Patent Publication Number: US-11649105-B2

Title: Container construction with elevating bag

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/832,423, filed on Mar. 27, 2020, entitled “CONTAINER CONSTRUCTION WITH ELEVATING BAG”, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to containers having flexible bags disposed therein, wherein the flexible bags are vertically adjustable within the container. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Food and drink products and other perishable items are often packaged in tubular rigid containers that are sealed at both ends. Cylindrical containers such as these are often used to store stacked foodstuffs such as, but not limited to, potato chips, crisps, candies, cookies, wafers, and/or crackers. With these types of containers, it can be difficult to access the food products within the container which are lower in the stack because the cross section of the containers are typically too narrow for an average adult hand to fit inside and there is little space between the side of the stack and the interior wall of the tube to grasp chips for retrieval. Often the container is inverted to pour the food product out, often resulting in spillage and breakage of the food products. 
     The present invention provides an improvement to the tube-stacked food container that enables the food product within the package to be dispensed in a controlled fashion without tilting the container to pour out the contents. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In an embodiment, the invention is drawn to a container comprising a bottom wall and at least one sidewall connected to the bottom wall which form a container interior. The sidewall terminates in a rolled edge opposite the bottom wall and has an inner and an outer surface. A flexible bag having an open end is disposed within the interior of the container. A slide ring comprises a circumferential portion which is substantially vertical or vertical and a finger extending therefrom and is affixed to the open end of the bag and disposed adjacent the outer surface of the sidewall, below the rolled edge. The finger of the slide ring is angled inwardly toward the sidewall and frictionally engages the sidewall. Vertical adjustment of the slide ring vertically adjusts the bag within the interior of the container. 
     In an embodiment, the invention is also drawn to a method for manufacturing a container. A slide ring is bonded to an open end of a flexible bag, wherein the slide ring comprises a circumferential portion which is substantially vertical or vertical and a finger extending therefrom. A container body is provided which has a bottom wall and at least one sidewall connected to the bottom wall, the sidewall terminating in a rolled edge opposite the bottom wall, and the sidewall having an inner and an outer surface, wherein the bottom wall and the at least one sidewall form a container interior. The slide ring and flexible bag are applied circumferentially to the outer surface of the sidewall, over the rolled edge, wherein the finger of the slide ring is angled inwardly toward the sidewall and frictionally engages the sidewall. Then, the flexible bag is disposed into the interior of the container, the bag is filled with products, and a top closure is applied to the container. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While some of the objects and advantages of the present invention have been stated, others will appear as the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a container structure of the invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional view of a container structure of the invention. 
         FIG.  3    is an exploded view of the top edge of a container structure of the invention. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a container structure of the invention with the overcap disposed on the container. 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of a container structure of the invention with the overcap removed and the slide ring disposed downward of the top end of the container. 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of a container structure of the invention with the overcap removed and the slide ring disposed downward of the top end of the container. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of a container structure of the invention with the overcap removed and the slide ring disposed downward of the top end of the container. 
         FIGS.  8 A-B  illustrate a cross-sectional view of a slide ring of the invention, illustrated before ( 8 A) and after ( 8 B) deformation. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates an exploded cross-section view of a container structure of the invention. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a method of the present invention. 
         FIGS.  11  and  12    illustrate an embodiment of the container of the invention in various stages of formation. 
         FIGS.  13 A and  13 B  illustrate alternate embodiments of a container of the present invention. 
         FIGS.  14 A and  14 B  illustrate an alternate embodiment of the container of the invention in various stages of formation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Terms of reference such as “top,” “bottom,” or “side” are used to facilitate an understanding of the present invention in view of the accompanying figures. The identified reference terms or other similar terms are not intended to be limiting, and one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the present invention may be practiced in a variety of spatial orientations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     Turning to the figures, a container  10  is illustrated. Although illustrated as a tube having a circular cross section, the body of the container  10  may have any cross sectional shape known in the art. For example, if the container  10  is used to store crackers, slices of bread, or magazines, the container  10  may have the general configuration of a rectangle or square, optionally with rounded corners. Likewise, the cross section of the container may be generally triangular or have a higher order polygonal profile or irregular shape. In an embodiment, the container is configured to stand stably upright on a surface. 
     The container  10  includes at least one vertical body wall which may be considered the sidewall  12 . The container  10  may also comprise a bottom wall  14 . In an embodiment, the container  10  is cylindrical or tubular. In this embodiment, the bottom wall  14  may be generally circular. In an embodiment, the container  10  may comprise multiple vertical body walls, such as four body walls, which may each be considered side walls or may be considered a front wall, a back wall, and two side walls. In this embodiment, the bottom wall may be generally square or rectangular. In an embodiment, the at least one sidewall  12  extends upwardly from the bottom wall  14 . In an embodiment, the container  10  is rigid and substantially inflexible. 
     The at least one sidewall  12  of the container may be composed of spiral-wound paperboard, in an embodiment. In an embodiment, the sidewall  12  may comprise cardboard or another type of material, such as a molded plastic. In an embodiment, the container sidewall  12  includes a barrier layer that serves as a barrier to the passage of liquids and/or gasses such as oxygen. 
     In an embodiment, the sidewall  12  has an inner surface  16  which extends around an open interior  20  of the container. The container sidewall  12  has an outer surface  18  which forms the exterior of the container. The open interior  20  houses a stack or group of products, such as food products  22 , in an embodiment. 
     In an embodiment, the container  10  is disposed upright, such that its vertical interior storage space is greater than its horizontal interior storage space. In an embodiment, the container  10  has a vertical dimension which is greater than its horizontal dimension. In an embodiment of the invention, the height of the container  10  is greater in dimension than the width of the container  10 . In yet another embodiment, the length of the container  10  sidewall(s)  12  is greater than the width of the base  14  of the container. 
     In an embodiment, the container sidewall  12  comprises a single ply. In another embodiment, the container sidewall  12  is multi-ply. In one embodiment, a label ply may be adhered to the outer surface of the sidewall. The label ply may be constructed from materials known in the art, such as kraft paper, optionally in combination with various polymers or the like. The label ply may be inkjet printed and may convey graphics, product information, nutritional information, instructions, and/or regulatory compliance information. In other embodiments, any printed information may be integral with the sidewall  12  and/or printed directly thereon. In an embodiment, the interior surface of the sidewall  12  is treated with a barrier material or has a barrier layer applied thereto. In other embodiments, such a barrier material or layer is expressly not present. 
     In an embodiment, the container  10  includes a flexible bag  24  disposed at least partially inside the container body. The flexible bag  24  may comprise a polymeric material, a paper material, or any other material known in the art. In an embodiment, the flexible bag  24  is comprised of a polyethylene barrier film. The flexible bag  24  may be resilient, stretchable, and/or airtight. The bag  24  may be impermeable to liquids and gases. The flexible bag  24  may be single ply or constructed of multiple layers. The flexible bag  24  may have barrier properties. 
     The flexible bag  24  may, in an embodiment, be suspended within the container body. In an embodiment, the flexible bag  24  is vertically adjustable within the container  10  and selectively dispenses products  22  from the top end of the container. 
     In an embodiment, the container bag may have a bottom surface  26  and at least one sidewall  28  connected to and extending upwardly from the bottom surface  26  of the bag  24 . In an embodiment, the bag bottom  26  is parallel or generally parallel with the base  14  or bottom end closure of the container  10 . In another embodiment, the container bag  24  is a tubular structure which is cut and sealed flat on its bottom end. In this embodiment, the bottom seal of the bag  24  may be an end seal. In still another embodiment, the bag  24  may be tapered at its bottom end. Any bag configuration known in the art may be useful in the invention. In an embodiment, the shape and configuration of the bag  24  is substantially similar to or the same as the shape and configuration of the container  10 . For example, if the container  10  is cylindrical, the bag  24  may also be substantially cylindrical or cylindrical. The bag  24  may have a shape and size that permit it to be disposed in the interior of the container  10  with which it is to be used. 
     The bag sidewall  28  may, in an embodiment, have a length (in the vertical direction) which is longer than the length of the container sidewall  12  (in the vertical direction). In an embodiment, the cross-section or horizontal circumference of the bag  24  may be slightly smaller than the cross-section or horizontal circumference of the container  10 , such that the bag  24  may be disposed within the container. In an embodiment, the horizontal circumference of the bag  24  is constant or substantially constant throughout its vertical length. In an embodiment, the horizontal circumference of the container  10  may be slightly larger than the horizontal circumference (or width) of product  22  that the container is designed to contain. In an embodiment, the horizontal circumference of the bag  24  may be slightly larger than the horizontal circumference (or width) of product  22  that the container  10  is designed to contain. 
     In one embodiment, the container sidewall  12  is open on its top end and the sidewall  12  terminates in a top edge  32  which defines the open top end  30 . In an embodiment, the bag  24  is sized so that it can be disposed at least partially over the top edge  32  of the container  10  and can be moved vertically, upwardly or downwardly, over the exterior surface of the container  10 . Simultaneously, the bag  24  may move vertically, upwardly or downwardly, within the interior of the container  10 . In an embodiment, the bag  24  is suspended at least slightly above the bottom end  14  of the container  10 . In another embodiment, the bag  24  rests on the bottom end  14  of the container  10 . 
     In an embodiment, a food product  22  is stacked or stored within the bag. While the food products  22  may be stacked, it should be understood that the food products  22  may be presented in any manner known in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the food products may be delicate artisan cookies that are not stacked, but it is desired to avoid breakage. In other embodiments, the food products may be peanuts and the user may desire raising them to a higher level for consumption rather than inverting the container. Thus, the invention should not be limited to stacked food products. 
     In an embodiment, the food product  22  does not directly contact the inner surface  16  of the container sidewall  12  due to its containment within the bag  24 . Byproducts from the food product (i.e. oil, grease) are thus prevented from contact with or migrate into the container body. In this way, the container body can be easily recycled after the bag  24  is removed from its interior. Likewise, the bag  24  can also be recycled. 
     In an particular embodiment, the bag  24  suspends and supports the food product  22 , resulting in a reduction in broken or damaged food products  22 . Further, use of the bag  24  may avoid the need for a barrier film or barrier layer to be applied to the interior surface  16  of the container body, thereby reducing costs, manufacturing time, and improving the recyclability of the container. 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus additionally comprises a slide ring  34  (see  FIGS.  2 - 3   ) disposed on the outer surface  18  of the container  10 . In the drawings, the slide ring  34  is configured having a circular or ring-like shape. It will be appreciated, however, that the slide ring  34  may be constructed in a configuration and size that permit it to traverse the outer surface of the container with which it will be used. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a circular slide ring  34  extends around the exterior of the cylindrical container sidewall  12 . 
     In an embodiment, the slide ring  34  may extend around less than the full circumference of the outer surface of the container, optionally depending on the configuration of the container. In any case, the slide ring  34  extends around at least a portion of the exterior sidewall surface  18 . In an embodiment, the fit between the slide ring  34  and the exterior sidewall  18  of the container is a friction fit. That is, the slide ring  34  is movable upwardly and downwardly, vertically, against the outer surface  18  of the container  10  by applying human force to the slide ring  34 . In an embodiment, however, the frictional engagement between the inner surface of the slide ring  34  and the outer surface  18  of the container  10  is such that when no human force is applied to the slide ring  34 , the slide ring  34  remains in position (regardless of its position) due to frictional forces between the slide ring  34  and the outer surface  18  of the container  10 . The friction engagement between the slide ring  34  and the exterior sidewall surface  18  should be sufficient to suspend the bag  24  and the food products  22  contained in the bag  24  in a variety of vertically adjusted positions above the container bottom  14 . The slide ring  34  may be constructed of any material known in the art, such as paperboard, molded plastic, or any other material. In a particular embodiment, the slide ring  34  is comprised of high density polyethylene. 
     In an embodiment, the bag  24  has an inner surface  36  and an outer surface  38 . In a particular embodiment, the slide ring  34  is bonded to the outer surface  38  of the bag  24 . Likewise, in another embodiment, the slide ring  34  is bonded to the inner surface  36  of the bag  24 . In any case, the slide ring  34  in bonded to the bag  24  near or at the upper end of the bag  24  which is or will be initially disposed near the open top end  30  of the container. The bonding may be accomplished using any adhesive known in the art. In an embodiment, the bag  24  is ultrasonically bonded to the slide ring  34 . In another embodiment, the bag  24  is inductively sealed to the slide ring  34 . 
     In yet another embodiment, the slide ring  34  is configured to pinch the bag between two portions of the slide ring  34  and secure the bag  24  in place. In an embodiment, the bag  24  is bonded to the slide ring  34  and the slide ring  34  is configured to pinch the open end of the bag  24  between two portions of the slide ring  34 . In an embodiment, the inner surface  26  and the outer surface  28  of the bag are in contact with the slide ring  34 . 
     The bag  24  may be displaced upwardly or downwardly by moving the slide ring  34 . The bottom  26  of the bag  24  may be selectively positioned in a vertically adjusted position relative to the container bottom wall  14 . As the slide ring  34  is moved downwardly over the exterior surface  18  of the container  10  (relative to the container bottom wall  14 ), the bag bottom  26 , and thus any product  22  contained within the bag  24 , is adjusted upwardly within the container interior (relative to the container bottom wall  14 ). Food products  22  contained within the bag  24  are raised to the top edge  32  of the container and can be easily grasped or dispensed from the open end  30 . After consumption or use, the container contents can be lowered, if desired, by moving the slide ring  34  upwardly over the exterior surface  18  of the container  10  (relative to the container bottom wall  14 ). 
     Alternatively, the container contents can be maintained at the dispensing level based upon the frictional engagement, as noted above. The invention allows bag  24  movement to a variety of vertically adjusted positions. These positions can be maintained without manually holding the container  10  or bag  24  due to the friction engagement of the slide ring  34  and the container side wall  12 . The inventive system allows the stack of food products  22  to move up and down within the container in a smooth and continuous manner, so that the stack can be raised or lowered to any desired elevation in immediate response to movement of the slide ring  34 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3  and  8 A- 8 B , the slide ring  34  may have a construction as shown. In an embodiment, the slide ring may be circumferential about the container sidewall. In an embodiment, the slide ring  34  may comprise an inner leg  40  and an outer leg  42 , with reference to the proximity of each leg to the container body. The inner leg  40  and outer leg  42  may be connected by a hinge  44 . The inner leg  40  may be disposed adjacent the outer surface  18  of the container sidewall  12 . 
