Patent US4214660A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4214660A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Carton for beverage cans
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1979-03-19
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Granted: 1980-07-29
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Expires: 1999-03-19
Abstract
Abstract A carton for beverage cans is disclosed with a matrix of inspection holes provided in the top and bottom panels to permit viewing of the tops of the cans for the purpose of return refund and the like. The carton has a removable door to provide an access opening and a closure panel is provided so the carton may be used for returning empty beverage cans.
Inventors
- 👤 Letcher B. Hunt, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 06:28
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D71/00; B65D71/06; B65D71/12; B65D71/36; B65D2571/00; B65D2571/00123; B65D2571/00129; B65D2571/00135; B65D2571/00141; B65D2571/00432; B65D2571/00456; B65D2571/00475; B65D2571/00481; B65D2571/00555; B65D2571/00561; B65D2571/00648; B65D2571/00654; B65D2571/0066; B65D2571/00709; B65D2571/00722; B65D2571/00728; B65D2571/00833; B65D2571/00845
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
220 words
A carton for round cans all having the same diameter, said carton comprising: a rectangular box having front and back panels, two end panels, a bottom panel, said front and back panels being spaced apart by approximately "n" can diameters, said end panels being spaced apart by approximately "m" can diameters, said cartons providing "n" times "m" can positions and being adapted to receive a can in each position with the can bottom and top adjacent the bottom and top panels, respectively, one of said bottom and top panels defining a matrix of inspection holes in an arrangement such that a hole boundary extends across each can position within the perimeter of each position thereby exposing a portion of each can to view and retaining each can in position, one of the other panels defining a tear line circumscribing a first portion of said other panel whereby said first portion is adapted to be removed from a second portion of said other panel to provide an access opening in said box for removing the cans from the carton and returning the cans to the interior of the carton, and an additional panel connected with one of the other panels and adapted to extend across said access opening to retain the cans which are returned to the interior of the carton.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
220 words
A carton for round cans all having the same diameter, said carton comprising: a rectangular box having front and back panels, two end panels, a bottom panel, said front and back panels being spaced apart by approximately "n" can diameters, said end panels being spaced apart by approximately "m" can diameters, said cartons providing "n" times "m" can positions and being adapted to receive a can in each position with the can bottom and top adjacent the bottom and top panels, respectively, one of said bottom and top panels defining a matrix of inspection holes in an arrangement such that a hole boundary extends across each can position within the perimeter of each position thereby exposing a portion of each can to view and retaining each can in position, one of the other panels defining a tear line circumscribing a first portion of said other panel whereby said first portion is adapted to be removed from a second portion of said other panel to provide an access opening in said box for removing the cans from the carton and returning the cans to the interior of the carton, and an additional panel connected with one of the other panels and adapted to extend across said access opening to retain the cans which are returned to the interior of the carton.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
93 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said one of the other panels is an end panel and said tear line extends across said end panel between the top panel and the bottom panel and also extends from a point adjacent the edge of the top panel to one of the front and back panels and from a point adjacent the edge of the bottom panel to said one of the front and back panels, said panel portion being large enough for a can to roll through the access opening provided thereby.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
113 words
The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said additional panel is a foldable panel disposed inside said box adjacent said end panel and being supported adjacent said second portion of said panel, said foldable panel having an unfolded length greater than the length of said end panel, the foldable panel being adapted to be folded away from said first portion of said panel so as to avoid obstruction of said access opening when the first portion of said panel is removed whereby cans may be removed from said box and being adapted to be unfolded when the box is empty to extend across said access opening to retain cans in the box.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention as defined in claims 1 or 2 wherein both of said bottom and top panels define said matrix.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein some of said inspection holes are filled by respective hole covers, each respective cover being attached by a tear line to the respective panel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention as defined in claim 3 including retaining means adapted to receive the end of said foldable panel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
69 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein one of said front or back panels has an outer sheet and an inner sheet, each of said sheets defining a perforate tear line circumscribing a handle member, the tear line in the outer sheet overlying at least part of the tear line in the inner sheet whereby the handle portions can be folded out of the plane of the panel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention as defined in claim 7 wherein at least part of the outer tear line is outside the perimeter of the inner tear line.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said one of the other panels is an end panel.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention as defined in claims 1 or 2 wherein said matrix includes one inspection hole which does not extend over more than one can position.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention as defined in claims 1 or 2 wherein all of said inspection holes are circular and each hole does not extend over more than one can position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention as defined in claims 1 or 2 wherein said matrix includes plural inspection holes, some of said holes extending over a column of "n" can positions, said column being parallel to said end panels.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
38 words
The invention as defined in claims 1 or 2 wherein said matrix includes plural inspection holes, some of said holes extending over a row of one half "m" can positions, said rows extending perpendicular to said end panels.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
37 words
The invention as defined in claims 1 or 2 wherein said matrix includes plural inspection holes, some of said inspection holes extending over a row of "m" can positions, said row being perpendicular to said end panels.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
59 words
The invention as defined in claims 1 or 2 wherein said matrix includes plural inspection holes, some of said holes extending over a row of one half "m" can positions, said row being perpendicular to said end panels, and at least one hole extending over a column of "n" can positions, said column being parallel to said end panels.
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) | 1983-07-29 | 1984-01-28 | 1984-07-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-07-29 | 1988-01-28 | 1988-07-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-07-29 | 1992-01-28 | 1992-07-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |