Patent Publication Number: US-2009232947-A1

Title: Packaging system to provide fresh packed coffee

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a packaging system useful for packing fresh roast and ground coffee. The present invention still further relates to a more convenient, lightweight container that provides increased strength per mass unit of plastic for the transport of freshly roast and ground coffee. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Packages such as cylindrical cans for containing a particulate product under pressure, such as roast and ground coffee, are representative of various articles to which the present invention is applicable. It is well known in the art that freshly roasted and ground coffee evolutes substantial amounts of oils and gases, such as carbon dioxide, particularly after the roasting and grinding process. Therefore, roast and ground coffee is usually held in storage bins prior to final packing to allow for maximum off gassing of these volatile, natural products. The final coffee product is then placed into a package and subjected to a vacuum packing operation. 
     Vacuum packing the final coffee product results in reduced levels of oxygen in the headspace of the package. This is beneficial, as oxygen reactions are a major factor in the staling of coffee. A common package used in the industry is a cylindrical, tin-plated, and steel stock can. The coffee is first roasted, and then ground, and then vacuum packed within a can, which must be opened with a can opener, common to most households. 
     Packing coffee immediately after roasting and grinding provides substantial process savings, as the coffee does not require storage to complete the off-gas process. Also, the off-gas product usually contains high quantities of desirable volatile and semi-volatile aromatic compounds that easily volatilize and prevent the consumer from receiving the full benefit of the coffee drinking process. Furthermore, the loss of these aromatic compounds makes them unavailable for release in a standard container; thereby preventing the consumer from the full reception of the pleasurable burst of aroma of fresh roast and ground coffee. This aroma burst of volatile compounds is much more perceptible in a pressurized package than in a vacuum packed package. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a handled package for roast and ground coffee that provides a lighter weight, fresher packing, easier-opening, peelable seal, and “burpable” closure alternative to a standard heavy can. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a fresh packaging system for roast and ground coffee. 
     The present invention also relates to a method for packing coffee using the fresh packaging system for roast and ground coffee. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the fresh packing system in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the fresh packing system; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary closure and one-way valve assembly for the fresh packing system; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary overcap assembly for a fresh packing system; 
         FIG. 5  is an expanded, cross-sectional view of the region labeled  5  in  FIG. 4  of the overcap in an applied position; 
         FIG. 6  is an expanded, cross-sectional view of the region labeled  5  in  FIG. 4  of the overcap in an expanded position; 
         FIG. 7  is an elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the fresh packing system; 
         FIG. 7A  is a bottom planar view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the fresh packing system; 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the fresh packing system; 
         FIG. 9  is an isometric view of an alternative exemplary overcap for use with a fresh packing system; 
         FIG. 9A  is a bottom planar view of the alternative exemplary overcap of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the region labeled  10  in  FIG. 9  in contact with a fresh packaging system; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the fresh packaging system; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary overcap assembly for a fresh packing system; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of another exemplary overcap assembly for a fresh packing system; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of another exemplary overcap assembly for a fresh packing system; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the fresh packaging system; 
         FIG. 17A  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the fresh packaging system, in a collapsed condition; 
         FIG. 17B  is a perspective view of the fresh packaging system of  FIG. 17A , in an expanded condition; and 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the fresh packaging system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is related to a fresh packaging system for roast and ground coffee. The packaging system comprises a container comprising a bottom, a top and a body having an enclosed perimeter between the bottom and the top where the top, bottom, and body together define an interior volume. A flexible closure is removably attached and sealed to the body proximate to the top. The container bottom and body are constructed from a material having a tensile modulus number ranging from at least about 35,000 pounds per square inch (2,381 atm) to at least about 650,000 pounds per square inch (44,230 atm), which provides a top load capacity of at least about 16 pounds (7.3 Kg). 
     The invention is more generally related to a method for the packing of coffee using the container of the present invention. The method steps include filling the container system described above with roast and ground coffee, flushing the container with an inert gas, and, sealing the container with a flexible closure. 
     The invention is also related to an article of manufacture that provides the end user with beneficial coffee aroma characteristics. Roast and ground coffee is contained within the interior volume such that the article of manufacture has an overall coffee aroma value of at least about 5.5. (A method for measuring the overall coffee aroma value is described in the Test Methods section, infra.) 
     At least one purpose of the present invention, inventive method, and article of manufacture is to provide a useful benefit to the user that includes, but is not limited to, providing a roast and ground coffee with a perceived more fresh and aromatic flavor. Such a container system also provides an easy to use and low cost means of delivery of a roast and ground coffee to an end user. 
     Preferably, but optionally, the container has a handle element disposed thereon. More preferably the handle element is integral with the body of the container. This handle element facilitates gripping of the container system by the end user. This gripping is particularly useful for users with small hands or hands in a weakened condition due to illness, disease, or other medical malady. 
     Optionally, but preferably, at least one embodiment of the present invention features a one-way valve to release excess pressure built up within the container due to the natural off gas process of roast and ground coffee. It is also believed that changes in external temperature and altitude can also cause the development of pressure internal to the container. The one-way valve is selected to release coffee off gas in excess of a predetermined amount however, remains sealed after such a release, thereby retaining an aromatically pleasing amount of off gassed product within the container. 
     Another optional, but preferred, feature is an overcap placed over the closure. The overcap can comprise a dome, or cavity, that allows positive, outward deformation of the closure due to the pressure build-up within the container. The overcap is preferably air tight and flexible to allow for easy application in manufacture, either with, or without, a closure, and by the end user, after end user removal, of a closure. A flexible overcap can also allow the end user to remove excess air by compressing the dome, thereby releasing excess ambient air from the previously open container (burping). However, the overcap can also exhibit less flexibility or be inflexible. The overcap also provides for a tight seal against the rim of the container after opening by the end user. This tight seal prevents pollution of the rim, resulting in an undesirable expectoration of the overcap after application. The overcap can also optionally allow for stacking several container embodiments when the closure and the dome portion of the overcap are at a point of maximum deflection. The overcap also optionally has a vent to allow for easy removal of vented off gas product trapped between the closure and overcap assemblies, but still allows for “burping.” 
     In a preferred embodiment, the overcap can have a rib disposed proximate to and along the perimeter of the overcap defining an inner dome portion and an outer skirt portion. The rib forms a hinge-like structure so that outward deflection of the inner dome portion caused by deflection of the closure due to coffee off gassing causes the rib to act as a cantilever for the skirt portion. Thus, outward deflection of the dome portion causes the skirt portion to deflect inwardly on an outer portion of the container wall, resulting in an improved seal characteristic and improves retaining forces of the overcap with respect to the container. 
     The Container 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , fresh packaging system  10 , generally comprises a container  11  made from a compound, for example, a polyolefin. Exemplary and non-limiting compounds and polyolefins that can be used for producing the present invention include polycarbonate, linear low-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, co-polymers thereof, and combinations thereof. It should be realized by one skilled in the art that container  11  of the present invention can take any number of shapes and be made of any number of suitable materials. Container  11  generally comprises an open top  12 , a closed bottom  13 , and a body portion  14 . Open top  12 , closed bottom  13 , and body portion  14  define an inner volume in which a product is contained. Also, closed bottom  13  and body portion  14  are formed from a material having a tensile modulus ranging from at least about 35,000 pounds per square inch (2,381 atm) to at least about 650,000 pounds per square inch (44,230 atm), more preferably from at least about 40,000 pounds per square inch (2,721 atm) to at least about 260,000 pounds per square inch (17,692 atm), and most preferably ranging from at least about 95,000 pounds per square inch (6,464 atm) to at least about 150,000 pounds per square inch (10,207 atm). Tensile modulus is defined as the ratio of stress to strain during the period of elastic deformation (i.e., up to the yield point). It is a measure of the force required to deform the material by a given amount and is thus, a measure of the intrinsic stiffness of the material. 
     It is preferred that bottom portion  13  be disposed concave inwardly, or recessed, towards the inner volume so that undesirable deflections caused by pressure increases within the inner volume are minimized. If the bottom  13  expands outwardly sufficiently, causing the bottom  13  to concave outwardly, then the container  11  will develop what is generally referred to in the art as “rocker bottom.” That is, if the bottom  13  deflects outwardly so that the container system  10  will not be stable while resting on a flat surface, fresh packaging system  10  will tend to rock back and forth. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7A , a plurality of protrusions  40  can be disposed on the closed bottom  13  of container  11  about the longitudinal axis of container  11 . In a preferred embodiment, protrusions  40  form an oblique angle with the closed bottom  13  of container  11 . If the container  11  assumes a cylindrical shape, it is believed that protrusions  40  can be rectilinearly disposed about the diameter of the closed bottom  13  of container  11 . However, one of skill in the art would realize that protrusions  40  could be disposed on the closed bottom  13  of container  11  in any geometrical arrangement. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that protrusions  40  can protrude past the geometry of the closed bottom  13  of container  11  upon an outward deflection of the closed bottom  13  of container  11 . In this way container  11  can maintain a stable relationship with other surfaces should “rocker bottom” be realized upon the development of an outward pressure from within container  11 . While the preferred embodiment utilizes four protrusions  40  disposed on closed bottom  13 , it should be realized by one of skill in the art that virtually any number of protrusions  40  could be disposed on closed bottom  13  to yield a stable structure upon outward deflection of closed bottom  13 . Additionally, protrusions  40  could be a square, triangular, elliptical, quad-lobe, pentaloid, trapezoidal, arranged in multiply nested configurations, provided in an annular ring about closed bottom  13 , and combinations thereof. 
     Again referring to  FIG. 7A , an annular ring  42 , or any other raised geometry, including interrupted geometrical configurations, can be disposed on closed bottom  13  of container  11 . Annular ring  42  could be dimensioned to facilitate nesting, or stacking, of multiple embodiments of containers  11 . In other words, annular ring  42  could be designed to provide serial stacking of a container  11  onto the overcap  30  of the preceding, or lower, container  11 . Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the facilitation of nesting by the use of annular ring  42  disposed on closed bottom  13  of container  11  provides enhanced structural stability. 
     It is also believed that the closed bottom  13  of container  11  could be designed, in what is known to those of skill in the art, as a quad lobe, or pentaloid. Again, without desiring to be bound by theory, it is believed that such a quad lobe, or pentaloid, design could provide enhanced ability to resist the deformation of closed bottom  13  of container  11  due to internal pressures developed within container  11 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , container  11  can be cylindrically shaped with substantially smooth sides. Handle portions  15  are respectively formed in container body portion  14  at arcuate positions. A plurality of anti-slip strips  16  can be formed at a predetermined interval within handle portions  15 . Handle portions  15  are formed as would be known to one skilled in the art to provide a gripping surface at a most efficacious position to enable users with small hands or debilitating injuries or maladies to grip container portion  11  with a minimum of effort. Further, container  11  can be readily grasped by hand due to the configuration described above. 
     Additionally, container  11  can optionally have a protuberance  17  in the form of a rim like structure disposed at the open end of container  11 . Protuberance  17  can provide a surface with which to removably attach closure  18  and provide a locking surface for skirt portion  32  of overcap  30 . The protuberance  17  may be continuous as shown in  FIG. 1 , or it may be discontinuous. A discontinuous protuberance may be formed by a series of tabs or ridges protruding inwardly or outwardly around the open top  12  of the container  11 . Also, a continuous protuberance could extend only part-way around the periphery of the open top  12 . In such embodiments, the closure  18  could be partly sealed to the protuberance and partly sealed to the top rim of the container  11 , or sized to have a close, press fit with the container  11 . Similarly, in the complete absence of any protuberance  17 , the closure  18  may simply be sealed to the top rim of the container or be sized such that it has a close, press fit with container  11 . 
     In an alternative embodiment as shown in  FIG. 2 , container  11   a  can be parallelepiped shaped with substantially smooth sides. Handle portions  15   a  are respectively formed in container body portion  14   a  at arcuate positions. A plurality of gripping projections  16   a  are formed at a predetermined interval within handle portions  15   a . Corresponding closure  18   a  and overcap  30   a  are fitted on container  11   a  as would be known to one skilled in the art. 
     In an alternative embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 7 , handle portions  15   b  can preferably be symmetrical. Without desiring to be bound by theory, it is believed that symmetrical handle portions  15   b  could prevent inversion of the handle portions  15   b  upon an increase in pressure from within container  11   b . It is believed that symmetrically incorporated handle portions  15   b  provides for the uniform distribution of the internal pressure, developed within container  11 , throughout handle portion  15   b.    
     As is also shown in the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 7 , all portions of handle portions  15   b  are presented as either parallel to the longitudinal axis of container  11   b  or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of container  11   b . Without desiring to be bound by theory, it is believed that handle portions  15   b , arranged to provide all component portions of handle portions  15   b  to be either parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of container  11   b , could be less susceptible to bending forces due to internal pressures developed within container  11   b . This could aid in the prevention of catastrophic failure of the container due to the pressures generated internally to container  11   b.    
     Further, providing container  11   b  with handle portions  15   b  in a recessed configuration with respect to the body portion  14   b  of container  11   b  could require less force from the end user to maintain a firm grip on handle portions  15   b  of container  11   b . Additionally, recessed handle portions  15   b  could aid in the prevention of an end user supplying extraneous force to the external portions of container  11   b  thereby causing catastrophic failure or deformation of container  11   b.    
     Of course, a handle portion is merely optional. As potential alternatives, a sticky or slip resistant gripping surface (in addition to or in lieu of a handle) would be known to one of ordinary skill. A slip resistant surface having a relatively high coefficient of friction with respect to a person&#39;s hand, for example, or otherwise having a texture that aids gripping can be utilized. A high coefficient of friction could be achieved by use of a light tack adhesive, or a rubber-like material being disposed at portions of the container  11 . A gripping texture could be achieved by incorporating a relatively rough surface, such as that of sand paper, on the outside surface of container  11 . In another embodiment, a container could be shaped to conform to a user&#39;s hand. A container having a narrow, oval-shaped cross section, for example, could be gripped by a user&#39;s hand. Further, a container of virtually any shape beyond those above and those in the Figures can be configured such that it is grippable without the use of a conventional handle. In addition, one could simply make a container without any sort of handle or gripping surface, such as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 8A . 
     In one embodiment, the handle portion could be a part of the overcap, such as the overcap described below. In such an embodiment, an overcap can have attached or integrally molded thereto a handle such as a strap, loop, band, or other material that permits a person to grasp or grip the overcap for carrying. Further, the handle portion can be of a rigid material, such as the same material as the body, and could then extend outwardly and away from the overcap to provide a handle for a consumer to simply grab. In one embodiment, the bottom of the container  11  can have a shape having a depression of a suitable size to enable one container to be stacked upon another, wherein the handle portion of the overcap of the lower container can fit within the depression of the bottom of the upper container. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , container  11  exhibits superior top load strength per mass unit of plastic. With the present invention, filled and capped containers can be safely stacked one upon another without concern that the bottom containers will collapse or be deformed. Often, containers are palletized, by which several containers are stacked in arrays that take on a cubic configuration. On the order of 60 cases, each weighing about 30 pounds (13.6 Kg), can be loaded onto a pallet. In certain instances, these pallets can be stacked one upon another. It will be appreciated that the bottommost containers will be subjected to extraordinary columnar forces. Traditionally, polymeric containers are not capable of withstanding such high column forces. Thus, to avoid collapsing or buckling of these stacking situations, the top load resistance of each container should be at least about 16 pounds (7.3 Kg) when the containers are in an ambient temperature and pressure environment. More preferably, each container should exhibit a top load resistance of at least about 48 pounds (21.8 Kg) in accordance with the present invention. 
