dispensing liner

Abstract

Various systems for sealing and dispensing contents of a container are provided herein. The systems can include openings that are movable relative to one another between a sealed position and a dispensing position.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 031,818, filed May 29, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to seals for containers, and more specifically to seals for containers in which the contents of the container can be dispensed through a portion of the seal. Background Technology

[0004] Removable or peelable lining systems, seals, sealing members, or internal seals are frequently required to seal container openings. A cap or other closure is then typically screwed on or placed over the container opening to secure the seal. In use, consumers typically remove the cap or other closure to access the seal, and then remove or otherwise peel the seal from the container to dispense or access its contents.

[0005] In some forms, the container holds liquids, powders, etc., so that the contents of the container can be dispensed in a measurable manner. For example, liquid medications can be dispensed by inserting a syringe into the container. In other forms, the contents can be poured from the container into a measuring device. In these respects, it is often desirable to contain the contents and to have small or otherwise controllable openings for more accurate dispensing.

[0006] Similarly, it is sometimes desirable to configure dispensers or sieves to dispense smaller particles in a controlled manner. For example, spices are often dispensed from a sieve-like structure with many openings to disperse and distribute the contents of a container.

[0007] In existing systems, the seal is located below the rigid screen structure. The seal is designed to seal the contents of the container and must be removed to access the contents. However, to remove the seal, the user must first remove the rigid screen structure, remove the seal, and then replace the rigid screen structure onto the container. This multi-step process can be complex for some users and increases the likelihood that the user will be unable to reinstall the rigid screen structure for use.

[0008] Other dispensers or sieves must typically be constructed to align with other components on the seal. For example, a seal or dispenser with one or more openings must be constructed such that the openings are not positioned near the shoulder area of ​​the seal and the container. If the openings are located near the shoulder area, the seal may be damaged and will not adhere fully to the container. Furthermore, the openings must typically be positioned relative to one or more tabs or other structures to maintain seal integrity.

[0009] The construction and assembly of the entire seal becomes more difficult, time-consuming, and expensive due to the need to align the various components. Alignment requires positioning the individual layers of the seal in precise locations and / or cutting them in a very precise manner. In addition to being time-consuming and expensive, this can also be particularly difficult and lead to waste. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Various enhancements to the seal with dispensing function are provided herein. The following features shown and described in the various embodiments can be used alone or in combination with each other. For example, one or more features of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment, such that these features can be interchangeable.

[0011] In one form, a dispensing liner for a container is provided. The liner may include an upper portion and a lower portion having a support layer and a compensating sealing layer. The lower portion defines at least one opening through which the contents of the container can be dispensed. The lower portion includes a sealant layer for sealing to the container. The upper portion is removably adhered to the lower portion and the compensating sealing layer extends through at least one opening when mounted on the container to help seal the dispensing liner to the container.

[0012] A method for forming a dispensing liner for use on a container is also provided. The method includes the steps of: providing an upper portion having a support layer and a compensating sealing layer; providing a lower portion defining at least one opening through which the contents of the container can be dispensed, the lower portion including a sealant layer for sealing to the container; and detachably securing the upper and lower portions to each other, the upper portion being detachable from the lower portion by a user, wherein the compensating sealing layer extends through the at least one opening when installed on the container to help seal the dispensing liner to the container.

[0013] In one embodiment, the system also includes multiple openings in the lower portion provided in a random pattern, such that the openings are not aligned with the edges of the lower portion.

[0014] According to one form, the compensating sealing layer comprises at least one of ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene acrylic acid, copolymers of polyethylene and ethylene vinyl acetate, various wax mixtures, tackifying extrusion coatings, and combinations thereof.

[0015] In one form, the compensating seal has a thickness of about 1.0 to about 3.0 mils.

[0016] In one configuration, the lower part also includes a release layer.

[0017] In one configuration, the lower portion comprises microcavitated polyethylene or microporous polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to help provide release between the upper and lower portions.

[0018] In one form, the sealing layer has a thickness of about 0.5 to about 2.5 mils.

[0019] In one configuration, the lower portion includes a polymer foam layer.

[0020] According to one form, the polymer foam is a polyethylene terephthalate-backed polyolefin foam, comprising about 0.5 PET laminated to about 2.5 to about 4.0 mils of foam.

[0021] In one form, the lining system also includes a foil sensing layer.

[0022] In one form, the lining system includes multiple openings, each with a diameter of approximately 1 mm to approximately 5 mm. However, the dimensions can be varied as needed.

[0023] In one configuration, the ratio of the area of ​​multiple openings to the total surface area of ​​the lining system can vary depending on the selected material, strength, etc.

[0024] In one form, the upper part is partially joined to the lower part to define the pull tab.

[0025] In one form, the lining system also includes at least one outwardly extending side tab.

[0026] According to one form, the lower part has a thickness of about 1 mil to about 8 mils.

[0027] In one form, the density of the lower part can also vary.

[0028] Brief description of the attached figures

[0029] Figure 1 It is an exploded diagram of a type of lining distribution system;

[0030] Figure 2 This is an exploded diagram of another form of the lining distribution system;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the lower part of the lining system;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the lining system installed in the lid;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a top view of the lining system with external pull tabs as removal begins;

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A top-down perspective view of the lining system as the upper part is being removed from the lower part;

[0035] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A top view of the system when the top part is removed;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a top view of the lower part of the lining system, with the opening located on the outside, above the shoulder area of ​​the container; and

[0037] Figure 9 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the lining system, with the opening located above the shoulder area of ​​the container. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To facilitate understanding of the subject matter for which protection is sought, embodiments thereof are shown in the accompanying drawings. By viewing the drawings and considering them in conjunction with the following description, the subject matter for which protection is sought, its construction and operation, and its many advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.

[0039] It should be understood that various terms can be used for sealing components, such as lining, lining system, seal, etc. Generally, such structures comprise multiple layers of components configured to temporarily and / or permanently adhere at least a portion of the structure to the container.

[0040] For simplicity, this disclosure generally refers to containers or bottles, but the sealing member described herein can be applied to any type of container, bottle, package, or other device having an edge or opening surrounding an inlet leading to an interior cavity. In this disclosure, references to the upper and lower surfaces and upper and lower layers of the components of the sealing member refer to the orientation of the components as generally depicted in the figures and when used with a container in an upright position having an opening at the top. Different methods of sealing members will first be generally described, followed by further details of various structures and materials. It should be understood that in some cases, the sealing members described herein function as one-piece or two-piece sealing members. One-piece sealing members typically consist only of a sealing member attached to the edge of the container. A cap or closure may also be used with it. Two-piece sealing members include a sealing member temporarily attached to a liner. In this configuration, the sealing member is attached to the edge of the container, and the liner is configured to separate from the sealing member during heating to remain in a cap or other closure used on the container. In a two-piece configuration, a layer of wax may be used, for example, to temporarily attach the sealing member to the liner. Other types of releasable layers can also be used to provide a temporary bond between the seal and the liner, but releasable layers are generally heat-activated.

[0041] refer to Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a first form of system 20. System 20 typically includes an upper portion 22 and a lower portion 24. The upper portion 22 includes a support layer 26 and a compensation layer 28. In one form, the upper portion 22 may also include a membrane layer 30. The membrane layer 30 may be an induction heating layer, such as a metal foil, and may also provide moisture-proof, oxygen-barrier, etc. Although shown in the upper portion 22, the membrane layer 28 may be included in the lower portion 24 or not in either layer.

[0042] The lower portion 24 includes a sealant layer 32 for sealing to the container. The lower portion 24 may also include a release layer 34 that allows the upper portion 22 to be removed by a user from the lower portion 24. In one embodiment, the lower portion 24 may also include a polymer layer 36. The polymer layer 36 may take many different forms, such as foam, film, etc. Furthermore, the polymer layer 36 can provide many different functions, such as providing structural support, insulation properties, etc. It should be understood that the lower portion 24 may also include various forms of the above-described layers as well as additional layers.

[0043] The lower part 24 also includes at least one opening 38. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the lower portion 24 includes a plurality of openings 38. In one form, the openings 38 are configured to extend through the entire lower portion 24 and through each layer therein.

[0044] Generally, the compensation layer 28 is configured such that it flows through at least some openings to help seal the system 20 to the container. More specifically, during the sealing process of the system 20 on the container, the compensation layer 28 can flow through at least one opening positioned above a shoulder region of the container. For example, the system can adhere to the container during an induction sealing process. The membrane layer 30 provides heat during induction heating, such that the heat can seal the sealant layer 32 to the container and also cause at least a portion of the compensation layer 28 to flow through the openings and also seal to the container.

[0045] It should be understood that, Figure 1 The system 20 shown does not include a top pull tab or an outwardly extending pull tab. In this form, the user would use their fingernails or other small tools to begin peeling the upper part 22 from the lower part 24. In other forms, the system may include pull tabs extending from the entire circumference of the system 20 to form a gripping pull tab for removing the upper part 22.

[0046] In another form, for example Figure 2 As shown, the upper part 22 includes a top pull tab 40 to help the user remove the upper part from the lower part 24. The top pull tab 40 includes any number of layers in the upper part 22. In one form, for example... Figure 2 As shown, the top pull tab includes a support layer 26, whereby the support layer 26 is partially adhered to the other layers above. However, other layers may also be used to help form the top pull tab 40. Additionally, a release layer 42 may be included to help release the top pull tab 40 and ensure it is easily gripped by the user.

[0047] The uncut laminate 44 of the lower part 24 is shown. Figure 3In this form, it can be seen that the opening 38 extends completely through the thickness of the lower part 24. Although shown as a regular pattern, the opening can take the form of a regular or irregular pattern. Furthermore, the size of the opening can vary as needed, and irregularly shaped openings can also be included. The opening can also include various sizes for a single seal or system. Depending on the size of the container opening and the contents of the container, the opening can have a variety of sizes, such as approximately 1 mm and larger. In one form, the opening can be proportional to the total surface area of ​​the lower part. The position and size of the opening relative to the shoulder area or edge can also be modified. For example, when a large shoulder area exists, the size of the opening can be increased.

[0048] In addition, it can be seen that the lower part 24 may include printing to help provide tampering instructions and information about the origin of the seal and / or the contents of the container in order to prevent counterfeiting.

[0049] Some details of the layers mentioned above will be discussed below. Since the lower portion 24 includes an opening 38, which may or may not be located in the area requiring sealing, the upper portion 22 includes a compensating seal layer 28. The compensating seal layer is configured to flow into the opening 38, specifically the opening positioned towards the peripheral edge of the system 20. In this respect, the compensating layer 28 serves as an auxiliary sealant layer to the auxiliary sealant layer 32. Because of the presence of the opening 38, which can be positioned towards the peripheral edge, where the system typically seals to the shoulder area of ​​the container, the compensating layer 28 is configured to extend through the lower portion 24 to abut against the container seal. Due to the compensating layer 28 and the sealant 32, the sealing system is able to provide the desired seal to the container. Furthermore, because the compensating layer is constructed in this way, the opening does not need to be positioned in a specific area, and there is no need to manufacture or install an integral seal that requires alignment of any components.

[0050] The compensating sealing layer 28 may include a variety of materials and may be constructed based on adjacent layers and the conditions for installing the system. For example, the compensating layer 28 may include one or more of a variety of different polymer compositions. The compensating layer may include one or more of a copolymer of polyethylene and ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene acrylic acid, various wax mixtures, tackifying extrusion coatings, and combinations thereof.

[0051] In one form, the compensating layer may have a melting point of about 75 to about 102°C. Furthermore, depending on the size of the opening, the compensating layer may be provided with a variety of different thicknesses. For example, in one form, the compensating layer may have a thickness of about 1 mil to about 8 mils to provide sufficient material flow into the opening. In one form, the compensating layer has fluidity at a desired temperature. In one form, the material may have a softening point of about 70 to about 115°C.

[0052] As described above, the compensating layer can be configured to provide a seal for the container, at least in areas with openings adjacent to the shoulder region. In this regard, the compensating layer can be configured to provide a bond strength of approximately 1000 to approximately 2500 g / in. For example, when the container is PET, the compensating layer can consist of a PET laminate or film with a heat-sealable coating, such as DuPont Mylar OL for Mylar CL, or EVA hot melt wax. The bond strength should not be too strong so that multiple portions of the seal cannot be released from the container. In another form, the compensating layer can form a more welded seal, such that if the openings are small and / or spaced apart, the portion of the compensating layer extending to the container edge can remain, and then other portions of the compensating layer can break to release the seal from the container.

[0053] The membrane layer 30 can be configured to provide heat, for example, during induction heating, and to provide various barrier properties. As shown, in one embodiment, the membrane layer 30 can be disposed in the upper portion 22. In other embodiments, the membrane layer 30 can be disposed in the lower portion 24. In still other embodiments, multiple membrane layers can be disposed in one or more of the upper and lower portions 22, 24.

[0054] The material and properties of the film layer can be modified as needed to provide the desired characteristics. For example, the film layer can be modified based on the thickness and material type of other layers in the system. For example, in one form, the film layer can be an aluminum foil with a thickness between about 0.00035" and 0.002".

[0055] More specifically, the membrane layer can be one or more layers configured to provide induction heating and / or barrier properties to the seal. A layer configured to provide induction heating is any layer capable of generating heat upon exposure to an induced current, wherein eddy currents within the layer generate heat. In one method, the membrane layer can be a metallic layer, such as aluminum foil, tin, etc. In other methods, the membrane layer can be a polymer layer combined with an induction heating layer. The membrane layer can also be or include an atmospheric barrier layer capable of at least preventing the migration of gases and moisture from the outside of the sealed container to the inside, and in some cases, simultaneously providing induction heating. Therefore, the membrane layer can be one or more layers configured to provide such functionality.

[0056] The support layer 26 can perform multiple functions, such as providing support for the upper part, tear resistance, and insulation. The support layer can also be considered as one or more backing layers used in the upper part. The support layer 26 can be formed from various materials, such as polymers, paper, and paperboard.

[0057] In one form, the support layer 26 can be a layer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, or other structural polymers, and in some methods can be about 0.5 to about 1 mil thick. Other materials, such as paper and PET, can also be used. Furthermore, multi-layered laminates, such as PET / adhesive / foam laminates, can be used for insulation because the layer is in contact with the interior of the enclosure. This helps prevent melting and sticking to the enclosure. Other materials such as nylon can be used.

[0058] Release layer 34 is typically located in the lower portion. However, in other forms, release layer 34 may be positioned on the lower surface of the upper portion to provide release from either the lower or upper portion. Generally, the release layer is configured such that the upper and lower portions separate from each other when the upper portion is pulled by the user. The release layer must be suitable for maintaining the upper and lower portions connected to each other during manufacturing, installation into the lid, and final sealing to the container. After the user removes the lid, the release layer will break, release, or otherwise allow the upper and lower portions to separate from each other.

[0059] The release layer can be formed from a variety of different materials. Such materials include, but are not limited to, PTFE, PET, etc. The release layer can be provided in various thicknesses, depending on whether it needs to provide support for the lower or upper parts. The surface of the release layer can also be prepared to give it enhanced release properties. For example, the surface may include microperforations or textures to reduce surface contact on at least one side. The release layer can also be coated with materials such as silicone, nitrocellulose release coatings, varnishes containing release-promoting ingredients such as talc or silica, or slip additives such as erucamide, or anti-blocking additives such as crodamide. Other materials can also be used, such as polymer matrices formulated with similar release promoters as described above.

