Access system for selectively accessing the contents of a container

Abstract

An access system for selectively accessing the contents of a container is provided. The access system embodies an access hole communicating through a lid of a container into the containing cavity. The access system may also embody an access tab with an adhesive layer that fastens to the lid so as to seal the access hole, whereby an operative end of the access tab not providing the adhesive layer is disposed near the periphery of the container, and wherein there is a gap between the operative end and the lid so that the access tab is peelable between a closed condition sealing the access hole and an open condition providing selective access to the contents of the cavity only through the access hole.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An access system for selectively controlling access to a container having a cover sealing contents of the container, comprising:
 an access hole punctured through the cover;   an access tab extending from a first end to an operative end; and   an adhesive layer provided on a downward-facing surface of the first end, wherein the adhesive layer seals the access hole.   
     
     
         2 . The access system of  claim 1 , wherein the operative end is disposed adjacent a peripheral edge of the cover. 
     
     
         3 . The access system of  claim 1 , further comprising a gap between the operative end and the cover. 
     
     
         4 . The access system of  claim 1 , wherein the access hole is located between a center of the cover and a peripheral edge thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The access system of  claim 1 , further comprising a straw dimensioned to snugly slide through the access hole. 
     
     
         6 . An access system for selectively controlling access to a container having a cover sealing contents of the container, comprising:
 an access hole punctured through the cover, wherein the access hole is located between a center of the cover and a peripheral edge thereof;   an access tab extending from a first end to an operative end;   an adhesive layer provided on a downward-facing surface of the first end, wherein the adhesive layer seals the access hole;   a gap between the operative end and the cover, wherein the operative end is disposed adjacent a peripheral edge of the cover; and   a straw dimensioned to snugly slide through the access hole.   
     
     
         7 . A method for selectively controlling access to a container having a peel away cover sealing contents of the container, comprising the steps of:
 puncturing an access hole through the peel away cover;   providing an access tab having a downward-facing surface extending from a first end to an operative end, wherein an adhesive layer is provided along the first end; and   adhering the first end to the peel away cover so the first end seals the access hole, and wherein the operative end is disposed adjacent to a periphery of the peel away cover.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising the steps of providing a straw; and
 puncturing the access hole with said straw.