     In at least one embodiment of the present invention, top load resistance is the amount of force an empty container can support prior to the occurrence of a deflection parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container of greater than 0.015 inches. By way of a non-limiting example, a cylindrical container comprising a laminate structure (as detailed infra), having an average overall mass of 39 grams, an average internal volume of approximately 950 cubic centimeters, an average wall thickness of approximately 0.030 inches, and an average diameter of approximately 100 millimeters is considered not to have a top load resistance greater than 16 pounds (7.3 Kg) when the container deflects more than 0.015 inches in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis when a 16 pound load is placed thereupon. As is known to one of skill in the art, top load resistance can be measured using a suitable device such as an Instron, model 550R1122, manufactured by Instron, Inc., Canton, Mass. The Instron is operated in a compressive configuration with a 1000 pound load cell and a crosshead speed of 1.0 inch/minute. The load is applied to the container through a platen that is larger than the diameter of the subject container. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the body portion  14   b  of container  11   b  can have at least one region of deflection  43  placed therein to isolate deflection of the container  11   b  due to either pressures internal to container  11   b  or pressures due to forces exerted upon container  11   b . As shown, at least one region of deflection  43  could generally define rectilinear regions of container  11   b  defined by a cylindrical wall. However, one of skill in the art would realize that at least one region of deflection  43  incorporated into body portion  14   b  could assume any geometry, such as any polygon, round, or non-uniform shape. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that a purely cylindrical container  11   b , having a uniform wall thickness throughout, will resist compression due to pressure exerted from within container  11   b  or external to container  11   b . However, without desiring to be bound by theory, it is believed that when applied forces exceed the strength of the container wall of purely cylindrical container  11   b , deflection could be exhibited in an undesirable denting or buckling. Any non-uniformities present in a purely cylindrical container  11   b , such as variations in wall thickness, or in the form of features present, such as handle portions  15   b , can cause catastrophic failure upon a differential pressure existing between regions external to container  11   b  and regions internal to container  11   b.    
     However, the incorporation of at least one region of deflection  43  is believed to allow flexion within the body portion  14   b  of container  11   b . Thus, it is believed that body portion  14   b  can deform uniformly without catastrophic failure and can resist undesirable physical and/or visual effects, such as denting. In other words, the volume change incurred by container  11   b  due to internal, or external, pressures works to change the ultimate volume of the container  11   b  to reduce the differential pressure and thus, forces acting on the container wall. It is also believed, without desiring to be bound by theory, that the incorporation of a solid or liquid, or any other substantially incompressible material, can provide substantial resistance to the inward deflection of at least one region of deflection  43 . For example, the inclusion of a powder, such as roast and ground coffee, could provide resistance to the inward deflection of at least one region of deflection  43 , thus enabling at least one region of deflection  43  to remain substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of container  11   b  and thereby providing an effective increase in the top load capability of container  11   b . The peelable laminate seal also deflects with external pressure changes further reducing the pressure load on the container. 
     Thus, the amount of material to be stored within the container  11   b  (or any other container disclosed herein) may be measured to avoid an excessive amount of “outage.” An “outage” is a free space between the top of the stored material in the container, and the underside of the closure above the coffee. Depending on the material&#39;s density or resistance to compression, the material&#39;s natural tendency to resist inward deflection of the portion of the container  11   b  wall surrounding the material can aid in reducing or eliminating unwanted container wall deformation. Because the portion of the container  11   b  wall surrounding any outage above the material is more likely to deflect inwardly upon a decrease of pressure within the container, by filling the container to eliminate or minimize this outage, there are less unsupported portions of the container having less resistance to deflection. Thus, reducing the amount of outage by packing the container  11   b  substantially full of material reduces the tendency of unsupported portions of the container to deflect, so that the container  11   b  uniformly responds to differences in pressure. 
     Along the same lines, increasing the density of the stored material increases the structural support provided by the stored material. Granular material such as roast ground coffee, if packed tightly enough, can add support to the container and may reduce the amount of container material, e.g. blow-molded plastic, needed for the container to support itself and resist external pressure, including pressure due to top loads. In addition, sufficiently reducing the outage may even eliminate the need for any regions of deflection, as the structural integrity of the container in combination with the support provided by the stored material can in come cases be sufficient to resist any deformations resulting from pressure differentials within a sufficient range. 
     In a non-limiting, but preferred embodiment, container  11   b  has at least one region of deflection  43  that can be presented in the form of rectangular panels. The panels have a radius that is greater than the radius of container  11   b . The panels are designed to have less resistance to deflection than that of the region of container  11   b  proximate to the rectangular panels. Thus, any movement exhibited by the panels is isolated to the panels and not to any other portion of container  11   b.    
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , without desiring to be bound by theory, it is believed that the chime should be sufficient to allow container  11  to compress under vacuum by adapting to base volume changes and will improve the top loading capability of container  11 . However, it is further believed that the chime should be as small as is practicable as would be known to one of skill in the art. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the body portion  14   b  of container  11   b  can also have at least one rib  45  incorporated therein. It is believed that at least one rib  45  can assist in the effective management of isolating the movement of at least one panel  43  by positioning at least one rib  45  parallel to the longitudinal axis of container  11   b  and proximate to at least one panel  43  in order to facilitate the rotational movement of at least one panel  43  upon an inward, or outward, deflection of at least one panel  43 . Further, it is believed that at least one rib  45  can also provide added structural stability to container  11   b  in at least the addition of top load strength. In other words, at least one rib  45  could increase the ability of container  11   b  to withstand added pressure caused by the placement of additional containers or other objects on top of container  11   b . One of skill in the art would be able to determine the positioning, height, width, depth, and geometry of at least one rib  45  necessary in order to properly effectuate such added structural stability for container  11   b . Further, it would be known to one of skill in the art that at least one rib  45  could be placed on container  11   b  to be parallel to the longitudinal axis of container  11   b , annular about the horizontal axis of container  11   b , or be of an interrupted design, either linear or annular to provide the appearance of multiple panels throughout the surface of container  11   b.    
     Additionally, container  11   b  can generally have a finish  46  incorporated thereon. In a preferred embodiment, the finish  46  is of an annular design that is believed can provide additional hoop strength to container  11   b  and surprisingly, can provide a finger well to assist the user in removal of overcap  30 . Further, it is possible for one of skill in the art to add ribs  47  to finish  46  in order to provide further strength to container  11   b  in the form of the added ability to withstand further top loading. In a preferred embodiment, ribs  47  are disposed parallel to the horizontal axis of container  11   b  and perpendicular to finish  46 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , it was found that a container  11   e  provided with a protuberance  17   a  that is at least substantially outwardly facing from body portion  14  and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of container  11   e  can have less induced structural stress caused by a vacuum internal to container  11   e  in the junction  80  proximate to the interface of protuberance  17   a  and body portion  14 . Without desiring to be bound by theory, it is believed that such forces exerted on an outwardly facing protuberance  17   a  would cause an increase in the radius of curvature of protuberance  17  with respect to body portion  14 , thereby reducing the overall vacuum induced stresses on the container lie. Reducing vacuum-induced stresses can facilitate producing container  11   e  with a smaller overall wall thickness. 
     In addition, it can be desirable for container  11   e  to be provided with at least a substantially outwardly facing protuberance  17   a  so that static vertical loads (TL) are transferred through the body portion  14  rather than through protuberance  17   a . Without desiring to be bound by theory, it is believed that transferring the forces exerted by a load (TL) positioned on top of container  11   e  through body portion  14  rather than upon protuberance  17   a  can reduce overall stresses at junction  80  of protuberance  17   a  with body portion  14 . This reduction in stresses at junction  80  can facilitate producing container  11   e  with a smaller overall wall thickness. 
     Further, container  11   e  can be combined with an overcap (not shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 ) that can substantially direct the forces exerted by a load to body portion  14  rather than to protuberance  17   a . It is believed that any stress at junction  80  caused by a load positioned on top of container  11   e  having such an overcap disposed thereon can be reduced because the deflection of the cantilevered protuberance  17   a  is restrained. This can result in lower concentrations of stress at junction  80 . 