     The outer leg  42  may have an interior surface  46  and an exterior surface  48 . The interior surface  46  of the outer leg  42  may face the inner leg  40 . The exterior surface  48  of the outer leg  42  may face the atmosphere outside the container  10 . In an embodiment, the interior surface  46  of the outer leg  42  may be in contact with the bag  24  and/or the inner leg  40 . In an embodiment, the interior surface  46  of the outer leg  42  may be bonded to the bag  24 . In an embodiment, this bonding may occur along the inner surface  36  of the bag  24 . 
     The inner leg  40  may have an interior surface  52  and an exterior surface  50 . The interior surface  52  of the inner leg  40  may face the exterior surface  18  of the container sidewall  12 . The exterior surface  50  of the inner leg  40  may be in contact with the bag  24  and/or the outer leg  42 . In an embodiment, the exterior surface  50  of the inner leg  40  may be in a secure engagement with the bag  24  and/or the outer leg  42 . 
     Likewise, the interior surface  52  of the inner leg  40  may be in contact with the bag  24 . In an embodiment, the interior surface  52  of the inner leg  40  may be in a secure engagement with or bonded to the bag  24 . 
     In an embodiment, the engagement between the inner leg  40  and outer leg  42  (with the pinched bag section  54  between them) may be considered a pinched or a locked physical configuration. In another embodiment, the inner leg  40  and outer leg  42  (with the pinched bag section  54  between them) may be transformed, conglomerated, and/or melded such that they become unitary and inseparable. This may occur through the application of pressure and/or heat. In an embodiment, the exterior surface  50  of the inner leg  40  may be bonded to the bag  24  (in addition to or in place of the bonding between the outer leg and the bag). In an embodiment, this bonding may occur along the outer surface  38  of the bag  24 . 
     In an embodiment, the vertical length of the inner leg  40  may be greater than the vertical length of the outer leg  42 . The inner leg  40  may comprise a generally vertical portion  56  and a finger  58  extending therefrom. The generally vertical portion  56  may be vertical or substantially vertical. 
     The outer leg  42  may be vertical or substantially vertical. In an embodiment, the configuration of the outer leg  42  and the generally vertical portion  56  of the inner leg  40  is the same or substantially the same. That is, both the outer leg  42  and the generally vertical portion  56  of the inner leg  40  may both be vertical, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container  10 . In an embodiment, the length of the outer leg  42  and the generally vertical portion  56  of the inner leg  40  is the same or substantially the same (shown in  FIGS.  8 A,  8 B, and  9   ). In other embodiments, however, the length of the outer leg  42  is greater than that of the generally vertical portion  56  of the inner leg  40  (shown in  FIG.  3   ). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  13 A- 13 B , the slide ring  34  may have an alternate construction as shown. In this embodiment, the slide ring  34  may comprise an inner leg  40 , but may not have an outer leg as discussed above. The inner leg  40  may be disposed adjacent the outer surface  18  of the container sidewall  12 . 
     In this embodiment, the inner leg  40  may have an interior surface  52  and an exterior surface  50 . The interior surface  52  of the inner leg  40  may face the exterior surface  18  of the container sidewall  12 . The exterior surface  50  of the inner leg  40  may be in contact with the bag  24 . In an embodiment, the exterior surface  50  of the inner leg  40  may be in a secure engagement with the bag  24 . In an embodiment, the adhesion of the inner leg  40  and the bag  24  may be secured through the application of adhesives, pressure and/or heat. In an embodiment, the exterior surface  50  of the inner leg  40  may be bonded to the bag  24 . In an embodiment, this bonding may occur along the outer surface  38  of the bag  24 . In an embodiment, the bonding of the inner leg  40  and the bag  24  may occur over the surface of the generally vertical portion  56 . In another embodiment, the bonding of the inner leg  40  and the bag  24  may occur over the surface of the generally vertical portion  56  and at least a portion of the finger  58 . 
     In an embodiment, the inner leg  40  may comprise a generally vertical portion  56  and a finger  58  extending therefrom. The generally vertical portion  56  may be vertical or substantially vertical. At the base of the vertical portion  56 , the inner leg  40  may terminate in an edge or lip  57 . The lip  57  may bulge slightly outwardly, away from the container sidewall  12 . 
     In an embodiment, the lip  57  may be configured to receive a tool  100  which is used to insert the slide ring  34  over the container  10 .  FIGS.  14 A- 14 B  illustrate the application of the slide ring  34 , in an embodiment, over the rolled edge  32  of the container sidewall  12 . The tool  100  catches on the lip  57  and pushes the slide ring  34  from the top of the container toward the bottom of the container, over the rolled edge  32 , until the finger  58  passes over the rolled edge  32  and engages the container sidewall  12 . 
     The generally vertical portion  56  of the inner leg  40  and/or the finger  58  of the inner leg  40  may frictionally engage the container sidewall  12 . In an embodiment, only the finger  58  of the inner leg frictionally engages the container sidewall. That is, in an embodiment, the inner leg  40  of the slide ring  34  is not in direct contact with the container sidewall. In an embodiment, the inner leg  40  of the slide ring  34  is not in frictional contact with the container sidewall. In an embodiment, the inner leg  40  of the slide ring  34  is in slidable contact with the container sidewall. 
     In an embodiment, the finger  58  is angled toward the container sidewall  12  such that it provides resistance to movement of the slide ring  34  upwardly. The finger  58  may extend upwardly from the generally vertical portion  56  of the inner leg  40  and may angle inwardly, toward the container sidewall  12 . The finger  58  may allow movement of the slide ring  34  downwardly but resist movement of the slide ring  34  upwardly. In an embodiment, the slide ring  34  rides along the container side wall, downwardly, with a clamping force that prevents or resists upward movement. In an embodiment, the clamping force is due to the finger  58 . In an embodiment, the finger  58  is forced to bend or deflect slightly, which creates a frictional or clamped engagement. In an embodiment, the finger  58  is forced to bend toward vertical, creating pressure against the container sidewall  12 . 
     The finger  58  may be circumferential or may be presented in one or more discrete locations about the circumference of the slide ring  34 . That is, more than one finger  58  may be utilized. In an embodiment, the finger  58  may prevent movement of the slide ring  34  past a rolled top edge  32  of the container sidewall  12 . The finger  58  may be narrower at its distal end as compared to the end which connects to the generally vertical portion  56  of the inner leg  40 . 
     The hinge  44  which connects the inner leg  40  to the outer leg  42  may be of any construction known in the art. In an embodiment, the hinge  44  is curved in a manner which allows the inner leg  40  (or, in alternate embodiments, the outer leg  42 ) to be moved from a first position to a second position, wherein the second position is disposed against the bag  24  and outer leg  42  (or, in alternate embodiments, against the bag  24  and inner leg  40 ). In an embodiment of the slide ring  34  prior to deformation of the hinge  44 , the outer surface  48  of the outer leg  42  and the inner surface  52  of the inner leg  40  are facing in the same direction. The hinge  44 , in this embodiment, may comprise a convex curve between the inner leg  40  and the outer leg  42 . The hinge  44 , may be C-shaped or U-shaped, such that the open end of the “C” or “U” is disposed in the same direction as the outer surface  48  of the outer leg  42  and the inner surface  52  of the inner leg  40 . In this embodiment, one side of the “C” or “U” may be connected to the inner leg  40  and the other side of the “C” or “U” may be connected to the outer leg  42 . In an embodiment, the inner leg  40  is deformed to form the slide ring  34  such that the outer surface  50  of the inner leg  40  is brought around to meet the inner surface  46  of the outer leg  42 , with the pinched bag portion  54  disposed between the inner leg  40  and the outer leg  42 . 
     In an embodiment, the outer surface of the slide ring  34  is textured, ribbed, or has a profile which aids in its grippability. In an embodiment, outer surface  48  of the outer leg  42  is textured, ribbed, or has a profile which aids in its grippability. 
     In one embodiment, the tubular container  10  of the present invention includes a top end closure  60  and a bottom end closure  62 . In an embodiment, the top end of the container  10  may be closed via a flexible membrane seal that is affixed to the top edge of the tubular container  10 . The flexible membrane seal may be made of a flexible laminate film(s), kraft paper, foil, and/or extruded polymers and may be heat sealed or adhesively attached to the end of the tubular container  10 . In an embodiment, a removable overcap is disposed over the membrane seal. In another embodiment, the top end closure comprises an overcap without a flexible membrane. The overcap may be made of paper, plastic, metal, foil, any combination thereof, or any other material(s) known in the art. 
     In an embodiment, the overcap  60  is configured to snap-fit onto the rolled rim  32  of the container sidewall  12 . In an embodiment, the overcap  60  is configured to seal closed the opening  30  of the container  10  and/or enclose the interior of the container. In an embodiment, the overcap  60  is removable, replaceable, and can be affixed to the container  10  with the bag  24  in any vertical position. In an embodiment, the overcap  60  is fitted against the container rim  32  such that movement of the slide ring  34  downwardly (and, respectively, movement of the bag  24  inside the container  10  upwardly) is prevented when the overcap  60  is applied to the container  10 . 
     In an embodiment, the overcap  60  may comprise multiple layers of paperboard. In this embodiment, the cap  60  may contain a barrier layer and/or a barrier treatment may be applied to one or more of the paperboard layers. In an embodiment, the cap  60  may contain a foil layer, optionally on the interior of the cap, facing the interior of the container. 
