US3972416A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Safety matchbook with latching means
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1975-08-04
•
Granted: 1976-08-03
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Expires: 1995-08-04
Abstract
Abstract A safety matchbook is constructed with the usual front cover which tucks beneath a lower flap to close the matchbook. A ridge mounted on the underside of the flap is provided with a central opening. A projection mounted on the front cover at an off center location fits through the opening in order to interlock with the ridge and latch the matchbook in its closed position. To open the matchbook, the cover must be flexed laterally and simultaneously pushed downwardly to pass the projection by a stop member. The flap must then be raised in order to permit the projection to clear a ramp structure located within the ridge opening.
Inventors
- 👤 Ralph E. Underwood
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 03:28
CPC Classifications
A; A24; A24F; A24F27/00; A24F27/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
In a matchbook having first and second flap members adapted to overlap one another to close the matchbook, the combination therewith of: a ridge connected to said first flap member to project therefrom; means defining an opening in said ridge; and a projection connected to said second flap member and adapted to engagingly interlock with said ridge to latch said first and second flap members in overlapping relation, said projection being laterally offset from said opening but alignable therewith upon lateral flexing of one of said flap members, said projection being of a size to pass through said opening into and out of interlocking engagement with said ridge.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
108 words
In a matchbook having first and second flap members adapted to overlap one another to close the matchbook, the combination therewith of: a ridge connected to said first flap member to project therefrom; means defining an opening in said ridge; and a projection connected to said second flap member and adapted to engagingly interlock with said ridge to latch said first and second flap members in overlapping relation, said projection being laterally offset from said opening but alignable therewith upon lateral flexing of one of said flap members, said projection being of a size to pass through said opening into and out of interlocking engagement with said ridge.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
62 words
The combination of claim 1, including a stop member located in proximity to said opening at a position to impede alignment of said projection with said opening when said projection and ridge are interlocked, said first and second flap members being slidable relative to one another to permit movement of said projection past said stop member and into alignment with said opening.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The combination of claim 2, wherein said stop member includes a surface angling along one side of said opening to facilitate the movement of said projection past said stop member and into interlocking engagement with said ridge.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
54 words
The combination of claim 1, including an obstruction located within said opening to impede the passage of said projection therethrough in a direction disengaging said projection from said ridge, said first and second flap members being movable away from one another to permit said projection to clear said obstruction and pass through said opening.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The combination of claim 4, wherein said obstruction includes an inclined surface angled to facilitate movement of said projection through said opening in a direction to interlock with said ridge.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The combination of claim 1, including means defining an enlarged entry to said opening to facilitate the entry of said projection into said opening in a direction to interlock with said ridge.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
The combination of claim 1, including means on said first and second flap members for indicating the locations of said opening and projection, said indicating means being visible when said flap members are latched in overlapping relation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
The combination of claim 1, wherein said ridge and projection include inclined surfaces angled and shaped in conformity with one another for mating engagement to retain said ridge and projection interlocked.
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Cited
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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) | 1979-08-03 | 1980-02-02 | 1980-08-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-08-03 | 1984-02-02 | 1984-08-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-08-03 | 1988-02-02 | 1988-08-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |