhesive layer 322B, and the strength of temporary bond 342T formed between inner layer 322C and brim 118.

[0083] In some embodiments, lower annular band 354 included in sheet-support ring 324 includes a support band arranged to extend around brim 118 and a closure-opening tab. Closure-opening tab is appended to support band to extend outwardly beyond a perimeter of support band and is configured to be grasped by a consumer/purchaser/user of package 310 in the field (e.g., home) and simplify application of an opening force to closure 314 to cause package 310 to assume the opened-sealed arrangement.

[0084] In another illustrative embodiment, a multi-layer sheet in accordance with the present disclosure may include an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer may be arranged to face toward the container and configured to bond temporarily with the brim of the container. The outer layer may be arranged to face away from the container. The multi-layer sheet may further include coupling means for coupling the inner layer to the outer layer to cause the inner layer to be carried with the outer layer during application of the closure to the container in the container-filling factory. The coupling means may be an adhesive layer interconnecting the layers as shown in FIG. 4, a static attraction formed between the layers, a heat bond formed between the layers, or any other suitable alternatives and combinations.

[0085] In another illustrative example, the upper layer of the multi-layer sheet may include a portion that is transparent and configured to allow a user to view images, text, or embossing formed on the inner layer. The inner layer may include images, text, or embossing configured to communicate visually to a user that the container is in the closed-sealed arrangement. After the user separates the removable cover from the film lid, removes the film lid from the container, and replaces the removable cover, the images, text, or embossing is no longer visible to the user. Thus, the user understands that the package has been configured in the closed arrangement.

[0086] In another illustrative example, a different set of text, images, or embossing may be located on the upper surface of the brim. Once the film lid is removed, the different set of text, images, or embossing is now visible and is configured to communicate visually to a user through the removable cover that the package has been configured in the closed arrangement.

[0087] In yet another illustrative example, the outer layer may be transparent or semi-transparent and tinted with a first color. The inner layer may have a different second color. When the package is in the closed-sealed arrangement, the combination of the first color and the second color cooperate together to establish a different third color. The presence of the different third color communicates visually to a user that the container is in the closed-sealed arrangement. After the user separates the removable cover from the film lid, removes the film lid from the container, and replaces the removable cover, only the first color of the outer layer is now present. Thus, the first color only being seen communicates visually that the package has been configured in the closed arrangement. In one example, the first color is yellow, the second color is blue, and the third color is green. However, any other suitable combination of colors may be used in accordance with the present disclosure. The addition of text, images, or embossing may also be used.

[0088] In another example, the color change may occur during separation of the outer layer from the inner layer due to fracture of one or both layers. As a result of fracture, material may change in color to application of stress to the material. In one example, a translucent material may turn opaque as a result of stress applied to the material during separation of the outer layer from the inner layer.

[0089] In illustrative embodiments, outer layer comprises one or more materials that do not heat seal to materials included in inner layer. In some embodiments, outer layer comprises one or more materials that resist heat sealing to materials included in inner layer. As such, issues of forming a heat seal between outer layer and inner layer are reduced so that inner layer may peel away from outer layer and adhesive layer.

[0090] In some embodiments, outer layer comprises nylon to block the formation of a heat seal between outer layer and inner layer. In some embodiments, multi-layer sheet includes a nylon layer (not shown) to block the formation of a heat seal between outer layer and inner layer.

[0091] In some embodiments, a permanent adhesive is printed on an outer portion of adhesive layer 22B where outer layer 22A bonds to sheet-support ring 24 and a pressure sensitive adhesive is used for an inner portion of adhesive layer 22B to couple inner layer 22C to outer layer 22A. As an example, adhesive may be printed on outer portion of adhesive layer 22B when used with a registered printing process.

[0092] In one example, a multi-layer sheet includes several layers that cooperate together to establish the outer layer, the coupling layer, and the inner layer. In one example, the outer layer is a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the coupling layer is a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), and the inner layer is a polypropylene (PP) material suitable for sealing to a polypropylene container.

[0093] In another example, the outer layer may be about 48 gauge PET and be laminated to a high barrier material. The high barrier material includes, for example, a 3.0 mil PP layer, a tie layer, an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) layer, a tie layer, and a PP layer. The coupling layer may be arranged to locate the barrier layer between the coupling layer and the outer layer and be made from S 8825 PSA available from Avery Dennison. The inner layer may include, for example, a 2.0 mil PP layer, a tie layer, a nylon layer, a tie layer, and a PP layer suitable for sealing to a polypropylene container.

[0094] The 48 gauge PET film may be laminated to a high barrier, 3.0 mil PP/EVOH/PP coextrusion film. This laminate may be adhesive coated with a low tack pressure sensitive adhesive and laminated to a 2.0 mil PP/nylon/PP peelable seal coextruded film.

[0095] When the multi-layer sheet (48 Ga PET/(3.0 mil PP/tie/EVOH/tie/PP film)/S 8825 PSA*/2.0 mil PP/tie/nylon/tie/PP peelable seal) is coupled to a PP sheet-support ring, increased amounts of heat and pressure are applied to fuse the PP-PSA-PP peelable seal layers to form a permanent bond between the multi-layer sheet and the sheet-support ring. The inner layer may be kiss cut between the inside of the sheet-support ring and the outside of the temporary bond to seal the brim of the container. This may allow removal of the removable cover from the container leaving behind the film lid coupled to the container to provide evidence of tampering.