[0060] In some forms, the lower portion may consist solely of a release layer, which serves as both a release layer and a support layer and may also function as a sealant layer; otherwise, it may be provided by the polymer layer 36. For example, a microcavitated polyester may be used, which enhances the release characteristics of the upper portion due to the different surface properties of the film. This material may be particularly suitable for sealing PET containers. Sealing of other polymer containers will be achieved through modifications to the sealing layer. For example, polyethylene containers can be weld-sealed with a suitable polyethylene sealing layer or peelable with a modified copolymer of EVA.

[0061] One type of material may include microcavitated 0.5 mil PET, such as Melinex 891 for the lower portion. This material can also be used as a thicker specification, 92 GA or 142 GA. If a thicker specification is used, laminating 0.5 mil to 0.5 mil standard packaging grade PET (e.g., DuPont 800C) may be feasible.

[0062] Polymer layer 36 may be a polymer film and / or polymer foam. In some forms, additional polymer layers may be included in the structure to support structural integrity. In one form, a layer of polymeric polyolefin foam is laminated between the release layer and the sealant layer. While this may negatively impact heat transfer to the sealant component, this can be mitigated by applying controlled sensing parameters.

[0063] In one form, the lower laminate may comprise a PET-backed polyolefin foam, for example, about 0.5 mils of PET laminated to about 2.5 to about 4.0 mils of polyethylene foam. This can provide a variety of functions, such as structural support, insulation, and in some cases, release properties.

[0064] The sealant layer 32 can be any suitable material used for sealing to the container. The composition of the sealant can be modified depending on the type of container, the type of material used in the underside, and the installation conditions. In one form, the sealant layer typically includes a contact thickness of 0.5 mils to 2.5 mils with the container being laminated to or incorporated into an extruded coated or laminated film.

[0065] The undersealing or heat-sealing layer may consist of any material suitable for bonding to the container edge, such as, but not limited to, inductive, conductive, or direct bonding methods. Suitable adhesives, hot-melt adhesives, or sealants for the heat-sealing layer include, but are not limited to, polyesters, polyolefins, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, surlyn resin, and other suitable materials. By one method, the heat-sealing layer may be a single-layer or multi-layer structure of such material with a thickness of about 0.2 to about 3 mils. By some methods, the heat-sealing layer is selected to have a composition similar to that of the container and / or include the same polymer type as the container's composition. For example, if the container contains polyethylene, the heat-sealing layer will also contain polyethylene. If the container contains polypropylene, the heat-sealing layer will also contain polypropylene. Other similar combinations of materials are also possible.

[0066] In one configuration, compression is provided from top to bottom. This helps maintain a proper seal between the sealant layer and the container. Furthermore, by providing compression, the compensation layer can be better guided into the opening.

[0067] The thickness and density of the layers used in the seal can be varied as needed. Furthermore, the relative thickness and density of the lower and upper layers can be changed.

[0068] In some configurations, heat transfer may be critical, and maintaining structural integrity is required in the presence of high temperatures. For example, sufficient heat must be transferred to the sealant layer and the compensating layer to flow through the openings. However, the heat must not adversely affect other layers in the system.

[0069] In this respect, the thickness and density of the underlayer may be important, as it must resist the heat generated by induction without degrading or deforming the lining. In some forms, it may also be desirable to remain peelable and puncture-resistant. In some forms, the underlayer may be configured to seal to a specific polymer or to a range of sealants, such as those available and understood in the packaging field.

[0070] As mentioned above, various types of materials can be used in the structures described herein. For example, multilayer co-extruded blown films of polyethylene / EVA. Extruded coated PET and PE containers can be used. Furthermore, single-layer blown PE films can be used to form more weld seals.

[0071] As described above, a wide range of polymers with variable thicknesses and structural compositions can be combined. The membrane, such as metal foil, the polymer density, and the duration of the sensing application can be adjusted to provide the desired sealing performance. Heat is transferred from the membrane (the main sensing component) to the sieve component (lower section), affecting the structural stability of the sieve under thermal stress. The choice of structure and polymer will control structural integrity and the benefits to application performance.

[0072] The compensating layer can be configured to flow properly under induction heating conditions. Generally, a compensating layer is needed to maintain seal integrity. The compensating layer material must be able to flow and seal to the shoulder of a container or other contact surface or vessel requiring a tight seal.

[0073] Figure 4 One form of a system mounted in multiple caps 50 is shown. Because the openings are not positioned to align with the edge of the seal 52, any number of openings can be located near the shoulder area when the caps are mounted on the container. For example, opening 54 is positioned such that opening 54 will contact the shoulder area.

[0074] Figure 5 This illustrates one form of the upper part 22 when it begins to separate from the lower part 24 while mounted on the container 60. Figure 6 The upper part 22 is shown as it continues to separate from the lower part 24. The lower part 24 remains on the container 60. Figure 7 This shows that the upper portion 22 is completely removed from the lower portion 24. Furthermore, it can be seen that the compensation layer 28 is removed together with the upper layer 22 from the inner opening 38. The compensation layer 28 is not completely removed from the opening 38 located above the shoulder region of the container, such that at least a portion of the compensation layer remains attached to the lower portion 24.

[0075] Figure 8 One form of the lower portion 24 with multiple openings 38 is shown. The opening 68 included in the opening is positioned toward the outer edge of the lower portion and will be positioned adjacent to the shoulder area of ​​the container during installation.

[0076] Figure 9 After the lower part 24 and the upper part 22 are joined and installed on the container 60, along Figure 8 A partial sectional view taken by line AA. For example... Figure 9 As shown, a portion of the compensation layer 28 has flowed into the opening 68 of the lower laminate to contact the container 60. This helps maintain a proper seal on the container, even if the opening is located in the adjacent shoulder area.

[0077] In addition to the features described above, the lower and upper portions may include a variety of different materials and layers. For example, the lower seal may include a metal foil, and the top surface of the lower seal may be a metal foil. The lower seal may also include a foamed polymer, or the top surface of the lower seal may be a polymer film selected from polyolefin and polyester materials.

[0078] Additional layers may be included in the upper and / or lower portions, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, or other structural polymer layers, and in some methods may be about 0.5 to about 1 mil thick. In some methods, additional layers may be included in the lower and / or upper portions. It should be understood that the lower sealing portion may include any number of other layers, such as polymer layers, adhesives, polymer films, polymer foams, etc.

[0079] The polymer layers used in the upper and / or lower portions can take various forms, such as coatings, films, foams, etc. Suitable polymers include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene copolymers, blends thereof, and copolymers or blends having high-carbon α-olefins. By one method, one or more polymer layers can be mixtures of polyolefin materials, such as mixtures of one or more high-density polyolefin components with one or more low-density polyolefin components. In one form, one polymer layer can be a polyethylene film and another polymer layer can be a PET film. According to one form, the polyethylene film can have a thickness of about 5 to about 20 micrometers, while the PET film can have a thickness of about 5 to about 20 micrometers.

[0080] A support layer may be optional in the upper and / or lower portion. If included, it may be a layer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, or other structural polymers, and in some methods may be about 0.5 to about 1 mil thick.

[0081] In some forms, the system may include an insulating layer or a heat redistribution layer. In one form, the insulating layer may be a foamed polymer layer. Suitable foaming polymers include foamed polyolefins, foamed polypropylene, foamed polyethylene, and polyester foams. In some forms, these foams typically have an internal burst strength of about 2000 to about 3500 g / in. In some methods, the foamed polymer layer 106 may also have a density of less than 0.6 g / cc, and in some cases, from about 0.4 to less than about 0.6 g / cc. In other methods, the density may be from about 0.4 g / cc to about 0.9 g / cc. The foamed polymer layer may be about 1 to about 5 mils thick.

[0082] In other methods, a non-foamed heat-distributing or heat-redistributing layer may be included. In this method, the non-foamed heat-distributing film is a mixture of polyolefin materials, such as a mixture of one or more high-density polyolefin components and one or more low-density polyolefin components. Suitable polymers include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene copolymers, blends thereof, and copolymers or blends having high-carbon α-olefins. In one method, the non-foamed heat-distributing polyolefin film is a blend of about 50% to about 70% of one or more high-density polyolefin materials and the remainder being one or more lower-density polyolefin materials. The mixture is selected to achieve an effective density to provide a heat seal to the container and to integrally separate the liner from the seal.

[0083] Heat-activated adhesive layers can comprise any polymeric material that is heat-activated or heated to achieve its adhesive properties or for application to seals. By one method, a heat-activated adhesive layer can have a density of about 0.9 to about 1.0 g / cc and a peak melting point of about 145℉ to about 155℉. The melt index of adhesive layer 120 can be about 20 to about 30 g / 10min (ASTM D1238). Suitable examples include ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyolefins, two-component polyurethanes, ethylene acrylate copolymers, curable two-part polyurethane adhesives, epoxy adhesives, ethylene methacrylate copolymers, and other adhesive materials.

[0084] Adhesives that can be used in any adhesive layer or bonding layer described herein include, for example, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyolefins, two-component polyurethanes, ethylene-acrylic copolymers, curable two-component polyurethane adhesives, epoxy adhesives, ethylene methacrylate copolymers, and other adhesive materials. Other suitable materials may include low-density polyethylene, ethylene-acrylic copolymers, and ethylene methacrylate copolymers. By one method, any optional adhesive layer may be a coated polyolefin adhesive layer. If desired, such an adhesive layer may be a coating of about 0.2 to about 0.5 mils (or less) of adhesive, such as coated ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyolefins, two-component polyurethanes, ethylene-acrylic copolymers, curable two-component polyurethane adhesives, epoxy adhesives, ethylene methacrylate copolymers, and other adhesive materials.

[0085] In one aspect, a pull tab can be formed by combining full-layer or partial-layer material with a locally wide composite adhesive structure, which includes a polyester core with an upper adhesive and a lower adhesive on opposite sides. This locally wide composite adhesive structure combines multiple layers and multiple portions to form a gripping pull tab.

[0086] The individual layers of the sealing member are assembled by a thermal lamination process involving the application of an adhesive, the application of a film, and / or the formation of sheets of the layers. Extrusion lamination can also be used. The resulting laminated sheet of the sealing member can be cut into discs or other shapes of appropriate size as needed to form a container closure assembly or sealing member. The cut sealing member is inserted into a cap or other closure, which is then applied to the neck of the container to be sealed. A screw cap can be screwed onto the open neck of the container, thereby clamping the sealing member between the open neck of the container and the top of the cap. The sealing layer can be a pressure-sensitive adhesive, which can be activated by the force of attaching the closure to the container. The sealing layer can also be a thermally activated adhesive, for example, by induction heating, conduction heating, etc.

[0087] The seals and systems described herein can be formed in a variety of different ways. In one form, the upper and lower parts can be formed separately and then joined together. In another form, a portion of one or more of the upper and lower parts can be used to join the upper and lower parts together.

[0088] It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make various changes to the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts and components described and illustrated herein within the principles and scope set forth in the appended claims, in order to illustrate the nature of the methods and compositions.

Claims

1. A dispensing liner system for a container, the system comprising: The upper part has a support layer and a compensating sealing layer; and The lower portion defines a plurality of spaced-apart openings through which the contents of the container can be dispensed. The lower portion includes a sealant layer for sealing to the container. The upper portion is removably adhered to the lower portion. When mounted on the container, a compensating sealing layer extends through the openings and through the sealant layer to help seal the dispensing liner to the container. Wherein, after the upper part is removed from the lower part, the compensating sealing layer is not completely removed from the opening positioned above the shoulder region of the container, such that at least a portion of the compensating sealing layer remains attached to the lower part, and The compensating sealing layer forms a welded seal with a bonding strength such that after the upper part is removed from the lower part, the compensating sealing layer extending to the edge of the container remains, while other portions of the compensating sealing layer break to release the seal from the container.

2. The lining distribution system of claim 1 further includes a plurality of openings arranged in a random pattern in the lower portion, such that the openings are not aligned with the edges of the lower portion.

3. The dispensing liner system of claim 1, wherein the compensating seal layer comprises at least one of ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene acrylic acid, copolymers of polyethylene and ethylene vinyl acetate, wax mixtures, tackifying extrusion coatings, and combinations thereof.

4. The dispensing liner system of claim 1, wherein the compensating sealing layer has a thickness of 1.0 to 3.0 mils.

5. The lining distribution system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The lower part also includes a release layer.

6. The dispensing liner system of claim 1, wherein the lower portion comprises microcavitated polyethylene to aid in providing release between the upper and lower portions.

7. The dispensing liner system of claim 1, wherein the sealant layer has a thickness of 0.5 to 2.5 mils.

8. The dispensing liner system of claim 1, wherein the lower portion comprises a polymer foam layer.

9. The dispensing lining system of claim 8, wherein the polymer foam is a polyethylene terephthalate-backed polyolefin foam comprising 0.5 mils of PET laminated to 2.5 to 4.0 mils of polyolefin foam.

10. The dispensing liner system of claim 1, further comprising a foil sensing layer.

11. The lining distribution system of claim 1, wherein each opening has a diameter of 1 to 5 mm.

12. The dispensing lining system of claim 1, wherein the lower portion has a thickness of 1 to 8 mils.

13. The lining distribution system of claim 1, wherein, The upper part is partially joined to the lower part to define the pull tab.

14. The dispensing liner system of claim 1, further comprising at least one outwardly extending side tab.

15. A laminate for forming a dispensing liner system for use on a container, the laminate comprising: The upper part has a support layer and a compensating sealing layer; and The lower portion defines a plurality of spaced-apart openings through which the contents of the container can be dispensed. The lower portion includes a sealant layer for sealing to the container. The upper portion is removably adhered to the lower portion. When formed as a dispensing liner system and mounted on the container, it compensates for the sealant layer extending through the openings and through the sealant layer to facilitate sealing the dispensing liner to the container. Wherein, after the upper part is removed from the lower part, the compensating sealing layer is not completely removed from the opening positioned above the shoulder region of the container, such that at least a portion of the compensating sealing layer remains attached to the lower part, and The compensating sealing layer forms a welded seal with a bonding strength such that after the upper part is removed from the lower part, the compensating sealing layer extending to the edge of the container remains, while other portions of the compensating sealing layer break to release the seal from the container.

16. A method of forming a dispensing liner system for use on a container, the method comprising: Provides an upper section with a support layer and a compensating sealing layer; A lower portion is provided with a plurality of spaced-apart openings through which the contents of the container can be dispensed, the lower portion including a sealant layer for sealing to the container; and The upper and lower portions are detachably secured to each other, the upper portion being removable by the user from the lower portion. The compensating sealing layer, when installed on the container, extends through the opening and through the sealant layer to help seal the dispensing liner to the container. Wherein, after the upper part is removed from the lower part, the compensating sealing layer is not completely removed from the opening positioned above the shoulder region of the container, such that at least a portion of the compensating sealing layer remains attached to the lower part, and The compensating sealing layer forms a welded seal with a bonding strength such that after the upper part is removed from the lower part, the compensating sealing layer extending to the edge of the container remains, while other portions of the compensating sealing layer break to release the seal from the container.

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