US3877602A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Collapsible container with improved fastener assemblies
Assignee: Clark Kent Inc
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Filing: 1973-09-10
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Granted: 1975-04-15
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Expires: 1993-09-10
Abstract
Abstract A collapsible container, formed of a plurality of lightweight, insulating panel members, is provided for preserving perishables during shipping and storage. The panel members are detachably secured together along their respective edges by novel fastener assemblies, each comprising a stud formed of a synthetic plastic material and a stud receiving element formed of a softer synthetic plastic material to lock the stud in the fully fastened condition. A pallet, associated with a loaded container, serves as a skid in receiving the disassembled panel members in a knocked down, nested condition.
Inventors
- 👤 James E Clark
- 👤 Jerol E Kent
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 10:36
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D11/00; B65D11/18; B65D11/1866; B65D11/1873
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
A container comprising: a plurality of right angularly related panel members each comprising a body of insulating material covered by a skin of plastic material; said skin of each of said panel members being formed to provide an inner wall surface and a perimeter wall surface extending normal to said inner wall surface and a beveled surface joining said inner wall surface to said perimeter wall surface; said skin terminating in a peripheral flange projecting laterally outwardly from said panel member body; the beveled surfaces of adjacent, right angularly related panel members disposed in an abutting relation with the ends of said flanges thereof being slightly spaced from each other; and means for detachably fastening adjacent edges of said right angularly related panel members together.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
A container comprising: a plurality of right angularly related panel members each comprising a body of insulating material covered by a skin of plastic material; said skin of each of said panel members being formed to provide an inner wall surface and a perimeter wall surface extending normal to said inner wall surface and a beveled surface joining said inner wall surface to said perimeter wall surface; said skin terminating in a peripheral flange projecting laterally outwardly from said panel member body; the beveled surfaces of adjacent, right angularly related panel members disposed in an abutting relation with the ends of said flanges thereof being slightly spaced from each other; and means for detachably fastening adjacent edges of said right angularly related panel members together.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
78 words
A container according to claim 1 wherein said fastening means comprises a plurality of fastener assemblies each including a stud and a stud receiving element; said stud projecting through a flange of one of said panel members and having a threaded end portion; said stud receiving element secured at least to the inner surface of the flange of an adjacent right angularly related panel member and having a tapped opening therein for receiving said stud threaded end portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
A container according to claim 2 wherein said flanges of adjacent, right angularly related panel members define therebetween an opening extending lengthwise of said flanges; and said stud receiving element mounted within said opening with said tapped opening facing said flange of said one panel member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
A container according to claim 3 including means adhesively securing said stud receiving element to said flange and said perimeter wall surface of the other of said right angularly related panel members to form a permanent part thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
A container according to claim 2 including a washer mounted on said stud on the inner side of said one panel member flange to prevent withdrawal of the threaded end portion of said stud therethrough and disengagement thereof from said flange.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
A container according to claim 5 wherein said stud receiving element is provided with a longitudinal groove communicating with said tapped opening and extending in a direction normal thereto to provide clearance for the threaded end portion of said stud when disengaged from said tapped opening.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
A container according to claim 2 wherein said stud threaded end portion has a relatively large pitch to effect complete engagement and disengagement thereof with said tapped opening upon rotation of said stud of approximately a half turn.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
A container according to claim 2 wherein said stud receiving element is formed of a synthetic plastic material having a lower durometer rating than said stud to resiliently lock said stud threaded end portion in said tapped opening.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
81 words
A container according to claim 1 wherein said fastening means comprises a plurality of fastener assemblies each including a stud and a block; said stud projecting through a flange of one of said panel members and having a threaded end portion; said block secured at least to the inner surface of the flange of an adjacent right angularly related panel member; an insert member mounted in said block and having a tapped opening therein for receiving said stud threaded end portion.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
50 words
A container according to claim 9 wherein said insert member is provided with a shank having said tapped opening formed therein; said shank being slitted axially to form a plurality of resilient segments; and spring means biasing said segments radially inwardly to lockingly engage the external threads of said stud.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
59 words
A container according to claim 1 in combination with a pallet for supporting said container; said pallet comprising a platform mounted on a plurality of spaced blocks; said pallet having upright side rails for supporting an assembled container substantially centrally on said platform and for retaining the disassembled panel members of a knocked down container in a nested condition.
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) | 1978-04-14 | 1978-10-14 | 1979-04-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-04-14 | 1982-10-14 | 1983-04-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-04-14 | 1986-10-14 | 1987-04-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |