Reinforcing member for sealed container

Abstract

A sealed container includes a reinforcing member for protecting the container walls from exposure to damage caused by impact or other forces. The reinforcing member may be a generally concave and rigid member configured to match the end of the container. The reinforcing member may cover the seal of the container and may be removed and replaced with a re-sealing cap. When installed, the reinforcing member may function to strengthen the container by the absorbing shock.

1 . A system for containing associated materials, comprising:
 a container body having at least a first opening enclosed by a removable seal; and,   means for protectively supporting the container body for substantially preventing impact forces from breaking the removal seal.   
   
   
       2 . The system as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said means for protectively supporting comprises:
 a reinforcing member configured to protectively support the container body proximal to the at least a first opening.   
   
   
       3 . The system as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the reinforcing member extends at least partially around the circumference of the container body, and wherein the reinforcing member is substantially rigid for preventing the container body from deforming under pressure. 
   
   
       4 . The system as defined in  claim 3 , wherein the reinforcing member is a contiguously formed, unitary article, and wherein the reinforcing member is generally concave. 
   
   
       5 . The system as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the at least a first opening of the container body is hermetically sealed. 
   
   
       6 . The system as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the removable seal comprises a pop-open, tabbed, hermetically sealed cap. 
   
   
       7 . The system as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a resealing member extending at least partially around the circumference of the container body in replacement of said means for protectively supporting for resealing the at least a first opening.   
   
   
       8 . The system as defined in  claim 7 , wherein the resealing member is constructed from a generally pliable polymer. 
   
   
       9 . The system as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the reinforcing member is readily separable from the container body. 
   
   
       10 . The system as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the configuration of the reinforcing member is constructed to match the circumference of a first end of the container body. 
   
   
       11 . The system as defined in  claim 10 , wherein the reinforcing member extends substantially around the entire circumference of the container body. 
   
   
       12 . The system as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the reinforcing member is constructed from a moldable polymer. 
   
   
       13 . The system as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the reinforcing member is constructed from at least one of: acetal and Santoprene. 
   
   
       14 . The system as defined in  claim 2 , further comprising:
 means for holding the reinforcing member in place during transportation.   
   
   
       15 . The system as defined in  claim 14 , wherein said means for holding comprises a fastener. 
   
   
       16 . The system as defined in  claim 14 , wherein said means for holding comprises an adhesive. 
   
   
       17 . A method of preserving the integrity of a container seal for a container having one or more walls and at least a first opening hermetically enclosed by the container seal, the steps comprising:
 providing means for jacketing the one or more walls of the container; and,   strengthening the container from associated impact forces thereby protecting the one or walls from deforming under pressure.   
   
   
       18 . The method as defined in  claim 17 , wherein said means for jacketing comprises:
 a substantially rigid reinforcing member configured to closely match the circumference of the one or more walls.   
   
   
       19 . The method as defined in  claim 18 , further comprising the step of:
 juxtaposing the substantially rigid reinforcing member to the exterior of the one or more walls of the container.   
   
   
       20 . The method as defined in  claim 19 , wherein the step of juxtaposing the substantially rigid reinforcing member, comprises the step of:
 juxtaposing the substantially rigid reinforcing member to the exterior of the one or more walls of the container proximate to the at least a first opening.