US4398491A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Acoustic indicator of vacuum level in containers
Assignee: Continental Group Inc
•
Filing: 1981-06-03
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Granted: 1983-08-16
•
Expires: 2001-06-03
Abstract
Abstract This relates to the provision of a vacuum indicator in a container wherein a product is vacuum packaged. Most specifically, an end unit for a conventional container is provided with a vent opening through which air rushes into the container when opened. There is secured to the underside of the end unit a whistle device in communication with the opening so that the inwardly rushing air actuates the whistle device and causes the whistle device to emit a whistling sound in accordance with the vacuum present within the container and thereby gives an audible indication of the freshness of the product.
Inventors
- 👤 James J. Fridl
- 👤 Heinz W. Nonnemann
- 👤 Robert D. Payne
- 👤 Wesley J. Szpitalak
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 03:37
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D81/00; B65D81/18; B65D81/20; B65D81/2007; B65D81/2015; G; G08; G08B; G08B21/00; G08B21/18; G08B21/20; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S206/00; Y10S206/829
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
62 words
An end unit attached to a vacuum pack container, said end unit including a flat panel portion with an opening therethrough, vacuum indicating means in the form of a whistle device on the underside of said flat panel portion in communication with said opening, and a removable closure secured to an upper side of said flat panel and normally closing said opening.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
62 words
An end unit attached to a vacuum pack container, said end unit including a flat panel portion with an opening therethrough, vacuum indicating means in the form of a whistle device on the underside of said flat panel portion in communication with said opening, and a removable closure secured to an upper side of said flat panel and normally closing said opening.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
An end unit according to claim 1 wherein said whistle device is a cavity whistle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
An end unit according to claim 1 wherein said whistle device is a reed whistle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
An end unit according to claim 1 wherein said whistle device is an air stream splitting whistle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
An end unit according to claim 1 wherein said end unit is part of a sealed container having a product packed therein under sealed vacuum conditions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
An end unit according to claim 1 wherein said removable closure is a peelable tape at least in part releaseable from said panel portion to uncover said opening.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
An end unit according to claim 6 wherein an end portion of said tape is permanently secured to said panel portion.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
An end unit for a vacuum pack container according to claim 1 wherein said vacuum indicating means is actuated by removal of said removable closure.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
A sealed vacuum pack container according to claim 5 wherein said vacuum indicating means is actuated by removal of said removable closure.
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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) | 1986-08-15 | 1987-02-14 | 1987-08-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-08-15 | 1991-02-14 | 1991-08-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-08-15 | 1995-02-14 | 1995-08-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |