MEMBRANE LID WITH INTEGRATED TWO-STAGE TONGUE SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention relates to a resealable membrane lid for a container comprising a peelable portion and a removable portion; when the peelable and resealable portion is removed, the seal of the container is not disturbed; when the removable portion is removed from the container, the contents of the container can be accessed; the peelable portion can be resealed onto the container at any point in the process.

Description

MEMBRANE LID WITH INTEGRATED TWO-STAGE TONGUE SYSTEM CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 561,253 filed on September 5, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates in general to peelable membrane lids with an integrated two-stage tab system, containers comprising said membrane lids, and methods for making the same. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In one embodiment, the invention relates to a resealable membrane lid for a container comprising: a peelable portion, the peelable portion comprising: a peelable upper layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, a peelable lower layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer adjacent to at least a portion of the lower surface of the peelable upper layer and at least a portion of the upper surface of the peelable lower layer, wherein the peelable portion further comprises a central portion and a first pull tab extending radially from the central portion, and wherein the peelable portion comprises a plurality of slit lines extending at least substantially through the peelable lower layer but not into the peelable upper layer,comprising the cutting lines: a first scoring line arranged within a perimeter of the central portion of the peelable portion, being at least partially circumferential, and defining a peripheral region between the first scoring line and an edge of the peelable portion; at least a second scoring line arranged along the perimeter of the central portion of the peelable portion, adjacent to the first pull tab; and a third scoring line forming the perimeter of a second pull tab; a removable portion, the removable portion comprising: a removable upper layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a removable lower layer having an upper surface and a lower surface and having a fourth scoring line arranged circumferentially through it,wherein the upper surface of the removable lower layer is fixed to the lower surface of the removable upper layer and the lower surface of the removable lower layer is configured to be sealed to the rim of a container, and a layer of permanent adhesive disposed: within the peripheral region, adjacent to the removable upper layer and the peelable lower layer, and within at least a portion of the perimeter of the second pull tab, adjacent to the removable upper layer and the peelable lower layer. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a container having a resealable membrane lid comprising: a container body comprising a bottom wall and at least one upwardly extending side wall, wherein at least one side wall terminates in an edge and wherein the edge defines an open end of the container; and a membrane lid comprising: a peelable portion, the peelable portion comprising: a peelable top layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, a peelable bottom layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer adjacent to at least a portion of the lower surface of the peelable top layer and at least a portion of the upper surface of the peelable bottom layer,wherein the peelable portion further comprises a central portion and a first pull tab extending radially from the central portion, and wherein the peelable portion comprises a plurality of scoring lines extending at least substantially through the lower peelable layer but not into the upper peelable layer, the scoring lines comprising: a first scoring line disposed within a perimeter of the central portion of the peelable portion, being at least partially circumferential and defining a peripheral region between the first scoring line and an edge of the peelable portion; at least a second scoring line disposed along the perimeter of the central portion of the peelable portion, adjacent to the first pull tab; and a third scoring line forming the perimeter of a second pull tab; a removable portion,comprising the removable portion: a removable top layer having an upper surface and a lower surface and a removable bottom layer having an upper surface and a lower surface and having a fourth marking line arranged circumferentially through it, wherein the lower surface of the removable bottom layer is sealed to the rim of the container, wherein the upper surface of the removable bottom layer is fixed to the lower surface of the removable top layer, and a layer of permanent adhesive disposed: within the peripheral region, adjacent to the peelable bottom layer and the removable top layer, and within a portion of the perimeter of the second pull tab, adjacent to the peelable bottom layer and the removable top layer. In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a flexible membrane lid for a container comprising: providing a peelable top layer and a peelable bottom sheet layer; applying a pressure-sensitive adhesive to at least one of the peelable top layer and the peelable bottom layer; laminating the peelable top layer with the peelable bottom layer to form a first sheet;marking the peelable bottom layer of the first sheet to form a plurality of scoring lines comprising: a first scoring line that is disposed within a perimeter of the center portion of the peelable portion, is at least partially circumferential and defines a peripheral region between the first scoring line and an edge of the peelable portion, at least a second scoring line disposed at least partially along the perimeter of the center portion of the lid, and a third scoring line that forms a perimeter of a first pull tab; applying in a pattern a permanent adhesive to the peelable bottom layer within the peripheral region and within a portion of the perimeter of the first pull tab; providing a removable top layer and a removable bottom layer that are fixed together to form a second sheet;laminate the peelable bottom layer of the first sheet to the removable top layer of the second sheet, through the permanent adhesive, to form a third sheet; score the removable bottom layer of the second sheet to define: a perimeter of a removable portion of the lid and a fourth scoring line that is arranged radially inside the first scoring line and is circumferential; cut the third sheet through at least the peelable top layer and the peelable bottom layer to form a perimeter of the peelable portion of the lid, wherein the perimeter of the peelable portion of the lid includes a second pull tab that: extends radially outward from a central portion of the lid, and is arranged adjacent to the at least a second scoring line;providing a container comprising a container body comprising a bottom wall and at least one upwardly extending side wall, wherein at least one side wall terminates in an edge and wherein the edge defines an open end of the container; and sealing the membrane lid to the edge of the container, over the open end. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a container system comprising a resealable membrane lid sealed to a container rim, wherein the membrane lid comprises a peelable portion and a removable portion that are permanently bonded at their perimeters, permanently bonded at the location of an internal pull tab integral with the peelable portion, and not at the locations of the permanent adhesive, adhesive-free between the peelable portion and the removable portion, wherein the peelable portion comprises an external pull tab and is at least partially peelable and resealable over the container rim via a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and wherein the removable portion is permanently bonded to the container rim and a portion of the removable portion, defined by cut lines arranged therein,It must be removed in order for iviA / a / zuzz / uuz ioi to access the contents of the container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The specification sets forth a complete and possible description of the present invention, including the best embodiment thereof, addressed to a person skilled in the art, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1A and 1B are perspective views of a container and lid according to one embodiment of the invention, in various stages of opening; Figures 2A to 2C are cross-sectional views of a container and lid of the invention in various stages of opening, according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 3A illustrates a top view of a sheet of the peelable portion of the lid, according to an embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 5A to 5C; Figure 3B illustrates a top view of a sheet of the peelable portion of the lid, according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a method for making a membrane cover in connection with an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views of a container and lid of the invention in various stages of opening, according to one embodiment of the invention; and Figure 6A illustrates a top view of a sheet of the peelable portion of the lid, according to an embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 2A to 2C. Figure 6B illustrates a top view of a sheet of the peelable portion of the lid, according to another embodiment of the invention. The elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. The repeated use of reference numbers in this specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or similar features or elements of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of illustrating the invention, not as a limitation thereof. In fact, it will be evident to persons skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made to the present invention without departing from its scope or essence. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in another embodiment to give yet another embodiment. Thus, the present invention is intended to encompass such modifications and variations as they are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Food and beverage products, such as coffee, spices, sugar, cookies, crackers, and snacks, as well as non-food items like powders, cleaners, and outdoor chemicals, are often packaged in resealable containers. This allows the component inside the container to be partially used, and then the container can be resealed, using a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) or similar, until the next use. However, in some cases, due to the nature of the PSA seal and / or one or more cut lines in or adjacent to the PSA, the resealable lid may not provide an airtight seal, retain gas flow, or provide an oxygen barrier that meets industry requirements. For example, gases may inadvertently pass through the PSA portion of the reseal. In other cases, a peelable, flexible membrane can be affixed over an access point on a container, such as one end. Peelable, flexible membranes can provide a hermetic seal and also allow easy access to the contents by peeling the membrane. In many cases, the peelable membrane is removed from the container by the user using a tab that is continuous with the membrane. The tab is pulled up or back to peel the membrane away from the container's edge, revealing the contents. However, in these configurations, the membrane is not resealable. In the present invention, through ingenuity and hard work, the inventor has developed a flexible, resealable membrane lid that also provides an airtight seal, maintains gas flow, and / or provides an oxygen barrier that meets industry requirements. In one embodiment, the membrane lid of the invention has a pull tab that allows a consumer to grasp and peel a peelable portion of the membrane lid at least partially away from the container. The peelable portion of the membrane lid can be resealed to the rim, flange, or edge of the container. In one embodiment, peeling the peelable portion from the container does not provide access to the container's contents. In fact, a separate layer can be placed beneath the peelable portion, between the peelable portion and the container, blocking access to the container's interior.This separate lower layer may be referred to herein as a removable portion. In one embodiment, the membrane lid further comprises at least a second tab that allows the consumer to grasp and peel off at least part of the detached removable portion from the container. In one embodiment, the detachable portion can be at least partially torn off when removed from the container. The detachable portion can be partially or completely removable from the container. Once partially or completely removed, the space previously occupied by the detachable portion can provide access to the interior of the container. If completely removed, the detachable portion can then be discarded. In one embodiment, the detachable portion of the membrane lid can then be resealed onto the container, if desired. Resealing allows for the preservation of the contents within the container. In one embodiment, the second tab can be positioned within the perimeter of the membrane lid. In another embodiment, the second tab is integral with the peelable portion of the membrane lid. That is, the second tab is part of, comprises, and / or is continuous with at least one layer of the peelable portion. In one embodiment, the second tab is defined by the cut lines in at least one layer of the peelable portion. In use, when the peel-away portion is pulled back, the second tab, which is integral with the peel-away portion but permanently attached to the removable portion, can be released or detached from the peel-away portion and remain fixed to the removable portion. The second tab, which then separates from the peel-away portion and is fixed to the removable portion, can be grasped and pulled to remove at least part of the removable portion from the container's access point. The membrane cap of the invention provides a comprehensive solution that is easy to manufacture and easy for the consumer to use. In one embodiment, the cap is airtight and, once opened, can be resealed. The cap can contain a gas flow and can provide an oxygen barrier that meets industry requirements. Due to the specific layers, configuration, and die-cut structure, gas diffusion from the inside of the container to the outside can be significantly reduced or eliminated. Referring now to the drawings, in Figures 1A to 1B, a container 10 is shown according to one embodiment of the invention. The container 10 may include a body portion 15 having a first end 16 defining an opening 25 (shown in Figure 1B) providing access to the interior of the body 15 and the products 17 placed therein. The container 10 may also include a peelable membrane lid 50 for closing the body 15 to form the container 10. The body 15 may include a rim 35 (shown in Figures 2A to 2C) at the first end 16, and the peelable membrane lid 50 can be sealed to the rim 35 to close the container 10. Although the embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 1B is a tubular composite container, it should be understood that any type of container, any container shape, and any container material could be used in the invention. For example, the container may comprise metal, plastic, paper, and / or any other material known in the art. Similarly, the container is shown as cylindrical, but the container body can have any shape that has at least one side wall extending upward from a base. The container may be cylindrical, tubular, square, rectangular, or any other shape known in the art. The container may be formed in any way known in the art. As shown in the figures, the peelable membrane lid 50 may include multiple layers. In some embodiments, the peelable membrane lid 50 may include a peelable portion 75 and a removable portion 80, each of which may comprise one or more layers. In one embodiment, the peelable portion 75 is positioned above the removable portion 80, with respect to the container. In one embodiment, the peelable portion 75 is an outer layer and the removable portion 80 is an inner layer, with respect to the container. In one embodiment, the peelable portion 75 is adjacent to and at least partially adhered to the removable portion 80. In one embodiment, the lower surface of the peelable portion 75 is adjacent to and at least partially adhered to the upper surface of the removable portion 80.In one embodiment, a permanent adhesive is placed in a pattern between the interface of the lower surface of the peelable portion 75 and the upper surface of the removable portion 80. In one embodiment, the lower surface of the removable portion 80 is permanently adhered to the rim, tab, or edge of the container. In one embodiment, the peelable portion 75, as shown in Figures 2A to 2C, may comprise two or more layers. The outermost layer of the lid 50 and the peelable portion 75 may be referred to herein as a first layer, an upper layer, a peelable upper layer, or an upper layer 76. The upper layer 76 may comprise a flexible film, paper, a metallized material, any combination thereof, or any other material known in the art. The upper layer 76 may, in one embodiment, have printed material displayed thereon, such as labels, logos, nutritional information, instructions, or the like. One or more additional layers may be positioned above or outside the upper layer 76 in certain embodiments. In one embodiment, a second layer 74 may be placed adjacent to, and in some embodiments, below, the first layer 76, with respect to the container. The second layer 74 may be referred to herein as a bottom layer of the peelable portion or a peelable bottom layer. In one embodiment, the second layer 74 is part of the peelable portion 75 of the peelable membrane lid 50. In one embodiment, each of the first layer 74 and the second layer 76 has a top surface and a bottom surface. One or more additional layers may be placed between the first layer 76 and the second layer 74 in certain embodiments. In one embodiment, the first layer 76 and the second layer 74 of the peelable portion are bonded together, at least partially, by means of a PSA 72 layer. In this embodiment, the first layer 76 and the second layer 74 may have the PSA 72 layer sandwiched between them. In one embodiment, the lower surface of the upper layer 76 is at least partially bonded to the upper surface of the lower layer 74. In one embodiment, the PSA 72 layer comprises a pattern that is applied between layers 74 and 76 so that it is at least aligned with the edge 35 of the container to which the lid is to be applied. In another embodiment, the PSA 72 layer is applied around the circumference of the lid 50, at least in a peripheral region, between layers 74 and 76. In one embodiment, the peripheral region of the peelable portion corresponds to the location of the edge 35 of the container. In one embodiment, the PSA 72 layer is also placed between layers 74 and 76 at the location of a second pull tab, which will be discussed in more detail below. In this embodiment, the second pull tab, which is integral with the lower peelable layer 76 and defined by certain trim lines, is removably bonded to the upper peelable layer 74. In these embodiments, a stronger or permanent adhesive may be placed between layers 74 and 76, other than in the areas where the PSA is placed, for example, in a central portion of cap 50, within the peripheral region, and outside the second tab. In other embodiments, the PSA 72 layer is flood-coated between layers 74 and 76. That is, the PSA 72 layer may cover the entire surface of either or both layers 74 and 76 at the interface between the layers. The PSA 72 layer can comprise any PSA known in the art. The second layer 74 of the lid 50 may comprise a flexible film, paper, a metallized material, any combination thereof, or any other material known in the art. In one embodiment, the first and second layers 76, 74 of the lid 50 comprise the same materials, and in other embodiments, the first and second layers 76, 74 of the lid 50 comprise different materials. For example, layer 76 may comprise paper and layer 74 may comprise a polymeric material, in one embodiment. In one embodiment, at least one of the peelable upper layer 76 and the peelable lower layer 74 comprises a polymeric film. In one embodiment, the first and second layers 76, 74 are coextensive with each other (i.e., have substantially the same width, length, and / or other dimension) and extend at least to the perimeter of the rim 35 of the container. In some forms, the peelable portion 75 may include a pull tab 32, which may be a portion or protrusion extending radially from the peelable portion 75 that can be grasped by a user, as shown in Figure 1A, and used to peel the peelable portion 75 away from the body 15. Although the pull tab 32 is depicted as extending radially from the membrane, as will be understood, the pull tab 32 could be provided in any manner known in the technique. For example, the pull tab 32 could extend upward from the peelable portion 75 and / or could have any shape known in the technique (square, rectangular, semicircular, triangular, etc.). In some models, pull tab 32 may be referred to as an external pull tab.Furthermore, although pull tab 32 is shown as integral with the peelable portion 75, pull tab 32 could be a separate element that attaches to the peelable portion. Similarly, although pull tab 32 is shown as integral with the first layer 76 and the second layer 74, it should be understood that pull tab 32 can be integral with only one of those layers, in one configuration. In one embodiment, the lower peelable layer 74 of the peelable portion 75 may be scored or trimmed in one or more positions. In one embodiment, the trims may extend through the second layer 74 and, optionally, into the PSA layer 72, but preferably not into the first layer 76. In one embodiment, the trims result in one or more cut lines in the second layer 74. In one embodiment, the peelable portion 75 comprises a plurality of cut lines that extend at least substantially through the lower peelable layer 74 but do not extend into the upper peelable layer 76. A first cut line 60 is positioned to align with, be adjacent to, or be slightly inside the inner edge (relative to the container) of the rim 35. The first cut line 60 may be positioned circumferentially or substantially circumferentially around the lid 50, which is sized and configured to align substantially with the inner edge of the rim 35. In one embodiment, the peelable portion 75 comprises a center portion and a first pull tab 32 extending radially from the center portion. In one embodiment, the first cut line 60 is positioned inside a perimeter 63 of the center portion of the peelable portion 75.In one embodiment, the first slit line 60 defines a fixed portion 64 of the second layer 74, between the slit line 60 and the perimeter 63 of the central portion of the peelable portion 75, which remains attached to the peelable portion 80 and edge 35, while the remainder of the second layer 74 lifts off from the peelable portion 80 and edge 35. In one embodiment, the first slit line 60 is positioned radially inside the circumferential permanent adhesive 89, which is discussed below. In one embodiment, the first slit line 60 is positioned radially outside the fourth slit line 87, which is also discussed below. In one embodiment, the first slit line 60 may be at least partially circumferential. In one embodiment, the first slit line 60 is not completely circumferential (see Figures 3A and 5A to 5C). That is, the first slit line 60 may extend partially or substantially, but not completely, around the circumference of the edge 35. In one embodiment, a portion of the second layer 74 is not cut through the slit line 60, but instead aligns circumferentially with the slit line 60, forming a hinge 62 (shown in Figures 1B, 5B, and 5C). In one embodiment, the hinge 62 is positioned between two opposite ends of the first slit line 60. In one embodiment, the first slit line 60 terminates in two hooks or other mechanisms that would prevent tearing of the film at the end of the first slit line 60. In another embodiment, however, the first cut line 60 can be completely circumferential (see Figures 2A to 2C and 6A to 6B). In this embodiment, a central portion of the second layer 74 can be completely separated from the fixed portion 64 of the second layer 74. In one embodiment, a hinge 62 can be formed between the top layer 76 and the fixed portion 64 of the second layer 74. Alternatively, in this embodiment, the entire peelable portion 75 can be separated from the container through a split in the PSA layer 72. In this embodiment, the peelable portion 75 can be completely removed from the container and, if desired, replaced in the container through the PSA layer 72. In one embodiment, the fixed portion 64 of the second layer 74 and the remainder of the second layer 74 (the central portion) are hinged and movable at the hinge point 62. The hinge 62 allows the peel-off portion 75 to detach from the container 10 without being completely removed from it. In one embodiment, the fixed portion 64 of the second layer 74 is permanently attached to at least a portion of the peel-off portion 80, which will be discussed in more detail below. In one embodiment, the fixed portion 64 surrounds the perimeter of the rim 35. In one embodiment, the hinge 62 is positioned along the perimeter of the rim 35, opposite the tab 32. That is, the hinge 62 can be positioned on the opposite side of the container from the tab 32. In one embodiment, hinge 62 is positioned adjacent to or on the inside of the inner edge of rim 35. In one embodiment, hinge 62 is substantially aligned with a portion of the fourth cut line 87 (discussed below) of the removable portion 80. In one embodiment, hinge 62 is radially outside the fourth cut line 87 (discussed below) of the removable portion 80. In yet another embodiment, hinge 62 is substantially aligned with a portion of the perimeter of the top layer 84 of the removable portion 80. In one embodiment, the second layer 74 is also trimmed to form at least a second cut line 66 (shown in Figures 2A to 2C, 3A, 5A to 6B). The second cut line 66 may be positioned adjacent to or inward (relative to the container) of the tab 32. In one embodiment, the second cut line 66 is positioned along the perimeter of the center portion of the peel-away portion, adjacent to the first pull tab. The second cut line 66 may, in one embodiment, be positioned adjacent to or in line with the outside or outer edge of the rim 35. The second cut line 66 may permit the portion of the second layer 74 disposed in the position of the tab 32 to be separated from the remainder of the layer 74.Although cut line 66 is shown as a single cut line, it should be understood that cut line 66 may comprise a plurality of cut lines that are concentric or parallel, to ensure easy separation between tab 32 and the edge of container 35. iviA / a / zuzz / uuz ioi Due to the adhesive layer 72 between layers 74 and 76, at least at the position of tab 32, tab 32 can comprise the first layer 76, the second layer 74, and the adhesive layer 72 (shown in Figures 2B and 2C). In one embodiment, the pull tab 32 can be grasped by a user, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B, and used to peel the peelable portion 75 away from the container. In one embodiment, the second layer 74 is further trimmed to form a third cut line 68. The third cut line 68 can be positioned radially inward of the second cut line 66 (relative to the container). The third cut line 68 can be positioned inward of the first cut line 60 (relative to the container). The third cut line 68 can be sized and shaped to form a second pull tab or inner tab 20. In one embodiment, the third cut line 68 can define the perimeter of the second pull tab 20. In one embodiment, the third cut line 68 can have a closed shape. For example, the third cut line 68 can define a rectangle, a circle, an oval, an irregular shape, or a similar shape.In one embodiment, the third cutting line 68 may cross or be continuous with the first cutting line 60 so that the combination of cutting line 68 and cutting line 60 forms a closed shape. The inner pull tab 20, in one embodiment, is part of and integral with the second layer 74. That is, a cut line 68 in the second layer 74 defines the limits of the second pull tab 20. The inner tab 20 can be formed and sized in any way convenient for gripping. In one embodiment, the inner tab 20 can be rectangular, square, semicircular, oval, or similar. In one embodiment, the inner tab 20 comprises a neck portion 22 and a gripping portion 24. In one embodiment, the neck portion 22 of the inner tab 20 can be adjacent to the gripping portion. In one embodiment, the neck portion 22 can be positioned closer to the edge 35 than the gripping portion 24, closer to the centerline of the container than the gripping portion 24, or in any other position adjacent to the gripping portion 24.In one embodiment, the neck portion 22 may be narrower than the gripping portion 24. In one embodiment, the neck portion 22 may have a different shape than the gripping portion 24. The gripping portion 24 may be the portion of the tab used to grasp and pull the removable portion 80 away from the container. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the internal pull tab 20 is permanently bonded to the top surface of the removable portion 80. In a particular embodiment, a portion of the internal pull tab 20 can be bonded to the top surface of the aluminum layer 84. In this embodiment, the neck portion 22 can be permanently bonded to the removable portion 80 (i.e., the aluminum layer 84). In this embodiment, when the grip portion 24 is gripped and pulled away from the container, the permanent adhesive between the tab 20 and the removable portion 80 can cause the tab 20 to remain fixed to the removable portion 80, thereby permitting the removal of at least a portion of the removable portion. In one embodiment, the grip and force of the tab 20 tears at least a portion of the aluminum layer 84, which will be explained in more detail below. Figure 3A illustrates a top view of a sheet of the peelable portion 75. The first layer 76 is shown, with the second layer 74 positioned below layer 76 in the laminate view. Cut lines 60, 66, and 68 are shown as dashed lines, cutting through the second layer 74 but not through the first layer 76. As can be seen, cut line 66 separates tab 32 from the rest of the second layer 74. Cut line 60 defines the fixed portion 64, which remains attached to the container structure after the peelable portion 75 is removed. Finally, cut line 68 is shown as the intersection cut line 60 to define the inner tab 20. Figure 3A further illustrates cut line 63, which cuts through the first layer 76 and the second layer 74 of the sheet to define a perimeter for the lid 50. Cut line 63, in this form, includes the first tab 32. As noted above, in one embodiment, the pull tab 32 can be grasped by a user and used to peel the peel-away portion 75 away from the container. In another embodiment, peeling the pull tab 32 and the peel-away portion 75 may not grant the user access to the contents of container 17 because the removable portion 80 may remain fixed to the rim of container 35, protecting the contents of container 17 from exposure to the environment. Thus, the pull tab 32 and the peel-away portion 75 can, in one embodiment, be removed in whole or in part without affecting the contents 17 of container 10. Figure 3B illustrates a sheet of the removable portion 80. In one embodiment, shown in Figures 2A to 2C, the removable portion 80 may comprise one or more layers. In one particular embodiment, the removable portion 80 may comprise at least one sealant layer 82, such as Surlyn, and one aluminum layer 84. There may or may not be an adhesive layer between the sealant layer 82 and the aluminum layer 84. In one embodiment, the aluminum layer 84 and the sealant layer 82 are co-extruded. In yet another embodiment, the sealant layer 82 is a coating that is applied or printed onto the aluminum layer 84. In either case, the aluminum layer 84 and the sealant layer 82 can be bonded together. In one particular embodiment, the upper surface of the sealant layer 82 is fixed to the lower surface of the aluminum layer 84 and the lower surface of the sealant layer 82 is configured to seal to the edge 35 of the container. Although layer 84 is described as an aluminum layer, it should be understood that layer 84 may alternatively be referred to as a removable top layer 84 of the removable portion 80. In this embodiment, the removable top layer 84 may comprise a foil, paper, a polymer, or any combination thereof. In one particular embodiment, the removable top layer 84 comprises a barrier layer, which provides a barrier against moisture and / or gas between the interior of the container and the surrounding atmosphere. Similarly, although the sealant layer 82 is described as a sealant, it may alternatively be referred to as a removable bottom layer 82 of the removable portion 80 and may comprise any material known in the art. In one exemplary embodiment, the removable bottom layer 82 may comprise a polymeric material and may be sealed to a separate polymeric material positioned on the rim 35 of the container or may be sealed to a polymeric side wall of the container. Thus, the removable bottom layer 82 need not be limited to a sealing material. Likewise, however, the sealant layer 82 may comprise any sealant known in the art for adhering the membrane lids to the containers. In one embodiment, each removable top layer 84 and the removable bottom layer 82 has a top surface and a bottom surface with respect to the container. One or more additional layers may be present as part of the removable portion 80. In one embodiment, the membrane lid 50 is heat-sealed to the rim 35 of the container. In one embodiment, the seal between the sealant layer 82 and the rim of the container 35 is a permanent heat seal. In Figure 3B, the sealant layer 82 is shown with a larger diameter than the aluminum layer 84. In this embodiment, the aluminum layer 84 can be cut (see the cut line) to a size slightly smaller than that of the sealant layer 82. In one embodiment, the aluminum layer 84 has a smaller diameter than the sealant layer 82. The cut line 83 can be cut from the top and pass only through the aluminum layer 84, in one embodiment. However, in an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 6B, the sealant layer 82 is shown with the same diameter as the aluminum layer 84. In this embodiment, the cut line 83 does not exist. The cut line 81, also shown in Figures 3B and 6B, can define the perimeter of the sealant layer 82 and, in some embodiments, the aluminum layer 84. The cut line 81 can be placed through both layers 82 and 84, or it can be placed through only the sealant layer 82, in one embodiment. In one embodiment, a peripheral region 86 of the sealant layer 82 extends circumferentially outward from the aluminum layer 84. In other words, the peripheral region 86 can be the portion of the sealant layer 82 that is disposed between the perimeter of the aluminum layer 84 and the perimeter of the sealant layer 82. In one embodiment, the lower surface of the sealant layer 82 can be configured to align with, and be permanently sealed to, the edge 35 of the container at the position of the peripheral region 86. In one embodiment, a fourth scoring line 87 is cut into the removable portion 80, at least partially, substantially, or completely through the sealant layer 82, but preferably not into or through the aluminum layer 84. The fourth scoring line 87 is shown at least in Figure 3B. The fourth scoring line 87 may be completely circumferential, so that the middle portion 88 of the sealant layer 82 is completely separated from the peripheral region 86 of the sealant layer 82. In one embodiment, the fourth scoring line 87 may be positioned radially inward from the perimeter of the removable top layer 84. In one embodiment, the fourth scoring line 87 may be positioned radially inward from the first scoring line 60. In another embodiment, the fourth scoring line 87 may be positioned radially inward from the permanent adhesive 89 placed in the peripheral region 86 of the removable bottom layer 82.In one embodiment, the fourth marking line 87 can be placed radially inward from an inner edge of the container's rim 35. In another embodiment, the fourth marking line 87 can be placed adjacent to an inner edge of the container's rim 35. The cross-sectional view shown in Figure 2C illustrates the separation of the middle portion 88 of the sealant layer 82 from the peripheral region 86 of the sealant layer 82. In this embodiment, when the second pull tab 20 is used to pull the removable portion away from the container, the aluminum layer 84 will tear at a position above the fourth cut line 87 and the sealant layer 82 will separate at the cut line 87, so that the middle portion 88 of the removable portion 80 will be removed from the container structure and the peripheral region 86 will remain fixed to the container structure. In one embodiment, a layer of permanent adhesive 89 is placed along or within the peripheral region 86 of the sealant layer 82, on the upper surface of the sealant layer 82, adjacent to the edge or perimeter of the aluminum layer 84. In another embodiment, a layer of permanent adhesive 89 is disposed along or within the peripheral region 86, but on the upper surface of the aluminum layer 84, between the first cut line 60 and the perimeter of the lid 50. In one embodiment, the permanent adhesive 89 is placed vertically above the rim 35 of the container. In this embodiment, the permanent adhesive can be any permanent adhesive known in the art. In an embodiment shown in Figure 3B, because the aluminum layer 84 is circumferentially smaller than the sealant layer 82, the permanent adhesive 89 can be exposed prior to the lamination of the peelable portion 75 to the removable portion 80. In another embodiment, the permanent adhesive 89 is arranged circumferentially on the underside of the lower peelable layer 74. In this embodiment, the permanent adhesive 89 can be positioned between the first cut line 60 and the edge of the lid 50. In this embodiment, the circumferential permanent adhesive 89 can be positioned beneath the fixed portion 64 of the peelable portion 75. In this embodiment, the circumferential permanent adhesive 89 can be substantially or entirely circumferential. In this embodiment, the circumferential permanent adhesive 89 can be aligned with the rim 35 of the container and / or the peripheral region 86 of the removable portion 80. In one embodiment, the permanent adhesive 89 can also be placed in a discreet location applied in a pattern on the upper surface of the aluminum layer 84 and / or the lower surface of the lower peelable layer 74, corresponding to at least a portion of the second tab 20. In one embodiment, the permanent adhesive 89 is placed in a location corresponding to the neck 22 of the second tab 20. The use of the permanent adhesive in this manner serves to permanently bond a portion of the second tab 20 to the removable portion 80, once the removable portion 80 and the peelable portion 75 are laminated and bonded together. Thus, in one embodiment, the peelable portion 75 is adhered to the removable portion 80, using the permanent adhesive 89, in the peripheral region 86 / fixed portion 64 and in a location that corresponds to at least a portion of the second tab 20. These permanent adhesion regions serve to fix the peelable portion 75 to the removable portion 80 in the indicated locations. In one embodiment, the peelable portion 75 and the removable portion 80 are laminated together as shown in Figures 2A to 2C. As shown, the peelable portion and the removable portion 80 are permanently bonded along their perimeters to the fixed portion 64 of the second layer 74 of the peelable portion 75, on one side, and the peripheral region 86 of the removable portion 80, on the other side. In addition, as described above, the peelable portion 75 and the removable portion 80 can be permanently bonded at the location of at least a portion of the second tab 20, allowing the second tab 20 to separate from the peelable portion 75 and remain fixed to the removable portion 80 when the peelable portion 75 is peeled from the container.In a particular embodiment, the permanent adhesive 89 placed in the peripheral region 86 of the removable portion 80 adheres to the lower surface of the peelable bottom layer 74, between the first marking line 60 and the perimeter of the central portion of the peelable bottom layer 74. In one embodiment, once the peelable portion 75 is peeled away from the container, a gap 77 may be visible on the underside of the peelable portion 75, corresponding to the location of the second removed tab 20. In one embodiment, the gap 77 may comprise a missing portion of the lower peelable layer 74. The gap 77 may or may not have a PSA positioned therein. In one embodiment, the gap 77 does not have a PSA positioned therein and instead unfolds the lower portion of the upper peelable layer 76. In one embodiment, the interface between the peelable portion 75 and the removable portion 80 may be adhesive-free except in the regions of the permanent adhesive as described herein, defining at least one adhesive-free region 95 (shown in Figure 2A). That is, a portion of the interface between the removable portion 80 and the peelable portion 75 may be adhesive-free 95. In one embodiment, the central portion of the removable portion 80 and the peelable portion 75 may be substantially adhesive-free 95. In one embodiment, the central portion may comprise an area within the first shear line 60, with the exception of the permanent adhesive applied to the portion of the second pull tab 20. In one embodiment, the peelable membrane cap 50 may comprise an integrated peelable label, coupon, promotional item, product information, or the like printed on one or both surfaces of the peelable portion 75 and / or the removable portion 80. For example, a consumer may peel back the peelable portion 75 to reveal a coupon, product information, dosage information, or nutritional information located on the underside of the peelable portion 75, the top side of the removable portion 80, and / or the underside of the removable portion 80. In some embodiments, the outermost layer 76 may contain a colored print, graphics, or ink. In one embodiment, body 15 may comprise at least one sheet of body board, but in some cases, two (or more) sheets of board may be spiral-wound to form body 15. Recycled cardboard may be used, for example, in some applications. Additionally, in some cases, a label may be applied to the exterior of at least one sheet of body board, such as to provide markings indicating the product type, brand, manufacturer, ingredients, etc., related to the product contained therein. In one embodiment, a coating sheet can be adhered to the inner surface of the body board sheet by means of an adhesive. In some embodiments, the coating sheet can be a multi-layered coating structure that includes a paper layer, a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bonding layer that bonds one or more mOPP film layers to the paper layer, and a coating sealant disposed on an inner surface of the mOPP film layers. The paper layer can be adhered to the inner surface of at least one body board sheet to fix the mOPP coating sheet to the body board sheet. The mOPP coating sheet and the body board sheet can be rolled together outward (e.g., with respect to the inside of body 15) to form the rim 35 at the first end 16 of body 15, as shown. In some cases, an overcap may also be provided, wherein the overcap is configured to engage the first end 16 of the body 15 to cover the peelable membrane 50 before the membrane 50 is removed. The overcap may, in one embodiment, be replaceable at the rim of the container after peeling off the peelable portion 75 and / or removing the removable portion 80. Manufacturing method A method for manufacturing a membrane container and lid, iviA / a / zuzz / uuz ioi, as described herein, is also provided. Generally, the method of manufacturing the membrane lid may comprise laminating the top layer 76 of the peelable portion 75 to the bottom layer 74 of the peelable portion, using at least one PSA. Laminating may occur before or after scoring the bottom layer 74. In one particular embodiment, however, layers 76 and 74 are laminated together using flood-coated PSA, and then the peelable portion of the laminate 75 is trimmed. Lines 60, 66, and 68 may be trimmed through the bottom layer 74, but preferably not through layer 76. In one embodiment, line 63, which defines the perimeter of the lid 50, is not cut at this stage, and the peelable portion 75 remains in the laminated sheet form. More specifically, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, a top layer 76 and a bottom layer 74 can be provided in sheet form. In one embodiment, an adhesive can be flood-coated or pattern-applied to the underside of the top layer 76 in predetermined areas at station 101. In another embodiment, the adhesive is pattern-applied to the top side of the bottom layer 74. The adhesive(s) can be applied in any suitable pattern, but in one embodiment, at least the area between layers 76 and 74 at the position of the fixed portion 64 contains PSA. The adhesive can optionally be dried in a drying station, such as an oven or similar. Next, the top layer 76 and the bottom layer 74 can be adhesively bonded together using adhesives (station 102) to form a first laminate 110. The first laminate 110 will become the peelable portion 75 of the lid 50. The lamination can be achieved using a laminating machine comprising two rollers that form a point of contact between them, or it can be achieved using any other method known in the art. In one embodiment, the top layer 76 and the bottom layer 74 must be substantially coextensive with each other during the lamination process. For example, if the top layer 76 and the bottom layer 74 are rectangular, the width and length of the top layer 76 must match the width and length of the bottom layer 74. The first laminate 110 can then be trimmed (optionally, precision trimmed) at station 103 to form the cut lines 60, 66 and 68 (shown in figure 3A), which extend through the bottom layer 74, optionally into the PSA layer, but not into the top layer 76. Similarly, the aluminum layer 84 and the sealant layer 82 can be supplied in sheet form. In one embodiment, an adhesive can be applied in a pattern to the underside of the aluminum layer 84 or the top surface of the sealant layer 82, as shown in adhesive station 104. The adhesive can be flood-coated or applied in any suitable pattern. Optionally, the adhesives can be dried in a drying station, such as an oven or similar. Next, the aluminum layer 84 and the sealant layer 82 can be adhesively bonded together using adhesives (station 105) to form a second laminate 112. This second laminate 112 will become the removable portion 80 of the lid 50. The lamination can be achieved using a laminating machine comprising two rollers that form a point of contact between them, or it can be achieved using any other method known in the art. In one embodiment, the aluminum layer 84 and the sealant layer 82 must be substantially coextensive with each other during the laminating process. In another embodiment, the sealant layer 82 can optionally be applied to the underside of the aluminum layer 84 as a coating, or more specifically, as an extrusion coating. In this embodiment, the laminating station 105 can be omitted. In yet another embodiment, the sealant layer 82 can be printed onto the underside of the aluminum layer 84 at a printing station. In these embodiments, the coated extrusion and / or the extrusion-coated aluminum layer 84 can be referred to as the second laminate 112. In one embodiment, the second laminate 12 can then advance to a marking station 106. In this embodiment, the second laminate 112 can be overmarked to form the cut line 83 in the aluminum layer 84. As with any marking or cutting station discussed herein, the marking can be precision laser marking in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the cut line 83 is cut through the aluminum layer 84 without cutting the sealant layer 82. In a particular embodiment, this marking step can be omitted, so that the aluminum layer 84 is cut simultaneously with the sealant layer 82 at the cut line 81, such that the aluminum layer 84 and the sealant layer 82 have the same circumference. In one embodiment, a permanent adhesive can then be applied in a pattern to the upper surface of the second laminate 112, in predetermined areas, at station 107. In another embodiment, the permanent adhesive is applied in a pattern to the underside of the first laminate 110. The adhesive can be applied in any suitable pattern, but in one embodiment, it is applied at least in the area between laminates 110 and 112 at the position of the fixed portion 64 and / or the peripheral portion 86. Similarly, at least a portion of the area between laminates 110 and 112 at the position of the second tab 20 contains a permanent adhesive. The adhesive can optionally be dried in a drying station, such as an oven or similar. In one embodiment, other than the location of the fixed portion 64 and / or the peripheral portion 86, and at the location of a portion of the second tab 20, the remainder of the interface between the first and second laminates 110 and 112 remains without adhesive. The first and second laminates 110, 112 can then be adhesively bonded together using the permanent adhesive (station 108) to form a third laminate 114. The lamination can be achieved using a laminating machine comprising two rollers that form a point of contact between them, or it can be achieved using any other method known in the art. In one embodiment, the first and second laminates 110, 112 are coextensive. In another embodiment, the third lamination step at station 108 is carried out in register such that the trim line 60 in the first laminate 110 aligns with the region of the permanent adhesive applied to the second laminate 112. In this embodiment, the region of the permanent adhesive applied to the second laminate 112 can be radially aligned outward from the trim line 60.Similarly, the registration must ensure that the portion of permanent adhesive that is designed to align with the second pull tab 20 is aligned with at least a portion of the shape defined by the trim line 68. Next, the third laminate 114 can proceed to a cutting station 109 where the sealant layer 82 can be trimmed to form the cut line 87, which does not extend into the aluminum layer 84. Also at the cutting station 109, the cut line 81 can be formed through a sealant layer 82 and, optionally, the aluminum layer 84, defining the perimeter of the removable portion 80. The cutting station can comprise a laser cutting station made in register with the cut lines and the adhesive patterns already created. In one embodiment, the perimeter of the peelable portion 75, which also defines the perimeter of the membrane cover 50 (cut line 63), is cut at cutting station 116 through at least layers 76 and 74. Cut line 63 may include tab 32. As stated herein, the marking, cutting, and / or perforation may be achieved by die cutting, laser cutting, waterjet cutting, surface cutting, or any other method known in the art. The laminate skeleton 118 may then be removed and discarded. The steps mentioned above need not occur in this particular order. For example, in some embodiments, the marking can be achieved before the application of the adhesive / laminate and can be applied in register with the marking. Furthermore, although the lines are referred to herein as cut lines, marking lines, and the like, it should be understood that perforations are also encompassed by the invention. Thus, any of the cut lines described herein may comprise a plurality of perforations. Similarly, the marking lines or cut lines may comprise continuous cut lines. Unless otherwise specified, the marking lines may extend partially or substantially through a layer or may extend completely through a layer. In the figures, the cut lines are shown as dashed lines when they are cut out and are not visible from the surface of the particular layer.Therefore, dashed lines should not be considered as perforations. In some embodiments, a tubular container body can be formed by spirally winding a sheet of cardboard (e.g., a single sheet, two sheets, or more) and an optional cover sheet, or by spirally winding continuous strips of the materials around a mandrel of a desired shape (e.g., a cylindrical mandrel) to create the tubular structure. At the downstream end of the mandrel, the tubular structure can be cut into discrete lengths, and the body can be rolled outward to form the rim, as previously described. The membrane 50, formed earlier, can then be attached to the first end of the body 15 by sealing the sealant layer 82 to the rim.Optionally, each discrete section of the tubular body (representing a container) can be fitted with at least one end cap (e.g., at an end opposite the first end 16 shown in Figures 1A and 1B), although in some applications the tubular bodies can be transported to a separate facility for the application of the end cap. Although an exemplary method for manufacturing a composite container according to the embodiments of the invention has been described, as will be understood, the manufacturing steps of the container may vary in some cases. For example, the order in which certain manufacturing steps may occur may vary, and / or in some cases certain steps may be omitted, and others may be added. How to use The method of use is illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B. When the user lifts tab 32, the score line 66 allows tab 32 to separate from the fixed portion 64 of the peelable portion 75. As the user peels tab 32, the score line 60 allows the center portion 94 of layer 74 to separate from the fixed portion 64. In addition, the score line 68 allows the second tab 20 to separate from the remainder of the peelable portion 75 and instead remain attached to the removable portion 80 (due to the permanent adhesive between the second tab 20 and the removable portion 80). The peel-away portion 75 peels upward toward hinge 62. In one embodiment, at the location of hinge 62, the peel-away portion 75 cannot be peeled away further or removed from the container. Lifting the peel-away portion, in one embodiment, exposes the removable portion 80 but does not expose the contents of container 17.In one scenario, an airtight seal may even exist at this stage of the opening process. At this stage, if desired, a user can replace the peelable portion 75 at the edge of the container 35. At least a portion of the PSA 72, which is positioned between the top layer 76 and the bottom layer 74, will be exposed due to the separation of the fixed portion 64 from the rest of the bottom layer 74. In one configuration, at least a portion of the PSA 72, which is positioned between the top layer 76 and the bottom layer 74 and is located above the fixed portion 64, will be exposed. Thus, if desired, a user can replace the peelable portion 75 at the edge of the container 35, and the PSA 72 will align with the fixed portion 64 to create a resealable area. The peelable portion can be peeled and resealed onto the fixed portion one or more times. In one embodiment, lifting the peelable portion also exposes the second tab 20, which is permanently attached to the aluminum layer 84 of the removable portion 80. In one embodiment, the second tab 20 can then be grasped and pulled. As the second tab 20 is pulled, the aluminum layer 84 can be torn along a path substantially aligned with the fourth score line 87. In another embodiment, the aluminum layer 84 is not otherwise fixed to the container body and is lifted out of the structure with the sealant layer 82. In this embodiment, the score line 87 allows the sealant layer 82 to separate from the container body. The removable portion 80 can then be completely removed and discarded, if desired. As described above, at this stage, if desired, a user can replace the peelable portion 75 at the rim of the container 35, and the PSA 72 will engage with the fixed portion 64 to create a resealable area. The underside of the removable portion 80, at the location of the peripheral region 86, remains sealed to the rim 35 even after the removable portion 80 is removed. The circumferential remnants of the aluminum layer 84 and the sealant layer 82, at the location of the peripheral region 86, remain sealed to the rim 35 even after the removal of the removable portion 80 in one mode. The lower surface of the fixed portion 64 of the peelable portion 75 remains permanently attached to the upper surface of the removable portion 80, at the location of the peripheral portion 86. In this way, the peelable portion 75 can be peeled off and resealed onto the fixed portion 68 one or more times. The accompanying figures are provided for illustrative purposes and may not depict the various layers, sheets, adhesives, labels, inks, or other components described above with respect to the container's configurations. Furthermore, the components shown are not necessarily drawn to scale. Therefore, certain layers shown as being the same thickness or thinner than other layers may actually be thicker, and vice versa. Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein will occur to those skilled in the art to which these inventions belong, with the benefit of the lessons presented in the preceding descriptions and associated drawings. It is therefore to be understood that the inventions are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. A resealable membrane lid for a container, characterized in that it comprises: a peelable portion, the peelable portion comprising: a peelable top layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, a peelable bottom layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer adjacent to at least a portion of the lower surface of the peelable top layer and at least a portion of the upper surface of the peelable bottom layer, wherein the peelable portion further comprises a center portion and a first pull tab extending radially from the center portion, and wherein the peelable portion comprises a plurality of slit lines extending at least substantially through the peelable bottom layer but not into the peelable top layer,The cutting lines comprise: a first marking line placed within a perimeter of the central portion of the peelable portion, at least partially circumferential and defining a peripheral region between the first marking line and an edge of the peelable portion; at least a second marking line placed along the perimeter of the central portion of the peelable portion, adjacent to the first pull tab; and a third marking line forming the perimeter of a second pull tab; a removable portion, the removable portion comprising: a removable top layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a removable bottom layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, and having a fourth marking line placed circumferentially across it.wherein the upper surface of the removable lower layer is fixed to the lower surface of the removable upper layer and the lower surface of the removable lower layer is configured to seal against the rim of a container, and a layer of permanent adhesive is placed: within the peripheral region, adjacent to the removable upper layer and the peelable lower layer, and within at least a portion of the perimeter of the second pull tab, adjacent to the removable upper layer and the peelable lower layer.

2. The resealable membrane lid according to claim 1, further characterized in that a portion of the second pull tab has no adhesive between the removable portion and the peelable portion.

3. The resealable membrane lid according to claim 1, further characterized in that a portion of the interface between the removable portion and the peelable portion is adhesive-free.

4. The resealable membrane lid according to claim 1, further characterized in that at least one of the peelable upper layer and the peelable lower layer comprises a polymeric film.

5. The resealable membrane lid according to claim 1, further characterized in that the first marking line is substantially circumferential.

6. The resealable membrane lid according to claim 1, further characterized in that the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is adjacent to the entire lower surface of the peelable upper layer.

7. The resealable membrane lid according to claim 1, further characterized in that the plurality of cut lines are continuous cut lines.

8. The resealable membrane lid according to claim 1, further characterized in that the plurality of cut lines extend completely through the peelable bottom layer.

9. The resealable membrane lid according to claim 1, further characterized in that the removable top layer comprises an aluminum layer.

10. The resealable membrane lid according to claim 1, further characterized in that the removable lower layer comprises a sealant layer.

11. The resealable membrane lid according to claim 1, further characterized in that the removable upper layer and the removable lower layer are co-extruded.

12. The resealable membrane lid according to claim 1, further characterized in that the removable lower layer is coated in the removable upper layer.

13. The resealable membrane lid according to claim 1, further characterized in that the second pull tab has a gripping portion and a neck portion.

14. The resealable membrane lid according to claim 13, further characterized in that the neck portion is permanently adhered to the upper surface of the removable top layer.

15. The resealable membrane lid according to claim 1, further characterized in that the removable lower layer is sealed to an open end of a container.

16. The resealable membrane lid according to claim 15, further characterized in that the peelable portion is at least partially removable from the container without disturbing the adhesion of the removable portion to the container.

17. The resealable membrane lid according to claim 15, further characterized in that the peelable portion is resealable on the container.

18. The resealable membrane lid according to claim 1, further characterized in that the first marking line is placed radially inwards from the permanent adhesive placed in the peripheral region.

19. The resealable membrane lid according to claim 1, further characterized in that the fourth marking line is placed radially inwards from the permanent adhesive placed in the peripheral region.

20. The resealable membrane lid according to claim 1, further characterized in that the fourth marking line is positioned radially inwards from the first marking line.

21. A container having a resealable membrane lid, characterized in that it comprises: a container body comprising a bottom wall and at least one upwardly extending side wall, wherein at least one side wall terminates in an edge and wherein the edge defines an open end of the container; and a membrane lid comprising: a peelable portion, the peelable portion comprising: a peelable top layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, a peelable bottom layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer adjacent to at least a portion of the lower surface of the peelable top layer and at least a portion of the upper surface of the peelable bottom layer, wherein the peelable portion further comprises a center portion and a first pull tab extending radially from the center portion,and wherein the peelable portion comprises a plurality of scoring lines extending at least substantially through the peelable lower layer but not into the peelable upper layer, the scoring lines comprising: a first scoring line positioned within a perimeter of the central portion of the peelable portion, being at least partially circumferential and defining a peripheral region between the first scoring line and an edge of the peelable portion, at least a second scoring line positioned along the perimeter of the central portion of the peelable portion, adjacent to the first pull tab, and a third scoring line forming the perimeter of a second pull tab; a removable portion, the removable portion comprising: a removable upper layer having an upper surface and a lower surface,and a removable bottom layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, and having a fourth marking line placed circumferentially therethrough, wherein the lower surface of the removable bottom layer is sealed to the rim of the container, wherein the upper surface of the removable bottom layer is affixed to the lower surface of the removable top layer, and a layer of permanent adhesive placed: within the peripheral region, adjacent to the peelable bottom layer and the removable top layer, and within a portion of the perimeter of the second pull tab, adjacent to the peelable bottom layer and the removable top layer.

22. The container having a resealable membrane lid according to claim 21, further characterized in that the first marking line is placed adjacent to an inner edge of the container rim.

23. The container having a resealable membrane lid according to claim 21, further characterized in that the second marking line is placed adjacent to an outer edge of the container rim.

24. The container having a resealable membrane lid according to claim 21, further characterized in that the first marking line defines a fixed portion of the peelable bottom layer, which remains fixed to the rim of the container when the lid is opened.

25. The resealable membrane lid according to claim 21, further characterized in that the fourth marking line is positioned radially inwards from an inner edge of the container rim.

26. The resealable membrane lid according to claim 21, further characterized in that the fourth marking line is placed adjacent to an inner edge of the container rim.

27. The resealable membrane lid according to claim 21, further characterized in that the permanent adhesive placed in the peripheral region is positioned vertically above the edge of the container.

28. A method for manufacturing a flexible membrane lid for a container, characterized in that it comprises: providing a peelable top layer and a peelable bottom layer in the form of a sheet; applying a pressure-sensitive adhesive to at least one of the peelable top layer and the peelable bottom layer; laminating the peelable top layer to the peelable bottom layer to form a first sheet;marking the peelable bottom layer of the first sheet to form a plurality of scoring lines comprising: a first scoring line positioned within a perimeter of the center portion of the peelable portion, being at least partially circumferential and defining a peripheral region between the first scoring line and an edge of the peelable portion, at least a second scoring line positioned at least partially along the perimeter of the center portion of the lid, and a third scoring line forming a perimeter of a first pull tab; applying in a pattern a permanent adhesive to the peelable bottom layer within the peripheral region and within a portion of the perimeter of the first pull tab; providing a removable top layer and a removable bottom layer that are fixed together to form a second sheet;laminate the peelable lower layer of the first sheet to the removable upper layer of the second sheet, by means of a permanent adhesive, to form a third sheet; mark the removable lower layer of the second sheet to define: a perimeter of a removable portion of the lid, and a fourth marking line that is placed radially inside the first marking line and is circumferential; cut the third sheet through at least the peelable upper layer and the peelable lower layer to form a perimeter of the peelable portion of the lid, wherein the perimeter of the peelable portion of the lid includes a second pull tab that: extends radially outward from a central portion of the lid, and is placed adjacent to at least a second marking line;providing a container comprising a container body comprising a bottom wall and at least one upwardly extending side wall, wherein at least one side wall terminates in an edge and wherein the edge defines an open end of the container; and sealing the membrane lid to the edge of the container, over the open end.

29. The method according to claim 28, further characterized in that at least one of the peelable top layer and the peelable bottom layer is a flexible film.

30. The method according to claim 28, further characterized in that the removable top layer is an aluminum layer.

31. The method conforms to claim 31 because the removable lower layer is a sealant layer.

32. The method according to claim 28, further characterized in that after the sealing step, the first marking line is placed adjacent to an inner edge of the container rim.

33. The method according to claim 28, further characterized in that after the sealing step, the fourth marking line is placed radially inwards from an inner edge of the container rim.

34. The method according to claim 28, further characterized in that after the sealing step, the second marking line is placed adjacent to an outer edge of the container rim.

35. The method according to claim 28, further characterized in that after the sealing step, the permanent adhesive placed in the peripheral region is placed vertically above the edge of the container.

36. A container system comprising a resealable membrane lid sealed to a container rim, characterized in that the membrane lid comprises a peelable portion and a removable portion permanently adhered around their perimeters, permanently adhered at the location of an internal pull tab integral with the peelable portion, and except at the locations of the permanent adhesive, no adhesive between the peelable portion and the removable portion, wherein the peelable portion comprises an external pull tab and is at least partially peelable and resealable at the container rim by means of a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and wherein the removable portion is permanently adhered to the container rim and a portion of the removable portion, defined by the cut lines located thereon, must be removed in order to access the contents of the container.

Images