Overcap for a container

Abstract

An overcap ( 30, 40, 60, 70, 80, 140 ) for a container ( 10, 50, 90 ) closed by a flexible end panel ( 18, 54, 98 ) is snapped or twisted or threaded onto the container to lie closely adjacent to the flexible end panel for reducing the possibility of the end panel being separated from the container incident to retorting or impact loading. The underside of the overcap may be provided with one or more depending annular rings or leg members ( 38, 46, 64, 66, 76, 146 ) to be placed closely adjacent to or in contact with the flexible end panel to preclude undesirable movement thereof.

1 . An overcap  30  for use with a container  10  having a flexible end panel  18  closing one end thereof, said overcap including a peripheral depending skirt portion  32  for adjustably positioning said overcap on an associated container, said overcap characterized by a central portion ( 36 ,  38 ) inwardly of said skirt portion being shaped to lie closely adjacent to the flexible end panel of the associated container for reducing the possibility of the end panel from being separated from the container during retorting and/or impact loading. 
   
   
       2 . An overcap as defined in  claim 1  wherein said overcap is provided with an annular ring means depending from an underside of said central portion for providing rigidity to said overcap and being disposed to contact the end panel of an associated container for restraining movement thereof. 
   
   
       3 . An overcap as defined in  claim 2  in combination with a container having a flexible end panel heat sealed along its periphery to a surface of said container, and said overcap including at least one ring member engaging said end panel around its periphery for securing said end panel to said container. 
   
   
       4 . An overcap as defined in  claim 3  wherein said overcap includes depending means engaging said end panel inwardly of said peripheral portion for minimizing outward movement of said end panel. 
   
   
       5 . An overcap as defined in  claim 4  wherein said depending means are comprised of leg members integrally molded with said overcap and depending therefrom.