US3917152A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Egg carton
Assignee: Dow Chemical Co
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Filing: 1972-02-07
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Granted: 1975-11-04
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Expires: 1992-02-07
Abstract
Abstract An egg carton structure, particularly designed to package extra large or jumbo grade size eggs and the like, having a bottom section with a plurality of downwardly disposed deep receiving pockets or cells and an interconnected closable cover and locking means. The walls of adjacent cells extend upwardly to form resilient dividers or separators between the cells to prevent contact of eggs reposing in adjacent cells. Variable thicknesses of cell and divider walls, in conjunction with a combination of other unique elements, results in a structure which can be easily thermoformed into a serviceable carton and does not require extensive lateral or transverse ribs, walls or other means to provide lateral support between cells or general stiffness reinforcement of the egg carton as previously considered necessary.
Inventors
- 👤 Francis L Burkett
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 13:58
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D85/00; B65D85/30; B65D85/32; B65D85/324
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
142 words
In combination with a packaging structure designed to package eggs and the like, wherein the improvement comprises: a body section including a plurality of downwardly directed deep egg receiving pockets or cells, all adjacent cells or pockets separated by at least one flexible thin walled separator preventing substantial contact and providing resilience and flexibility between said eggs and the like to be positioned in said adjacent cells or pockets, said separators formed by upwardly directed extension walls from cell or pocket walls of said adjacent cells or pockets, said extension walls terminating in upper end walls, said cells or pockets having relatively thick cross-sections to provide structural strength in said structure and said separators having relatively thin cross-sections to prevent substantial contact and provide resilience and flexibility between said eggs and the like to be positioned in said adjacent cells or pockets.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
142 words
In combination with a packaging structure designed to package eggs and the like, wherein the improvement comprises: a body section including a plurality of downwardly directed deep egg receiving pockets or cells, all adjacent cells or pockets separated by at least one flexible thin walled separator preventing substantial contact and providing resilience and flexibility between said eggs and the like to be positioned in said adjacent cells or pockets, said separators formed by upwardly directed extension walls from cell or pocket walls of said adjacent cells or pockets, said extension walls terminating in upper end walls, said cells or pockets having relatively thick cross-sections to provide structural strength in said structure and said separators having relatively thin cross-sections to prevent substantial contact and provide resilience and flexibility between said eggs and the like to be positioned in said adjacent cells or pockets.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The packaging structure of claim 1 wherein said structure is a carton including a closable cover and a means to maintain said cover closed, said cover and means to maintain said cover closed having relatively thick cross-sections to provide structural strength in said carton.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The packaging structure of claim 1 wherein said structure is a filler flat adapted to be positioned one on top of the other in a container.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
72 words
The packaging structure of claim 1 wherein said cells or pockets are disposed in adjacent rows and four adjacent cells or pockets formed by two adjacent cells or pockets located in each of two adjacent rows are interconnected with intermediate horizontal transverse walls which are centrally and symmetrically located with respect to said four adjacent cells or pockets, said transverse walls having relatively thick cross-sections to provide structural strength in said structure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
The packaging structure of claim 4 wherein said extension walls of said separators have a thickness of from about 5 to 25 mils and said cells or pockets and horizontal transverse walls have a thickness of from about 30 to 120 mils.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The packaging structure of claim 4 wherein said structure is formed from molded pulp.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The packaging structure Of claim 4 wherein said structure is formed from thermoplastic foam.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The packaging structure of claim 5 wherein said thermoplastic foam is polystyrene foam sheet.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-11-03 | 1979-05-05 | 1979-11-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-03 | 1983-05-05 | 1983-11-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-03 | 1987-05-05 | 1987-11-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |