Patent Publication Number: US-8117807-B2

Title: Pocket-size container for consumer items

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/292,607, entitled A POCKET-SIZE CONTAINER FOR CONSUMER ITEMS, filed on Nov. 21, 2008, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/004,674, filed Nov. 30, 2007, the entire content of each is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     SUMMARY 
     According to an embodiment, provided is a pocket-size container for use with consumer products, which includes a perimeter band having a protruding bulwark forming a first sidewall portion of the container. The perimeter band has an upper rim portion above the protruding bulwark to accept a cover and a lower rim portion below the protruding bulwark to accept a base. A pan-shaped rigid base having an upward wall surrounding the lower rim portion of the perimeter band forms a second sidewall portion of the container below and flush with the protruding bulwark of the perimeter band. A pan-shaped rigid cover having a downward wall surrounding the upper rim portion of the perimeter band forms a third sidewall portion of the container above and flush with the protruding bulwark of the perimeter band when the container is closed. The perimeter band includes a locking mechanism preventing release of the base from the perimeter band. 
     According to another embodiment, provided is a method of packaging smokeless tobacco products, including machine stamping a pan-shaped base having a bottom joined to an upward wall and machine curling an upper edge on the upward wall inwardly to form an inwardly curled edge, injection molding a plastic perimeter band having an upper rim portion to accept a cover and a lower rim portion to snugly line an interior of the base upward wall, and a protruding bulwark between the upper and lower rim portions, the perimeter band having a plurality of protrusions around a periphery of an exterior of the lower rim portion to engage and permanently lock the curled upper edge on the upward wall, pressing the perimeter band lower rim portion into the base until the inwardly curled edge expands over the protrusions and snaps into a gap between the protrusions and the bulwark, at least partially filling a space within the perimeter band with smokeless tobacco product, covering the upper rim portion of the perimeter band with a cover having a downward wall that fits snugly around the upper rim portion with a parting line between opposed edges of the downward wall and the protruding bulwark of the perimeter band, sealing the parting line with a tear strip to form a pocket-size container. 
     According to another embodiment, provided is a method of packaging smokeless tobacco products, including machine stamping a pan-shaped base having a bottom joined to an upward wall and machine curling an upper edge on the upward wall inwardly to form an inwardly curled edge, injection molding a one piece plastic tray including a perimeter band having an upper rim portion to accept a cover, a lower rim portion to snugly line an interior of the base upward wall, a tray bottom to line an interior of the base bottom, and a protruding bulwark between the upper and lower rim portions, the perimeter band having a plurality of protrusions around a periphery of an exterior of the lower rim portion to engage and permanently lock the curled upper edge on the upward wall, at least partially filling the tray with smokeless tobacco product, covering the tray with a membrane sealed to a periphery of the interior space at an upper edge of the upper rim, pressing the perimeter band lower rim portion into the base until the inwardly curled edge expands over the protrusions and snaps into a gap between the protrusions and the bulwark, covering the upper rim portion of the perimeter band with a cover having a downward wall that fits snugly around the upper rim portion with a parting line between opposed edges of the downward wall and the protruding bulwark of the perimeter band, and sealing the parting line with a tear strip to form a pocket-size container. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A-1D  show an embodiment of a container having a rounded corner shape, a cover having a dome top, a base having a dome bottom and a continuous perimeter band non-integral with the base and connected to the base, having a protruding bulwark to form the container sidewall flush with a vertical wall of the base and a vertical wall of the cover when the container is closed. 
         FIG. 2  shows another embodiment of a container having a rounded corner shape resembling a racetrack. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  show side views of a long side and a short side, respectively, of another embodiment of a base of a rounded corner container having a dome bottom and a continuous perimeter band non-integral with the base and captured in the base, the collar having a protruding bulwark to form the container sidewall flush with the base vertical wall and an upper rim portion for receiving a first membrane and cover vertical wall to close the container. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  show side views of a long side and a short side, respectively, of another embodiment of a cover of a rounded corner container having a dome top and a vertical wall to fit over a perimeter band to close a container. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  show side views of a long side and a short side, respectively, of another embodiment of a cover of a rounded corner container having a dome top and a vertical wall to fit over a perimeter band to close a container. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  show side views of a long side and a short side, respectively, of another embodiment of a cover of a rounded corner container having a flat top and a vertical wall to fit over a perimeter band to close a container. 
         FIG. 7A  shows a cross-section through a closed container according to another embodiment, in which the container has a cover having a flat top, a base having a flat bottom and a continuous perimeter band non-integral with the base and connected to the base, the perimeter band has a protruding bulwark to form the container sidewall flush with a vertical wall of the base and a vertical wall of the cover when the container is closed. 
         FIG. 7B  shows a cross-section through a closed container according to another embodiment, in which the perimeter band non-integral with the base, has a tray bottom to line a bottom of the base and a first membrane sealed to an upper edge of an upper rim portion. 
         FIG. 8  shows a side view of a long side of an embodiment of a perimeter band. 
         FIGS. 9A-9D  show another embodiment of a container having a rounded corner shape with indents in the long sides, a cover having a dome top, a base having a dome bottom and a continuous perimeter band non-integral with the base, the perimeter band connected to the base and having a protruding bulwark to form the container sidewall flush with a vertical wall of the cover and a vertical wall of the base. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment of a perforated label around a periphery of an embodiment of a container. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As described herein, an embodiment of a pocket-size container has a perimeter band (i.e., collar) forming a central sidewall portion of the container, a pan shaped base with an upward vertical wall forming a lower sidewall portion and bottom of the container and a pan shaped cover with a downward vertical wall to close the container and form an upper sidewall portion and a lid of the container. Preferably, the central sidewall portion, the lower sidewall portion and, when the container is closed, the upper sidewall portion, form a smooth, planar surface which circumscribes the container. In another embodiment of the container, the perimeter band may be formed integrally with a tray to line the bottom of the base. 
     Preferably, the perimeter band has an upper vertical rim portion projecting above a protruding bulwark to receive an interior surface of the vertical wall of the cover to frictionally close the container. The protruding vertical bulwark forms the central sidewall portion of the container. Preferably, the perimeter band has another rim portion, a lower vertical rim portion, below the protruding vertical bulwark, to connect to the base along an interior of the vertical wall of the base. As used herein, the vertical walls or rim portions refer to a substantially vertical orientation, however embodiments are not limited thereto, for example, the vertical walls and/or the vertical rim portions may be smooth, continuous curves and/or at an angle to vertical. 
     Preferably, the perimeter band provides a seamless exterior surface which circumscribes the container. The perimeter band provides a secure mechanical connection with the base and a releasable snap fit or frictional fit with the cover such that the cover and base are supported only by the perimeter band. The container preferably contains consumer items within an interior volume defined by the space within the perimeter band. 
     The perimeter band provides a rigid upstanding wall having a high strength such that the container has a high torsional stability when the cover is removed. In a preferred embodiment, the perimeter band provides a sealable opening at the upper end thereof for a hermetic seal. Preferably, the perimeter band provides a surface for smooth opening and closing of the container. In an embodiment where the perimeter band is plastic, the rattle or grating noise of metal contacting metal can be avoided. 
     Preferably, at least one of the central sidewall portion, the lower sidewall portion, the upper sidewall portion and a combination thereof provides a planar circumferential panel for a label. The label is not particularly limited and can be an onsert, sticker, printed adhesive film, printed shrink fit film, embossing, painting and/or printing directly on the panel, or combinations thereof. 
       FIGS. 1A-1D  show a preferred embodiment of the pocket-size container.  FIG. 1A  shows a partial isometric view where a perimeter band  120  is attached to a rigid base  140  and lidded by a rigid cover  102 . Referring to  FIG. 1B , in this embodiment, the container  100  has a rounded corner shape with parallel long sides  104  (i.e., straight walls) and short curved ends  106  (i.e., end walls). The radius of curvature of the ends  106  is preferably between half a width of the container, where the container width is the distance between the long sides  104 , and 90% of the width of the container. More preferably, the radius of curvature is between 50 to 60% of the width. The length of the container  100  is a distance between the center of one curved end and the center of the other curved end. Preferably, the width of the container is 50 to 80% of the length of the container. More preferably, the width of the container is between 60 and 65% of the length. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D , preferably, the container cover  102  has a ridge  110  to act as a thumb or finger grasp point for removing the lid. Preferably the container cover  102  can be removed by a cam action. Optionally, the container cover  102  can be hinged (not shown) to the perimeter band  120 . One ridge  110  is shown centrally located at the top of each long side  104  of the downward wall  114  of the container cover  102 , however the location of the ridge  110  and the number of ridges is not particularly limited. An end view of the container  100  shown in  FIG. 1C  illustrates the perimeter band  120  forming a first central sidewall portion  124  of the container  100 . The base  140  has a dome shaped bottom  142  joined to upward wall  144  by a rounded corner  146 . Upward wall  144  is preferably, flush with the first sidewall portion  124  and forms a second (lower) sidewall portion of the container. The top  112  of the cover  102  is dome shape according to this embodiment, and is joined to a downward wall  114  by a rounded corner  116 . The downward wall  114  forms a third (upper) portion of the container sidewall and is preferably flush with the first portion  124 . 
     A side view of the closed container  100  shown in  FIG. 1D  illustrates a flush container sidewall  180  and a parting line  182  where a lower edge of the downward wall  114  separates from an upper shelf of the perimeter band  120  when the container  100  is opened. In an embodiment, the cover  102  and base  140  can be of one material and the perimeter band  120  can be of a second material. In a preferred embodiment, the cover  102  and base  140  are metal and the perimeter band  120  is plastic. Preferably, the perimeter band  120  is transparent plastic (clear or various see through colors such as yellow, green, blue, red, etc.) providing a window through which the contents of the container  100  may be viewed. 
       FIG. 2  shows another embodiment of a rounded corner container  300  having spaced apart parallel long sides  304  and spaced apart curved ends  306 .  FIGS. 3A and 3B  show a side view and end view of another embodiment of a container  300  with the cover removed, having a base  340  which has a dome bottom  342  and an upward wall  344 . The upward wall  344  attaches the perimeter band  320  to the base  340 . Preferably, an upper edge of the upward wall  344  is connected to a lower rim portion of the perimeter band  320  (See  FIG. 7A ). 
     In a preferred embodiment, the perimeter band  320  is mechanically secured to the base  340 . Preferably, the perimeter band  320  is secured to the base  340  by a machine curl on the base as described later with reference to  FIG. 7A . Also, preferably, no adhesives or glues are used to aid in securing the perimeter band  320  to the base  340 , but such adhesives may be used if desired. Preferably, the perimeter band  320  is secured such that the bottom of the perimeter band  320  makes a firm contact or is adjacent to an inside surface of the bottom  342  of the base  340  at a periphery to maximize the space enclosed by the perimeter band  320  to utilize for consumer product storage. In an embodiment where a tray is integrally formed with the perimeter band  320 , preferably, the bottom of the tray contacts or is adjacent to the inside surface of the bottom  342  of the base  340 . 
     In an embodiment of the container  300 , the perimeter band  320 , with or without the integral tray, can be molded in place with the lower rim portion molded in the container base  340 . Preferably, the perimeter band  320  is molded in place such that the bottom of the perimeter band  320  makes a firm contact against a periphery of an inside surface of the bottom  342  of the base  340  to maximize the space enclosed by the perimeter band  320  to utilize for consumer product storage. 
     The perimeter band  320  has a protruding bulwark  324  which forms a flush container sidewall with the upward wall  344 . Above the protruding bulwark an upper rim portion  322  extends from an upper shelf  332  of the perimeter band  320 . The upper edge  326  of the upper rim portion  322  fits within a downward wall of a cover, as described above, and the upper edge  326  can accept a foil or membrane to form a hermetic seal (See  FIG. 7B ) which can then be covered by a container cover. According to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the upper rim portion  322  can have small protrusions  330  to releasably attach the cover to the perimeter band which prevents unintentional opening of the container  300 . 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  show a side view and end view of another embodiment of a container cover  302  removed from the container  300 , having a dome top  312  connected to a downward sidewall  314  by a rounded corner  316 . The downward wall  314  surrounds an upper rim portion of a perimeter band to close the container  300 , as described above. Preferably, a lower edge of the downward wall  318  is releasably attached by the upper rim portion of the perimeter band to close the container  300  (See  FIG. 7A ). The upper rim portion can engage the lower edge by such structures as a friction interference fit between the upper rim portion and downward wall  314 , a snap ring on the upper rim portion over which the lower edge  318  having an inwardly rolled edge passes, protrusions on the upper rim portion and/or on the downward wall  314 , etc. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate a side view and end view of another embodiment of a container cover  402  removed from the container  300 , having a dome top  412  connected to a downward sidewall  414  by a rounded corner  416 . The downward wall  414  extends further to the lower edge  418  than in the previous embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . A side view and end view of another embodiment of a container cover  502  removed from the container  300 , having a flat top  512  connected to a downward sidewall  514  by a rounded corner  516  are shown in  FIGS. 6A  and  6 B. In this embodiment, the flat top  512  is substantially parallel to the lower edge  518 . Between the lower edge  518  and the flat top  512  of the cover  502 , a ridge  510  is shown on downward wall  514  to facilitate the lidding operation during packaging of a consumer product in the container  300  and/or opening and closing of the container  300  by a user. The embodiments of covers  302 ,  402  and  502 , are preferably machine drawn or stamped sheet metal. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , details of an embodiment of the perimeter band  620  will now be described. In  FIG. 7A , a cross section of the perimeter band  620  is shown connecting a base  640  to a cover  602 . The base  640  has a bottom  642  connected to an upward wall  644  at a rounded corner  646 . An upper edge of the upward wall  644  has an inwardly curled edge  648  (e.g., rolled up portion of sidewall), which is mechanically clamped between a locking protrusion  656  on a lower rim portion  650  of the perimeter band  620  and a lower shelf  652  of the perimeter band to prevent release of the base  642  when attached to the perimeter band  620 . A flat surface of the locking protrusion  656  prevents the base  640  from being manually removed from the perimeter band  620  while clamping the inwardly curled edge  648  to the lower shelf  652 . Preferably, the upward wall  644  fits securely around the lower rim portion  650  and a lower edge  654  of the lower rim portion  650  engages an interior surface of the bottom  642   a . Although the locking protrusion  656  is shown and described as having a flat surface engaging the curled edge  648 , the locking protrusion  656  is not so limited and could have a concave curved surface or a surface slanted upward in a direction away from the external surface of the lower rim portion  650  to prevent release of the base from the perimeter band. 
     In the embodiment shown, the upward wall  644  is bowed into the lower rim portion  650  to lock the base  640  to the perimeter band  620  with a spring action of the upward wall  644  biasing the base  640  into the lower rim portion  650  providing a planar circumferential outside container sidewall for supporting a membrane seal and/or a label. Optionally, the perimeter band  620  and the perimeter band with an integral tray  621  can be molded in place in the base  640 . 
     The lower shelf  652  connects the lower rim portion  650  to a protruding bulwark  624  of the perimeter band  620 . The inwardly curled edge  648  is clamped to the lower shelf  652  such that the upward wall  644  and the protruding bulwark  624  form a flush sidewall of the container  600 . The C-beam of the protruding bulwark  624  secured to the container base  640  as described, provides strength and stability to the container  600  according to this embodiment. According to other embodiments, the protruding bulwark  624  can be an I-beam, H-beam, X-beam, Box-beam or other cross sectional shape. In an embodiment, the perimeter band has a smooth inner wall without an inner recess. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7A , the cover  602  has a top  612  connected to a downward wall  614  by a rounded corner  616 . The lower edge of the downward wall  614  has an inwardly curled edge  618  (e.g., rolled up portion of sidewall) which is releasably engaged between one or more small protrusions  630  on an upper rim portion  622  of the perimeter band  620  and an upper shelf  632  of the perimeter band. The small protrusions  630  are shown as curved surfaces engaging the curled edge  618 , however the small protrusions  630  are not particularly limited and can be of various size and shape. The one or more small protrusions  630  prevent the cover  602  from unintentionally being removed from the perimeter band  620  while also allowing the cover  602  to be removed from the container  600  when intentional finger pressure is applied by a user on a ridge  610 , as previously described with reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B . When the cover  602  is closed over the upper rim portion  622  of the perimeter band  620 , the one or more small protrusions  630  engage the inwardly curled edge  618  to the upper shelf  632 . Preferably, the downward wall  614  fits securely around the upper rim portion  622  and an upper edge  626  of the upper rim portion  622  engages an interior surface of the top  612   a.    
     According to an embodiment, the plurality of small protrusions  630  can circumscribe the upper rim portion  622  to releasably attach a lower inwardly curled edge  618  of the container cover  602 . In another embodiment, the plurality of small protrusions  630  can be located only at curved ends  306  ( FIG. 2 ) of the upper rim portion  622  or a plurality of small protrusions  630  can be located only along the long sides  304  ( FIG. 2 ) of the upper rim portion  622 . In still another embodiment, a single ring, such as a snap ring (not shown) can circumscribe the upper rim portion  622  exterior surface to releasably attach a lower inwardly curled edge  618  of the container cover  602 . Preferably, two small protrusions  630  on each long side  304  (See  FIG. 3A ) of the upper rim portion  622  provide a secure cover  602  closure. Optionally, the container cover can be hinged to the perimeter band  620  on one long side  304  and small protrusions  630  on the other long side  304  of the upper rim portion  622  provide a secure cover  602  closure. 
       FIG. 7B  shows a cross section of another embodiment of a perimeter band  621 , which has a tray portion  655  lining the bottom  642  of the container base  640 . In a preferred embodiment, the perimeter band  620 / 621  is made of transparent plastic which functions as a window for a consumer to observe the contents of the container through the window. Also in a preferred embodiment, a first membrane  657  hermetically seals to the upper edge  626  of the perimeter band  621 , thereby hermetically sealing consumer products within an interior space  659  defined by the perimeter band  621 . The first membrane  657  is not particularly limited and may be foil, plastic, a combination thereof or a composite thereof. The first membrane  657  can be breathable or non-breathable. Preferably, the first membrane  657  has a pull tab (not shown) for removing the first membrane  657  by a user. The pull tab can be a thumb-sized overlap of the first membrane  657  pressed down along a portion of the upper rim portion. 
     A breathable membrane can transmit gas, vapor and/or water through the membrane. Breathable membranes comprise natural and synthetic materials of a porous nature, for example, a woven material or a membrane having perforations. A non-breathable material provides a hermetic seal and does not allow gas, vapor or water to pass through the membrane. 
       FIG. 8  shows a side view of the embodiment of a perimeter band  620  shown in  FIG. 7A . A plurality of locking protrusions  656  is shown on the lower rim portion  650 . According to a preferred embodiment, locking protrusions  656  can circumscribe the lower rim portion  650  to engage an upper inwardly curled edge  648  of a container base  640  clamped to a lower shelf  652  of the perimeter band  620 . In another embodiment, locking protrusions  656  can be located only at curved ends of the lower rim portion  650  or can be located only along the long sides of the lower rim portion  650 . In still another embodiment, a locking protrusion single ring (not shown) can circumscribe the lower rim portion  650  exterior surface to engage the upper inwardly curled edge  648  of the container base  640  clamped to the lower shelf  652  of the perimeter band  620 . In an embodiment of a rounded rectangular container ( FIG. 2 ) having straight side walls  304  and curved end walls  306 , the lower rim portion  650  of the perimeter band  620 , preferably, has four locking projections  656  along each straight wall  304  and six locking projections  656  along each curved wall  306  and the upper rim portion  622 , preferably, has two small projections  630  along each straight wall  304  and no small projections  630  along each curved wall  306 . 
     In an embodiment, the thickness of the pocket-size container cover  602  and base  640  is in a range of about 0.1 to 0.40 mm (e.g., about 0.2-0.3 mm or 0.22-0.28 mm) and the inwardly curled edges  648 / 618  of the base and cover have respective thicknesses in a range of about 0.3 to 2.5 mm (e.g., 0.4-2, 0.5-1.5, 0.6-0.8 mm). In an embodiment, the protruding bulwark  624  of the perimeter band  620  protrudes beyond the upper and lower rim portions  622 / 650  of the perimeter band  620  by the respective thicknesses of the inwardly curled edges  648 / 618  such that the cover  602 , base  640  and perimeter band  620  form a flush container sidewall  180  as previously described (for example, with reference to  FIGS. 1A-1D ). In an embodiment, the thickness of the pocket-size container perimeter band  620  is in a range of about 0.5 to 2.5 mm (e.g., 1-2 mm or 1.2-1.8 mm). Similarly, for an embodiment where the pocket size container perimeter band  621  has an integral tray portion  655 , the thickness of the pocket-size container perimeter band  621  and tray portion  655  is in a range of about 0.5 to 2.5 mm (e.g., 1-2 mm or 1.2-1.8 mm). The thicknesses of the protruding bulwark  624 , upper rim portion  622 , lower rim portion  650  and tray portion  655  are not required to be the same and may all vary within an embodiment of a single perimeter band  620 / 621  or may all be the same. For example, the pocket size container can have a cover  602  of stamped sheet metal about 0.22-0.24 mm (e.g., about 0.23 mm) thick having a curled edge  618  which is 0.7-0.8 mm (e.g., about 0.75 mm) thick, a base  640  of stamped sheet metal about 0.22-0.24 mm (e.g., about 0.23 mm) thick having a curled edge  648  which is 0.7-0.8 mm (e.g., about 0.75 mm) thick, and a perimeter band  620 / 621  of about 1.3-1.6 mm (e.g., about 1.5 mm) thick plastic. 
       FIGS. 9A to 9D  show another preferred embodiment of the container  700 . Referring to  FIG. 9A , in this embodiment, the container  700  has first and second wide end sections  711 / 713  (e.g., rounded end sections) spaced apart and separated by a narrow midsection  709  (e.g., a rectangular center section). The wide end sections  711 / 713  have parallel sides  704  and curved ends  706 . The radius of curvature of the ends  706  is preferably between half a width of the container, where the container width is the distance between the long sides  704 , and 90% of the width of the container. More preferably, the radius of curvature is between 50 to 60% of the width. The length of the container  700  is a distance between the center of one curved end and the center of the other curved end. Preferably, the width of the container is 50 to 80% of the length of the container. More preferably, the width of the container is between 60 and 65% of the length. 
     According to this embodiment, the narrow midsection  709  has indented parallel sides  708  and flared sections  768  to connect the narrow midsection  709  to the wide end sections  711 / 713 . Such a shape of the rounded corner container  700  is referred to as a waist shape. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9A-9D , preferably, the waist shape container cover  702  has a ridge  710  to act as a thumb or finger grasp point for removing the lid. One ridge  710  is shown on each indented side  708  of the downward wall  714  of the container cover  702 , however the location of the ridge  710  and the number of ridges is not particularly limited. An end view of the container  700  shown in  FIG. 9B  illustrates the perimeter band  720  forms a first sidewall portion  724  of the container  700 . The base  740  has a dome shaped bottom  742  joined to upward wall  744  by a rounded corner  746 . Upward wall  744  is preferably, flush with the first sidewall portion  724  and forms a second sidewall portion of the container. The top  712  of the cover  702  is dome shape according to this embodiment, and is joined to a downward wall  714  by a rounded corner  716 . The downward wall  714  forms a third portion of the container sidewall and is preferably flush with the first portion  724 . 
       FIG. 9C  shows a side view of the waist container  700  with the cover  702  removed. The indented parallel sides  708  and flared sections  768  to connect the narrow midsection  709  to the wide end sections  711 / 713  can be seen in the perimeter band  720  and base  740  such that the container  700  has a flush vertical sidewall. The perimeter band  720  and the base bottom  742  have a waist shape to substantially match the top  712 . 
     A side view of the closed container  700  shown in  FIG. 9D  illustrates a flush container sidewall  780  and a parting line  782  where a lower edge of the downward wall  714  separates from an upper shelf of the perimeter band  720  when the container  700  is opened. Just as in the previous embodiments, the cover  702  and base  740  can be of one material and the perimeter band  720  can be of a second material. In a preferred embodiment, the cover  702  and base  740  are stamped sheet metal and the perimeter band  720  is of molded plastic. Preferably, the perimeter band  720  is transparent plastic (clear or various see through colors such as yellow, green, blue, red, etc.) providing a window through which the contents of the container  700  may be viewed. Preferably, the container sidewall  780  is a smooth vertical surface circumscribing the container to provide a panel for a label (e.g., a printed adhesive film, printed shrink fit film, printing directly on the container sidewall  780 , embossing, etc.). 
     In a preferred embodiment, the outside of the container cover and/or base will be pre-printed and treated with a protective scratch resistant textured material such as a polymer coating. Preferably, the inside of the container cover and base will be treated with a corrosion-resistant coating such as an epoxy coating for corrosion protection. Although not preferred, the cover and/or the base may have a top and bottom recessed panel. Such a recessed panel is provided to allow for a label (e.g., embossing, adhesive or shrink fit labeling, ink jet printing, onserting, and other similar applications). 
     In a preferred embodiment, the top of the perimeter band is tapered to allow easy positioning or alignment of the cover inwardly curled edge around the top of the upper rim portion and to make a snug closure of the container when the cover and base are squeezed towards each other. The perimeter band preferably contacts the bottom of the base and the top of the cover when the cover is closed to utilize the space within the perimeter band for consumer items and/or provide a sealable surface. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the downward wall of the cover extends downward from the top and the upward wall of the base extends upward a distance in a range of 15% to 45% of the distance from the top to the bottom when the cover closes the container, and the protruding bulwark of the perimeter band extends a distance in a range of 10% to 70% of the distance from the top to the bottom when the cover closes the container. Also preferably, the downward wall and upward wall are of an equal height. Thus, the parting line between the cover and the perimeter band upper shelf is located such that the container height partitioned to the cover is noticeably less than the remainder of the container height partitioned to the protruding bulwark of the perimeter band and the base. Such a preferred split ratio is proportioned to indicate to a user an upright position during cover removal with the thinner cover (lid) being oriented above the base. However, the split ratio can have any other desired value. For example, the container may have a split ratio in a range of 70% to 30% of the container height partitioned to the cover height and correspondingly 30% to 70% partitioned to the protruding bulwark and base height. In an embodiment, the split ratio can also be selected to achieve a certain desired internal volume consistent with the amount of product to be stored in the container. For example, the container can be about 20-24 mm high, e.g., 22 mm high, about 45-55 mm wide, e.g., 50 mm wide, and have about a 75-85 mm length, e.g., a 80 mm length. In such an embodiment, the cover height can be about 5-10 mm, e.g., 7 mm, and the protruding bulwark and base height can be about 12-19 mm, e.g., 15 mm. 
     In an embodiment, the pocket-size container is about 30 mm to about 80 mm in width, about 60 to about 110 mm in length, and about 15 mm to about 40 mm in height. In an embodiment of the pocket-size container having a waist shape, the narrow section (e.g., rectangular center section) width can be about 3 to about 20 mm less than the wide sections (e.g., rounded end sections) where the wide sections are about 30 mm to about 80 mm in width. The waist shape container is about 60 to 110 mm in length, where the narrow section is about 15 to about 45 mm in length, the flared sections can be about 3 to about 15 mm in length each, and the container can be about 15 mm to about 40 mm in height. In a preferred embodiment, the container fits in the palm of an adult user&#39;s hand or in a pocket. Most preferably, the size of the interior volume is determined based on the amount of product to be enclosed. 
     In an embodiment, the perimeter band is a single piece of injection molded plastic such as low density polyethylene resin. Suitable plastics include, without limitation, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, nylon, polysulfone, polyester, polyurethane, and combinations thereof. Because some plastics absorb flavors, the preferred plastic is polypropylene if the enclosed product includes flavors. 
     In one embodiment, the cover and base are formed of a metal stamping. Suitable metals, include without limitation aluminum, aluminum alloys, steels, stainless steel alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, magnesium, magnesium alloys, tin, tin alloys, copper, copper alloys, brasses, and combinations thereof. The cover and base are preferably identical in shape, height and width of the inwardly curled edge. 
     Preferably, the perimeter band provides a seal to the container cover. Preferably, the perimeter band facilitates removing the cover and replacing the cover to open and close the container. Also preferably, the surface of the flush container sidewall formed by the protruding bulwark of the perimeter band and the upward sidewall of the base provides a planar circumferential panel for a label. Also preferably, when the container is closed, the perimeter band, the upper side wall of the base and the downward sidewall of the cover provide a planar circumferential panel for a label. 
     In an embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , a second membrane seal  872  surrounds the periphery of the container  800 . In this embodiment, the container  800  has a shape to match a rounded corner top  812 , but the container  800  shape is not so limited and can have other shapes as discussed above. The second membrane  872  overlaps the parting line seam  882  between the cover and the perimeter band upper shelf. Preferably, the second membrane seal  872  is a pressure sensitive clear label applied to the surface of the container sidewall. Optionally, a tape wrapped around the periphery of the container for tamper prevention may be used as the second membrane seal  872 . Also preferably, the second membrane seal  872  may be used as a tamper evident seal. Also preferably, the membrane material may be polypropylene. While the second membrane seal  872  is preferably polypropylene, the second membrane seal  872  may be other suitable materials such as heat shrinkable polyolefin film. The second membrane seal  872  can be breathable or non-breathable. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the second membrane seal is perforated  874  to allow for appropriate container breathe-ability. Also preferably, the second membrane seal  872  covers the circumference of the container and is positioned to center such perforations  874  across the parting line  882  of the cover and perimeter band upper shelf when the container  800  is closed. The use of a perforated second membrane  872  improves the ability to open the container  800 . In use, the consumer breaks the seal at the perforation  874  prior to opening the container  800 . In another embodiment, the second membrane seal  872  includes a pull tab (not shown) that is engaged to break the seal of the second membrane  872  and provide access to the contents of the container  800 . The parting line  882  position can be as shown by perforations  874 , or higher or lower. Likewise, the perforations  874  can be as shown or higher or lower. 
     The second membrane seal  872  preferably has a plurality of horizontal sections (not shown) separated by perforations  874 . For example, an upper section separated from a mid section by a first row of perforations, and a lower section separated from the mid section by a second row of perforations. Preferably, an inner surface of the upper section is bonded to the cover downward wall and an inner surface of the lower section is bonded to the perimeter band protruding bulwark and base upward wall, such that the container can be opened after the mid section is removed by breaking perforations. In such an embodiment the mid section is known as a tear-off strip of a tamper evident seal. Preferably, the inner surfaces of upper and lower sections are bonded to the container sidewall portions by a pressure sensitive adhesive. 
     While the inner surfaces of upper and lower sections are preferably bonded to the container sidewall portions, the upper and lower sections may also be not bonded such that the membrane seal may optionally be completely removed when the tear-off strip is severed or when the perforation  874  is broken. For example, the second membrane seal  872  can be shrink fit to the periphery of the container optionally covering the sidewall, the sidewall and portions of the top and/or bottom, or the entire container  800 . In such an embodiment, the second membrane  872  may be completely removed from the container  800  after the tear-off strip (not shown) is removed or after the perforation  874  is broken. 
     Although not limited, the second membrane seal  872  may be 10-30 mm wide. Preferably 15 mm wide. The upper and lower sections may each be 2-7 mm wide and the mid section width may be 1-8 mm wide. Preferably, the mid section is 6 mm wide and the upper and lower sections are each 3 mm wide. 
     Assembly of the container  600  is very simple. Referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the lower rim portion  650  of the perimeter band  620 / 621  is inserted into the upward wall  644  of the base  640  and pressed down until the upper edge  648  of the base  640  is snapped over the one or more locking protrusions  656  of the lower rim portion  650 . The cover  602  can be installed on the upper rim portion  622  of the perimeter band  620 . Optionally, the perimeter band  620 / 621  can be molded in place. 
     In use, a consumer grips the underside of the container  600  in the palm of his/her hand, while lifting the cover  602  away from the perimeter band  620  to expose the consumer products stored within the interior volume  659 . Preferably, the user applies a camming motion to separate the cover  602  from the perimeter band  620 . Optionally, the user applies a camming motion to open a hinged cover. The base  640  is locked to the perimeter band  620 / 621  such that it will not come off when a user applies sufficient force to remove the cover  602 . Preferably, the base  642  can not be detached from the perimeter band  620 / 621  by a user using only hand pressure. 
     The particular dimensions and proportions of the container are not critical. The proportions are preferably selected to provide a container which is sized to accommodate the particular items to be packaged therein. Thus, the actual container could be more elongated than shown in the drawings, or the container could be more nearly square or deeper than shown in the drawings. Preferably, however, the container is sized so it can be conveniently carried in a pocket, and held in a hand and opened by a consumer. 
     The items can be arranged in various ways. For example, the products could be arranged with the items overlapped or staggered relative to one another. Of course, if the products are small enough, they could be randomly placed in the interior volume. 
     The container could, of course, be used for a variety of products. One specific product for which the container can be used is smokeless pouched tobacco. Such tobacco can be provided in packets, sometimes known as “snus” and comprise individual packets of tobacco material. Another specific product for which the container can be used is moist smokeless tobacco (MST). 
     When the container is used for snus, the first membrane  657  provides a hermetic seal to maintain the product freshness and the second membrane  872  can be perforated or non-perforated. Optionally, when the container is used for snus, the first membrane  657  can be omitted and the second membrane  872  can be non-perforated to provide a hermetic seal. 
     When the container is used for moist smokeless tobacco (MST), preferably the product can breathe, e.g., off-gas, through any membrane(s) used. When the first membrane  657  and/or second membrane  872  is used in the container with moist smokeless tobacco, the first membrane and/or second membrane preferably comprises breathable material. 
     It will be appreciated from the foregoing that there is provided an inexpensive pocket-size container capable of holding multiple items, and capable of being held and opened by a consumer. 
     It should be understood that the foregoing description is of the preferred embodiments, and is, therefore, merely representative of the article and methods of manufacturing the same. It can be appreciated that variations and modifications of the different embodiments in light of the above teachings will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the perimeter band may have a bottom portion to line the bottom of the base, the perimeter band may have a hollow wall, or the shape of the container may vary from rounded corner and waist to other shapes, such as cuboid or other polyhedron with smoothly rounded corners. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the articles and methods as set forth in the attached claims.