Patent Description:
The present invention relates generally to containers with removable ends and methods for making such containers.

Composite containers are used for packaging a wide variety of food and drink products as well as non-food items. These containers are constructed to be opened at one of two spaced ends that are initially sealed. Typically, the container body comprises at least one ply of a paperboard material which may be formed into a tubular structure. These containers often include at least one removable end closure and one permanently sealed metal or plastic end closure, typically at the bottom end. Once opened via the removable end closure and the product contained therein is consumed or used, the consumer may choose to recycle the paperboard container. However, due to the presence of the permanently adhered metal or plastic end, recyclability is limited or is costly in many jurisdictions, as the metal or plastic must be manually separated from the paperboard container in order to recycle each component separately. <CIT> describes a multi-ply composite container for consumer products with at least one region of weakened strength. <CIT> describes a composite can, in particular for food, with a cylindrical sleeve made of a paper, paperboard or cardboard composite, with a lid for closing the can and a base made of sheet metal. <CIT> describes a multi-ply tubular container for products having a first ply wrapped into a tubular shape and having an inner surface and a second ply wrapped into a tubular shape, and having an outer surface positioned in face-to-face contact with the inner surface of the first ply. A foamed adhesive is placed between the inner surface of the first ply and the outer surface of the second ply.

Aspects of the invention are in accordance with the appended claims. There is provided a container which has a removable end, wherein the removable end is defined by score lines about the perimeter of the container sidewall in a location near the removable end. The inventive container provides advantages in recyclability of the end product, as the paperboard container can be easily separated by the consumer from the metal or plastic end closure as well as a liner layer that is disposed within the container body.

In an embodiment, the invention comprises a container comprising: a base; at least one paper-based sidewall seamed to and extending upwardly from the base, wherein the at least one sidewall comprises a score line near the base that is at least partially circumferential and is configured to be torn through to remove the base from the sidewall; and a liner ply adhered to an interior surface of the sidewall, wherein the liner ply is configured to separate from the interior surface of the paper-based sidewall in response to a pulling pressure.

In certain embodiments, the container sidewall comprises a composite material. In certain embodiments, the container is rigid. In certain embodiments, the container comprises spiral-wound paperboard. In certain embodiments, the liner ply comprises a polymeric material. In certain embodiments, the liner ply comprises barrier properties. In certain embodiments, the adhesive comprises a dextrin-based adhesive. In certain embodiments, the adhesive is flood coated between the liner ply and the sidewall. In an embodiment, the base comprises metal. In an embodiment, the score line comprises a fully circumferential perforation. In an embodiment, the score line comprises a continuous cut line, is fully circumferential, and does not penetrate the entire thickness of the sidewall. In an embodiment, the score line extends substantially through the thickness of the sidewall. In an embodiment, an uncut portion of the sidewall in the location of the score line comprises a sidewall thickness of between about <NUM> and <NUM> inches. In an embodiment, an uncut portion of the sidewall in the location of the score line comprises a sidewall thickness of between about <NUM> and <NUM> inches. In an embodiment, the distance between the score line and the base is between about <NUM> inches and about <NUM> inches. In an embodiment, the distance between the score line and the base is between about <NUM> inches and about <NUM> inches. In an embodiment, the invention comprises a second score line near a top end of the sidewall, wherein the second score line is at least partially circumferential. In an embodiment, the adhesive comprises a polyvinyl acetate-based adhesive. In an embodiment, the adhesive comprises a dextrin-based adhesive.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended drawings, in which:.

Repeated use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the invention.

Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment.

In an embodiment, the invention comprises a composite container for products wherein the container sidewall comprises at least one region of weakened strength. The container may comprise, in certain embodiments, a multi-ply composite tube with at least one sidewall that includes at least one paperboard body ply, a liner ply adhered to the inner surface of the tubular body ply, and, optionally, a label ply adhered to the outer surface of the body ply.

In an embodiment, the container comprises at least one circumferential score line disposed in the container sidewall that creates a region of weakened strength. The circumferential score line may extend partially around, substantially around, or fully around the circumference of the sidewall, near the end of the container which comprises the permanently adhered end closure. The at least one circumferential score line advantageously allows the end portion (which includes the permanently adhered end closure) nearest the region of weakened strength to be removed from the remainder of the container after use. The end portion may then be recycled or discarded and the container body may be separately recycled.

The method of forming the inventive container with at least one region of weakened strength includes the steps of, in an embodiment, advancing a continuous body ply formed of paperboard material towards a shaping mandrel. The body ply is then wrapped around the shaping mandrel to create a tube. In an embodiment, the body ply is spirally wound around the mandrel or passed through a series of forming elements so as to be wrapped in a convolute shape around the mandrel.

The tube is then scored to create a region of weakened strength in the composite tube. The step of scoring the tube may comprise perforating the tube or grooving the tube (i.e. a cut line that extends partially, but not fully through the tube structure). In some embodiments, the scoring step may be performed in line with the tube formation steps, following formation of the tube. In another embodiment, the scoring step may be performed on a stand-alone machine designed for such scoring process. In yet another embodiment, the scoring step may be performed using seaming equipment, during the seaming step which adheres the end closure to the tube.

In an embodiment, the container includes a liner ply which is not scored, perforated or grooved in the noted process. In an embodiment, the scoring step includes scoring the tube with a laser. In another embodiment, the scoring step includes scoring the tube with a knife.

Referring now to the drawings, <FIG> illustrates a tubular composite container <NUM> with at least one region of weakened strength <NUM> (<FIG>) disposed in the container sidewall <NUM>. The region of weakened strength <NUM> may comprise a region which extends outwardly from either side of a circumferential cut line <NUM>, toward either end of the container body. The size of the region of weakened strength <NUM> may vary based upon the type of cut line <NUM> (i.e. perforated, continuous, grooved), the depth of the cut line <NUM> through the sidewall <NUM>, the strength of the container sidewall <NUM>, and may other factors. The region of weakened strength <NUM> may comprise a region having more flexibility than the remainder of the container sidewall <NUM>, such that it can be physically manipulated, as will be described herein, to allow removal of an end of the container <NUM>. For example, the region of weakened strength <NUM> may be predisposed to bend inwardly, toward the interior of the container, upon the application of external forces, until the portion of the sidewall <NUM> which is adjacent the cut line <NUM> is severed. This will be explained more fully herein.

Although illustrated as having a circular cross-section, the container <NUM> of the invention may have any cross-sectional shape known in the art. In an embodiment, for example, the container could have an ovular, square, rectangular, oblong, or egg-shaped cross-section. As merely an example, the container may have a generally rectangular cross-section with rounded comers.

In an embodiment, the container <NUM> comprises at least one sidewall which extends between two open ends of the container. In some embodiments, such as wherein the container has a square cross section, the container <NUM> may comprise multiple sidewalls, such as four sidewalls. Any number of sidewalls known in the art is contemplated herein.

The embodiment of the container <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes a single container sidewall <NUM> which comprises a tubular body ply <NUM> formed of paperboard material, a liner ply <NUM> which is at least partially adhered to the inner surface of the tubular body ply <NUM>, and an optional label ply <NUM> which is adhered to the outer surface of the tubular body ply <NUM>. In an embodiment, the container <NUM> does not include a label ply <NUM> and, instead, any printing or labeling is disposed on the exterior surface of the body ply <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the composite container <NUM> also includes an overcap <NUM>, a flexible removable membrane <NUM> and a plastic or metal bottom end closure <NUM>. In an embodiment the bottom end closure <NUM> is permanently affixed to the container sidewall <NUM>, such as through a double seam, pinch seam, or crimp seam. Various end closures may be used, depending upon the type of product which is to be packaged. Likewise, though the end closure <NUM> is described as plastic or metal, any material known in the art may be utilized for the end closure. In some embodiments, the material used for the end closure <NUM> is different than the material used for the container sidewall <NUM>. In an embodiment, the material used for the end closure <NUM> cannot be recycled with the material used for the container sidewall <NUM> - that is, they must be separately recycled.

The container <NUM> of the invention also includes at least one score line <NUM> extending at least partially circumferentially about the composite container <NUM>. The score line(s) <NUM> may extend only partially about the circumference of the composite container <NUM>, may extend substantially about the circumference of the composite container <NUM>, or may extend completely about the circumference of the composite container <NUM>. The score line <NUM> may be a continuous score line, a perforated score line, a series of aligned but discontinuous grooves, or any other type of score line known in the art. The score line <NUM> may extend partially, substantially, or fully through the body ply <NUM>. That is, the score line <NUM> may extend through part of the thickness, but not the entire thickness of the body ply <NUM>. Examples of score lines <NUM> that may be utilized are provided in <FIG>.

In an embodiment, the paperboard body ply <NUM> is made of a relatively thick and/or stiff paperboard. In an embodiment, the paperboard body ply may have a thickness of between about <NUM> inches (<NUM> points) and <NUM> inches (<NUM> points). In a particular embodiment, the paperboard body ply may have a thickness of about <NUM> inches (<NUM> points). Any paperboard known in the art may be used in this invention. In embodiments wherein the body ply <NUM> comprises a multi-ply structure, the total thickness of the body plies may have a thickness of about <NUM> inches (<NUM> points). For example, the body ply <NUM> may comprise a two-ply structure, with each of the body plies having a thickness of about <NUM> inches (<NUM> points).

In an embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the score lines <NUM> may be cut through the optional label ply <NUM> and through part but not all of the body ply <NUM>. In this embodiment, the body ply <NUM> comprises a two-ply structure. The score line <NUM> extends through the outer body ply 12a but does not extend into (or in another embodiment, does not extend substantially into) the inner body ply 12b. In this embodiment, the outer body ply 12a and the inner body ply 12b may have the same thickness, but this need not be the case. The outer body ply 12a may be thicker or thinner than the inner body ply 12b. The body ply structure described provides the container <NUM> with structural integrity to maintain its shape and not collapse, but allows the bottom end <NUM> of the container to be removable via the score line <NUM>.

Note that while the bottom end <NUM> of the container is described herein as being removable, the top end or the bottom and top ends may both be removable using the invention set forth herein. That is, a score line may circumvent the top end and/or the bottom end of the container, as described herein, to allow removability of that end.

In some embodiments, the score line <NUM> does not extend into the optional liner ply <NUM> of the composite container <NUM> to ensure that the product contained within is not exposed to the environment.

In the embodiment not according to the invention illustrated in <FIG>, the container <NUM> does not have a liner ply and the score lines <NUM> are cut through the optional label ply <NUM> and partially, but not fully, through the body ply <NUM>. In this embodiment, any necessary barrier materials may be incorporated into the body ply <NUM>. It should be understood that the embodiment shown in <FIG> could optionally have a liner ply <NUM> as well, however. In this embodiment, the score lines <NUM> may extend far enough into the body ply <NUM> such that the consumer can remove the bottom portion <NUM> of the sidewall <NUM> from the remainder of the sidewall <NUM> with minimal effort. In some embodiments, the score lines <NUM> may extend approximately halfway into the body ply <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the depth of the score lines <NUM> may be between about <NUM> and <NUM> inches. In another embodiment, the depth of the score lines <NUM> may be between about <NUM> and <NUM> inches. In an embodiment, the depth of the uncut portion of the sidewall (i.e. the portion between the score line <NUM> and the interior of the container) may be between <NUM> and <NUM> inches. In another embodiment, the depth of the uncut portion of the sidewall may be between <NUM> and <NUM> inches.

The location of the score lines <NUM> should be near the end closure <NUM>, but may vary based upon the container construction. In an embodiment, the distance between the score lines <NUM> and end of the plastic or metal end closure <NUM> may be between about <NUM> inches and about <NUM> inches. In another embodiment, the distance between the score lines <NUM> and end of the plastic or metal end closure <NUM> may be between about <NUM> inches and about <NUM> inches. This distance allows recyclability of a metal bottom end separately from a paper-based container. That is, the remaining amount of paper-based container on the metal bottom end does not prevent recyclability in a single-stream recycling process.

In some embodiments, the consumer may remove the bottom portion <NUM> of the container <NUM> from the remainder of the sidewall <NUM> after use. In an embodiment, the consumer may be directed to insert or push one or both thumbs into the location of the score lines <NUM> in order to separate or tear through at least one portion of the body ply <NUM> which has not been scored (identified as element <NUM>) at the location of the score line <NUM> (i.e. the inner body ply 12b or similar portions of the body ply). For purposes of removing the bottom end, the consumer may be directed to dispose the container <NUM> on its side (i.e. horizontally), top-side-up (i.e. vertically), upside down, with the bottom portion <NUM> pointing upwardly, in an angled manner, on a hard surface, or in any other known configuration, in an embodiment. In an embodiment, the consumer may have to overcome a tear or opening force at the score lines <NUM> to break through a portion of the body ply <NUM> which has not been scored <NUM>. Once a portion of the body ply <NUM> which has not been scored <NUM> is torn through, the consumer may remove the bottom portion <NUM> of the container <NUM> by pulling the bottom portion <NUM> away from the remainder of the sidewall <NUM> and/or pushing along the edge of score line <NUM> to tear through the remainder of the body ply <NUM> at the location of the score line <NUM>.

In an embodiment which is not part of the invention, the consumer may tear through any liner ply <NUM> which is present as the score line <NUM> is torn through. In another embodiment according to the invention, the liner ply <NUM> remains intact after removal of the bottom portion <NUM> of the container.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an embodiment of the container after separation of the bottom portion <NUM> from the remainder of the sidewall <NUM>. As can be seen, the metal or plastic end closure <NUM> remains with the bottom portion <NUM> after separation.

In some embodiments, a liner ply <NUM> is present. In certain embodiments, the liner ply <NUM> may include one or more layers. For example, the liner ply <NUM> may comprise several layers including a barrier layer to prevent the passage of moisture and gasses into and out of the container, a foil barrier layer, and/or one or more polymer layers. Barrier materials may include, in an embodiment, polyester, nylon, EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer and copolymer), polyvinylidene chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, and silicon dioxide coated polymers and the like, as will be apparent to the skilled artisan. In an embodiment, the liner ply <NUM> may comprise polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, or polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"). Any liner ply known in the art may be used herein. In one embodiment, the liner ply may be substantially or partially transparent or translucent. In an embodiment, the liner ply has a thickness of less than about three mils. In another embodiment, the liner ply has a thickness of between about <NUM> mils and <NUM> mils. In an embodiment which is not part of the present invention, the thickness of the liner ply <NUM> is such that it can be torn through relatively easily when the bottom portion <NUM> is separated from the remainder of the container <NUM>. According to the invention, the liner ply <NUM> remains intact when the bottom portion <NUM> of the container is removed.

In an embodiment, the liner ply <NUM> is at least partially adhered to the interior surface of the body ply <NUM>. In an embodiment, the liner ply <NUM> is not adhered to the bottom end closure <NUM>. An adhesive layer <NUM> is disposed between the liner ply <NUM> and the body ply <NUM>. The adhesive layer <NUM> is a releasable adhesive. The adhesive layer <NUM> may be a cohesive in an embodiment. The adhesive layer <NUM>, in an embodiment, is flood coated over the surface of the liner ply <NUM> and/or the body ply <NUM>. In this embodiment, the adhesive may have <NUM>% coverage or nearly <NUM>% coverage between the liner ply <NUM> and the body ply <NUM>. In this embodiment, the adhesive layer <NUM> may comprise a weak adhesive, such as a cornstarch-based or dextrin-based adhesive, a pressure sensitive adhesive, or any other adhesive that has a limited or releasable adhesion.

In this embodiment, the weak adhesive allows the liner ply <NUM> to separate from the body ply <NUM> upon a pulling pressure exerted by the consumer. For example, when the bottom portion <NUM> of the container is removed, the liner ply <NUM> separates from the bottom portion <NUM> of the container and remains adhered to the remainder of the container sidewall <NUM>.

Additionally after the bottom portion <NUM> of the container is removed, the consumer may grasp the a portion (i.e. the separated portion) of the liner ply <NUM> near the edge of the score lines <NUM> and may pull the liner ply <NUM> away from the inner surface of sidewall <NUM>. Progressing through the interior of sidewall <NUM>, the consumer may completely or nearly completely separate the liner ply <NUM> from the sidewall <NUM> and pull it out of the container body. The sidewall <NUM> may then be recycled separately from the bottom portion <NUM> and/or the liner ply <NUM>.

In another example, the adhesive layer <NUM> may be pattern applied to either the liner ply <NUM> or the body ply <NUM> interior surface prior to application of the liner ply <NUM> to the body ply <NUM>. In this embodiment, the pattern of the adhesive <NUM> which comprises the adhesive layer <NUM>, between the liner ply <NUM> and the body ply <NUM> may comprise one or more adhesive-free regions <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). In an embodiment, the pattern of the adhesive layer <NUM> may be repetitive, such as a plaid, horizontal, vertical or diagonal stripes, a repeating diamond, a criss-cross, or a cross-hatched pattern. Some examples are set forth in <FIG>, but the invention should not be limited to these patterns. The pattern may follow the spiral pattern of the container, in an embodiment. For example, the diagonal pattern shown in <FIG> may follow the spiral of the container. Any pattern known in the art may be utilized. In other embodiments, the adhesive pattern between the liner ply <NUM> and body ply <NUM> is asymmetrical.

In these embodiments, the adhesive utilized may comprise a stronger adhesive than would be used in the <NUM>% coverage embodiment. An example of a stronger adhesive which could be used in this embodiment is a polyvinyl acetate (PVA)-based adhesive, such as PVAc white glue, or any other adhesive known in the art. Alternatively, however, a weak adhesive, such as a dextrin adhesive, a pressure sensitive adhesive, or any other adhesive that has a limited or releasable adhesion could also be utilized in this pattern-applied embodiment. In this embodiment, the liner ply <NUM> may not be adhered to the body ply <NUM> in the adhesive-free regions <NUM>. For example, <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the tubular container <NUM> wherein the liner ply <NUM> is sealed with a pattern adhesive layer <NUM> and is unadhered to the body ply <NUM> in the adhesive-free regions <NUM>.

In an embodiment, a food product is stacked or stored within the container <NUM>. In this embodiment, the food product does not directly contact the inner surface of the container sidewall <NUM> due to the interference of the liner ply <NUM>, when present. Byproducts from the food product (i.e. oil, grease) are thus prevented from contact with or migration into the container body ply <NUM>. In this way, the body ply <NUM> can be easily recycled if the liner ply <NUM> is removed from its interior. Likewise, liner ply <NUM> can also be recycled. In an particular embodiment, use of the liner ply <NUM> may avoid the need for a barrier film or barrier layer to be applied to the interior surface of the container body or incorporated into the body ply <NUM>, thereby reducing costs, manufacturing time, and improving the recyclability of the container.

A unique advantage to the invention is that even if a consumer fails to remove the bottom end <NUM> of the container (which includes the metal end), the score lines <NUM> create a weakened area <NUM> such that if the container is recycled in a paper-based process, the container will be crushed as part of the recycling process and the bottom end <NUM> will separate itself from the remainder of the container. The metal end (and accompanying portion of the bottom end <NUM>) can then be removed from the recycling stream via a magnet. Thus, recyclability is improved for the container.

While the weakened area <NUM> is described herein with reference to the score line <NUM>, it should be understood that the weakened area <NUM> may be formed via other methods and constructions. For example, the weakened area <NUM> may comprise a compressed area of the sidewall, a thinner area of the sidewall, an area of the sidewall having a different composition or layering, a different method of grooving the sidewall, etc..

<FIG> illustrates a method for making an exemplary container with a region of weakened strength <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention. A continuous strip of paperboard body ply material <NUM> (single ply or multi-ply) is first advanced toward a shaping mandrel <NUM>. As the paperboard body ply material <NUM> is advanced toward the shaping mandrel <NUM>, the body ply <NUM> may optionally be advanced through an adhesive applicator <NUM> which applies an adhesive <NUM> to the inner surface of the body ply <NUM>. The adhesive may be flood coated (<NUM>% coverage) or may be pattern applied in any pattern known in the art.

The body ply <NUM> and the adhesive <NUM> applied thereto may then be passed underneath a heater <NUM> to render the adhesive <NUM> substantially tacky. A preferred type of heat source is an infrared heater although various other heat sources, e.g., forced air heating or the like can also be used.

In this optional step, after passing underneath the heater <NUM>, the body ply <NUM> is then advanced into a pair of opposed nip rollers <NUM>. A continuous strip of liner ply material <NUM> is fed from a reel <NUM> and is also advanced into the nip <NUM> adjacent the adhesived inner surface of the body ply <NUM>. The adhesive <NUM> is substantially tacky and thus instantaneously bonds to the liner ply <NUM> without slippage as they are nipped together. It will be understood to those skilled in the art that various liner constructions with various barrier materials or properties could be employed depending upon the item being packing in the composite container <NUM>. In addition, the body ply <NUM> and liner ply <NUM> could be brought together from opposite sides of the mandrel <NUM> and adhered together while on the mandrel. The liner ply <NUM> may be wider or narrower than the body ply <NUM> depending on the amount of liner overlap that is desired.

After advancing the body ply <NUM> and the liner ply <NUM> through the pair of nip rollers <NUM>, the liner ply <NUM> may then be coated with lubricant from a roller <NUM>, which allows the liner ply <NUM> to slide smoothly during the winding operation.

The body ply <NUM>/liner ply <NUM> laminate is next wrapped around the shaping mandrel <NUM>. The laminate is first wrapped under the mandrel <NUM> and then back over the top in a helical fashion with the liner ply <NUM> wound against the surface of the mandrel <NUM>. As the body ply <NUM>/liner ply <NUM> laminate advances back under the mandrel <NUM> after one complete revolution, its trailing edge is brought into contact with the leading edge of the ensuing portion of the body ply <NUM>/liner ply <NUM> laminate, which is first coming into contact with the mandrel <NUM>. The edges become abutted together to form a spirally wound tube that advances along the mandrel <NUM>.

The tube is then advanced down the mandrel <NUM> by a winding belt <NUM> that extends around a pair of opposed pulleys <NUM>. The winding belt <NUM> not only rotates and advances the tube, but also applies pressure to the overlapping edges of the body ply <NUM> and liner ply <NUM> to ensure a secure bond between the respective ply edges.

Downstream of the winding belt <NUM>, a continuous label ply <NUM> may optionally be advanced toward the shaping mandrel <NUM> through an adhesive applicator <NUM> which applies an adhesive <NUM> to the inner surface of the label ply <NUM>. The label ply <NUM> and the adhesive <NUM> applied thereto are then passed underneath a heater <NUM> to render the adhesive substantially tacky.

After passing underneath the heater <NUM>, the label ply <NUM> may then be wrapped around the shaping mandrel <NUM> onto the advancing body ply <NUM>/liner ply <NUM> laminate. The wrapped plies are then advanced down the mandrel <NUM> by a winding belt <NUM>. The winding belt <NUM> rotates and advances the wrapped plies and applies pressure to the overlapping edges of the plies to ensure a secure bond between the respective ply edges.

After the label ply <NUM> is optionally adhered to the advancing body ply <NUM>/liner ply <NUM> laminate on the mandrel <NUM> to create a continuous tube <NUM>, the continuous tube <NUM> is scored (through the label ply <NUM> if present) and at least part of the body ply <NUM> to create a region of weakened strength <NUM> in the composite tube <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the scoring is performed using a laser <NUM>. The scoring step may, however, also be achieved using a knife or cutting station. After the continuous tube <NUM> is scored, the composite tube is cut into discrete lengths at a cutting station <NUM>, and then removed from the mandrel <NUM>. Although a spiral wound container is described and shown in the figures, it should be understood that any winding method known in the art could be utilized to form the container. Although the embodiment shown in <FIG> illustrates the scoring step occurring during the tube formation, the scoring step may occur separately. For example, the scoring step may occur at a standalone machine.

In an embodiment a metal or plastic end <NUM> may then be applied to at least one end of the container body. In an embodiment, the metal end <NUM> and the container sidewall <NUM> are joined together by a double seam, crimp seam, pinch seam, or any other seam known in the art. A sealing compound (i.e. a water or solvent dispersion solution of rubber) may optionally be used within the seam.

If utilized, the double seaming operation may include a first seaming operation and a second seaming operation. In the first seaming operation, a chuck panel of the metal end may be seated against a seaming roll of a closing machine, wherein the metal end is urged against a seaming chuck. During the first seaming operation, a flange of the container body <NUM> may be introduced to the metal end <NUM>. An optional compound may also be introduced. Thereafter, the rotating first operation seaming roll may be cammed toward the rotating seaming chuck to initially engage the curl of a metal end <NUM>.

The second seaming operation may be designed to flatten out the double seam of the composite container. The seaming chuck may be cam advanced towards the seaming roll. The parts may continue to rotate about the container sidewall <NUM> to complete the double seaming operation. Simultaneously or in an in-line process, the score line <NUM> may be formed in the sidewall <NUM> using a suitable laser or knife rotating about the container sidewall <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A container (<NUM>) comprising:
a base (<NUM>);
at least one paper-based sidewall (<NUM>) seamed to and extending upwardly from the base (<NUM>), wherein the at least one sidewall (<NUM>) comprises a score line (<NUM>) near the base (<NUM>) that is at least partially circumferential and is configured to be torn through to remove from a remainder of the at least one sidewall (<NUM>) a bottom end (<NUM>) of the container that comprises a bottom portion of the at least one sidewall (<NUM>) and the base (<NUM>); and
a liner ply adhered to an interior surface of the at least one sidewall (<NUM>), wherein the liner ply is configured to separate from the interior surface of the at least one sidewall (<NUM>) in response to a pulling pressure such that when the bottom portion of the at least one sidewall is removed the liner ply separates from the bottom portion of the at least one sidewall and remains adhered to the remainder of the at least one sidewall, and the liner ply is then removable by pulling away from the interior surface of the remainder of the at least one sidewall (<NUM>).