Dual function overcap for a container with a removable membrane

Abstract

There is provided an interference-fit overcap for a container with a removable membrane. The overcap includes a skirt that provides an interference-fit with the rim of the container surrounding an opening in the container when the membrane is attached to the container. The overcap also includes a circumferential ring extending from the overcap in a direction opposite the skirt. The circumferential ring has an outside surface that is dimensioned to produce an interference fit with an inner wall of the container after the membrane has been removed. Thus the overcap may be securely attached to the container both before the membrane is removed and after the membrane is removed, such that the contents of the container may be sealed by the overcap after the membrane is removed.

1 . An interference-fit overcap for engaging a radially outwardly protruding rim encircling a container opening having a removably attached membrane, wherein the container defines an opening encircled by an inner wall of the container, the overcap comprising: 
 a top panel having a periphery;    a skirt extending in a first direction from the periphery of the top panel to a distal end, wherein the skirt provides an interference-fit with the rim when the membrane is removably attached to the container; and    a circumferential ring extending in a second direction, which is generally opposite the first direction, from the top panel and defining an outside surface on a radially outermost portion of the circumferential ring, wherein the outside surface is diametrically dimensioned to produce an interference-fit with the inner wall of the container after the membrane has been removed from the container.    
   
   
       2 . An interference-fit overcap according to  claim 1 , wherein the container defines an axial direction and the outside surface of the circumferential ring defines a generally angled surface relative to the axial direction.  
   
   
       3 . An interference-fit overcap according to  claim 1 , wherein the skirt defines a radially-inwardly extending bead at the distal end of the skirt.  
   
   
       4 . An interference-fit overcap according to  claim 1 , wherein the circumferential ring defines an innermost portion that is diametrically dimensioned to receive a bottom portion of a second container.  
   
   
       5 . A container, comprising: 
 a container body formed by a wall, wherein an inner wall defines an opening encircled by a radially outwardly protruding rim;    a removably attached membrane substantially covering the opening while the membrane is attached; and    an interference-fit overcap, comprising: 
 a top panel having a periphery;  
 a skirt extending in a first direction from the periphery of the top panel to a distal end, wherein the skirt provides an interference-fit with the rim when the membrane is removably attached to the container; and  
 a circumferential ring extending in a second direction, which is generally opposite the first direction, from the top panel and defining an outside surface on a radially outermost portion of the circumferential ring, wherein the outside surface is diametrically dimensioned to produce an interference-fit with the inner wall of the container after the membrane has been removed from the container.  
   
   
   
       6 . A container according to  claim 5 , wherein the outwardly protruding rim is an outwardly rolled bead.  
   
   
       7 . A container according to  claim 5 , wherein the container defines an axial direction and the outside surface of the circumferential ring defines a generally angled surface relative to the axial direction.  
   
   
       8 . A container according to  claim 5 , wherein the skirt defines a radially-inwardly extending bead at the distal end of the skirt.  
   
   
       9 . A container according to  claim 10 , wherein the circumferential ring defines an innermost portion that is diametrically dimensioned to receive a bottom portion of a second container.  
   
   
       10 . A container according to  claim 10 , wherein the membrane is a metal foil.  
   
   
       11 . A container according to  claim 10 , wherein the overcap is a thermoplastic material.  
   
   
       12 . A sealable storage device, comprising: 
 a container, comprising: 
 a body formed by a wall,  
 an opening defined by an inner wall of the container, and  
 an outwardly rolled bead encircling the opening of the container, wherein the bead protrudes generally outward from the wall;  
   a removably attached membrane substantially covering the opening while the membrane is attached; and    an interference-fit overcap of thermoplastic material, comprising: 
 a top panel having a periphery;  
 a skirt extending in a first direction from the periphery of the top panel to a distal end, wherein the skirt provides an interference-fit with the rim when the membrane is removably attached to the container; and  
 a circumferential ring extending in a second direction, which is generally opposite the first direction, from the top panel and defining an outside surface on a radially outermost portion of the circumferential ring, wherein the outside surface is diametrically dimensioned to produce an interference-fit with the inner wall of the container after the membrane has been removed from the container.