Dual function overcap for a container with a removable membrane

(19)

(11)

EP 1 854 731 A3

(12)	EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88)	Date of publication A3:
	17.09.2008 Bulletin 2008/38

(43)	Date of publication A2:
	14.11.2007 Bulletin 2007/46

(21)	Application number: 07251937.4

(22)	Date of filing: 10.05.2007

(51)

International Patent Classification (IPC):

B65D 21/02^(2006.01)
B65D 43/02^(2006.01)

B65D 51/20^(2006.01)

(84)	Designated Contracting States:
	AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR
	Designated Extension States:
	AL BA HR MK RS

(30)

Priority:

11.05.2006 US 382775

(71)	Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
	Hartsville, South Carolina 29550 (US)

(72)	Inventor:
	Stevens, James Florence South Carolina 29501 (US)

(74)	Representative: Kinsler, Maureen Catherine et al
	Marks & Clerk 19 Royal Exchange Square Glasgow G1 3AE Glasgow G1 3AE (GB)

(54)	Dual function overcap for a container with a removable membrane

(57) There is provided an interference-fit overcap (12) for a container (14) with a removable membrane (16). The overcap (12) includes a skirt (32) that provides an interference fit with the rim of the container surrounding an opening in the container when the membrane (16) is attached to the container (14). The overcap (12) also includes a circumferential ring (36) extending from the overcap (12) in a direction opposite the skirt (32). The circumferential ring (36) has an outside surface that is dimensioned to produce an interference fit with an inner wall of the container (14) after the membrane (16) has been removed. Thus the overcap (12) may be securely attached to the container (14) both before the membrane (16) is removed and after the membrane (16) is removed, such that the contents of the container (14) may be sealed by the overcap (12) after the membrane (16) is removed.

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