Methods and apparatus for removing tamper-proof seals from containers
AssigneeMinimizim, LLC
InventorsAlex H. Amanat, Paul H. Wunderlich
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus removes a tamper-proof seal from a mouth of a container and retains the tamper-proof seal to prevent any of the seal from falling into the container. The apparatus includes a body having a top surface and a bottom surface. A sidewall circumscribes the body and extends substantially perpendicularly from the top surface of the body. A first projection extends substantially perpendicularly from the top surface and is disposed radially inward from the side wall. A plurality of second projections extend from the top surface of the body and are disposed circumferentially around body top surface.
Claims15
An apparatus for removing a tamper-proof seal from an opening of a container, said apparatus comprising:
- a body comprising a top surface and a bottom surface;
- a sidewall circumscribing said body and extending substantially perpendicularly from said body top surface;
- a first projection extending substantially perpendicularly from said body top surface, said first projection disposed radially inward from said sidewall and comprising at least one notch and a first tip, said notch configured to retain the tamper-proof seal, said tip configured to pierce the tamper-proof seal;
- and
- a plurality of second projections extending from said body top surface and disposed radially inward from said sidewall, said first projection further comprising a plurality of filaments extending radially outward from said first projection tip.
A cap for a container including an opening, the opening defined by a lip and covered with a tamper-proof seal, said cap comprising:
- a body comprising a top surface and a bottom surface;
- a first sidewall circumscribing said body and extending substantially perpendicularly from said body top surface;
- a second sidewall circumscribing said body and extending from said body bottom surface;
- and
- a first projection extending substantially perpendicularly from said body bottom surface, said first projection disposed radially inward from said second sidewall, said first projection further comprises a plurality of filaments extending radially outward from said first projection tip, said filaments configured to retain the tamper-proof seal.
A method for removing a tamper-proof seal from an opening of a container using an apparatus, the apparatus including a body, a sidewall, and a first projection, the body having a top surface and a bottom surface, the sidewall circumscribing the body and extending from the body top surface, the first projection extending substantially perpendicularly from the body top surface and disposed radially inward from the sidewall, the first projection further includes a plurality of filaments extending radially outward from the first projection tip, said method comprising the steps of:
- positioning the apparatus in close proximity to the container opening;
- piercing the tamper-proof seal with the first projection;
- rotating the apparatus;
- and
- removing the apparatus with the tamper-proof seal retained therein by the filaments after the first projection has pierced the tamper-proof seal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.