Peel and Attach Container Seal

Abstract

Disclosed is a peel and attach container seal that includes an upper cover surface having two connecting portions over an open container aperture. A release film is removed prior to adhering the first and second connecting portions along opposing sides of the container aperture, whereafter the upper surface resealably covers the aperture by way of a pull tab along one end. The first connecting portion comprises a high strength adhesive that is not adapted to separate from the container outer surface or the upper cover surface. The second connecting portion includes a multi-layer connection between the cover surface and the container surface, allowing ready peeling and reattaching of the cover while a resealing, high strength adhesive layer is retained on the container surface. The cover is therefore operably removable from over the container aperture by separation of the second connection portion layers and peeling back over the first connection portion.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/529,954 filed on Sep. 1, 2011, entitled “E-Z-Close.” The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to container openings and seals. More specifically, the present invention relates to an attachable seal that covers a container opening and provides a readily hingeable and peelable cover thereover having several layers and secure attachment to the container.

It is common to open packages, containers and food boxes for distribution or consumption of a product without completely emptying the container contents. In some instances it is appropriate to leave the unconsumed product within the opened container without further treatment. Other times the product may lose its freshness, spoil, harden or otherwise become unusable if the unconsumed quantity of material left open to the environment and unsealed. In these situations, it is realized that certain containers are more adept than others at resealing themselves after initial opening, while others provide little to no means of closure after accessing their contents. For these containers and for these products, it is desired to disclose a means of securely fastening, covering and sealing the opening of the container for preserving the freshness and quality of the remaining product within the container over a prolonged period and between uses.

For those products having small serving sizes and purchasable container quantities well beyond what is feasible to consume or utilize at one time, a means of securing the remaining contents within the original container is desired. For those items that are routinely utilized after initial opening and regularly accessed, it is desired to provide a sealing means that facilitates repeated access of the container contents without compromising the quality of the seal over an access opening. For instance, many people may pour enough cereal from the cereal box to fill a single serving bowl and return the remaining amount of cereal within the box to the pantry for storage until its next use. However, if the box is not properly sealed, the cereal will rapidly go stale, wasting the food product and the money used to pay for the product. Upon storage of the cereal, it is desired to seal the box and thus retain its freshness between uses and over a given time.

The present invention provides a readily affixable and peelable structure that forms a seal over a container opening. The device includes a first and second attachment to the container, along with a multi-layer construction that ensures both a secure seal and a means to easily release the seal and reapply over several uses without completely removing the assembly from the container. It is recognized that many packages do not possess structures capable of remaining closed on their own or resealing themselves after being opened, and they are thus prone to spills, contamination and wasted product from improper seals from the surrounding environment. The present invention provides a seal that can affix to a number of different container structures and seal the container contents, including food containers and other consumable product containers that are require separation from the environment to keep.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to adhesive seals. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications, and generally relate to resealable containers and structures therefor. The devices of the prior art fail to disclose the structure and intent of the present invention, including its application flexibility and physical construction. The forgoing is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 6,918,532 to Sierra-Gomez discloses a resealable food container having a wrapper that surrounds a frame and provides an opening through the wrapper. Around the opening is a sealing layer that is peelable from the opening and resealable thereagainst when the tab of the sealing layer is pulled back and reset. The periphery of the opening and the lower surface periphery of the sealing layer include adhesive to reseal the wrapper closed. Tamper evident structures are provided to serve as notice to a consumer that the wrapper has been opened previously at least once prior. The Sierra-Gomez device is directed to a purchasable product wrapping that provides a resealable cover and a first-time tamper evidencing means. The structure and wrapping is particular to the produce and the underlying frame. The present invention, by contrast, is a modular sealing means that provides a means to close already-opened containers having not means of creating a tight seal by themselves. The present invention is placed over an opening to operably seal and open the product as desired after purchase and initial opening.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,465 to Niki is another such device that discloses a moist wipe package comprising a storing body structure having an outlet opening to retrieve wipes from the body interior. The outlet opening comprises an aperture having a closing-cover label detachably attached to the outer surface of the storing body for securing the aperture closed and thus retaining the interior moisture of the wipes. The cover is a surface having a lower adhesive surface and an upper surface adapted to accept indicia thereon. This seal is therefor a sticker and one having readily resealable and removable adhesive for repeated access to the upper surface aperture on the storing body. The present invention provides a similar function; however with a structure that is suitable for sealing food products and one that comprises different areas of adhesive, such that food products are not contacted by an otherwise uniform underlying layer of adhesive.

Further, U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,782 to Haedt discloses a peelable and resealable multilayer film for packaging applications. The first layer of the film comprises a polymeric, heat-sealable and water-insoluble polyester, the second layer comprises a polymeric pressure sensitive adhesive having a first and second surface, and finally the third layer comprises a thermoplastic, cellulosic, or metallic outer material layer. The first surface of the second layer and the first layer form a peelable interface having a resealable bond therebetween. Several material types and means of manufacturing the layers are disclosed for the purposes of creating a sealable bond supporting an outer later. Similar to the Niki patent, the Haedt patent does not provide the same structure as that of the present invention, wherein the present invention contemplates several layers and a hingeable cover over a package opening, wherein a user operably peels back the layer that is attached along one side of the opening, while the cover resists peeling from a second side of the opening.

Finally, U.S. Published Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0023436 also to Sierra-Gomez discloses a food container having an outer wrapper, an interior space for storing food or a food frame, and at least one sealing layer along a wrapper opening. The sealing layer includes a starter portion to be grasped by a user and a layer of adhesive around the wrapper opening such that peeling of the sealing layer by hand reveals the wrapper opening for access to its contents. The sealing layer is pulled in a direction away from the top of the food container opening. Various embodiments are further disclosed having the same spirit of a food wrapper opening and resealing cover with a starter portion. Similar to the '532 Sierra-Gomez device, this device provides a complete wrapper for a food product, wherein the wrapper includes an inherent mechanism for opening and resealing the wrapper. The present invention comprises a sealing means that is deployable on a number of different openings, wherein a plurality of seals can be distributed and utilized on individually unique food product boxes, containers and other items having a non-sealable or open aperture.

The present invention provides a readily adhesable closure means for an otherwise non-resealable container, whereby the device includes a peel away film that reveals a first and second connector portion and a hingeable cover seal that can cover an aperture or retain a container flap once opened. It is submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing container sealing devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of container sealing devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new peel and attach seal or closure means that can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when resealing an opened container, closing a container flap or sealing over an exposed container aperture.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved container sealing device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a container sealing device that is deployable onto an existing container for sealing its contents after its initial seal is broken, thereby preserving its contents for later use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a container sealing device that comprises a peel and stick structure having a removable film that covers a first and second container adhering portion, wherein the assembly is affixable to most any container structure without modification.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a container sealing device having a hingeable covering seal that is readily removable by way of a pull tab to expose the container opening, and thereafter resealable over the container aperture.

A final object of the present invention is to provide a container sealing device that is of simple construction, relatively inexpensive to manufacture and distributable in packs or individually sold for single use with a container and thereafter disposable with the container.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows an overhead view of the present invention prior to deployment and in connection with a protective film.

FIG. 2 shows a cross section view of the present invention in a working state.

FIG. 3 shows another cross section view of the present invention being peeled away from a container for accessing its contents.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the present invention in a working state, securing closed a container flap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the container sealing device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for sealing a container opening having a secure and resealable construction. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an overhead view of the container sealing device of the present invention prior to deployment and in its unused state. The device comprises an outer sealing member 11 having a first 12, second 14 portion separated by a central 13 portion. The seal first portion 12 is adapted to permanently connect and adhere to a container surface and provide a stable support location from which the second and third portions can peel and hinge from without complete removal of the assembly from a container surface. The central portion 13 is adapted to bridge an aperture or container flap edge and be otherwise unsecured to a container exterior. The second portion 14 includes a releasable connection with the container exterior, whereby the overall seal member 11 is hingeable away from the container for accessing its contents and thereafter resealing the container between uses. A pull tab 15 connected to the second portion 14 provides a means to grip and release the seal, while an underlying release film 16 is provided in connection with the first and second portions prior to connection with a container. The film 16 protects the underlying adhesive prior to use and ensures it remains tacky, as is customary with adhesive film covers.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a cross section view taken through the center of the container sealing device while attached to a container surface 19 and covering a container aperture 20. As shown, the seal cover 11 is affixed to a container surface 19 at its first 12 and second 14 portions via underlying layers of adhesive bonding. Along its first portion 12, a thick layer of strong adhesive 17 is provided for permanent connection of the cover to the container 19 such that peeling of the seal 11 and therefore traction along this interface is resisted such that the seal 11 does not permanently separate from the container 19. The central portion 13 bridges an aperture 20 in the container or is positioned over a container closure flap, as desired by the user. The seal second portion provides a removable seal to the container surface 20, such that this portion 14 can be peeled away from the container to reveal the aperture 20 sealed therebelow, and thereafter replaced against the container to reseal the aperture.

The seal second portion is adapted to provide a separable, multi-layer portion that includes container attachable layers and layers that stay affixed to the cover second portion 14 when peeling the cover away from the container. This provides a separable interface to secure the seal over the container aperture while also allowing the user to peel the seal away from the aperture, and finally reseat the seal in its original position against the container surface. Specifically, the second portion layers comprises a lowermost, strong layer of adhesive 17 that bonds a first half of a removable or separable seal layer 22 to the container surface 19. A second separable seal layer 22 removably connects to the first along a separable and re-applicable interface 24. The second separable seal layer 22 is positioned above the first, and further is permanently adhered to the pull tab layer 15, wherein adhesive is provided as a connection along this interface. Finally, the outer seal 14 layer is connected to the pull tab layer 15, wherein the outer seal layer 14 is the outer portion of the seal second portion. The layers provide a lowermost, permanent connection to the container surface, a removably outer seal having a pull tab, and a removable connection therebetween for sealing, separating and resealing the bond at this portion.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a side view of the seal of the present invention in a working state, separating along its second portion 14 to reveal and underlying and previously sealed container aperture 20. The present device is a peel and apply device that is applied over an opening or over a container flap by first removing a protective film to reveal the first and second portion adhesive lower layers. These layers are applied to the container and provide a hingedly peelable or removable cover that is permanently attached along one side and further removably sealable along an opposite side. The device pull tab 15 is used as a gripping interface to separate the separable seal layers 22 from one another along their interface 24, while the lower seal layer stays affixed to the container by an underlying layer of adhesive bonding 17. The use of a separable first and second layer 22 that are both supported by strong adhesive ensures the two separable layers separate along their shared interface 24 rather than from their attachment with the container or with the pull tab, thereby ensuring the seal can be reseated by jointing the two layers 22 to each other again thereafter.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a perspective view of the seal device of the present invention in a working state, positioned over a container flap. The device is useful for covering open containers, wherein the contents of the container may be sensitive to exposure with the environment or be easily spilled if not covered. It is contemplated that the seal provide coverage over open container flaps, apertures or other openings that are otherwise non-sealable with the container's 31 structure. In FIG. 4, there is shown the seal device operating over a container flap, wherein the seal is peelable into an open configuration 41 and resealable into a closed configuration 51. This is but one example deployment of the present, wherein the device can further provide coverage or closure of a number of different container types, styles or container openings requiring sealing.

It is sometimes not feasible to consume an entire container of a food item or consumable product as soon as it is opened, requiring it to be sealed and stored to retain its freshness or working state (in the case of items other than food products). However, not all product containers include a resealable structure that allows itself to reseal after initial opening, allowing the unused contents to be subject to the environment after use and during storage between uses. It is desired to disclose a product that offers users of such containers with a readily deployable seal that can be provided in a peel and stick configuration over a container opening. Many packages cannot stay closed on their own, so they are prone to spoilage, spills, deterioration or further attract unwanted pests to the area. Mechanical clip devices that some individuals utilize to secure bags can be heavy, bulky and expensive. The present invention provides a relatively inexpensive alternative that is affixable to the container and is disposable after the container is emptied, if so desired. The product may be attached, lifted and re-attached numerous times to help open and close the tops of boxes and bags. It helps keep items inside of their containers, retaining their original state of freshness and preventing the contents from spilling, spoiling or becoming unusable. Any individual who has been forced to throw out food because the container was not properly sealed will appreciate the present invention's cost-effective design.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1) A peel and attach container seal, comprising:

a seal member having a first and second portion separated by a central portion;

said member first portion comprising an adhesive layer adapted to affix said member first portion to a surface;

said member second portion comprising an adhesive layer supporting a separable and re-attachable interface between said member second portion and said surface;

said central portion adapted to cover an aperture, gap or opening in said surface.

2) The device of claim 1, wherein said member first portion is adapted to provide a hinged support for said seal member when said member second portion separable interface is separated to remove said central portion from said surface aperture, gap or opening.

3) The device of claim 1, wherein said second portion further comprises:

a lowermost adhesive layer supporting a first separable layer;

a second separable layer removably attaching to said first separable layer along a common interface;

said second separable layer supported by said seal member second portion;

said lower most adhesive layer adapted to retain said first separable layer against a surface while said second separable layer remains affixed to said seal member second portion, providing a removable and re-applicable interface.

4) The device of claim 3, wherein said second separable layer further attaches to a pull-tab within said seal member second portion.

5) The device of claim 1, wherein said second portion further comprises a pull-tab.

6) The device of claim 1, wherein said first and second portion are further covered by a release film prior to deployment on said surface.