Container for and method of enclosing an article

Abstract

A container (30) for enclosing an article (10) includes a base (32) having a bore (33) and a counterbore (34) for holding the article (10) such that a first, often delicate, portion protrudes from a first end of base (32). Base (32) has peripheral surfaces (37) primarily for engaging a cover (40) for closing container (30). The cover (40) has an interior cavity (42) and portions (53-55) which close over and limit air entrapped with the article (10). Cover (40) also has peripheral walls (48) containing fixed ends (49) and free ends (50) with internal surfaces (51) therebetween for engaging the base (32). The engagement surfaces (37 and 51) of the base (32) and cover (40), respectively, preferably have an interference fit. Also, the cover walls (48) are sufficiently long that the cover (40) substantially aligns to base (32) and stays clear of article (10) during closure. Accordingly, unwanted contact of cover (40) to the first portion of the article is avoided. The base (32) may also include engagement walls (63), channels (64) and a port (69). The walls (63) flex inwardly to accommmodate the interference fit between engagement surfaces (37 and 51) and flex outwardly to improve engagement when a pressure differential over walls (63 and 48) reaches a given value. Internal air is minimized because air is passed through the channels (64) and the port (69) during closure until the cover walls (48) seal port (69).