Container for holding small items

Abstract

A package is provided for housing one or more product items, including a lid ( 20 ) with peripheral walls ( 24 ) snugly fitting to peripherals walls ( 44 ) of a molded housing ( 40 ). The walls of the molded housing may flex to improve the sealing of the package. An internal liner ( 70 ) may be provided for added product freshness. A display aperture ( 63 ) may be provided in the housing for viewing the product items without opening the package.

1 . A package comprising:
 i) A metal lid, comprising a lid face portion bounded by a lid peripheral wall;   ii) a plastic housing, comprising a base portion bounded by a housing peripheral wall with a top flange;   
       wherein the lid peripheral wall closely fits around the housing peripheral wall with a friction or interference fit. 
     
     
         2 . The package as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said housing peripheral wall flexes inward with respect to the lid peripheral wall when the package is closed. 
     
     
         3 . The package as recited in  claim 2 , wherein in a closed configuration, said housing peripheral wall, when flexed inward, moves away said lid peripheral wall and allows said lid to be removed. 
     
     
         4 . The package as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a sealing membrane, wherein the sealing membrane is sealed to the top flange. 
     
     
         5 . The package as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising an insertable liner. 
     
     
         6 . The package as recited in  claim 5 , wherein said insertable liner comprises a vacuum formed tub and a liner seal. 
     
     
         7 . The package as recited in  claim 5 , wherein said insertable liner comprises a external engagement feature shaped to engage a complementary internal engagement feature inside said housing. 
     
     
         8 . The package as recited in  claim 5 , further comprising a display aperture in the housing base portion. 
     
     
         9 . The package as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said tub is transparent and said items within said tub are visible through said display aperture. 
     
     
         10 . The package as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising a leaf formed in said housing peripheral wall and engaging means formed on said leaf for engaging said lid peripheral wall, said leaf being connected to said housing peripheral wall for inward movement when pressed, such inward movement releasing said engagement means from engagement with said lid peripheral wall to facilitate removal of said lid from the package.