One-piece non-contaminating milk or food container seal and seal removal system

Abstract

A one-piece non-contaminating milk or food container seal and seal removal system includes a channel or pouring spout to be connected to a food container. The spout has an inner surface to be contacted by contents of the container and the inner surface has a top edge. A seal prevents human contact with the inner surface of the channel or pouring spout. The seal has an outer periphery frangibly connected to the top edge. A tab permits unbroken, intact manual removal of the seal with one finger. A removable closure for the channel or pouring spout contacts the top edge before removal of the seal and after replacement of the removable closure. The tab does not extend above the top edge before removal of the closure and the seal. The channel or pouring spout, the seal and part of the tab are formed in one piece at the top edge.

1 . A one-piece non-contaminating milk or food container seal and seal removal system, comprising:
 a channel or pouring spout to be connected to a food container, said channel or pouring spout having an inner surface to be contacted by contents of the container, said inner surface having a top edge;   a seal preventing human contact with said inner surface of said channel or pouring spout, said seal having an outer periphery disposed at said top edge;   a tab permitting unbroken, intact manual removal of said seal with one finger;   a removable closure for said channel or pouring spout contacting said top edge before removal of said seal and after replacement of said removable closure;   said tab not extending above said top edge before removal of said closure and said seal; and   said channel or pouring spout, said seal and part of said tab being formed in one piece at said top edge.   
     
     
         2 . The one-piece container seal and seal removal system according to  claim 1 , wherein said tab is an extraction ring attached to said seal. 
     
     
         3 . The one-piece container seal and seal removal system according to  claim 1 , wherein said seal is cup-shaped. 
     
     
         4 . The one-piece container seal and seal removal system according to  claim 1 , wherein said seal completely covers and completely prevents contact with said inner surface before and during removal of said seal. 
     
     
         5 . The one-piece container seal and seal removal system according to  claim 3 , wherein said outer periphery of said seal is fused to or cast with said top edge of said channel or pouring spout at a line of weakness. 
     
     
         6 . The one-piece container seal and seal removal system according to  claim 2 , wherein said closure is a cap. 
     
     
         7 . The one-piece container seal and seal removal system according to  claim 6 , wherein said cap is to be screwed onto said channel or pouring spout. 
     
     
         8 . The one-piece container seal and seal removal system according to  claim 1 , wherein said seal is formed of flexible plastic. 
     
     
         9 . The one-piece container seal and seal removal system according to  claim 1 , wherein said seal, said tab and an inner surface of said closure are all in contact with and do not extend above said top edge, in order to prevent contamination before and during said removal of said seal. 
     
     
         10 . The one-piece container seal and seal removal system according to claim  1 , wherein said tab is a ring having a periphery directly attached to said seal at one location for tearing said seal off said top edge. 
     
     
         11 . The one-piece container seal and seal removal system according to  claim 6 , wherein said seal is a primary enclosure and said cap is a secondary enclosure. 
     
     
         12 . The one-piece container seal and seal removal system according to  claim 1 , wherein said channel or pouring spout has an outer surface with a top edge, said inner and outer surfaces of said channel or pouring spout, said seal and part of said tab being formed in one piece at said top edge. 
     
     
         13 . The one-piece container seal and seal removal system according to  claim 1 , wherein said seal is frangibly connected to said top edge. 
     
     
         14 . A one-piece non-contaminating milk or food container seal and seal removal system, comprising:
 a channel or pouring spout to be connected to a food container, said channel or pouring spout having an inner surface to be contacted by contents of the container, said inner surface having a top edge;   a seal preventing human contact with said inner surface of said channel or pouring spout, said seal having an outer periphery disposed at said top edge; and   a tab permitting unbroken, intact manual removal of said seal with one finger; and   said channel or pouring spout, said seal and part of said tab being formed in one piece at said top edge.