US4381848A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Membrane closure structure
Assignee: Reynolds Metals Co
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Filing: 1981-07-01
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Granted: 1983-05-03
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Expires: 2001-07-01
Abstract
Abstract A retortable membrane closure structure for containers is disclosed which includes a first adhesive layer, an intermediate layer, a second adhesive layer and an outer barrier layer. Bond strengths and tear strengths of the layers are selected such that upon peeling the membrane from a container to which it was sealed initial failure occurs within the intermediate layer, followed by failure between the second adhesive layer and the intermediate layer, providing a clean peel between the layers.
Inventors
- 👤 Merle S. Kahn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 06:10
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D77/00; B65D77/10; B65D77/20; B65D77/2024; B65D77/2028; B65D77/2032; B65D77/2044; B65D2577/00; B65D2577/10; B65D2577/20; B65D2577/2041; B65D2577/205
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
218 words
A membrane closure for a container, said membrane closure being heat sealable to said container, said membrane closure being capable of removal from said container by peeling under hand pressure and said membrane closure being capable of withstanding retort sterlization, said membrane closure comprising a first adhesive layer, an intermediate metallic foil or paper layer having one side thereof bonded to said first adhesive layer, a second adhesive layer having one side thereof bonded to the other side of said intermediate layer and a barrier metallic foil or paper layer having one side thereof bonded to the other side of said second adhesive layer, said intermediate layer having a tear strength less than the bond strengths of said first adhesive layer and said second adhesive layer, said second adhesive layer having a bond strength less than the bond strength of said first adhesive layer and said barrier layer having a tear strength greater than the tear strength of said intermediate layer and greater than the bond strengths of said first adhesive layer and said second adhesive layer, whereby upon peeling of said membrane closure from said container initial failure occurs within said intermediate layer and secondary failure occurs between said second adhesive layer and said intermediate layer, along a heat seal between said membrane closure and said container.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
218 words
A membrane closure for a container, said membrane closure being heat sealable to said container, said membrane closure being capable of removal from said container by peeling under hand pressure and said membrane closure being capable of withstanding retort sterlization, said membrane closure comprising a first adhesive layer, an intermediate metallic foil or paper layer having one side thereof bonded to said first adhesive layer, a second adhesive layer having one side thereof bonded to the other side of said intermediate layer and a barrier metallic foil or paper layer having one side thereof bonded to the other side of said second adhesive layer, said intermediate layer having a tear strength less than the bond strengths of said first adhesive layer and said second adhesive layer, said second adhesive layer having a bond strength less than the bond strength of said first adhesive layer and said barrier layer having a tear strength greater than the tear strength of said intermediate layer and greater than the bond strengths of said first adhesive layer and said second adhesive layer, whereby upon peeling of said membrane closure from said container initial failure occurs within said intermediate layer and secondary failure occurs between said second adhesive layer and said intermediate layer, along a heat seal between said membrane closure and said container.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The membrane closure of claim 1 wherein said intermediate layer and said barrier layer are aluminum foil layers.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The membrane closure of claim 1 wherein said first adhesive layer is selected from the group consisting of polypropylenes, polyvinyl chlorides, polyethylenes, polyesters and nylons.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The membrane closure of claim 1 wherein said second adhesive layer is selected from the group consisting of vinyls, polyesters, epoxies, ethylene vinyl acetates and polypropylene dispersions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
The membrane closure of claim 1 further comprising a third adhesive layer having one side thereof bonded to the other side of said barrier layer and an outer layer having one side thereof bonded to the other side of said third adhesive layer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The membrane closure of claim 5 wherein said third adhesive layer is a polyester adhesive.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The membrane closure of claim 5 wherein said outer layer is a plastics resin film.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The membrane closure of claim 5 wherein said outer layer is a reverse-printed plastics resin film.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The membrane closure of claim 5 wherein said outer layer is a polyester film.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The membrane closure of claim 5 wherein said outer layer is a reverse-printed polyester film.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-05-02 | 1986-11-01 | 1987-05-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-05-02 | 1990-11-01 | 1991-05-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-05-02 | 1994-11-01 | 1995-05-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |