Patent ID: 6355286
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: B65D

Abstract:
A canister for storing a particulate product, the canister comprising:a main body portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, the main body portion defining an upper opening and a lower opening; a bottom closure connected to the main body portion so as to encompass the lower opening, wherein the main body portion and the bottom closure combine to define an internal storage region for particulate product; a top closure connected to the main body portion so as to encompass the upper opening, the top closure including: a body portion; and a lid movably secured to the body portion, the lid member being movable from a closed position preventing access to the internal storage region and an open position providing access to the internal storage region, the lid having an upper outer surface and a lower inner surface; and a seal membrane connected to the inner surface of the main body portion adjacent to and extending beneath the top closure, with the seal membrane being substantially free of attachment to the lower inner surface of the lid, the seal membrane forming a substantially air-tight seal at the upper opening configured to maintain integrity of the internal storage region and thereby particulate product therein, with the seal membrane being configured to provide selective access to the internal storage region and thereby particulate product, wherein initial movement of the lid from the closed position to the open position does not affect the substantially air-tight seal of the seal membrane, and wherein the seal membrane defines a plurality of perforations to facilitate complete removal of only an internal storage region access portion of the seal membrane from the main body portion and the top closure to provide the selective access to the internal storage region and particulate product therein.