Abstract: A container (10) having a line of weakness (18) at which the container is opened includes an inner closure (20) mounted within the container cover (16) above the line of weakness (18), and an annular sidewall (22) depending below the frangible line of weakness (18). The inner closure (22) protects the line of weakness (18) from the liquid contents, thereby preventing spillage of liquid contents onto outer non-sterile surfaces upon opening of the container. The container prevents the commercially undesireable retention of moisture in the volume (40) defined by the cover (16) and the inner closure (20). The container may be integrity tested using standard testing procedures.

Abstract: A container which includes body, neck and cover portions of one-piece plastic construction and a line of weakness defined between the neck and cover portions to permit selective separation of the cover from the neck, further includes an inner closure carried by and removable with the cover portion to prevent spillage of the container contents upon opening of the container. The inner closure is disposed to seal the neck below the line of weakness to isolate the contents of the container from the area of the line of weakness. When the container is heat sterilized, means is provided associated with the chamber defined by the cover and closure to prevent collapse of the cover during the post heat-sterilization cooling cycle. The associated means includes structure to provide moist air in the defined chamber during heating of the container without endangering the sterility of the container contents or nullifying the advantage of the inner closure.