     Regardless of the shape of the container  10 , the overcap  60  is designed to snugly fit over the edge  32  of the container sidewall  12  to enclose the container contents. In an embodiment, if the container  10  is cylindrical, the overcap  60  is generally circular or disk-shaped and conforms to the dimensions of the container  10 . In this embodiment shown in  FIG.  3   , the overcap  60  may comprise a central portion  64  and an outer peripheral portion  66  extending generally radially outwardly from the central portion and extending circumferentially about the central portion  64 . The peripheral portion  66  of the overcap  60  is configured to mate with the edge  32  or rim of the container sidewall  12 . 
     The peripheral portion  66  may terminate in a curl  68 . In an embodiment, the curl  68  is generally disposed downwardly, in an axial direction of the overcap  60 , and rolls outwardly. Alternatively, the curl  68  may roll inwardly. The curl  68  may be at least partially flattened or pinched, in an embodiment. 
     In an embodiment, the curl  68  is disposed adjacent the slide ring  34  on its lower end. In a particular embodiment, the curl  68  lower end  70  is adjacent the outer leg  42  of the slide ring  34 . In yet another embodiment, the curl lower end  70  is affixed or fused to the outer leg  42  of the slide ring  34 , through a heat seal, adhesive, sealant, ultrasonic bonding, induction sealing, or any other method known in the art. In this embodiment, an adhesive or sealant may be applied to the lower end  70  of the curl  68  prior to its application onto the container  10 . In an embodiment, the lower end  70  of the curl  68  is adjacent, but not affixed to, the bag  24 . 
     In an embodiment, the outer leg  42  of the slide ring  34  may be configured near its upper end  76  to fit the dimensions of the lower end  70  of the curl  68  (see  FIG.  3   ). For example, the upper end  76  of the outer leg  42  of the slide ring  34  may be angled or curved so that its juncture with the lower end  70  of the curl  68  is flush or substantially flush. 
     The bottom end closure  62  of the tubular container  10  may be constructed of metal, paper, plastic, or any other material known in the art. 
     In an embodiment, one or more tamper evidence features may be presented within the container structure. Many tamper evidence features are known in the art and are encompassed within the invention. In one embodiment (shown in  FIG.  9    and  FIG.  13 A- 13 B ), a tear strip  72  is disposed about the overcap  60  and/or slide ring  34 . In this embodiment, the tear strip  72  may have a tab  73  which can be released and pulled, allowing the tear strip  72  to be progressively separated from the container structure until it is completely removed (shown in  FIG.  13 A ). The tear strip  72  may then be discarded. The tear strip  72  may comprise any materials known in the art. In an embodiment, the tear strip  72  may be a peelable tape. 
     In this embodiment, the tear strip  72  may cover all or substantially all of the slide ring  34 , preventing movement of the slide ring  34  prior to removal of the tear strip  72 . In this embodiment, the outer leg  42  of the slide ring  34  need not be in contact with the overcap  60  and a space  74  may be disposed between the outer leg  42  and the lower end  70  of the overcap  60 . 
     In another embodiment, the tear strip  72  may cover the interface or space between the overcap  60  and the slide ring  34 , preventing removal of the cap  60  prior to removal of the tear strip  72 . In an embodiment, the tear strip  72  prevents movement of the slide ring  34  and prevents removal of the cap  60  until the tear strip  72  is removed. 
     In an embodiment, the container sidewall  12  contains one or more through holes  80  (see  FIG.  1   ). The through holes  80  may be disposed near the upper end of the sidewall  12 . In an embodiment, the through holes may be disposed near the rim  32  of the sidewall  12 . The through holes  80  may allow air from the atmosphere to pass into the internal cavity of the container  10 . The through holes  80  may be small, discreet and/or disguised using labeling graphics. The bag  24  prevents the any air which passes through the through holes  80  from contacting any food product  22  contained within container  10 . The through holes  80  may aid in preventing implosion or deformation of the container  10  due to atmospheric changes or vacuum conditions. The through holes  80  may also allow easier movement of the bag  24  within the container interior, decreasing suction and/or vacuum forces that may otherwise resist movement of the bag  24  within the container  10 . 
     As an additional advantage to the invention, if/when a vacuum is created within the container  10 , the flexible nature of the bag  24  allows it to move inwardly against the food products  11 , equalizing the pressure on the inside and outside of the bag  24 . As the bag  24  moves inwardly, a space  82  may develop between the bag  24  and the sidewall  12 . To the extent the container  10  has at least one through hole  80 , air may move between the external atmosphere and the interior of the container, avoiding a vacuum within the container  10  and/or implosion of the container  10 . In another embodiment, the container sidewall  12  is a relatively porous construction, optionally of paperboard, which allows for a sufficient migration of air through the sidewall  12  such that the space  82  between the bag  24  and the sidewall  12  remains at atmospheric or ambient pressure. Thus, the sidewall  12  is not subjected to negative pressure over an extended period, which could cause the container  10  to collapse or implode. 
     In an embodiment, the overcap  60  is a multilayer structure, optionally with a foil layer on its interior surface. In an embodiment, the overcap  60  may be a multilayer paperboard structure, but the overcap  60  may alternatively be a plastic multilayer structure, if desired. In an embodiment, the overcap  60  contains at least two layers, a upper layer  84  and a lower layer  86  (see  FIG.  3   ). Additional layers may be presented within the construction. For example, a foil layer may be disposed beneath the lower layer  86 . 
     In an embodiment, the container  10  of the invention is hermetically sealed, preventing the ingress or egress of gases, liquids, or other particles, until the container  10  is opened by a consumer. In an embodiment, the slide ring  34  and bag  24  are removable from the container  10  after consumption of the product  22  contained therein. In one embodiment, the container body, and particularly the top edge of the container body, may be slightly crushed or deformed by the consumer so that the slide ring can pass over the rolled edge  32  of the container  10  for separation of the bag  24  and slide ring  34  from the container  10 . In another embodiment, the bag  24  may be pierced or cut, optionally near its bottom end  26 , and the slide ring  34  may then pass over the bottom edge of the container  10  for separation of the bag  24  and slide ring  34  from the container  10 . The finger  58  will not prevent movement of the slide ring  34  over the bottom edge of the container due to its structure. 
     The container  10  of the present invention provides numerous advantages. Primarily, the container  10  provides an easier mechanism for removal of the products  22  contained within, by elevating the products  22  as needed for easier grasping and removal. The container  10  also provides a product which is fully recyclable. The bag  24  and slide ring  34  can be removed from the container  10  after use and can be recycled as plastics. The container  10  and overcap  60  can be recycled as paper. The use of a barrier material or barrier layer within the container  10  can be eliminated due to the presence of the separate bag  24 , saving manufacturing time, costs, and resources. Further, the food product  22  contained within the inventive container  10  is better protected from breakage and damage due to the supportive bag  24 . Still further, the container  10  is better adaptable to changes in atmospheric and/or processing conditions which alter pressure on the interior or exterior of the container  10 , as described herein. 
     Method of Manufacture 
     The container  10  of the present invention may be manufactured by the process illustrated in  FIG.  11   . Initially, a container body and a flexible bag may be formed or provided, likely in separate processes. In an embodiment, tubular bags  24  are manufactured which are similar in size and dimension to the container  10  within which they will be inserted. In an embodiment, the tubular bags  24  may be manufactured by rolling a film layer into a tube or cylindrical shape and creating a longitudinal seal. The continuous tubular film may then be cut into discrete lengths. In an embodiment, each discrete length of tubular film is at least as long as the discrete lengths of tube used to make container  10 . One end of the discrete tubular film may be sealed closed to create a bottom seal. It should be understood that any process for manufacture of the inventive bag is contemplated (see Step  200 ). 
     In an embodiment, a first tool is inserted into the open end of the bag  24  wherein the first tool is dimensioned to fit within the bag  24 . The first tool may be generally cylindrical and may have a tapered portion which is narrower near its distal end. The narrower tapered portion may aid in insertion of the tool into the bag  24 . The first tool may be dimensioned such that its diameter increases as the distance from the distal end increases. The bag  24  may be inserted onto the tool until the bag  24  is fitted snugly onto the tool at or near at least the open end of the bag  24 . In an embodiment, the open end of the bag  24  is firmly fitted onto the first tool. The closed end (or bottom)  26  of the bag  24  may not be disposed on the first tool in some embodiments and may hang loosely from the end of the tool. In other embodiments, the entirety of the bag  24  is disposed on the first tool during this portion of the process. 
     At Step  202 , in an embodiment, the slide ring  34  is then applied to the bag  24 . The slide ring  34  may be disposed in a flattened initial position, as shown in cross-section in  FIG.  8 A . The slide ring  34  may comprise a concentric ring or disc which may be slid onto the bag/first tool, over the bottom end  26  of the bag  24 , moving toward the top end of the bag. Once the slide ring  34  reaches the open end of the bag, it may be adhered to the edge of bag  24 . As noted above, the outer leg  42  may be adhered to the bag via ultrasonic bonding. In an embodiment, an adhesive is applied to the bag  24 . In another embodiment, an adhesive is applied to the outer leg  42  of the slide ring  34 . In either case, the component parts are then ultrasonically bonded together. 
     In an embodiment, a second tool is applied to the exterior of the slide ring  34  and provides pressure against the first tool to aid in the bonding of the slide ring  34  and the bag  24 . The second tool may comprise two halves of a ring which compress the slide ring  34  against the bag  24 . In an embodiment, the second tool may apply pressure and heat to the slide ring  34  and bag  24 . 
     At optional Step  204 , the first tool may be withdrawn from the interior of the bag  24 . The second tool may maintain its position on the exterior of the slide ring  34 . In an embodiment, the inner leg  40  of the slide ring  34  is then bent along the hinge  44 , toward the outer leg  42  of the slide ring  34 , such that the bag  24  is disposed between the two legs  40 ,  42 . This may be accomplished using the second tool or a third tool. At this stage, the finger  58  of the inner leg  40  is directed toward the interior of the bag  24 . As can be appreciated, the inner leg  40  could alternatively be adhered to the bag  24  and the outer leg  42  could be bent along the hinge  44 , toward the inner leg  40 . 
     In an embodiment, the container body  12  is then provided. The container body may be formed via spiral winding, though any method of forming the container body may be used. In a spiral wound embodiment, a continuous strip of body ply material is supplied to a winding apparatus and is first passed through a pair of opposed edge skivers. The edge skivers remove part of the square edge of the body ply to create first and second edges having a beveled configuration. The body ply is then wrapped around a shaping mandrel from opposite sides of the mandrel. Each ply is first wrapped under the mandrel and then back over the top in a helical fashion. As the body ply is further wrapped and the first edge of the body ply advances back under the mandrel after one complete revolution, it is brought into contact with the second edge of the ensuing portion of the body ply which is first coming into contact with the mandrel. The skived edges become overlapped and an applied adhesive adheres the edges together to form a spirally wound tube which advances along the mandrel. 
     The tube is then advanced down the mandrel by a winding belt, which extends around a pair of opposed pulleys. The winding belt not only rotates and advances the tube, but also applies pressure to the overlapping edges of the body ply to ensure a secure bond between the respective edges. In some embodiments, an outer label ply is then passed over an adhesive applicator and wrapped around the body ply. At a cutting station, the continuous tube is cut into discrete lengths before being removed from the mandrel. 
     In a particular embodiment, at least one of the ends of the tubular container sidewall  12  is rolled outwardly to form a top rim  32  which provides a suitable surface for affixing a top end closure  60 . A bottom end closure, such as a metal or paper closure, may be attached to the bottom end of the container  10 . 
     In the next step, Step  208  in  FIG.  11   , the slide ring  34  and bag  24  combination is then applied to the container body  12  (see  FIG.  12 A ). In an embodiment, the slide ring  34  and bag  24  combination is applied to the top rolled edge  32  of the container body  12 . The slide ring  34  is fitted over the open end  30  of the container  10  and is pushed toward the bottom end  14  of the container  10 . The finger  58  of the inner leg  40  deflects or flexes outwardly to allow movement of the slide ring  34  over the top rolled edge  32  of the container  10 . Once it passes over the top rolled edge  32  (shown in  FIG.  12 B ), the finger  58  of the inner leg  40  then flexes inwardly, toward its natural position. There may be a physical and/or audible snap when the finger  58  passes over the rolled edge  32  and flexes inwardly into contact with the container sidewall. The inward flexing of the finger  58  prevents reverse movement of the slide ring  34  over the rolled edge  32  in the opposite direction, due to its angled configuration. In an embodiment, the generally vertical portion  56  of the inner leg  40  of the slide ring  34  passes fittedly over the top rolled edge  32 , but is not otherwise in direct contact with the container sidewall. 
     After the slide ring  34  passes over the rolled edge  32  of the container  10 , the second and/or third tools may be removed and the bag  24  may be air blown from the bottom  26  of the bag  24 , forcing the bag  24  into the interior portion  30  of the container  10  with the burst of air. Similarly, prior to application of the bottom closure to the container  10 , a vacuum or suction could be applied to the bottom end of the container sidewall  12  to such the bag  24  into the container interior  30 . In any case, the bag  24  is inverted such that it is disposed within the interior  30  of the container  10  (Step  210 ). 
     The bag  24  may then be filled with food products  22  at Step  212 . After filling with food products  22 , a top end closure  60  is applied to the container body  12  at Step  214 . Optionally, a tamper evidence strip may be applied to the structure such that it covers at least a portion of the slide ring  34  and/or top end closure  60 . The tamper evidence strip may prevent movement of the slide ring  34  and/or removal of the closure  60  prior to removal of the tamper evidence strip. In other embodiments, the top end closure  60  may be treated with an adhesive prior to application to the container  10  and adhered and/or bonded to the slide ring  34  such that movement of the slide ring  34  is prevented prior to removal of the top end closure  60 . 
     The container  10  is easy to manufacture, yet is capable of withstanding a rigid shape and providing a hermetic seal to prevent air and moisture from contaminating the products contained therein. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the tubular containers according to the present invention are not necessarily helically wound but may instead be longitudinally wrapped to create a “convolute” tube having an axially extending seam. In addition, although the tubular containers according to the present invention have been described primarily in connection with food products, it is to be understood that the containers could be used in connection with other products. It should be understood that any stackable product which can be stored and dispensed can also be packaged by the in the inventive container. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.