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.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The following description relates generally to closing mechanisms for bottles, jars, and the like, and, more particularly to an easy-removal tamper-evident container liner.

BACKGROUND

A variety of products are sold in sealed packages as a security means and/or to preserve freshness. For example, many food products, medicines, and cosmetics are sold in containers that have a freshness seal or a two-portion removable security lock located around a perimeter of a reusable cap. If the consumer encounters a freshness seal or two-portion security lock that has been broken, the consumer can easily ascertain that someone might have tampered with the product.

To seal containers that hold products, liners are often semi-permanently provided over an opening of the container. For example, most over the counter medicines and nutritional supplements require a protective liner over the opening of the container in addition to the cap. In order to access the contents of the container, the liner must be removed or peeled off the container. Thus, in one aspect, the liner serves to indicate that a container has not been previously opened or that tampering with the product has not occurred. In addition, liners might be provided and/or necessary on containers for certain products to preserve and ensure freshness of the contents contained therein. For example, salad dressing containers and spice containers are often made with a screw-on top. Prior to using the product, the consumer must unscrew the top, remove the protective seal, and then replace the screw on top for dispensing the container contents.

Although liners can be beneficial, removal of the liners by the consumer can be difficult and frustrating. For example, a consumer might use a kitchen knife or other dangerous, sharp implement to peel off the liner in order to remove at least a portion of the liner to access the container contents. Some designs have attempted to make the removal of the liner easier for the consumer. However, such designs are expensive, leading to increased packaging costs, which results in a direct increase to the amount the consumer has to pay for the product sold in such containers.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nor delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

An aspect relates to a liner for a container. The liner comprises a sealing area located at an outer edge of a bottom surface of the liner. The sealing area is 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. The plurality of perforations are configured to assist removal of the liner to access contents of the container.

According to some aspects, the liner comprises 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. In some aspects, the plurality of perforations penetrate all layers of the liner to permit venting when the liner is attached to the container.

Another aspect relates to method that comprises creating one or more perforations in a liner and seating the liner in a closure. The method also comprises operatively attaching the liner and the closure to a container and sealing the liner to the container. In accordance with some aspects, creating the one or more perforations comprises utilizing a rotary cutting die. According to some aspects, the liner is removable through utilization of the one or more perforations.

According to some aspects, the creating comprises penetrating at least one layer of the liner, wherein the liner comprises two or more layers. In accordance with some aspects, the creating comprises penetrating all layers of the liner.

A further aspect relates to a sealable container assembly comprising a liner, a dispensing closure, and a container. The liner comprises an adhesive surface that bonds with an upper rim of the container. The liner also comprises a perforation that extends through at least a first layer of the liner. The perforation is configured to tear the liner at the perforation when pressure is applied on the liner near the perforation. The dispensing closure engages over the liner and operatively connects to the container. The container comprises an opening defined by an upper rim, wherein contents of the container are accessed through the opening.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, one or more aspects comprise features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of one or more aspects. These features are indicative, however, of but a few of various ways in which principles of various aspects may be employed. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings and the disclosed aspects are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a sealable container assembly that comprises an easy-removal tamper-evident container liner, according to an aspect.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a liner showing one embodiment of a plurality of perforations that can be utilized with the disclosed aspects.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example of a liner comprising a different perforation configuration, according to an aspect.

FIG. 4 illustrates a liner comprising a perforation configured substantially across the liner, according to an aspect.

FIG. 5 illustrates another liner having a different perforation configuration, according to an aspect.

FIG. 6 illustrates a liner having another perforation configuration, according to an aspect.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example closure that can be utilized with the disclosed aspects.

FIG. 8 illustrates another view of the example closure that can be utilized, according to an aspect.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method for producing a container assembly comprising an easy open closing mechanism, according to an aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects are now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects. It may be evident, however, that such aspect(s) may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing these aspects.

The disclosed aspects relate to rotary liner die cutting, wherein a rotary die is utilized to cut or create one or more perforations on a liner. Another aspect relates to a liner for closures and/or containers, wherein the liner can be perforated to provide an easy removal of the liner and/or easy access to the container (and the container contents).

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a sealable container assembly 100 that comprises an easy-removal tamper-evident container liner, according to an aspect. The sealable container assembly 100 comprises a container 102 (e.g., bottle, jar, and so forth) and a closing mechanism operatively attached to the container 102. As illustrated, the closing mechanism comprises a seal or liner 104 that is configured to seal the container 102 for safety purposes (e.g., seals the product within the container, provides an indication that contents of the container might have been tampered with, and so forth). The liner 104 is also configured to provide easy access to the container 102.

The container 102 can be any type of container and, in accordance with an aspect, is formed of a polymer material. The container 102 can also be any size, which can be selected as a function of contents or product that is to be stored in the container 102. Examples, of container contents can include solid or semi-solid contents including food items (e.g., spices, cookies, cereal, peanuts, grains, and so forth) and non-food items, such as hardware (e.g., nuts, bolts, nails, fasteners, screws) as well as other items (e.g., rock salt, grass seed, sand, and so on). In another example, the container contents can be liquid or semi-liquid contents (e.g., water, orange juice, automotive oil, rubbing alcohol, and so forth). Other examples of container contents include medicine (e.g., pharmaceutical products) and cosmetics. The container contents that can be utilized with the sealable container assembly 100 are endless and, therefore, will not be further discussed herein.

The container 102 comprises a mouth or opening 106 defined by an upper rim 108. Contents of the container 102 are accessed through the opening 106. The liner 104 is configured to engage with the opening 106 in a sealed or tamperproof or tamper-evident manner. The shape of the liner 104 can be a function of the opening of the container, wherein the liner shape is selected to allow the liner 104 to extend over the full extent of the opening 106 and the upper rim 108. In accordance with some aspects, the liner is shaped as a disc or another configuration. According to some aspects, the liner extends over (or covers) a neck of the container, which can include threads to which a dispensing closure operatively engages.

In accordance with some aspects, the liner 104 is made of a common liner stock, wherein the liner is configured to be used with a wide variety of containers. For example, the liner material can be supplied as sheet stock. The sheet stock is punched into disks, which are glued onto containers to provide a tamper-evident seal. Utilization of a stock or common liner, in accordance with various aspects disclosed herein, provides a lower cost solution for ease of entry liners.

In accordance with some aspects, the liner can be manufactured utilizing various means. For example, the liner can be manufactured utilizing techniques similar to the techniques disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,015 entitled “Closure Seal for Container”, which is incorporated by reference herein. According to some aspects, the liner can be manufactured utilizing techniques similar to the techniques disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,544 entitled “Tamper-Evident Pull Tab Induction Liner with Improved Moisture Migration Resistance and Method of Sealing With Same”, which is incorporated by reference herein. However, various other techniques can also be utilized to manufacture liners, according to various aspects.

The liner 104 comprises a flat surface that can have a top surface (e.g., the surface facing away from the container 102) and a bottom surface (e.g., the surface facing toward the container 102). Along an outer edge of the bottom surface is a sealing area that bonds with the upper rim 108. In accordance with some aspects, a sealing area can be located on one or both sides of the flat surface and configured to retain the liner in a secure position on a mouth of the container. The liner 104 is operatively attached or bonded to the container 102 (e.g., container opening 106 or upper rim 108) through various means. For example, the liner 104 can comprise an adhesive surface that bonds with the upper rim 108. In another example, the liner 104 can include a heat sensitive adhesive coating on the bottom surface. Other examples include polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), or other heat sealable materials that comprise a relatively low tensile strength and/or a relatively low sheer strength.

The liner 104 can comprise a single layer or multiple layers (e.g., Nth layer). Thus, a first layer can comprise the bottom surface of the liner 104 and an Nth layer can comprise the top surface of the liner 104. According to some aspects, at least a first layer of the liner is formed of a waterproof material and a second layer is formed of a different type of material.

The liner 104 also comprises one or more perforations that are configured to allow a consumer to easily remove the liner to access the container contents. The one or more perforations can be formed on at least one layer of the liner through operation of a rotary die set, according to an aspect. According to some aspects, the perforations extend through more than one layer of liner. In accordance with some aspects, the perforations extend through all layers of the liner.

The one or more perforations are created before the liner 104 is attached to the container 102. In accordance with some aspects, the perforations are formed utilizing rotary liner die cutting. An example of rotary die cutting apparatus is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,661,344, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Die Cutting a Web”, which is incorporated herein by reference. However, other rotary die cutting apparatus can be utilized with the disclosed aspects.

According to some aspects, the one or more perforations penetrate one or more layers of the liner but do not penetrate all layers. For example, at least one layer of the liner is formed of a waterproof material and a second layer is formed of foil, wherein the one or more perforations do not penetrate the second layer (e.g., the second layer is void of perforations). However, in accordance with some aspects, the one or more perforations penetrate multiple layers of the liner to permit venting of the liner when the liner is in a secure position on the container.

To operatively attach the liner 104 to the container 102, the liner 104 is placed against the top of the container opening (or neck) and against the upper rim 108. In accordance with some aspects, a closure (not shown) is attached to the container 102, over the liner 104. The cap or closure can be utilized to apply downward pressure on the liner 104, pressing the liner 104 into contact with the container opening 106 and upper rim 108. In accordance with some aspects, the liner 104 is seated in the closure before the closure is engaged with the container.

To facilitate removal of the liner 104, a consumer simply presses downward on the liner 104 and the liner 104 is configured to break away (or tear) at the perforations 112, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Thus, the consumer can easily punch through the liner 104 and peel off any remaining portion of the liner 104 (e.g., portion sealed to the container 102). The one or more perforations can comprise a configuration (or shaping) selected as a function of an amount of force needed to break through the liner 104 to access the contents within the container 102. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more perforations can have a number of perforations per inch selected as a function of an amount of force needed to break though the liner 104 to access the container contents. At least one advantage of providing perforations where a liner can be easily broken (or removed) is that the perforations allow a consumer to use a finger or other blunt object (e.g., eraser of a pencil, and so forth) to remove the liner, as desired. This can mitigate the need to use a knife or other sharp object to remove the liner and access the contents. Thus, the disclosed aspects can make it safer for children (and even adults) to remove the liner.

In accordance with some aspects, the liner comprises a printed portion located along a top surface, wherein the printed portion provides a location of the plurality of perforations to facilitate tearing of the liner along or across the plurality of perforations. By including the printed portion, a consumer that desires to access the container contents can be made aware that he needs to simply press downward, into the container, at a particular location on the liner in order to easily remove the liner. For example, the printed portion can include the words “Press Here” or “Open Here”. Further, additional indications (e.g., arrows, illustrations, and so forth) can be utilized to assist the consumer in opening the container.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a liner 104 showing one embodiment of a plurality of perforations 200 that can be utilized with the disclosed aspects. In accordance with some aspects, the depth of the plurality perforations 200 can be partial perforations that slightly penetrate into the liner material or into one or more layers of the liner material, but not completely through all layers of the material. According to some aspects, the plurality of perforations 200 penetrate through all layers of the liner material. The number of layers through which the plurality of perforations 200 penetrate can be selected as a function of the intended use of the container on which the liner 104 is sealed. Further, the number of perforations per inch and/or the configuration of the plurality of perforations can be selected as a function of the intended use of the container, the container contents, the liner material, and so forth. Thus, although the illustrated liner 104 depicts perforations 200 that extend around about half the circumference of the liner 104, the perforations 200 can extended around less than half the circumference or more than half the circumference according to various aspects.

For example, the intended use of the container is for consumers with disabilities (e.g., arthritis) or other physical limitations that hinder the use of the consumer's fingers. In this situation, the perforations can extend through all layers of the liner material in order to make puncturing though all layers of the liner material, with the aid of the perforations, easier for the consumer. In another example, if the container contents need to breathe (e.g., the contents expel gas, scavenge oxygen or absorb the surrounding air or oxygen, and so forth), the perforations can extend through all layers of the liner material in order to allow the contents to breathe. In accordance with some aspects, one or more perforations (but not all perforations) can extend through all layers of the liner material, while other perforations extend only through one or more layer of the liner material. According to another aspect, all the perforations can extend through one or more layers of the liner material. In accordance with some aspects, the liner 104 comprises at least one layer comprised of foil, wherein the perforations do not penetrate the foil, which can help maintain seal integrity. According to some aspects, the perforations are configured to penetrate the foil.

According to some aspects, the liner 104 comprises one or more tabs 202 (three of which are illustrated) located around an edge of the liner 104. The tabs 202 extend outward, away from the liner 104 and the container when the liner 104 is attached to the container. At least one tab can be pulled away from the container in an upward direction by the consumer. Movement of the at least one tab at substantially the same time as tearing of the liner along the plurality of perforations can cause the sealing area of the liner 104 to disengage from the container, providing easier access to the container contents. In accordance with some aspects, the consumer can selectively utilize the tabs 202 and might decide not to utilize the tabs but simply gain access to the container contents by punching (or poking) through the liner at the perforation.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example of a liner 300 comprising a different perforation configuration, according to an aspect. In this example, the liner 300 comprises perforations 302 located near a center of the liner 300. The perforations 302 illustrated form a circle in the liner 300 center, wherein the perforations 302 extend almost completely (or almost 100%) around the liner to form a circle. To gain access to the container contents, a consumer simply presses downward in the middle or center of the liner with a finger, pencil, or other device and breaks though the liner, wherein the perforations allow for ease of puncturing the liner material, which provides a liner having ease of entry into the container. After pressing though the liner material, the user can complete the removal of the liner by exerting upward force on the remaining portions the liner (e.g., tearing off the remaining portion of the liner), which causes the seal portion of the liner to detach from the mouth of the container.

FIG. 4 illustrates a liner 400 comprising a perforation line 402 configured substantially across the liner 400, according to an aspect. For example, the perforation line 402 can extend (vertically, as shown) from a first side 404 to a second side 406, substantially opposite the first side 404 of the liner 400. In accordance with some aspects, a second perforation (not shown) can be configured to extend (horizontally) across the liner 400 and intersect the first perforation line 402 at about a middle portion of the liner 400.

FIG. 5 illustrates another liner 500 having a different perforation configuration, according to an aspect. In this example, there are two perforation lines 502, 504 that are perpendicular and that extend from a first side 506 of the liner 500 to a second (opposite) side 508 of the liner 500. According to some aspects, one or more tabs 510, 512, and 514, are formed with the liner 500. In accordance with some aspects, more or fewer tabs are provided with the liner 500. The tabs 510, 512, 514 are configured to extend outward from the liner 500 (and container to which the liner 500 is attached). When a consumer wants to access the container contents, the user can pull one of the tabs 510, 512, 514 away from the container (e.g., in an upward motion). In an example, the selected tab can be tab 510, wherein pulling on the selected tab 510 can break a seal between the liner and the container, wherein the perforation lines 502, 504 can assists the consumer to easily remove the liner. As such, when the tab 510 is pulled, the pulling action causes the liner 500 to tear along the perforation lines 502, 504.

In accordance with some aspects, the tabs are provided but are not used by the consumer. For example, the seal between the liner and the container might be a strong seal, wherein the liner cannot be easily removed from the container. In this example, the perforation can enable the contents to be accessed by “ripping” or “tearing” the liner along the perforation, enabling the consumer to access the container contents even though the seal is not broken. For example, the portion of the liner with the seal is still attached to the container mouth although other portions of the liner are removed, allowing the container contents to be accessed through a mouth of the container.

FIG. 6 illustrates a liner 600 having another perforation configuration, according to an aspect. In this example, the perforation configuration comprises a first segment 602, a second segment 604, and a third segment 606. The segments 602, 604, 606 can be in a “Y” (or an inverted “Y”) format, according to an aspect. In this configuration, the pairs of segments (e.g., segment 602 and segment 604; segment 602 and segment 606; and segment 604 and segment 606) each form angles of approximately 120 degrees. In this configuration, when a consumer pushes downward on the liner 600 (in a direction into the container), each segment 602, 604, 606 of the perforation is configured to “tear” to allow the consumer to easily remove the liner 600.

As illustrated, liner 600 can have tabs 608, 610, 612, according to an aspect. However, it should be understood that the various aspects disclosed herein can be formed without tabs. As discussed, the liner can be made of common liner stock and configured for use with a plurality of containers.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the sealable container assembly 100 can also comprise a closure (e.g., cap, lid, and so forth) that engages over the liner 104 and operatively connects to the container 102. A closure (not shown) can comprise screw threads that operatively engage with complementary screw threads on a neck 110 of the container 102 when the closure is operatively placed over the container 102. In accordance with some aspects, the liner 104 is seated in the closure before the closure is operatively engaged with the container.

Examples of closures 700, 800 that can be utilized with the sealable container assembly 100 are illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. It should be understood that the closures shown and described are for illustration purposes only and the disclosed aspects are not limited to these closures as other closures can be utilized with the disclosed aspects. Further, it should be noted that although the closures, container mouth, and/or liner are illustrated as having a generally circular geometric shape, the various aspects are not limited to this implementation. In accordance with some aspects, the closure, container mouth, and/or liner can have a different geometric shape (e.g., oval, oblong, and so on), which can be chosen a function of the container contents and/or the intended use of the container assembly.

The perforated liner and the closure can comprise a closure mechanism. For example, the liner can be a first seal and the closure can be a second seal. In accordance with some aspects, the first seal can be a common stock liner. According to some aspects, the first seal can comprise an adhesive around at least a portion of an underside of a periphery of the first seal for sealable engagement with a container. The first seal can also comprise at least one perforation though a first layer of the first seal, wherein the perforation is formed with a rotary die. The second seal can comprise a body portion that includes an end wall, an orifice in the end wall, and a skirt that depends from the end wall for removable engagement with the container.

The first seal can be engaged between the second seal and the container. In accordance with some aspects, the first seal is operatively engaged with a mouth of the container after contents are placed in the container and the second seal is operatively engaged over the first seal and the skirt operatively engages an outer portion of the mouth of the container. In accordance with some aspects, the first seal is seated in the second seal before the second seal is operatively engaged with the container.

In accordance with some aspects, at least one perforation extends though all layers of the first seal. The at least one perforation allows air flow out of or into the container when the first seal is in sealable engagement with (e.g., attached to) the container. In accordance with some aspects, the first seal comprises a second layer that retains contents of the container from escaping though the first seal when the first seal is in sealable engagement with the container. For example, the first layer comprises one or more perforations but a second (or subsequent) layer does not have perforations. Thus, the second layer can be void of perforations and, thus, can be configured to inhibit passage of fluids or other material (e.g., fine particles, such as salt) from passing out of the container through the liner.

According to some aspects, the first seal can comprise at least one tab located on an outer edge. The at least one tab can be configured to operate at substantially the same time as the at least one perforation to provide for ease of removal of the first seal from the container.

In view of exemplary systems shown and described above, methods that may be implemented in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, will be better appreciated with reference to various flow charts. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, methods are shown and described as a series of blocks, it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the number or order of blocks, as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or at substantially the same time with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement methods described herein. It is to be appreciated that functionality associated with blocks may be implemented by software, hardware, a combination thereof or any other suitable means (e.g. device, system, process, component, controller, injection molding machinery, and so on). Additionally, it should be further appreciated that methods disclosed throughout this specification are capable of being stored on an article of manufacture to facilitate transporting and transferring such methods to various devices. Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a method could alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method 900 for producing a container assembly comprising an easy open closing mechanism, according to an aspect. Method 900 starts, at 902, when one or more perforations are created in a liner. In accordance with some aspects, the one or more perforations can be formed through utilization of a rotary die. A configuration of the one or more perforations and a number of perforations per inch can be selected as a function of an amount of rupture force needed to break away (or punch through) the liner at the perforation.

The liner can be a common liner that is utilized with a variety of containers. In accordance with some aspects, the liner can be a specialty liner that is utilized with a limited number of containers. The liner can comprise a single layer or multiple layers, wherein the one or more perforations are created in the liner and penetrate the single layer, one or more of the multiple layers, or each of the multiple layers. For example, penetration of the single layer or each of the multiple layers by the perforation can allow the liner to vent (e.g., the perforation allows air to ingress or egress the container). In another example, creation (or penetration) of the one or more perforations through only a portion of the layers can provide a waterproof seal or other seal through which container contents cannot escape.

At 904, the liner is seated in a closure. For example, the liner can be seated in a skirt of the closure. At 906, the liner seal and the closure are operatively attached to the container. In accordance with some aspects, the liner is operatively engaged with the mouth of the container after contents are placed in the container and the closure is operatively engaged over the liner and an outer portion of the mouth of the container. For example, complementary screw treads on a skirt of the dispensing closure and a neck of the container can be utilized to engage the closure over the liner and to the container. In other examples, the closure can be operatively attached to the container though other attachment means. Engaging the closure over the liner (seated within the closure) and onto the container can provide a hermetically closed seal.

At 908, the liner is sealed to the container. In accordance with some aspects, sealing the liner to the container can include bonding an adhesive surface, located on a bottom surface of the liner to an upper rim of a mouth of the container. The adhesive surface can be substantially the same configuration as the upper rim, allowing the liner to be in removable engagement with the container.

When the liner is to be removed from the container to access contents from the container, the liner can be removed, at 910, by means of the easy entry perforations created in the liner. For example, a object, such as a finger can easily tear the liner at the perforations.

In accordance with some aspects, printing is placed on the liner before the one or more perforations are created. The printing can provide information to the consumer as to the presence of the perforations and that the perforations allow the liner to be pushed into the mouth of the container and for easier removal of the liner. After a portion of the liner is pushed into the mouth of the container, the remaining portion of the liner can be simply torn away from the container.

While the foregoing disclosure discusses illustrative aspects and/or embodiments, it should be noted that various changes and modifications could be made herein without departing from the scope of described aspects and/or embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, described aspects are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within scope of appended claims. Furthermore, although elements of described aspects and/or embodiments may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. Additionally, all or a portion of any aspect and/or embodiment may be utilized with all or a portion of any other aspect and/or embodiment, unless stated otherwise.

To the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, the term “or” as used in either the detailed description or the claims is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from the context, the phrase “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, the phrase “X employs A or B” is satisfied by any of the following instances: X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form.

Additionally, in the subject description, the word “exemplary” (and variants thereof) is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.

Claims

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.