Easy-removal tamper-evident container liner

Abstract

A liner for a container is provided. The liner provides sealing and tamper-evident features while also allowing a consumer to easily remove the liner to access the container contents. The liner comprises a sealing area located on one or both sides of the flat surface of the liner and configured to retain the liner in a secure position on a mouth of the container. The liner also comprises a plurality of perforations that penetrate at least one layer of the liner, wherein the plurality of perforations are configured to provide easier removal of the liner to access contents of the container. The plurality of perforation are formed with a rotary die cutter. A sealable container assembly comprises the container, the liner, and the closure.

1 . A liner for a container, comprising:
 a sealing area located at an outer edge of a bottom surface of the liner and configured to retain the liner in a secure position on a mouth of the container; and   a plurality of perforations that penetrate at least one layer of the liner, wherein the plurality of perforations are configured to assist removal of the liner to access contents of the container.   
     
     
         2 . The liner of  claim 1 , further comprising a second layer void of perforations, wherein the second layer is impenetrable by the contents of the container when the liner is attached to the container. 
     
     
         3 . The liner of  claim 1 , the plurality of perforations penetrate all layers of the liner to permit venting when the liner is attached to the container. 
     
     
         4 . The liner of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of perforations comprise a configuration selected as a function of an amount of force needed to break through the liner to access the contents within the container. 
     
     
         5 . The liner of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of perforations have a number of perforations per inch selected as a function of an amount of force needed to break through the liner to access the contents within the container. 
     
     
         6 . The liner of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of perforations are formed on the at least one layer of the liner through operation of a rotary die set. 
     
     
         7 . The liner of  claim 1 , wherein the liner is made of a common liner stock and configured for use with a plurality of containers. 
     
     
         8 . The liner of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one tab extending away from the liner, wherein the at least one tab is pulled away from the container in an upward direction and wherein movement of the at least one tab and tearing of the liner along the plurality of perforations causes the sealing area to disengage from the container, providing access to the contents within the container. 
     
     
         9 . The liner of  claim 1 , further comprising a printed portion located along a top of the liner, wherein the printed portion provides a location of the plurality of perforations to facilitate tearing of the liner along the plurality of perforations. 
     
     
         10 . A method, comprising:
 creating one or more perforations in a liner;   seating the liner in a closure;   operatively attaching the liner and the closure to a container; and   sealing the liner to the container.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the creating comprises utilizing a rotary cutting die to create the one or more perforations. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the creating comprises penetrating at least one layer of the liner, wherein the liner comprises two or more layers. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the creating comprises penetrating all layers of the liner. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising employing a stock liner. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the liner is removable through utilization of the one or more perforations. 
     
     
         16 . A sealable container assembly, comprising:
 a liner comprising:
 an adhesive surface that bonds with an upper rim of a container; and 
 a perforation that extends through at least a first layer of the liner and configured to tear the liner at the perforation when pressure is applied on the liner near the perforation; and 
   a closure that engages over the liner and operatively connects to the container, wherein the container comprises an opening defined by the upper rim, wherein contents of the container are accessed through the opening.   
     
     
         17 . The sealable container assembly of  claim 16 , the liner comprises a second layer that is void of perforations to inhibit passage of the contents from the container through the opening. 
     
     
         18 . The sealable container assembly of  claim 16 , wherein a configuration of the perforation and a number of perforations per inch are selected as a function of an amount of rupture force needed to tear the liner at the perforation. 
     
     
         19 . The sealable container assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the perforation is formed through utilization of a rotary die. 
     
     
         20 . The sealable container assembly of  claim 16 , the liner further comprises at least one tab extending away from the liner, wherein the at least one tab is configured to assist removal of the liner from the container by operating in conjunction with the perforation.