     There are of course alternative methods of making a container having sufficient structural integrity to resist catastrophic collapse due to external pressure (such as pressure due to loading other containers on top of the container) or catastrophic explosion due to internal pressure (such as pressure caused by the de-gassing process of the roasted and ground coffee within the container). One such method is to manufacture the container structure with walls having sufficient thickness so that the rigidity of the structure is sufficient to withstand such pressures. This alternative, however, increases the amount of material required to make the container and hence increases its cost, relative to using a region of deflection as described above. In one such embodiment, the container could be completely round. No regions of deflection would be needed in such an embodiment because the rigidity of the structure could be sufficient to withstand the pressures. 
     In addition, returning again to  FIG. 1 , the flexible and peelable closure  18  or a portion thereof may expand outwardly and contract inwardly, compensating for changes in internal pressure within the container. In one such embodiment, the expansion and contraction of the flexible closure  18  could compensate for relatively small changes in pressure, while a one-way valve  20  opens to compensate for larger pressure changes. In another such embodiment, there is no one-way valve, and the expansion and contraction of the flexible closure  18  alone is sufficient to compensate for the pressure changes within the container  11 . Such flexure of the closure  18  may be either substantially elastic, whereby the closure  18  or a portion thereof returns substantially to its original configuration upon pressure equalization, or substantially non-elastic, whereby the closure  18  remains in its deformed expanded or collapsed condition upon pressure equalization. This embodiment may also be used in conjunction with a one-way valve, as described in connection with other embodiments. It may also be used with an additional region of deflection in the container, as described in connection with other embodiments. 
     Similarly, in the absence of the flexible closure  18 , an overcap or a portion thereof could include a region of deflection. Such an embodiment is shown in  FIG. 14  wherein the overcap  110  with a region of deflection  112  may be sealed to a container  114  with a tamper-band  116 , which may include a hermetic seal. An overcap  110  with tamper-band  116  may be used with or without a protuberance at the top of the container  114 . This embodiment may also be used in conjunction with a one-way valve  118 , as described in connection with other embodiments. It may also be used with an additional region of deflection  120  in the container  114 , as described in connection with other embodiments. 
     One of ordinary skill will know of several alternative ways to hermetically seal an overcap to a container without a flexible closure  18 . One such example is a mating screw arrangement between the overcap and the container. The screw arrangement, as is common on any food container with a screw-on/off top, can have threads that permit complete sealing in a fraction of a turn of the overcap, such as a ¼-turn seal. Of course, a screw on top may turn more or less than ¼-turn in order to completely mate or unmate the top. As another representative example, shown in  FIG. 15 , an overcap  130  may include a plug arrangement  132  and  134  which provides a hermetic seal in a known manner. Such overcaps may be used with or without a protuberance at the top of the container, and may also be used in conjunction with a one-way valve. They may also be used with an additional region of deflection in the container. 
     The container  11  is preferably produced by blow molding a polyolefinic compound. Polyethylene and polypropylene, for example, are relatively low cost resins suitable for food contact and provide an excellent water vapor barrier. However, it is known in the art that these materials are not well suited for packaging oxygen-sensitive foods requiring a long shelf life. As a non-limiting example, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) can provide such an excellent barrier. Thus, a thin layer of EVOH sandwiched between two or more polyolefinic layers can solve this problem. Therefore, the blow-molding process can be used with multi-layered structures by incorporating additional extruders for each resin used. Additionally, the container of the present invention can be manufactured using other exemplary methods including injection molding and stretch blow molding. 
     In a preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention, container  11  of  FIG. 1 , container  11   a  of  FIG. 2 , and container  11   b  of  FIG. 7 , or any other container, can be blow molded from a multi-layered structure to protect an oxygen barrier layer from the effects of moisture. In a preferred embodiment, this multi-layered structure can be used to produce an economical structure by utilizing relatively inexpensive materials as the bulk of the structure. 
     Another exemplary and non-limiting example of a multi-layered structure used to manufacture the container of the present invention would include an inner layer comprising virgin polyolefinic material. The next outward layer would comprise recycled container material, known to those skilled in the art as a “regrind” layer. The next layers would comprise a thin layer of adhesive, the barrier layer, and another adhesive layer to bind the barrier layer to the container. The final outer layer can comprise another layer of virgin polyolefinic material. 
     A further exemplary and non-limiting example of a multi-layered structure used to manufacture the container of the present invention would include an inner layer comprising virgin polyolefinic material. The next layers would comprise a thin layer of adhesive, the barrier layer, and another adhesive layer to bind the barrier layer to the container. The next outward layer would comprise recycled container material, known to those skilled in the art as a “regrind” layer. The final outer layer can comprise another layer of virgin polyolefinic material. In any regard, it should be known to those skilled in the art that other potential compounds or combinations of compounds, such as polyolefins, adhesives and barriers could be used. In particular, the inner layer may be a barrier made from or incorporating an oxygen barrier, such as nylon, EVOH, or a metallic film. A metallic film, for example, can be an oxygen barrier and also prevent the coffee aroma from infiltrating the plastic of the remaining layers of a multi-layer structure. Further, an oxygen scavenger can be incorporated into, or on, any layer of a multi-layered structure to remove any complexed or free oxygen existing within a formed container. Other oxygen scavengers can include oxygen scavenging polymers, complexed or non-complexed metal ions, inorganic powders and/or salts, and combinations thereof, and/or any compound capable of entering into polycondensation, transesterification, transamidization, and similar transfer reactions where free oxygen is consumed in the process. 
     Another exemplary and non-limiting example of a multi-layered structure used to manufacture the container of the present invention includes use of a collapsible inner layer, such as a bag-like structure  80  shown in  FIG. 16 . In this embodiment, the bag  80  is inserted into a container  82  having an upper edge  84 . In one embodiment, the upper edge  86  of the bag  80  is sealed to the upper edge  84  of the container  82 , such as by an adhesive or a heat seal. Then coffee or other stored product is placed into the bag  80 , and the bag  80  may optionally be sealed closed. In another embodiment, the bag  80  can be filled with material and sealed prior to being placed inside the plastic container  82 . In either case, the bag  80  can have a one-way valve disposed thereon, and can expand in response to the off-gassing of the packaged product, if necessary, without necessarily causing the outer plastic container  82  to expand. Likewise, the bag  80  can be compressed independently of the outer plastic container  82 . As such, the bag  80  can deform and change volume with changing pressure differentials, leaving the outer plastic container  82  relatively unchanged by such pressure differentials. The bag  80  may also be used in a vacuum-packing arrangement of the product within the bag  80 . Such a bag  80  may be used in conjunction with a lid having a one-way valve, as well as an overcap, as described in connection with other embodiments. In this way, the bag  80  functions as a region of deflection to compensate for changes in pressure within the container  84 . The bag  80  may be made from any other suitable material. The container  82  may be like the other containers disclosed herein, having its own region of deflection in addition to the bag-like structure. 
     The bag  80  may also or alternatively be initially laminated or otherwise non-permanently attached along all or part of its outer surface  88  to the inner surface  90  of the container  82 . Then, if a sufficient underpressure arises within the container  82 , the bag  80  may become detached from the container  82 . In this way, the exterior appearance of the container  82  does not change, and instead maintains its shape. When the end user opens the container  82 , the resulting pressure equalization with the outside atmosphere causes the bag  80  to expand to the inner surface  90  and fill the interior of the container  82 . 
     In yet another embodiment shown in  FIGS. 17A and 17B , a container  100  has a region of deflection comprising an accordion-like expandable portion  102 . In this embodiment, coffee or other off-gassing product is disposed within the container  100  in a collapsed condition, as shown in  FIG. 17A . As the packaged product emits gas, the container  100  may expand to a condition such as shown in  FIG. 17B . In this way, the height of the container  100  changes to compensate for changes in pressure within the container  100 . The container  100  may additionally be used with a one-way valve, as described with respect to other embodiments. 
     Other such materials and processes for container formation are detailed in  The Wiley Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology , Wiley &amp; Sons (1986), herein incorporated by reference. Preferably, the inner layer of the container is constructed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). 
     A preferred polyolefinic, blow molded container in accordance with the present invention can have an ideal minimum package weight for the round containers of  FIGS. 1 and 7 , or the parallelepiped container of  FIG. 2 , and yet still provide the top load characteristics necessary to achieve the goals of the present invention. Exemplary materials (low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)) and starting masses of these compounds that provide sufficient structural rigidity in accordance with the present invention are detailed in Table 1: 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Package Shape and Weight For a Given Material and 
               
               
                 a Defined Top Load (Empty) for a Nominal 3.0 L Container 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Package Material 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 &amp; Tensile 
                 Package Weight 
                 Package Weight 
               
               
                 Package 
                 Modulus 
                 35 lb. 
                 120 lb. 
               
               
                 Configuration 
                 (psi/atm) 
                 Top Load (grams) 
                 Top Load (grams) 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Parallelepiped 
                 LDPE 
                 79 grams 
                 146 grams  
               
               
                   
                 (40,000/2,721) 
               
               
                 Parallelepiped 
                 HDPE 
                 66 grams 
                 123 grams  
               
               
                   
                 (98,000/6,669) 
               
               
                 Parallelepiped 
                 PET 
                 40 grams 
                 74 grams 
               
               
                   
                 (600,000/40,828) 
               
               
                 Round 
                 LDPE 
                 51 grams 
                 95 grams 
               
               
                   
                 (40,000/2,721) 
               
               
                 Round 
                 HDPE 
                 43 grams 
                 80 grams 
               
               
                   
                 (98,000/6,669) 
               
               
                 Round 
                 PET 
                 26 grams 
                 48 grams 
               
               
                   
                 (600,000/40,828) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     It was surprisingly found that a container in accordance with the present invention that is filled with product and sealed to contain the final product has enhanced properties for the same starting compound weight. This provides a benefit in that it is now possible to use less starting material to provide the top load values in accordance with the present invention. Exemplary materials and starting masses of compounds (LDPE, HDPE, and PET) providing the necessary structural rigidity of a filled and sealed container in accordance with the present invention are detailed in Table 2: 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Package Shape and Weight For a Given Material and 
               
               
                 a Defined Top Load (Filled) for a Nominal 3.0 L Container 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Package Material 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 &amp; Tensile 
                 Package Weight 
                 Package Weight 
               
               
                 Package 
                 Modulus 
                 35 lb. 
                 120 lb. 
               
               
                 Configuration 
                 (psi/atm) 
                 Top Load (grams) 
                 Top Load (grams) 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Parallelepiped 
                 LDPE 
                 72 grams 
                 134 grams  
               
               
                   
                 (40,000/2,721) 
               
               
                 Parallelepiped 
                 HDPE 
                 61 grams 
                 112 grams  
               
               
                   
                 (98,000/6,669) 
               
               
                 Parallelepiped 
                 PET 
                 37 grams 
                 68 grams 
               
               
                   
                 (600,000/40,828) 
               
               
                 Round 
                 LDPE 
                 47 grams 
                 87 grams 
               
               
                   
                 (40,000/2,721) 
               
               
                 Round 
                 HDPE 
                 39 grams 
                 73 grams 
               
               
                   
                 (98,000/6,669) 
               
               
                 Round 
                 PET 
                 24 grams 
                 44 grams 
               
               
                   
                 (600,000/40,828) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Again referring to  FIG. 1 , protuberance  17 , in the form of a rim like structure, disposed at the open end of container  11  may have textured surfaces disposed thereon. Textured surfaces disposed on protuberance  17  can comprise raised surfaces in the form of protuberances, annular features, and/or cross-hatching to facilitate better sealing of removable closure  19 . Exemplary, but non-limiting, annular features may include a single bead or a series of beads as concentric rings protruding from the seal surface of protuberance  17 . While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that a textured surface on protuberance  17  can allow for the application of a more uniform and/or concentrated pressure during a sealing process. Textured surfaces can provide increased sealing capability between protuberance  17  and removable closure  19  due to any irregularities introduced during molding, trimming, shipping processes and the like during manufacture of container  11 . 
     In addition, the bottom portion  13  or the body portion  14  of the container  11  may include a one-way valve, such as the valve  20  discussed further below in connection with the removable closure  18 . Alternatively, a valve disposed in or on the structure of the container  11  may be a more rigid one-way mechanical valve, as well known in the art, rather than the soft valve  20 . One of ordinary skill will know of various valve structures which would be suitable for this purpose. 
     The Removable Closure 
     Again referring to  FIG. 1 , fresh packaging system  10  comprises a closure  18  that is a laminated, peelable seal  19  that is removably attached and sealed to container  11 . Peelable seal  19  has a hole beneath which is applied a degassing valve, indicated as a whole by reference number  20 . One-way valve  20  can be heat welded or glued to peelable seal  19 . 
     In a preferred embodiment according to  FIG. 3 , the interior of peelable seal  19  to the outer side of peelable seal  19  is a laminate and comprises, in sequence, an inner film  21 , such as polyethylene, a barrier layer  22 , such as a metallized sheet, preferably metallized PET, metallized PE, or aluminum, and an outer film of plastic  23 , such as PET. Inner film  21  is preferably formed from the same material as the outer layer of container  11 . Thus, inner film  21  is preferably a polyolefin, and more preferably polyethylene (PE). Plastic outer film  23  is preferably produced from a material such as polyester. However, one skilled in the art would realize that other materials, such as a foil closure, and other stretchable and non-stretchable layer structures can be used and still remain within the scope of the present invention. Additionally, an oxygen scavenger, as described supra, can be incorporated into, or on, any layer of peelable seal  19  to remove free, or complexed, oxygen. 
     Both inner film  21  and barrier layer  22  are perforated, preferably by means of cuts, pricks, or stampings, to form flow opening  24 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . In the area above the outlet opening, outer film  23  is not laminated to barrier layer  22 , thereby forming longitudinal channel  25 . Channel  25  extends the entire width of the laminate so that during manufacture, channel  25  extends to the edge of closure  18 . 
     As a result, a very simple and inexpensive one-way valve  20  is formed by means of the non-laminated area of outer film  23  and outlet opening  24 . The gases produced by the contents within container  11  may flow through valve  20  to the surrounding environment. Since an overpressure exists in container  11 , and since outer film  23  usually adheres or at least tightly abuts barrier layer  22  because of the inner pressure, unwanted gases, such as oxygen, are prevented from flowing into container  11  and oxidizing the contents. Thus, outer film  23  serves as a membrane that must be lifted by the inner gas pressure in the packing in order to release gas. It is preferred that one-way valve  20  opens in response to pressures developed within container  11 . This opening pressure can exceed 10 millibars, and preferably exceed 15 millibars, and more preferably would exceed 20 millibars, and most preferably, exceed 30 millibars. 
     Additionally, a small amount of liquid can be filled into channel  25 . The liquid can be water, siloxane-based oils, or oil treated with an additive so that the oil is prevented from becoming rancid prior to use of the product. The pressure at which the release of internal off gas from container  11  occurs can be adjusted by varying the viscosity of the liquid within channel  25 . 
     In an alternative, but non-limiting, embodiment, a one-way degassing valve can comprise a valve body, a mechanical valve element, and a selective filter as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,515,994, herein incorporated by reference. 
     In another embodiment, the container  11 , or the closure  18  can have more than one vent valve operatively associated therewith. For example, in one embodiment, closure  18  can have a one-way degassing valve as described above, and another one-way valve configured to permit air to enter the container in the event the vacuum inside the container exceeds a predetermined level. In this manner, the second one-way valve can prevent the container from collapsing if, after overpressure due to altitude changes or outgassing the container experiences a reverse pressure differential. This condition is common when shipping packaged coffee over high elevations, for example. In one embodiment two one-way valves can be utilized. In another embodiment a single valve designed to vent in and out, but in and out being vented at different, predetermined pressures, can be utilized. 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , closure  18  is preferably sealed to container  11  along a rim (protuberance)  17  of container  11 . Preferable, but non-limiting, methods of sealing include a heat sealing method incorporating a hot metal plate applying pressure and heat through the closure material and the container rim, causing a fused bond. The peel strength achieved is generally a result of the applied pressure, temperature, and dwell time of the sealing process. However, it should be known to one skilled in the art, that other types of seals and seal methods could be used to achieve a bond with sufficient and effective seal strength, including, but not limited to, a plurality of annular sealing beads disposed on rim  17 . 
     Alternatively, if protuberance  17  is provided in at least a substantially outwardly facing orientation from body portion  14  and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of container  10 , protuberance  17  can be supported during the sealing process. Providing support in this manner can allow for a seal to be applied in less overall time through the use of higher temperature and pressure than would be possible if the protuberance were unsupported. It is also believed that supporting protuberance  17  during the sealing process can result in a higher quality seal, provide less variation in the seal, and provide a more consistent peel force. It is also believed that supporting protuberance  17  during a sealing process can reduce the time necessary to provide such seals resulting in lower production costs. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , in an alternative embodiment, peelable seal  19   c  of container  11   c  can include a pivotable pouring device  50 . Pivotable pouring device  50  can be placed at any location on peelable seal  19   a  or at any position on container  11   c . In a preferred embodiment, it is also believed that pivotable pouring device  50  could be disposed on a non-peelable seal located under peelable seal  19   c  in the interior volume of container  11   c . This could enable a user to remove peelable seal  19   c , exposing the non-peelable seal having the pivotable pouring device  50  disposed thereon. The user could then pivot the pivotable pouring device  50  to dispense a product contained within container  11   c . After dispensing the product from container  11   c  via pivotable pouring device  50 , the user could pivot the pivotable pouring device  50  to effectively close non-peelable seal, thereby effectively sealing container  11   c . As would be known to one of skill in the art, an exemplary, but non-limiting, example of a pivotable pouring device  50  includes a pouring spout. It is believed that pivotable pouring device  50  could have dimensions that facilitate the flow of product from container  11   c , as would be known to one of skill in the art. A depression, slot, or other orifice can be disposed on either peelable seal  19   c  or the non-peelable seal to facilitate insertion of a user&#39;s appendage or other device to aid in the application of force necessary to pivot pivotable pouring device  50 . 
     In the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 8A , a striker bar  52 , formed from either a portion of peelable seal  19   d  or a non-peelable seal, can be used to strike off excess product from a volumetric measuring device. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that striker bar  52  could facilitate more consistent measurements of product by increasing the packing density and volume present within the volumetric measurement device. Further, it is believed that the presence of the remainder of peelable seal  19   d  or a non-peelable seal can assist in the retention of the various aromatic and non-aromatic gasses that naturally evolute from a product held within container  11   d.    
     The Overcap 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 4  to  6 , fresh packaging system  10  optionally comprises an overcap  30  comprised of dome portion  31 , skirt portion  32 , rib  33 , and optionally vent  34 . As a non-limiting example, overcap  30  is generally manufactured from a plastic with a low flexural modulus, for example, linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), co-polymers thereof, and combinations thereof. This allows for an overcap  30  that has a high degree of flexibility, yet, can still provide sufficient rigidity to allow stacking of successive containers. By using a flexible overcap  30 , mechanical application during packaging as well as re-application of overcap  30  to container  11  after opening by the consumer is facilitated. A surprising feature of a flexible overcap  30  is the ability of the end user to “burp” excess atmospheric gas from container  11  thereby reducing the amount of oxygen present. Further, an oxygen scavenger, as described supra, can be incorporated into, or on, any layer of peelable seal  19  to remove free, or complexed, oxygen. Additionally, the desired balance of flexibility and rigidity exhibited by overcap  30  may be achieved by varying the thickness profile of the overcap  30 . For example, the dome portion  31  can be manufactured to be thinner than skirt portion  32  and rib  33 . 
     Dome portion  31  is generally designed with a curvature, and hence height, to accommodate for an outward displacement of closure  18  from container  11  as a packaged product, such as roast and ground coffee, off gases. The amount of curvature needed in dome portion  31  can be mathematically determined as a prediction of displacement of closure  18 . As a non-limiting example, a nominal height of dome portion  31  can be 0.242 inches (0.61 cm) with an internal pressure on closure  18  of 15 millibars for a nominal 6-inch (15.25 cm) diameter overcap. Further, the dome portion  31  is also generally displaceable beyond its original height as internal pressure rises in container  11 , causing closure  18  to rise prior to the release of any off gas by one-way valve  20 . 
     As shown in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 9A , stand-off  67  can be provided on the underside of overcap  30   b  to facilitate the release of an off gas that may be present within a container. In this way, stand-off  67  can prevent blockage of a valve disposed on and/or within a flexible film closure by lower portion  65  of overcap  30   b  by reducing the amount of contact of the valve with lower portion  65 . Stand-off  67  can be constructed in various designs including but not limited to a singular, or plurality of, arcuate forms, circles, rectangles, lines, and combinations thereof. Preferably, a circular stand-off  67  is positioned in a region central to lower portion  65  of overcap  30   b . It is believed that stand-off  67  can also facilitate the venting of gasses internal to a container. Another such exemplary stand-off  67  is shown in  FIG. 13  as a plurality of annular sections  68 , wherein each annular section  68  is provided with an opening  69  wherein the plurality of openings  69  provides a path for venting of gasses internal to container  11   f.    
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , overcap  30  comprises a rib  33 . Rib  33  protrudes outwardly from the generally planar dome portion  31  and serves as a physical connection between dome portion  31  and skirt  32 . Generally, skirt  32  has a hook shape for lockingly engaging protuberance  17  of container  11 . Rib  33  isolates skirt  32  from dome portion  31 , acting as a cantilever hinge so that outward deflections (O) of dome portion  31  are translated into inward deflections (I) of skirt  33 . This cantilevered motion provides for an easier application of overcap  30  to container  11  and serves to effectively tighten the seal under internal pressures. 
     Additionally, rib  33  can allow for successive overcaps to be stacked for shipping. Skirt  32  preferably has a flat portion near the terminal end to allow for nesting of successive overcaps. Furthermore, rib  33  can extend sufficiently away from dome portion  31  so that successive systems may be stacked with no disruption of the stack due to a maximum deflection of closure  18  and the dome portion  31  of overcap  30 . Without desiring to be bound by theory, it is believed that the downward load force rests entirely on rib  33  rather than across dome portion  31 . Resting all downward forces on rib  33  also protects closure  18  from a force opposing the outward expansion of closure  18  from container  11  due to the off gas generated by a contained product. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , an exploded view of the region around rib  33 , dome portion  31  correspondingly mates with protuberance  17  of container  11 . As a non-limiting example, container  11 , after opening, requires replacement of overcap  30 . A consumer places overcap  30  on container  11  so that an inside edge  34  of rib  33  contacts protuberance  17 . A consumer then applies outward pressure on skirt  32  and downward pressure on dome portion  31 , expectorating a majority of ambient air entrapped within the headspace of container  11 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the inside edge  34  of rib  33  then fully seats on protuberance  17 , producing a complete seal. In a non-limiting example, protuberance  17  varies from −5° to +5° from a line perpendicular to body  14 . Inside edge  34  is designed to provide contact with protuberance  17  for this variation. As another non-limiting example, overall travel of the inside edge  34  of rib  33  has been nominally measured at three millimeters for a protuberance  17  width of four to six millimeters. It has been found that when protuberance  17  is angularly disposed, protuberance  17  forms a sufficient surface to provide for sealing adhesive attachment of closure  18  to protuberance  17 . 
     Additionally, the inside edge  34  of rib  33  can effectively prevent the pollution of protuberance  17 , with or without closure  18  in place, thereby providing a better seal. As pressure within container  11  builds due to off gas from the entrained product, dome portion  31  of overcap  30  deflects outward. This outward deflection causes the inside edge  34  of rib  33  to migrate toward the center of container  11  along protuberance  17 . This inward movement results in a transfer of force through rib  33  to an inward force on skirt portion  32  to be applied to container wall  14  and the outer portion of protuberance  17 , resulting in a strengthened seal. Additionally, significant deflections of dome  31  due to pressurization of closure  18  causes the inside edge  34  to dislocate from protuberance  17  allowing any vented off gas to escape past protuberance  17  to the outside of overcap  30 . This alleviates the need for a vent in overcap  30 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , an alternative embodiment of overcap  30   b  comprises a plurality of nested cylindrical formations. In other words, in this alternative embodiment, the base of overcap  30   b , having a diameter, d, forms a base portion  60  upon which the upper portion  62  of overcap  30   b , having a diameter, d-Δd, is disposed thereon. The upper portion  62  of overcap  30   b  can have an annular protuberance  64  disposed thereon. It is believed that the annular protuberance  64  disposed upon the upper portion  62  of overcap  30   b  can provide a form upon which annular ring  42  disposed upon closed bottom  13 , can lockably nest. 
     In another embodiment, it has been found advantageous to limit Δd. A small Δd can result in the connecting wall  63  of overcap  30   b  being proximate to protuberance  17 . Providing a small Δd in this manner can facilitate the transfer of a force exerted by a load disposed upon overcap  30  to an attached container during storage and shipping. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 10 , in an alternative embodiment, the inner surface of the base portion  60  of overcap  30   b  can have an annular sealing ring  66  disposed thereon. Annular sealing ring  66  was surprisingly found to facilitate the mating of surfaces corresponding to annular sealing ring  66  and the finish portion of container  11 . Mating the surfaces in this manner can provide an audible recognition that both surfaces have made contact and that a secure seal between protuberance  17  and the internal surface of overcap  30   b  has been made. A surprising feature of overcap  30   b  is the ability of the end user to “burp” excess atmospheric gas from container  11  thereby reducing the amount of oxygen present. Further, it is believed that an inner surface of base portion  60  mate with at least a portion of protuberance  17  so that there is provided an overlap of the inner surface of base portion  60  with protuberance  17 . One of skill in the art would realize that any configuration of the annular sealing ring  66  may be used to provide the facilitation of the corresponding mating surfaces, including, but not limited to, interrupted annular rings, a plurality of protuberances, and combinations thereof. It is also believed that providing a protuberance  69  in the form of an annular ring, plurality of protuberances, and other protuberances known to one of skill in the art, can provide a method of stacking a plurality of overcaps  30   b  prior to overcap  30   b  being applied to a container. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9A , it was surprisingly found that a plurality of protuberances  68  disposed upon the inner surface of overcap  30   b  could facilitate the replacement of overcap  30   b  upon container  11 . In this manner, it is believed that the plurality of protuberances  68  disposed upon the inner surface of overcap  30   b  can effectively translate the horizontal component of a force applied to overcap  30   b  during replacement of overcap  30   b  upon container  11  through the plurality of protuberances  68  thereby allowing the plurality of protuberances  68  to effectively traverse over the edge of container  11  and ultimately aligning the longitudinal axis of overcap  30   b  with the longitudinal axis of container  11 . Further, a plurality of protuberances  68  disposed upon the inner surface of overcap  30   b  can also provide additional structural rigidity to overcap  30   b  and can increase the transfer efficiency of a force exerted by a load disposed upon overcap  30   b  to container  11 . It would be realized by one of skill in the art that the plurality of protuberances  68  could comprise a plurality of spherical, semi-spherical, elliptical, quarter-round, and polygonal projections, indentations, and combinations thereof. 
     In an alternative embodiment as shown in  FIG. 13 , container  11   f  can be provided with at least one secondary protuberance  74  disposed upon body portion  14 . In this way, overcap  30   c  can be provided with an elongate skirt portion  72  with annular sealing ring  66   a  disposed thereon. Thus, annular sealing ring  66   a  can be removably engaged with secondary protuberance  74  to provide a better engagement of overcap  30   c  to container  11   f . Without desiring to be bound by theory, it is believed that a container  11   f  provided with a protuberance  17   a  will exhibit a rotational movement about axis  76  due to a vacuum internal to container  11   f  and/or a load disposed upon protuberance  17   a  thereby causing protuberance  17   a  to move away from overcap  30   c . Thus, providing secondary protuberance  74  along body portion  14  away from axis  76  can provide a point of interaction between overcap  30   c  and container  11   f  that is subject to less movement. Secondary protuberance  74  can be provided as an annular ring, a plurality of individual protuberances or a plurality of collectively elongate protuberances. Elongate skirt portion  72  can be provided as an annular protuberance or a collectively annular plurality of separable segments. Further, elongate skirt portion  72  can be provided in any length to facilitate attachment of overcap  30   c  to secondary protuberance  74  disposed upon body portion  14 . 
     In yet another embodiment as shown in  FIG. 18 , a container  11   g  is provided with a top opening  12   g . The top opening  12   g  is disposed at an angle relative to the vertical axis VA of the container  11   g  as it rests on a level surface. A seal (not shown in  FIG. 18 ) similar to the seal  19  shown in  FIG. 1  may be used with the container  11   g  of  FIG. 18 . Also, an overcap  30   d  substantially similar to the overcap  30 , the overcap  30   b  or the overcap  30   c  may be used in conjunction with the container  11   g , using an appropriately structured protuberance  17   g  as shown in connection with those overcaps  30 ,  30   b  or  30   c . In this way, the structure and operation of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 18  is substantially the same as in other embodiments, except that the opening  12   g  is disposed at an angle with respect to the vertical axis VA. Similarly, other containers may have openings disposed in a side surface, a bottom surface, or any other surface. 
     Coffee Packaging 
     A preferred method of packaging a whole, roast coffee in accordance with the present invention to provide a more freshly packed coffee product, is detailed herein. 
     A whole coffee bean is preferably blended and conveyed to a roaster, where hot air is utilized to roast the coffee to the desired degree of flavor development. The hot roasted coffee is then air-cooled and subsequently cleaned of extraneous debris. 
     In a preferred, but non-limiting step, a whole roast coffee is cracked and normalized (blended) before grinding to break up large pieces of chaff. The coffee is then ground and cut to the desired particle size for the grind size being produced. The ground coffee then preferably enters a normalizer that is connected to the bottom of the grinder heads. In the normalizer, ground coffee is preferably slightly mixed, thus, improving the coffee appearance. As another non-limiting step, the coffee discharges from the normalizer and passes over a vibrating screen to remove large pieces of coffee. 
     The ground coffee is then preferably sent to a filler surge hopper and subsequently to a filling apparatus (filler). The filler weighs a desired amount of coffee into a bucket that in turn, dumps the pre-measured amount of coffee into a container manufactured as detailed supra. The container is then preferably topped-off with an additional amount of coffee to achieve the desired target weight. 
     The container is then preferably subjected to an inert gas purge to remove ambient oxygen from the container headspace. Non-limiting, but preferred, inert gases are nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and argon. Optionally, an oxygen scavenger, as described supra, and generally present in the form of a packet can be included within the container to provide removal of free or complexed oxygen. A closure, as disclosed supra, is placed on the container to effectively seal the contents from ambient air. Preferably the closure has a one-way valve disposed thereon. An overcap, disclosed supra, is then applied onto the container, effectively covering the closure and locking into the container sidewall ridge. The finished containers are then packed into trays, shrink wrapped, and unitized for shipping. 
     Freshness 
     It is believed that the resulting inventive packaging system provides a consumer with a perceptively fresher packed roast and ground coffee that provides a stronger aroma upon opening of the package and the perception of a longer-lasting aroma that is apparent with repeated and sustained openings of the packaging system. Not wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that roast and ground coffee elutes gases and oils that are adsorbed onto the polyolefinic compound comprising the inside of the container and closure. Upon removal of the closure, the polyolefinic compound then evolutes these adsorbed gases and oils back into the headspace of the sealed container. It is also believed that the inventive packaging system can also prevent the infiltration of deleterious aromas and flavors into the packaging system. Thus, the construction of the instant packaging system can be altered to provide the benefit of most use for the product disclosed therein. To this end, it is further believed that the packaging system can be utilized for the containment of various products and yet provide the benefits discussed herein. 
     Applicants characterize the surprising aroma benefits provided by the present article of manufacture in terms of the article&#39;s “overall coffee aroma value”, which is an absolute characterization. Applicants also characterize the aroma benefits relative to a control article (a prior art metallic can, as described below). Such a characterization is referred to herein as the article&#39;s “differential coffee aroma value.” The methods for measuring overall coffee aroma value and differential coffee aroma value are described in detail in the Test Method section infra. 
     The article of manufacture will have an overall coffee aroma value of at least about 5.5. Preferably, the article will have an overall coffee aroma value of least about 6, more preferably at least about 6.5, still more preferably at least about 7, and still more preferably at least about 7.5. 
     Preferably, the article of manufacture of the present invention will have a differential coffee aroma value of at least about 1.0, more preferably at least about 2.0, and most preferably at least about 2.8. 
     Test Method 
     A test container and an existing industry standard metallic container (control container) are packed with identical fresh roast and ground coffee product, prepared as stated above, and stored for 120 days prior to testing. Immediately prior to testing, the containers are emptied and wiped with a paper towel to remove excess roast and ground coffee product. Each container is then capped and let stand prior to testing in order to equilibrate. During testing, each container used is exchanged with another similarly prepared, but, unused container at one-hour intervals. A control container is a standard 603, tin-plated, 3-pound (1.36 Kg), vacuum-packed, steel can. 
     Individual panelists are screened for their ability to discriminate odors utilizing various standard sensory methodologies as part of their sensory screening. Panelists are assessed for aroma discriminatory ability using the gross olfactory acuity-screening test (universal version) as developed by Sensonics, Inc., for aroma. This test method involves a potential panelist successfully identifying aromas in a “scratch and sniff” context. 
     Forty successful, qualified panelists are then blindfolded and each evaluates a test container and a control container. Each blindfolded panelist smells a first container (either test container or control container) and rates the aroma on a 1 to 9 point scale (integers only) with reference to the following description: no aroma (1) to a lot of aroma (9). After a brief relief period, the blindfolded panelist evaluates the second container. The range for overall aroma is again assessed by panelists using the same rating system. 
     The panel results for overall coffee aroma value are then tabulated and statistically evaluated. Standard deviations based on a Student T statistical test are calculated with 95% confidence intervals to note where statistically significant differences occur between the mean values of the two products tested. Exemplary and statistically adjusted results of a “blind test” panel using existing packaging methodologies for roast and ground coffee are tabulated in Table 3: 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Roast and Ground Coffee Sensory Panel Results for Comparing 
               
               
                 Inventive Articles vs. Existing Articles at 120 days at 70° F. (21° C.) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 Standard Steel Package 
               
               
                   
                 Inventive Package (Plastic) 
                 (Control) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 No. Respondents 
                 40 
                 40 
               
               
                 Amount of 
                 7.3 
                 4.5 
               
               
                 Coffee Aroma 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Based upon this test panel, it was surprisingly found that the present articles of manufacture provide a perceived “fresher” roast and ground coffee end product for a consumer. The improvement in overall coffee aroma was increased from the control sample adjusted panel value of 4.5 to an adjusted panel value of 7.3 for the inventive article, resulting in a differential adjusted value of 2.8. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. One skilled in the art will also be able to recognize that the scope of the invention also encompasses interchanging various features of the embodiments illustrated and described above. For example, the overcap of one illustrated embodiment might be used with a container of another illustrated embodiment. Also, what is shown or described as one single part may be made from multiple parts which are connected to together. For example, the body portion  14  as shown in  FIG. 4  may be made from two different parts, a bottom part which is purely cylindrical and a top part which forms the protuberance  17 . Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications that are within the scope of the invention.