US3836039A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Easy-opening means for plastic packages
Assignee: Oscar Mayer Foods Corp
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Filing: 1972-07-31
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Granted: 1974-09-17
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Expires: 1992-07-31
Abstract
Abstract An easy-opening means is provided in rigid or semi-rigid plastic sheet material forming at least a substantial portion of one of the walls of a container component or package. The easy-opening means comprises a lift tab which is integrally formed from the plastic sheet material and is completely separated from the material except where it is integrally attached at one end or side of the tab. A score line or lines are formed on the interior only of the sheet material without appreciably disturbing the exterior surface in any way and with one end of each score line joining one end of the line along which the tab is completely severed from the sheet material. The tab is covered on the exterior with a patch of pressure sensitive tape so as to hermetically seal the easy-opening means where the tab is completely separated from the sheet material. On lifting the patch of tape the lift tab is or may be readily lifted and on further lifting thereof the plastic sheet material may be separated along each interior score line or lines.
Inventors
- 👤 O Seiferth
- 👤 G Austin
- 👤 D Grace
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 04:48
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D17/00; B65D17/42; B65D17/46; B65D17/462; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S229/00; Y10S229/924
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
164 words
In a container component having at least a portion of a package enclosing wall surface thereof formed of rigid or semirigid plastic sheet material, easy-opening means comprising, a lift tab formed in said material and which is at least substantially completely separated from said material along a first line defining said tab which is integrally connected with said material, at least one score line formed on the interior surface of said material without appreciably disturbing its exterior surface and with said score line joining one of the opposite ends of said first line, a patch of tape covering the exterior of said lift tab at least over said first line and extending at least over the place where said score line joins one end of said first line whereby on lifting said patch of tape said lift tab can first readily lift from said material along said first line and on further lifting of said lift tab said material separates along said score line.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
164 words
In a container component having at least a portion of a package enclosing wall surface thereof formed of rigid or semirigid plastic sheet material, easy-opening means comprising, a lift tab formed in said material and which is at least substantially completely separated from said material along a first line defining said tab which is integrally connected with said material, at least one score line formed on the interior surface of said material without appreciably disturbing its exterior surface and with said score line joining one of the opposite ends of said first line, a patch of tape covering the exterior of said lift tab at least over said first line and extending at least over the place where said score line joins one end of said first line whereby on lifting said patch of tape said lift tab can first readily lift from said material along said first line and on further lifting of said lift tab said material separates along said score line.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The construction of claim 1 wherein said container component is a receptacle formed of said plastic sheet material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The construction of claim 1 wherein said container component is a cover or lid formed of said plastic sheet material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
179 words
In a container having at least a portion of the top, bottom or sidewall thereof formed of rigid or semi-rigid plastic sheet material, easy-opening means in said material and comprising, a lift tab integrally formed in said material and which is at least substantially completely separated from said material along a first line extending on all but one side of said tab which side is integral with said material, a pair of score lines formed in said material on the interior surface thereof without appreciably disturbing the exterior surface thereof and with each of said score lines joining one of the opposite ends of said first line, and a patch of tape covering the exterior of said lift tab at least over said first line and extending at least over each place wherE one of said score lines joins one end of said first line whereby on lifting said patch of tape said lift tab can readily lift from said material along said first line and on further lifting of said tab said material separates along said score lines.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
179 words
In a container having at least a portion of the top, bottom or sidewall thereof formed of rigid or semi-rigid plastic sheet material, easy-opening means in said material and comprising, a lift tab integrally formed in said material and which is at least substantially completely separated from said material along a first line extending on all but one side of said tab which side is integral with said material, a pair of score lines formed in said material on the interior surface thereof without appreciably disturbing the exterior surface thereof and with each of said score lines joining one of the opposite ends of said first line, and a patch of tape covering the exterior of said lift tab at least over said first line and extending at least over each place wherE one of said score lines joins one end of said first line whereby on lifting said patch of tape said lift tab can readily lift from said material along said first line and on further lifting of said tab said material separates along said score lines.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
In the container of claim 4 said score lines being the end portions of a continuous score line whereby said lift tab together with the sheet material within said continuous score line may be completely removed on opening said container.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
In the container of claim 4 a receptacle component formed of said rigid or semi-rigid plastic sheet material with said easy-opening means located therein.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
In the container of claim 6 one of said score lines also connecting with a continuous score line enclosing a relatively large area of said receptacle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
80 words
In the container of claim 6 said lift tab and the adjoining ends of said score lines lying entirely within either the bottom or the sidewall of said receptacle with said score lines extending into a portion of said receptacle not having said lift tab whereby said patch of tape may be confined entirely to either said bottom or sidewall and when said opening means is opened the resultant opening lies partially in said bottom and partially in said sidewall.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
In the container of claim 4 having a cover formed of said rigid or semi-rigid plastic sheet material with said easy-opening means therein.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
In the container of claim 9 wherein one of said score lines connects with a continuous score line extending around the periphery of said cover.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-09-16 | 1978-03-18 | 1978-09-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-16 | 1982-03-18 | 1982-09-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-16 | 1986-03-18 | 1986-09-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |