US4474491A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Can stacker
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1981-12-17
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Granted: 1984-10-02
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Expires: 2001-12-17
Abstract
Abstract A can stacker comprising a square piece or interlocking element of moulded plastic material with circular recesses on both sides to conform to the diameter of the ends of empty beverage cans to be stacked, which cans constitute throw away items. The four edges of the plastic piece are shaped like a square dove-tail, with two adjoining sides male and the other two adjoining sides female so that may interlock horizontally with other interlocking elements in parallel vertical stacks as well as interlocking the ends of vertically stacked cans. Such cans may be used for building numerous useful items, such as coffee tables, bookcases, room divider, etc.
Inventors
- 👤 John Ferrarelli
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 09:24
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47B; A47B96/00; A47B96/14; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T403/00; Y10T403/57; Y10T403/5733
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
Construction assembly of empty cylindrical cans comprising interlocking elements, each of substantially square outline with upper and lower cylindrical well portions of substantially the same diameter as that of the ends of the cans, which they snugly receive, two adjoining rectangular sides of said elements constituting female elements of substantially square dove-tailed shape, and the other two adjoining rectangular sides constituting male elements, correspondingly shaped to fit therein, for horizontally interlocking one element with another element in another vertically stacked row of cans in close horizontal proximity so as to form a pillar assembly, and a small center hole extending through each of said well portions for inserting of fastening screws or bolts to secure the bottom and top interlocking elements of said vertically stacked row of cans to the top and bottom surfaces respectively of shelving for vertical and horizontal rigidity of the entire assembly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
146 words
Construction assembly of empty cylindrical cans comprising interlocking elements, each of substantially square outline with upper and lower cylindrical well portions of substantially the same diameter as that of the ends of the cans, which they snugly receive, two adjoining rectangular sides of said elements constituting female elements of substantially square dove-tailed shape, and the other two adjoining rectangular sides constituting male elements, correspondingly shaped to fit therein, for horizontally interlocking one element with another element in another vertically stacked row of cans in close horizontal proximity so as to form a pillar assembly, and a small center hole extending through each of said well portions for inserting of fastening screws or bolts to secure the bottom and top interlocking elements of said vertically stacked row of cans to the top and bottom surfaces respectively of shelving for vertical and horizontal rigidity of the entire assembly.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1987-10-02 | 1988-04-02 | 1988-10-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-10-02 | 1992-04-02 | 1992-10-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-10-02 | 1996-04-02 | 1996-10-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |