Peel Off Cap Seal

ORIGINAL FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The present disclosure relates to caps, specifically, the present disclosure relates to a peel-off cap seal fitted on top of a container for sealing the mouth of the container. 5 BACKGROUND

[002] it is common to use caps to cover/seal the mouth of a container. Various types of caps are used, for example, snap-fit caps, screw caps, cork stopper, etc. For containers used to store liquids, for example, liquor, pull-off caps are preferred. In accordance with a prior art EP 1818272, a tear-off anti-tamper seal 10 fitted to stopper-type closing members mounted on the open end of the neck of a bottle is disclosed. The seal includes a tubular body that has an annular top flange and a sleeve portion which extends axially from the said flange along the neck of the container, means for fixing the said sleeve portion to the neck of the container to prevent relative axial movements, means for also preventing 15 relative angular movements of said sleeve portion and the neck of the container, a circumferential weakening line formed on the said sleeve portion, a pair of weakening lines which extend axially along the said sleeve portion of the tubular body and are situated in the zone between the said top flange and the said circumferential weakening line, said axial lines defining on the tubular 20 body two perimetral zones, one of which has a circumferential extension smaller than that of the other zone, and a tear-off tongue projecting towards the inside of the said tubular body and fixed to the said top flange in the zone between the said axial weakening lines which has a smaller circumferential extension. 25 [003] The problem with the abovementioned prior art is that in order to tear the seal, a large force has to be applied to the tear-off tongue, which causes inconvenience to the user and may also break the tongue without peeling the portion of the tubular body between the two perimetral zones.

[004] Alternatively, the caps in use require a user to rotate the seal in order to tear off the seal. There is thus a need for a cap that address the above drawbacks. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 5 [005] The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the disclosed embodiment and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein can be gained by taking into consideration the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole. 10 [006] In accordance with an embodiment, a peel-off cap seal is disclosed. The cap seal includes a body including a base, an upper portion loosely coupled to the base and a top portion angularly coupled to the upper portion. Further, the cap seal includes a first semi-cut line provided radially between the base and the upper portion, two or more pair of second semi-cut lines provided axially on 15 the upper portion such that each second semi-cut line runs between the first semi-cut line and the top portion, two or more segments provided in the upper portion such that each segment is defined by a corresponding pair of second semi-cut lines and two or more flaps provided in the top portion such that each flap is coupled to a respective segment. Thus, when each flap is lifted and 20 pulled downwards, the corresponding segment is peeled along the respective pair of second semi-cut lines and the first semi-cut line.

[007] In accordance with another embodiment, a peel-off cap seal includes a body with a base, an upper portion loosely coupled to the base and a top portion angularly coupled to the upper portion. The peel-off cap seal further includes a 25 first semi-cut line provided radially between the base and the upper portion, a plurality of second semi-cut lines provided axially on the upper portion such that each second semi-cut line runs between the first semi-cut line and the top portion, a plurality of segments provided in the upper portion such that each segment is defined by a pair of consecutive second semi-cut lines and a plurality of flaps provided in the top portion such that one flap is coupled to one segment of the plurality of segments. When a flap is lifted and pulled downwards the corresponding segment is peeled along the corresponding second semi-cut lines and the first semi-cut line. 5 [008] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detail description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 10 [009] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed 15 herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

[010] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a peel-off cap seal in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure. 20 [Oil] FIG. 2 is the top view of the peel-off cap seal in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[012] FIG. 3 is a second perspective view of the peel-off cap seal in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[013] FIG. 4 is an exemplary view of the peel-off cap seal in open 25 configuration in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[014] FIG. 5 is an exemplary view of the peel-off cap seal after being peeled off a container in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[015] FIG. 6 is the top view of a peel-off cap seal in accordance with a second 5 embodiment of the present disclosure.

[016] FIG. 7 is the top view of a peel-off cap seal in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[017] The particular values and configurations discussed in these non-limiting 10 examples can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate at least one embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope thereof

[018] The present disclosure provides a peel-off cap seal that is provided on the neck and mouth of a container such that it seals the mouth of the container. In an embodiment, the peel-off cap seal includes a body with a base, an upper 15 portion and a top portion. The top portion partially or completely covers the mouth of a container and includes at least two flaps with intermediate structures therebetween. The upper portion is coupled to the base on one side and is adjacent to the top portion on the other side. The upper portion and the base surround the neck of the container. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper 20 portion includes two or more segments that are coupled to respective flaps. When a flap is lifted and pulled down, the corresponding segment is peeled off from the upper portion, thereby loosening the peel-off cap seal from the neck of the container. In another exemplary embodiment, the upper portion is formed of a plurality of segments adjacent to each other. Each segment is coupled to a 25 respective flap. When a flap is lifted and pulled down, the corresponding segment is peeled off from the upper portion, thereby loosening the peel-off cap seal from the neck of the container.

[019] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a peel-off cap seal 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The peel-off cap seal 100 is mounted on a container such that it surrounds the neck of the container and covers the mouth 102 of the container. The container may be a 5 bottle, tube, etc. The mouth of the container may be of any shape for example, circular, square or oval in shape. Accordingly, the shape of the peel-off cap seal will be circular, square or oval.

[020] The peel-off cap seal 100 includes a base 104, an upper portion 108 and a top portion 110 that together form the body of the seal 100. In the exemplary 10 depicted embodiment, the shape of the base 104 and the upper portion 108 is tubular while the top portion 110 is circular. The body may be made of materials that include without limitation, plastic material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), high density poly-ethylene (HOPE), high density poly-propylene (HDPP), low density poly-ethylene(LDPE), low density poly- 15 propylene(LDPP) and other recyclable plastic material. In addition, non-plastic material such as aluminium may be used.

[021] The base 104 is segregated from the upper portion 108 via a first semicut line 106 provided in the body of the seal lOO.The first semi-cut line 106 is a line that loosely connects the base 104 to the upper portion 108. The first semi- 20 cut line 106 runs radially between the base 102 and the upper portion 108 and may be in the form of a series of slits. In various embodiments, the first semicut line 106 may be without limitation, in the form of a ring with zig-zag slits or straight slits. Further, in the exemplary depicted embodiment, the base 104 is thinner than the upper portion 108. However, it is possible to vary the width of 25 the base 104 as well as the upper portion 108 based upon the requirement. The base 104 remains fixed on the bottle and serves to provide tamper resistance, for example, the base is attached to the bottle in a way that it may not be removed from the bottle without destroying it or at least causing formation of irreversible bends, cracks or other evidences of tamper such as formation of 30 tamper marks.

[022] The upper portion 108 is coupled to the top portion 110 on the other end. In the exemplary embodiment, the top portion 110 is at 90 degrees to the upper portion 108. However, it is possible to vary the angle between the top portion 110 and the upper portion 108 based upon the requirement. The upper 5 portion 108 includes a plurality of segments 112 such that each segment 112 is a zone enclosed between a pair of second semi-cut lines 114, the first semi-cut line 106 and a flap 116. The second semi-cut lines 114 run axially on the upper portion 108 while the first semi-cut line 106 is provided radially on the surface of the seal 100. The second semi-cut lines 114 run between the two ends of the 10 upper portion 108, namely, from the first semi-cut line 106 to the junction of the upper portion 108 and the top portion 110.

[023] The top portion 110 includes two flaps 116 and two intermediate structures 118. As shown, between two intermediate structures 118, a flap 116 is provided. Though the intermediate structures 118 are depicted as semi- 15 circular flanges, the intermediate structures 118 can be of other shapes too. The flaps 116 and the intermediate structures 118 may sit on top of a cap provided on a container or on the mouth of a container. The flaps 116 are designed such that one end is connected to a respective segment while the other end is free. The shape of the flaps 116 can be varied to include without limitation triangle, 20 rectangle, etc. The flaps 116 are preferably arranged in such a way that it is convenient for a user to insert a finger and pull the flap in order to peel off the seal. In an embodiment, the intermediate structures also have a notch in them so that it is convenient for a user to insert his finger and peel off the intermediate structures in order to access the contents of bottle. In an embodiment, the 25 intermediate structures 118 and flaps 116 may be designed to depict a logo of a brand. The flaps 116 may be made of a material having elasticity one of same, more than or less than that of the body of the seal 100. The materials include without limitation, plastic material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), high density poly-ethylene (HDPE), high density poly-propylene 30 (HDPP), low density poly-ethylene(LDPE), low density poly-propylene(LDPP) and other recyclable plastic material. In addition, non-plastic material such as aluminium may be used.

[024] The peel-off cap seal 100 may be placed on top of a cap to act as a seal or may be fitted on the mouth/neck of a container. In the latter case, a cover for 5 example, a circular piece may be provided below the flaps 116 and intermediate structures 118 to cover the mouth of the container completely.

[025] For sake of simplicity, other attachments provided with the cap like, means to restrict axial movement, means to restrict radial movement, etc are not disclosed. It will be appreciated that any such attachment can be used with the 10 seal 100 in line with the teachings of the present invention.

[026] FIG 2 illustrates an exemplary top view of the first embodiment. The flaps 116 partially cover the mouth 102 of the container. Protrusions 406 appear between an intermediate structure 118 and a flap 116. The protrusions 406 may be part of the cover of a container and provided to improve a user's grip while 15 rotating the cover of the container. 'to

[027] FIG 3 illustrates a side view depicting various semi-cut lines present on the surface of the seal 100. In this side view, the first semi-cut lie 106 runs radially while the pair of second semi-cut lines 114 are provided in the axial direction. These lines demonstrate that once the corresponding flap 116 is lifted 20 and pulled down, it will tear from the body along the semi-cut lines 114 and 106. In an embodiment, the semi-cut lines 106 and 114 may not appear on the surface of the seal 100. In such an embodiment, other mechanism may be provided such that the material of construction is weakened along the semi cut lines 106 and 114 so that it is easier to peel off the segment. It should be noted 25 that the number of pair of semi-cut lines 114 correspond to the number of flaps 116. For instance, if two flaps 116 are provided, there will be two pairs of semicut lines 114, namely, fours semi-cut lines 114.As a variation, in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the semi-cut lines 114 may not intersect with the first semi-cut line 106.

[028] FIGS 4 and 5 illustrate the operation of the seal 100. In order to break the seal, flaps 116 are lifted upwards and then peeled down as depicted by arrows 402. Due to the semi-cut lines 114 present in the upper portion 108, the amount of force required to peel the segment 112 is minimal as opposed to 5 peeling of a proper bonded structure. Once the flaps and the corresponding segments are opened, the adherence of the intermediate structures 118 to the neck of a container also weakens. The intermediate structures can be peeled down sideways easily due to this weak bonding as depicted by arrows 404.

[029] The intermediate structures 118 as well as the flaps 116 and segments 10 112 can thereafter be torn apart easily via the first semi-cut line 106. This would make the base 102 of the seal 100 free and hang around the neck of the container revealing the container cover which in turn is rotated and unscrewed to reveal the mouth of the container. In the exemplary depicted embodiment, it may be seen that a cover 406 is provided below the peel-off cap seal 100. 15 [030] It may be seen that breaking of a seal of a cap using the present disclosure as opposed to a one-part structure is easy, quick and requires minimal force.

[031] FIG 6 illustrates an exemplary second embodiment of a peel-off cap seal 600. Rather than employing two flaps, it depicts three flaps 116 provided 20 in the top portion 110 separated by intermediate structures 118 in between. Accordingly, the upper portion 108 includes three pairs of second semi-cut lines 114 running axially on its surface.

[032] It may be noted that various embodiments of the present disclosure are possible like, providing flaps of unequal sizes, providing a hook or other lifting 25 mechanism with the flaps and/or supporting members, providing differently shaped flaps, etc. All such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure. •

[033] Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted in FIG 7. The top portion 110 may be made of a plurality of flaps 116, for example, five flaps 116 as shown. In this embodiment, the upper portion 108 is made of a plurality of segments the number of which correspond to the number 5 of flaps. For example, in the depicted embodiment, given that there are five flaps 116, the upper portion 108 will be formed of five segments 112. Two consecutive segments 112 will be separated by a second semi-cut line 114. The description of the base 104 and first semi-cut line 106 can be referred from FIG 1. Though the flaps 116 are shown to be of same shape and size, it is possible to 10 vary the shape and size of each or some of the flaps 116. Accordingly, the width of the segments 112 may vary.

[034] In this embodiment, by peeling off flaps 116 one after the other, the upper portion 108 may be removed from the container.

[035] The above embodiments can be used with a variety of bottles or tubes. 15 For example, in case of small bottles, the peel-off cap seal may be provided directly on the mouth and neck of the bottle/tube. In another example relating to bigger bottles, the mouth and neck of the bottle may be covered by a cover on top of which the peel-off cap seal may be provided. In such cases, to regulate the flow of ingredients of the bottle, a flow control mechanism may be 20 employed. The flow control mechanism may be any mechanism commonly known in the art. Such flow control mechanism may be provided in the cover of the bottle on which the peel-off cap seal is mounted.

[036] It will be appreciated that variations of the above disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into 25 many other different systems or applications. Also, that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims. 10

[037] Although embodiments of the current disclosure have been described comprehensively, in considerable detail to cover the possible aspects, those skilled in the art would recognize that other versions of the disclosure are also possible.

13 APR 2011 11104^1-14! ORIGINAL I Claim: 1. A peel-off cap seal comprising: a. a body including a base, an upper portion loosely coupled to the base and a top portion angularly coupled to the upper portion; 5 b. a first semi-cut line provided radially between the base and the upper portion; c. two or more pair of second semi-cut lines provided axially on the upper portion, wherein each second semi-cut line runs between the first semi-cut line and the top portion; 10 d. two or more segments provided in the upper portion, wherein each segment is defined by a corresponding pair of second semicut lines; and e. two or more flaps provided in the top portion, wherein each flap is coupled to a respective segment, wherein each flap is lifted 15 and pulled downwards, thereby peeling the corresponding segment along the respective pair of second semi-cut lines and the first semi-cut line. 2. The peel-off cap seal as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base and the upper portion are tubular and the top portion is circular. 20 3. The peel-off cap seal as claimed in claim I, wherein the top portion is at 90 degree to the upper portion. 4. The peel-off cap seal as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body comprises one of a plastic or non-plastic material. 5. The peel-off cap seal as claimed in claim I, wherein the flap comprises 25 one of a plastic or non-plastic material. 12 6. The peel-off cap seal as claimed in claim I, wherein the flaps are of same size and shape. 7. The peel-off cap seal as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flaps are of different size and shape. 5 8. The pee I-off cap seal as claimed in claim I, wherein the peel-off cap seal is mounted on top of a container cover. 9. The peel-off cap seal as claimed in claim I, wherein the peel-off cap seal is mounted on the neck and mouth of a container. 10. A peel-off cap seal comprising: 10 a. a body including a base, an upper portion loosely coupled to the base and a top portion angularly coupled to the upper portion; b. a first semi-cut line provided radially between the base and the upper portion; c. a plurality of second semi-cut lines provided axially on the upper 15 portion, wherein each second semi-cut line runs between the first semi-cut line and the top portion; d. a plurality of segments provided in the upper portion, wherein each segment is defined by a pair of consecutive second semicut lines; and 20 e. a plurality of flaps provided in the top portion, wherein one flap is coupled to one segment of the plurality of segments, wherein each flap is lifted and pulled downwards, thereby peeling the corresponding segment along the corresponding second semi-cut lines and the first semi-cut line. 25 II. The peel-off cap seal as claimed in claim 10, wherein the base and the upper portion are tubular and the top portion is circular. 12. The peel-off cap seal as claimed in claim 10, wherein the top portion is at 90 degrees to the upper portion. 13. The peel-off cap seal as claimed in claim 10, wherein the body comprises one of a plastic or non-plastic material. 5 14. The peel-off cap seal as claimed in claim 10, wherein the flap comprises one of a plastic or non-plastic material. 15. The peel-off cap seal as claimed in claim 10, wherein the flaps are of same size and shape. 16. The peel-off cap seal as claimed in claim 10, wherein the flaps are of 10 different size and shape. 17. The peel-off cap seal as claimed in claim 10, wherein the peel-off cap seal is mounted on top of a container cover. 18. The peel-off cap seal as claimed in claim 10, wherein the peel-off cap seal is mounted on the neck and mouth of a container.