[0096] In one example, each of an inner layer, an outer layer, and a coupling layer included in a multi-layer sheet may comprise one or more layers. In one example, the outer layer is a PET, the coupling layer 22B includes an adhesive layer 22B 1 and a release coating 22B2, and the inner layer is a PP material suitable for sealing to a PP container as suggested in FIG. 4.

[0097] In another example, the outer layer may be about 92 gauge PET. The outer layer may be reverse printed with registered printing of ink and a release coating. In one example, the release coating a lacquer coating WKVFS0115713 provided by Sun Chemical. The reverse printed outer layer with release coating is then coupled to a barrier layer and the inner layer by the adhesive layer. In one example, the adhesive layer is a urethane adhesive system, for example, Morfree L75-164/Morfree C 411. The barrier layer in one example includes about a 3.0 mil PP layer, a tie layer, an EVOH layer, and a tie layer. The inner layer in another example is a PP layer suitable for sealing to a container. The barrier layer and inner layer may be kiss cut in register to the release coating which allows removal of the removable cover while leaving behind the film lid coupled to the container.

[0098] In one example, each of an inner layer, an outer layer, and a coupling layer included in a multi-layer sheet may comprise one or more layers. In one example, the outer layer is a PET, the coupling layer includes a wax material, and the inner layer is a PP material suitable for sealing to a PP container.

[0099] In another example, the outer layer includes about a 48 gauge PET layer, a 1.5 mil nylon layer, a tie layer, and a PP layer. The 48 gauge PET layer may be adhesively laminated to the 1.5 mil nylon layer, tie layer, and PP layer. This combination of layers may then be bonded permanently to a sheet-support ring to form the removable cover. The wax material is then coated on an inner surface of the removable cover. In one example, the wax material is 5 G wax from Hase Petroleum. The inner layer includes, for example, a 1.5 mil nylon layer, a tie layer, and a PP layer suitable for sealing to a PP container. The inner layer may be die cut from a larger sheet and inserted into the removable cover to establish the closure. The HP 5G wax has adequate tack to couple and hold the inner layer in place inside relative to the removable cover. After the closure has been bonded temporarily to the container, the film lid remains bonded temporarily to the container upon removal of the removable cover. The low tack of the HP 5G wax provides easy separation of the film lid from the removable cover. Low tack pressure sensitive adhesives can also be used in place of the HP 5G wax.

[0100] In one example, a multi-layer sheet is made from a laminate which includes, for example, a protective layer (also called outer layer), a skin layer, an adhesive layer (also called coupling layer), and a sealant layer (also called inner layer). The adhesive layer has a relatively high melt Mass-Flow Rate (MFR) and the sealant layer comprises a polypropylene homopolymer having a relatively high melt MFR. The high melt MFR of the sealant layer is compatible with the high melt MFR of the adhesive layer which simplifies manufacture of the multi-layer sheet. Another example of a multi-layer sheet includes a protective layer (also called outer layer), a skin layer, a barrier layer, an adhesive layer (also called coupling layer), and a sealant layer (also called inner layer).

[0101] In one illustrative example, the protective layer is made from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). In another illustrative example, the protective layer is made from Oriented Polypropylene (OPP). In still yet another example, the protective layer is made from Bi-axially Oriented Nylon (BON). In still yet another example, the protective layer may include two or more sub-layers where a first sub-layer is one of PET, OPP, and BON and the second sub-layer is ink printed on an inner surface of the first sub-layer so that the ink sub-layer is located between the first sub-layer and the skin layer. Once the protective layer is formed, the protective layer may be laminated to the skin layer in any suitable manner.

[0102] In one illustrative example, the skin layer is made from Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE). In another example, the skin layer is made from LDPE having a melt index of about 6 g/10 min as tested according to ASTM Test Method D 1238. In still yet another example, the skin layer is made from PETROTHENE® NA334000 LDPE made by Lyondell Chemical Company of Houston, Tex.

[0103] In another example, the skin layer is made from a Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE). In another example, the skin layer is made from DOWLEX™ 2035 LLDPE made by DOW® Chemical Company.

[0104] In another example, the skin layer is made from a hexene copolymer LMDPE. In another example, the skin layer is made from NOVAPOL® TF-0438-E LMDPE made by NOVA Chemicals® of Moon Township, Pa.

[0105] In another example, the skin layer is made from a blend of LLDPE and hexene copolymer LMDPE. In one example, the blend is about 20% by weight (wt %) LLDPE and 80 wt % hexene copolymer LMDPE. In yet another example, the blend is about 80 wt % LLDPE and about 20 wt % hexene copolymer LLDPE. The LLDPE may be DOWLEX™ 2035 LDPE made by DOW® Chemical Company and the hexene copolymer LMDPE may be NOVAPOL® TF-0438-E LMDPE made by NOVA Chemicals® of Moon Township, Pa.

[0106] In another illustrative example, the skin layer is made from a blend of LDPE and Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE). In another example, the skin layer is made from about 50 wt % PETROTHENE® NA334000 LDPE and about 50 wt % DOWLEX™ 2035 LLDPE made by The DOW® Chemical Company.

[0107] In another illustrative example, the skin layer is made from a blend of about 60 wt % NOVAPOL® TF-0438-E hexene LMDPE made by NOVA Chemicals® of Moon Township, Pa., 35.5 wt % DOWLEX™ 2035 LLDPE, and about 2 wt % ABC2000HC high clarity anti-block concentrate made by Polyfil Corporation of Rockaway, N.J.

[0108] In still yet another example, the skin layer is made from a blend of LDPE and Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE). In yet another example, the skin layer is made from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). In still yet another example, the skin layer is made from a blend of LLDPE and MDPE. In another example, the skin layer is made from a blend of LLDPE and HDPE. In yet another example, the skin layer is made from Polypropylene (PP).

[0109] In one illustrative example, the adhesive layer is a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA). The PSA may have a relatively high melt Mass-Flow Rate (MFR) (190° C./2.16 kg) as measured by NF EN ISO 1113, cond 6, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In one example, the PSA has a melt MFR (190° C./2.16 kg) in a range of about 5 g/10 min to about 50 g/10 min. In another example, the PSA has a melt MFR (190° C./2.16 kg) in a range of about 8 g/10 min to about 45 g/10 min. In another example, the PSA has a melt MFR (190° C./2.16 kg) of about 8 g/10 min. In another example, the PSA has a melt MFR (190° C./2.16 kg) of about 45 g/10 min.

[0110] In another example, the adhesive layer is made from BOSTIK® M3156/T adhesive made by Bostik Limited of Staffordshire, UK. In another example, the adhesive layer is made from BOSTIK® M651 PSA made by Bostik Limited of Staffordshire, UK. In still yet another example, the adhesive layer is made from BOSTIK® M951/5 adhesive made by Bostik Limited of Staffordshire, UK. In still yet another example, the adhesive layer is made from a blend of about 50 wt % M651 and about 50 wt % BOSTIK® M3156/T.

[0111] In one illustrative example, the sealant layer is made from Polypropylene (PP). In another example, the sealant layer is made from homopolymer PP. In another example, the sealant layer is made from random PP. In still yet another example, the sealant layer is made from random or homopolymer PP having a melt flow rate of about 12 g/10 min to about 40 g/10 min. In still yet another example, the sealant layer is made from random or homopolymer PP having a melt flow rate of about 14 g/10 min to about 36 g/10 min. In one example, the sealant layer is made from TOTAL® Petrochemicals Polypropylene M3661 made by Total Petrochemicals of Houston, Tex. In another example, the sealant layer is made from EXXONMOBIL™ PP3155 made by EXXONMOBIL™ Chemical Company of Houston, Tex.

[0112] In another example, the sealant layer is made from a blend of PP and a polypropylene-based elastomer. The addition of the polypropylene-based elastomer maximizes peel consistency by minimizing formation of stringers during peeling the film lid away from the container. A stringer is a portion of the sealant layer which delaminates in an area other than the heat seal. In one example, the stringer remains coupled to the container providing an un-attractive appearance. Together, the blend of PP and the polypropylene-based elastomer provide a clean break or separation from the PSA during peeling film lid away from the container.

[0113] Elastomers are substantially amorphous polymers existing above a glass transition temperature at ambient conditions. One example of a polypropylene-based elastomer in accordance with the present disclosure is VISTAMAXX™ 3020FL made by EXXONMOBIL™ Chemical Company of Houston, Tex. VISTAMAXX™ 3020FL is an olefinic elastomer primarily composed of isotactic propylene repeat units with random ethylene distribution.

[0114] In one example, the polypropylene-based elastomer has a density of about 0.87 g/cm³. In another example, the polypropylene-based elastomer has a density of about 0.873 g/cm³. In another example, the polypropylene-based elastomer has a density of about 0.874 g/cm³. Density may be measured according to ASTM D1505 which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0115] The polypropylene-based elastomer has a melt index at 190° C./2.16 kg of about 1.1 g/10 min. The polypropylene-based elastomer has a melt Mass-Flow Rate (MFR) of about 2.0 g/10 min.

[0116] The polypropylene-based elastomer has a flexural modulus (1% secant) in a range of about 8600 psi to about 8700 psi as measured according to ASTM D790 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In one example, the polypropylene-based elastomer has a flexural modulus (1% secant) of about 8,650 psi. In another example, the polypropylene-based elastomer has a flexural modulus (1% secant) of about 8,700 psi.

[0117] The polypropylene-based elastomer has a tensile elongation in a range of about 45% to about 48% at yield according to ASTM D412 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In one example, the polypropylene-based elastomer has a tensile elongation of about 46% at yield. In another example, the polypropylene-based elastomer has a tensile elongation of about 48% at yield. The polypropylene-based elastomer has a tensile elongation of about 1,800% at break.

[0118] In the example where the sealant layer is made from a blend of PP and the polypropylene-based elastomer, the PP may be a low molecular weight polypropylene. In another example, the PP May be polypropylene homopolymer. One example of a polypropylene homopolymer in accordance with the present disclosure is EXXONMOBIL™ PP3155 made by EXXONMOBIL™ Chemical Company of Houston, Tex.

[0119] The polypropylene homopolymer may have a relatively high melt Mass-Flow Rate (MFR) (230° C./2.16 kg) as measured by ASTM D1238 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In one example, the polypropylene homopolymer has a melt MFR (230° C./2.16 kg) in a range of about 10 g/10 min to about 50 g/10 min. In another example, the polypropylene homopolymer has a melt MFR (230° C./2.16 kg) in a range of about 30 g/10 min to about 40 g/10 min. In another example, the polypropylene homopolymer has a melt MFR (230° C./2.16 kg) of about 36 g/10 min.

[0120] In one example, the polypropylene homopolymer having a relatively high melt MFR provides for improved processing during formation of the multi-layer peelable closure laminate. In the present example, the blend of PP homopolymer and polypropylene-based elastomer is next to and adjacent the PSA. The relatively high melt MFR of the polypropylene homopolymer provides for a viscosity during extrusion which is similar to the viscosity of the PSA. As a result, interfacial instability between the sealant layer and the adhesive layer is minimized.

[0121] Elastomers are typically amorphous polymers existing above a glass transition temperature at ambient conditions. One example of a polypropylene-based elastomer in accordance with the present disclosure is VISTAMAXX™ 3020FL made by EXXONMOBIL™ Chemical Company of Houston, Tex. VISTAMAXX™ 3020FL is an olefinic elastomer primarily composed of isotactic propylene repeat units with random ethylene distribution.

[0122] In the example where the sealant layer is a blend, the sealant layer may be about 60 wt % PP and about 40 wt % polypropylene-based elastomer. In still yet another example, the sealant layer is a blend of about 60 wt % EXXONMOBIL™ PP3155 and about 40 wt % VISTAMAXX™ 3020FL. In another example, the sealant layer is a blend of about 60 wt % EXXONMOBIL™ PP3155, about 30 wt % VISTAMAXX™ 3020FL made by EXXONMOBIL™ Chemical Company of Houston, Tex., and about 10 wt % Polyvel Inc. VF-P01 anti-fog PP made by Polyvel, Inc. of Hammonton, N.J. In yet another example, the sealant layer is a blend of at least 50 wt % EXXONMOBIL™ PP3155 made by EXXONMOBIL™ Chemical Company of Houston, Tex. and any other suitable resin.

[0123] In one example, the skin layer has a skin thickness, the adhesive layer has an adhesive thickness, and the sealant layer has a sealant thickness. Together, the skin thickness, the adhesive thickness, and the sealant thickness cooperate to establish an overall thickness.

[0124] In one example, the skin thickness is about 55% to about 60% of the overall thickness. In another example, the skin thickness is about 55% of the overall thickness. In yet another example, the skin thickness is about 60% of the overall thickness. In still yet another example, the skin thickness is about 58% of the overall thickness.

[0125] In one example, the adhesive thickness is about 26% to about 30% of the overall thickness. In another example, the adhesive thickness is about 26% of the overall thickness. In yet another example, the adhesive thickness is about 30% of the overall thickness. In still yet another example, the adhesive thickness is about 27% of the overall thickness.

[0126] In one example, the sealant thickness is about 14% to about 15% of the overall thickness. In another example, the sealant thickness is about 14% of the overall thickness. In yet another example, the sealant thickness is about 15% of the overall thickness.

[0127] In some examples, the multi-layer sheet may include a barrier layer. The barrier layer may include several sub-layers. For example, the barrier layer includes a first tie sub-layer, a sub-layer made from a material including Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH), and a second tie sub-layer. The EVOH is configured to maximize resistance to oxygen and moisture vapor moving through the closure between the product-storage region and an environment surrounding the package. The first tie sub-layer is located between the sub-layer including EVOH and the skin layer. The second tie sub-layer is located between the sub-layer including EVOH and the adhesive layer.

[0128] In one example, the sub-layer including EVOH is made from 100 wt % EVAL™ J171 made by EVAL Europe nv of Antwerp, Belgium. In another example, the sub-layer including EVOH is made from 100 wt % SOARNOL™ DC3203F made by Nippon Gohsei of Osaka, Japan. The first tie layer is configured to be compatible between the sub-layer including EVOH and the skin layer. In one illustrative example, the first tie sub-layer includes, for example, about 85 wt % PETROTHENE® NA334000 LDPE and about 15 wt % DUPONT™ BYNEL® 41E710. The second tie layer is configured to be compatible between the sub-layer including EVOH and the adhesive layer. The second tie sub-layer includes, for example, about 47 wt % NOVAPOL® TF-0338-E Linear Medium Density Polyethylene (LMDPE), 38% DOWLEX™ 2035 LLDPE, and about 15 wt % DUPONT™ BYNEL® 41E710 anhydride-modified, LLDPE made by DuPont Company of Wilmington, Del. However, any other suitable formulations of the tie layers may be used.

[0129] In another example, the barrier layer may be Polyvinylidene Chloride (PVdC) coating applied to one of the other layers included in the multi-layer sheet. In one example, the PVdC coating is applied to the protective layer. In another example, the PVdC coating is applied to the skin layer when no protective layer is present. While EVOH and PVdC may be used as suitable barrier materials, any other suitable barrier materials may be used.

[0130] The multi-layer sheet may have one or more layers between the seal layer and the adhesive layer. These layers can be made of similar or dissimilar materials and may or may not contain functional additives such as anti-fog, odor absorbers, anti-oxidants, etc.

[0131] The present disclosure relates to multi-layer sheets which include 100 wt % polypropylene (homopolymer or copolymer or random copolymer polypropylene) or a blend of polypropylene and elastomer sealant (sealant layer), a pressure sensitive adhesive core (adhesive layer) and a polyolefin skin layer (skin layer). The multi-layer sheet has an easy to open feature (easy-to-peel) and when peeled, the polypropylene seal layer (sealant layer) breaks away from the pressure sensitive adhesive layer (adhesive layer) due to bond failure between the film-support structure and the sealant layer. This is the result of interfacial bond strength between the first and second layers (sealant and adhesive layers) being lower than the bond strength formed between the first sealant layer (sealant layer) and another polypropylene based structure (film-support structure) during formation of the heat bond. After the first opening, since a portion of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer is exposed, only that part of the film structure will have a re-closeability feature with which the container can be re-closed.

[0132] This co-extruded film can be laminated to PET, BON, or Oriented Polypropylene (OPP) films to increase stiffness and temperature resistance. In addition, a film containing EVOH or a PVdC coating can be also laminated to improve the barrier resistance to oxygen or moisture vapor of the closure. These laminated structures with polypropylene sealant are heat sealable to any polypropylene based rigid containers with or without a barrier layer (EVOH or other).

[0133] According to the present disclosure, a package includes a container and a closure. The container includes a bowl formed to include a product-storage region therein and a brim coupled to the bowl. The brim formed to include a top aperture arranged to open into the product-storage region. The closure includes a sheet-support ring coupled to the brim and a multi-layer sheet coupled permanently to the sheet-support ring by a permanent bond and coupled temporarily to an upwardly facing surface of the brim by a temporary bond to cause an endless hermetic seal to be established between the brim and the multi-layer sheet. The multi-layer sheet being configured to provide means for communicating visually to a user that the closure has been separated from the container previously in response to separation of the closure from the container.

[0134] In some embodiments, the multi-layer sheet includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and a coupling layer. The outer layer is located in spaced-apart relation to the upwardly facing surface of the brim. The inner layer is located in spaced-apart relation to the outer layer and located between the outer layer and the upwardly facing surface of the brim. The coupling layer is located between the inner layer and the outer layer.

[0135] In some embodiments, the outer layer includes a portion that is generally transparent to light and configured to communicate first visual information through the portion of the outer layer when the package is in a closed-sealed arrangement in which the sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim of the container and the multi-layer sheet is coupled temporarily to the brim by the temporary bond. The portion of the outer layer that is generally transparent to light is further configured to communicate different second visual information through the portion of the outer layer when the package is in an opened arrangement in which the temporary bond between the inner layer and the container has been broken and a portion of the inner layer has been removed from the closure to establish a removable cover and the removable cover is coupled to the container. The coupling layer includes a portion that is transparent to light and configured to communicate visual information through the portion of the coupling layer.

[0136] In some embodiments, the coupling layer includes an adhesive layer located between the inner layer and the outer layer and a release coating coupled to a portion of the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is a permanent adhesive. The adhesive layer includes a first portion located between the outer layer and the sheet-support ring and configured to provide a first permanent bond between the outer layer and the sheet-support ring and a second portion surrounded by the first portion and the release coating is applied only to the second portion.

[0137] In some embodiments, the inner layer includes an inner portion, an outer portion located in spaced-apart relation to the inner portion, and a peel-initiation zone located between the inner portion and the outer portion. The peel-initiation zone is configured to provide means for causing the inner portion of the inner layer to delaminate in a controlled manner from the coupling layer in response to separation of the sheet-support ring from the brim to cause a film lid to be established while maintaining the endless hermetic seal between the film lid and the brim so that a removable cover is established for covering the top aperture after the film lid is removed and separated from the container. The film lid is a portion of the inner layer of the multi-layer sheet that has delaminated from the multi-layer sheet in a controlled manner during formation of the film lid and the removable cover.

[0138] In some embodiments, the multi-layer sheet includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and a coupling layer. The outer layer coupled permanently to the sheet-support ring by a first permanent bond. The inner layer coupled temporarily to the upwardly facing surface of the brim by the temporary bond to cause an endless seal to be established between the brim and the inner layer of the multi-layer sheet. The coupling layer located between the inner and outer layers and configured to provide means for communicating visually to a user that the closure has been separated previously from the container by a user.

[0139] In some embodiments, the package is in a closed-sealed arrangement when the sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim of the container and the multi-layer sheet is coupled temporarily to the brim by the temporary bond. The package is in an opened-sealed arrangement when a first removal forced is applied to the sheet-support ring to cause a film lid to be established which is coupled by the temporary bond to the brim so that the endless hermetic seal is maintained and a removable cover to be established which is located in spaced-apart relation to the film lid.

[0140] In some embodiments, the package is in an opened arrangement when a second removal force is applied to the film lid to cause the temporary bond to be overcome and the film lid to be peeled away from the brim of the container. The package is in a closed arrangement when the film lid is peeled away from the brim and the removable cover is coupled to the brim to block access to the top aperture by a remaining portion of the multi-layer sheet included in the removable cover and the removable cover is coupled to the upwardly facing surface of the brim by a downwardly facing surface of a coupling layer exposed during delamination of the film lid from the removable cover and the coupling layer is an adhesive layer. In some embodiments, the coupling layer is an adhesive layer.

[0141] In some embodiments, the outer layer includes a portion that is generally transparent to light. The portion of the outer layer is configured to communicate first visual information through the portion of the outer layer when the package is in a closed-sealed arrangement in which the sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim of the container and the multi-layer sheet is coupled temporarily to the brim by the temporary bond.

[0142] In some embodiments, the outer layer includes a portion that is generally transparent to light and configured to communicate first visual information through the portion of the outer layer when the package is in a closed-sealed arrangement. The portion of the outer layer is further configured to communicate second visual information through the portion of the outer layer when the package is in an opened arrangement. The coupling layer includes a portion that is transparent to light and configured to allow a user to view visual information through the portion of the coupling layer.

[0143] In some embodiments, the first visual information is one of an image, text, embossing, or a color and is included in the inner layer. In some embodiments, the second visual information is one of an image, text, embossing, or a color. The second visual information is different than the first visual information. The second visual information is included in the brim of the container.

[0144] In some embodiments, the outer layer includes a portion that is generally transparent to light and configured to communicate first visual information through the portion of the outer layer when the package is in a closed-sealed arrangement. In the closed-sealed arrangement, the sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim of the container and the multi-layer sheet is coupled temporarily to the brim by the temporary bond.

[0145] In some embodiments, the portion of the outer layer that is generally transparent to light is further configured to communicate second visual information through the portion of the outer layer when the package is in an opened arrangement. In the opened arrangement, the temporary bond between the inner layer and the container has been broken and a portion of the inner layer has been removed from the closure to establish a removable cover and the removable cover is coupled to the container.

[0146] In some embodiments, the coupling layer includes a portion that is transparent to light and configured to allow a user to view visual information through the portion of the coupling layer. In some embodiments, the first visual information is one of an image, text, embossing, or a color. In some embodiments, the first visual information is included in the inner layer.

[0147] In some embodiments, the second visual information is one of an image, text, embossing, or a color and the second visual information is different than the first visual information. In some embodiments, the second visual information is included in the brim of the container. In some embodiments, the inner layer includes a portion that blocks light from passing therethrough so that the second visual information is blocked from viewing when the package is in the closed-sealed arrangement.

[0148] In some embodiments, the outer layer includes a portion that has a first color configured to communicate first visual information when the package is in a closed-sealed arrangement. In the closed-sealed arrangement, the sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim of the container and the multi-layer sheet is coupled temporarily to the brim by the temporary bond.

[0149] In some embodiments, the portion of the outer layer has a different second color configured to communicate second visual information when the package is in an opened arrangement. In the opened arrangement, the temporary bond between the inner layer and the container has been broken and a portion of the inner layer has been removed from the closure to establish a removable cover which is coupled to the container.

[0150] In some embodiments, the coupling layer includes a portion that is transparent to light. The portion of the coupling layer is aligned with the portion of the outer layer.

[0151] In some embodiments, the multi-layer sheet includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and a coupling layer. The outer layer is located in spaced-apart relation to the upwardly facing surface of the brim. The inner layer is located in spaced-apart relation to the outer layer and located between the outer layer and the upwardly facing surface of the brim. The coupling layer is located between the inner layer and the outer layer. In some embodiments, the film lid is a portion of the inner layer of the multi-layer sheet that has delaminated from the multi-layer sheet in a controlled manner during formation of the film lid and the removable cover.

[0152] In some embodiments, the package is in an opened arrangement when a second force is applied to the film lid to cause the temporary bond to be overcome and the film lid to be peeled away from the brim of the container and the removable cover is coupled to the brim to block access to the top aperture by a remaining portion of the multi-layer sheet included in the removable cover. In some embodiments, the package is in an opened arrangement when a second force is applied to the film lid to cause the temporary bond to be overcome and the film lid to be peeled away from the brim of the container and the removable cover is coupled to the brim to block access to the top aperture by a remaining portion of the multi-layer sheet included in the removable cover and the removable cover is coupled to the upwardly facing surface of the brim by a downwardly facing surface of the coupling layer exposed during delamination of the film lid from the removable cover and the coupling layer is an adhesive layer.

[0153] In some embodiments, the removable cover is coupled to the upwardly facing surface of the brim by a downwardly facing surface of the coupling layer exposed during delamination of the film lid from the removable cover. In some embodiments, the coupling layer is an adhesive layer. In some embodiments, the removable layer is coupled to the brim, in part, by an adhesive bond formed between the coupling layer and the brim.

[0154] In some embodiments, the multi-layer sheet includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and a coupling layer. The outer layer is located in spaced-apart relation to the upwardly facing surface of the brim. The inner layer is located in spaced-apart relation to the outer layer and located between the outer layer and the upwardly facing surface of the brim. The coupling layer is located between the inner layer and the outer layer. The inner layer includes an inner portion, an outer portion located in spaced-apart relation to the outer portion, and a peel-initiation zone located between the inner portion and the outer portion.

[0155] In some embodiments, the peel-initiation zone is configured to provide means for causing the inner portion of the inner layer to delaminate in a controlled manner from the coupling layer in response to separation of the sheet-support ring from the brim to cause a film lid to be established while maintaining the endless hermetic seal between the film lid and the brim so that a removable cover is established for covering the top aperture after the film lid is removed and separated from the container. In some embodiments, the peel-initiation zone is an area of weakness formed in the inner layer between the outer portion of the inner layer and the inner portion of the inner layer.

[0156] In some embodiments, the area of weakness is a series of spaced-apart cuts formed in the inner layer of the multi-layer sheet and arranged to extend only through the inner layer. In some embodiments, the area of weakness is a continuous and uninterrupted cut formed in the inner layer of the multi-layer sheet and arranged to extend only through the inner layer.

[0157] In some embodiments, the area of weakness is a continuous and uninterrupted cut formed in the inner layer of the multi-layer sheet and arranged to extend only through the inner layer. The cut is located between the inner portion of the inner layer and the outer portion of the inner layer. In some embodiments, the inner portion of the inner layer is spaced apart from the outer portion of the inner layer to locate the cut between the inner and outer portions.

[0158] In some embodiments, the sheet-support ring includes a support band and a closure opening tab. The support band is arranged to extend around the brim of the container. The closure opening tab is coupled to the sheet-support ring and is arranged to extend outwardly away from the top aperture.

[0159] In some embodiments, the multi-layer sheet includes a body and a peel-initiation tab. The body is arranged to cover and close the top aperture when the closure is coupled to the container. The peel-initiation tab is appended to the body and arranged to extend away from the body and past a perimeter edge of the brim.

[0160] In some embodiments, the multi-layer sheet includes an outer layer and an inner layer. The outer layer is located in spaced-apart relation to the container when the closure is coupled to the container. The inner layer is coupled to the outer layer and to the brim of the container.

[0161] In some embodiments, the multi-layer sheet further includes a coupling layer located between the inner layer and the outer layer. The coupling layer is arranged to extend between and interconnect the inner and outer layers.

[0162] In some embodiments, the inner layer is coupled to the outer layer by static attraction formed between the inner and outer layers. In some embodiments, the inner layer is coupled to the outer layer by a heat bond formed between the inner and outer layers.

[0163] In some embodiments, the outer layer includes a portion that is generally transparent to light and configured to communicate first visual information through the portion of the outer layer when the package is in a closed-sealed arrangement. In the closed-sealed arrangement, the sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim of the container and the multi-layer sheet is coupled temporarily to the brim by the temporary bond.

[0164] In some embodiments, the portion of the outer layer that is generally transparent to light is further configured to communicate second visual information through the portion of the outer layer when the package is in an opened arrangement. In the opened arrangement, the temporary bond between the inner layer and the container has been broken and a portion of the inner layer has been removed from the closure to establish a removable cover and the removable cover is coupled to the container.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first visual information is one of an image, text, embossing, or a color. In some embodiments, the first visual information is included in the inner layer.

[0166] In some embodiments, the second visual information is one of an image, text, embossing, or a color. The second visual information is different than the first visual information.

[0167] In some embodiments, the second visual information is included in the brim of the container. In some embodiments, the inner layer includes a portion that blocks light from passing therethrough so that the second visual information is blocked from viewing when the package is in the closed-sealed arrangement.

[0168] In some embodiments, the outer layer includes a portion that has a first color configured to communicate first visual information when the package is in a closed-sealed arrangement. In the closed-sealed arrangement, the sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim of the container and the multi-layer sheet is coupled temporarily to the brim by the temporary bond.

[0169] In some embodiments, the portion of the outer layer has a different second color configured to communicate second visual information when the package is in an opened arrangement. In the opened arrangement, the temporary bond between the inner layer and the container has been broken and a portion of the inner layer has been removed from the closure to establish a removable cover which is coupled to the container.

[0170] In some embodiments, the film lid is a portion of the inner layer of the multi-layer sheet that has delaminated from the multi-layer sheet in a controlled manner during formation of the film lid and the removable cover. The removable cover is coupled to the upwardly facing surface of the brim by a downwardly facing surface of the adhesive layer exposed during delamination of the film lid from the removable cover.

[0171] In some embodiments, the inner layer includes an inner portion, an outer portion, and a peel-initiation zone. The inner portion is located in spaced-apart relation to the outer portion. The peel-initiation zone is located between the inner portion and the outer portion. The peel-initiation zone is an area of weakness formed in the inner layer between the outer portion and the inner portion of the inner layer. The area of weakness is a cut formed in the inner layer of the multi-layer sheet and arranged to extend only through the inner layer.

[0172] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a package includes a container and a closure. The container includes a bowl formed to include a product-storage region therein and a brim coupled to the bowl and formed to include a top aperture arranged to open into the product-storage region. The closure includes a sheet-support ring and a multi-layer sheet. The sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim. The multi-layer sheet includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and a coupling layer. The outer layer is coupled permanently to the sheet-support ring by a first permanent bond. The inner layer is coupled temporarily to an upwardly facing surface of the brim by a temporary bond to cause an endless seal to be established between the brim and the inner layer of the multi-layer sheet. The coupling layer is located between the inner and outer layers and configured to provide means for communicating visually to a user that the closure has been separated previously from the container by a user.

[0173] In some embodiments, the coupling layer has a perimeter edge located between the sheet-support ring and the temporary bond formed between the inner layer and the brim of the container. In some embodiments, the coupling layer includes an adhesive layer located between the inner layer and the outer layer and a release coating coupled to a portion of the adhesive layer. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer is a permanent adhesive.

[0174] In some embodiments, the adhesive layer includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is located between the outer layer and the sheet-support ring and configured to provide the first permanent bond between the outer layer and the sheet-support ring. The second portion is surrounded by the first portion.

[0175] In some embodiments, the endless seal is a hermetic seal configured to withstand changes in temperature and pressure in the product-storage region. In some embodiments, the endless seal is a hermetic seal configured to withstand changes in temperature and pressure in the product-storage region during a retort process.

[0176] In some embodiments, the coupling layer includes an adhesive layer located between the inner layer and the outer layer and a release coating coupled to a portion of the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is a permanent adhesive. The adhesive layer includes a first portion located between the outer layer and the sheet-support ring and configured to provide the first permanent bond between the outer layer and the sheet-support ring and a second portion surrounded by the first portion and the release coating is applied only to the second portion.

[0177] In some embodiments, the inner layer is coupled to the second portion of the adhesive layer. The release coating is located between the inner layer and the second portion of the adhesive layer.

[0178] In some embodiments, a portion of the inner layer is arranged to extend beyond a perimeter of the second portion toward the sheet support ring. In some embodiments, the coupling layer has a perimeter edge located between the sheet-support ring and the temporary bond formed between the inner layer and the brim of the container.

[0179] In some embodiments, the coupling layer is a pressure sensitive adhesive. In some embodiments, the coupling layer is a wax. In some embodiments, the inner layer is arranged to extend beyond the perimeter edge of the coupling layer.

[0180] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a package includes a container and a closure. The container includes a bowl formed to include a product-storage region therein and a brim coupled to the bowl and formed to include a top aperture arranged to open into the product-storage region. The closure includes a sheet-support ring and a multi-layer sheet. The sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim. The multi-layer sheet is coupled permanently to the sheet-support ring by a permanent bond and coupled temporarily to an upwardly facing surface of the brim by a temporary bond to cause an endless hermetic seal to be established between the brim and the multi-layer sheet. The sheet-support ring being is configured to provide means for communicating visually to a user that the closure has been separated from the container previously in response to separation of the closure from the container.

[0181] In some embodiments, the sheet-support ring includes an upper annular band, a lower annular band, and a series of frangible connectors. The lower annular band is located in spaced-apart relationship to the upper annular band. The series of frangible connectors are arranged to extend between and interconnect the upper and lower annular bands to cause the lower annular band to separate and move away from the upper annular band in response to application of a cover-removal force to the lower annular band.

[0182] In some embodiments, the multi-layer sheet is bonded permanently to the lower annular band by a first permanent bond. The multi-layer sheet is bonded permanently to the upper annular band by a second permanent bond.

[0183] In some embodiments, the multi-layer sheet includes an outer layer located in spaced-apart relation to the upwardly facing surface of the brim and an inner layer located between the outer layer and the upwardly facing surface of the brim. The outer layer of the multi-layer sheet forms the first permanent bond with the lower annular band. In some embodiments, the inner layer of the multi-layer sheet forms the second permanent bond with the upper annular band.

[0184] In some embodiments, the package is in a closed-sealed arrangement when the sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim of the container and the multi-layer sheet is coupled temporarily to the brim by the temporary bond. The package is in an opened-sealed arrangement when a cover-removal forced is applied to the lower annular band to cause a film lid to be established which is coupled by the temporary bond to the brim so that an endless seal is maintained and a removable cover to be established which is located in spaced-apart relation to the film lid.

[0185] In some embodiments, the multi-layer sheet includes an outer layer located in spaced-apart relation to the upwardly facing surface of the brim and an inner layer located between the outer layer and the upwardly facing surface of the brim. The removable cover includes the lower annular band and the outer layer of the multi-layer sheet. The film lid includes the upper annular band and the inner layer of the multi-layer sheet.

[0186] In some embodiments, the first permanent bond is spaced apart from the second permanent bond. In some embodiments, a perimeter edge of the inner sheet is located between the upper annular band and the lower annular band.

[0187] In some embodiments, the removable cover includes the lower annular band and the outer layer of the multi-layer sheet. In some embodiments, the film lid includes the inner layer and the upper annular band. In some embodiments, the package is in an closed arrangement when a lid-removal force is applied to the film lid to cause the temporary bond to be overcome and the film lid to be peeled away from the brim of the container and the removable cover is coupled to the brim to block access to the top aperture by the upper layer of included in the removable cover.