Multipurpose membrane for containers

Abstract

A membrane for use with a container is provided herein. The membrane comprises a first layer comprising a peripheral area defined by a first perimeter of the first layer, and a first line of weakness formed inward of the first perimeter. The first line of weakness defines a flap. The membrane further comprises a second layer comprising a peripheral zone defined by a second perimeter of the second layer and a second line of weakness formed inward of the second perimeter. The second line of weakness defines a central portion. The membrane further comprises a first seal area comprising at least a portion of the peripheral zone of the second layer being adhered to at least a portion of the peripheral area of the first seal area.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A membrane for use with a container, the membrane comprising:
 a first layer comprising a peripheral area, wherein the peripheral area is defined by a first perimeter of the first layer, and a first line of weakness formed inward of the first perimeter, wherein the first line of weakness defines a flap; and   a second layer comprising a peripheral zone, wherein the peripheral zone is defined by a second perimeter of the second layer and a second line of weakness formed inward of the second perimeter, wherein the second line of weakness defines a central portion; and   a first seal area, wherein at least a portion of the peripheral zone of the second layer is adhered to at least a portion of the peripheral area of the first layer in the first seal area.   
     
     
         2 . The membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the first layer defines a first shape and the second layer defines a second shape, wherein the first shape and the second shape are the same. 
     
     
         3 . The membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the first layer and the second layer are formed from one of paper or cardboard. 
     
     
         4 . The membrane of  claim 1 , further comprising a hinge formed within the first line of weakness. 
     
     
         5 . The membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the seal area forms a hermetic seal between the first layer and the second layer. 
     
     
         6 . The membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the first seal area is disposed between the perimeter of the first layer and the first line of weakness of the first layer. 
     
     
         7 . The membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the first seal area is disposed between the second perimeter of the second layer and the first line of weakness. 
     
     
         8 . The membrane of  claim 1 , additionally comprising a second seal area, wherein the second seal area is disposed between the second line of weakness of the second layer and the first line of weakness of the first layer. 
     
     
         9 . The membrane of  claim 8 , wherein the second seal area comprises a peelable adhesive. 
     
     
         10 . The membrane of  claim 8 , wherein the second seal area comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive. 
     
     
         11 . The membrane of  claim 8 , wherein the first seal area comprises a permanent adhesive. 
     
     
         12 . The membrane of  claim 8 , wherein the first seal area and the second seal area are formed with the same type of adhesive. 
     
     
         13 . The membrane of  claim 8 , wherein the first seal area and the second seal area are formed with different adhesives. 
     
     
         14 . The membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the flap of the first layer further comprises a pull tab. 
     
     
         15 . The membrane of  claim 14 , wherein the pull tab comprises a portion of the flap which is folded and configured to extend out of the plane of the first layer. 
     
     
         16 . The membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the flap is resealable to the peripheral zone. 
     
     
         17 . The membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the second layer further comprises at least one opening disposed within the central portion. 
     
     
         18 . The membrane of  claim 17 , wherein the at least one opening comprises a plurality of openings. 
     
     
         19 . The membrane of  claim 17 , wherein the at least one opening is a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening are different sizes. 
     
     
         20 . A package comprising:
 a body defining a top end and an internal wall;   a lid configured to be received by the top end of the body; and   a membrane adhered to the body, wherein the membrane comprises:
 a first layer comprising a peripheral area, wherein the peripheral area is defined by a first perimeter of the first layer, and a first line of weakness formed inward of the first perimeter, wherein the first line of weakness defines a flap; and 
 a second layer comprising a peripheral zone, wherein the peripheral zone is defined by a second perimeter of the second layer and a second line of weakness formed inward of the second perimeter, wherein the second line of weakness defines a central portion, 
 wherein the central portion comprises an opening; and 
 a first seal area, wherein at least a portion of the peripheral zone of the second layer is adhered to at least a portion of the peripheral area of the first layer in the first seal area. 
   
     
     
         21 . The package of  claim 20 , wherein at least the first layer of the membrane is recessed within the internal wall. 
     
     
         22 . The package of  claim 20 , wherein the internal wall further comprises an inner liner, sealant layer or coating. 
     
     
         23 . The package of  claim 20 , wherein the seal area forms a hermetic seal between the first layer and the second layer. 
     
     
         24 . The package of  claim 20 , wherein the membrane is adhered to the internal wall of the body. 
     
     
         25 . The package of  claim 20 , wherein the membrane is adhered to a rim circumscribing the top end of the body. 
     
     
         26 . The package of  claim 20 , wherein the lid is hingedly attached to the body. 
     
     
         27 . The package of  claim 20 , wherein the lid is rotatably attached to the body. 
     
     
         28 . The package of  claim 27 , wherein the lid comprises a port, such that when rotated the port aligns with the opening in the second layer of the membrane. 
     
     
         29 . A package comprising:
 a body defining a top end; and   a membrane adhered to an inner surface of the body, wherein the membrane comprises:
 a first layer comprising a peripheral area, wherein the peripheral area is defined by a first perimeter of the first layer, and a first line of weakness formed inward of the first perimeter, wherein the first line of weakness defines a flap; and 
 a second layer comprising a peripheral zone, wherein the peripheral zone is defined by a second perimeter of the second layer and a second line of weakness formed inward of the second perimeter, wherein the second line of weakness defines a central portion, 
 wherein the central portion comprises an opening; and 
 a first seal area, wherein at least a portion of the peripheral zone of the second layer is adhered to at least a portion of the peripheral area of the first layer in the first seal area. 
   
     
     
         30 . The package of  claim 29 , wherein the top end of the body is folded inward, toward a central axis of the body, to form a rim. 
     
     
         31 . The package of  claim 30 , wherein the flap comprises a pull tab configured to tuck under the rim of the body in a reclosed position of the flap. 
     
     
         32 . The package of  claim 30 , wherein the pull tab comprises a through cut sized and configured to receive a finger for opening of the flap.