Patent US4776460A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4776460A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Package structure
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1987-09-24
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Granted: 1988-10-11
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Expires: 2007-09-24
Abstract
Abstract A package is shown comprising a substantially rectangular, open-ended tube structure with resilient sides, the longer ends of the tube having an inwardly concave shape. The structure is particularly adapted for packaging individual product units intended for sale in coin operated vending machines.
Inventors
- 👤 Arlan Hoffman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 10:50
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D75/00; B65D75/04; B65D75/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
52 words
A package container for holding vended articles comprising a four-sided, open-ended tube structure possessing resilient sides, opposite longer sides of said structure having inwardly concave shape, and being adapted to press against articles inserted therein, thereby holding said articles securely within said structure, while opposite shorter sides of said structure are straight.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
52 words
A package container for holding vended articles comprising a four-sided, open-ended tube structure possessing resilient sides, opposite longer sides of said structure having inwardly concave shape, and being adapted to press against articles inserted therein, thereby holding said articles securely within said structure, while opposite shorter sides of said structure are straight.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The package container of claim 1 wherein said tube structure is made from plastic.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The process of dispensing the package containers of claim 1 from a coin operated vending machine.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The package container of claim 1 wherein the vended article is a condom
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) | 1991-10-11 | 1992-04-11 | 1992-10-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-10-11 | 1996-04-11 | 1996-10-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-10-11 | 2000-04-11 | 2000-10-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |