Container and seam ring for container

Abstract

A microwavable container suited to contain foodstuff over long periods of time has a plastic body and a metal closure sealed to the plastic body preferably by a double seam. A plastic seam ring having a top portion and inner and outer skirts descending therefrom is provided by itself or is mounted over the double seam to conceal the metal of at least the double seam. Means are provided on the seam ring to secure the seam ring to the container body preferably such that it is not readily removable therefrom. A central portion of the metal closure bounded by a parting line can be removed by the consumer to expose the contents of the container. With the seam ring mounted on the container body, the inner edge of the seam ring is adjacent to the remaining metal edge after the inner panel has been removed from the closure to shield this edge and minimize the chance of cutting or scraping of the user's fingers when handling the container. With the closure panel removed, the remaining container presents a substantially all-plastic appearance to the consumer. A splash panel is provided and a support ledge may be formed in the seam ring to allow mounting of the splash panel on the seam ring which covers the contents of the container during microwave heating. Outwardly extending handles may also be molded in the same ring to allow the consumer to remove the container after heating in the microwave oven without contacting the heated container body. The plastic of the seam ring also insulates the heated metal double seam from touch by the user.