US4792085A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Buckle-proof clamshell container
Assignee: Gravure Packaging Inc
•
Filing: 1987-01-09
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Granted: 1988-12-20
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Expires: 2007-01-09
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed are various diagonal incisions adjacent the hinge line of a clamshell container. These diagonal incisions allow opening of the clamshell container without permanent buckling. Also disclosed are ribs formed above, below, and parallel to, the hinge line of a clamshell container.
Inventors
- 👤 John S. Waring, III
- 👤 Gary E. Pluff
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 20:37
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D5/00; B65D5/42; B65D5/64; B65D5/66; B65D5/6626; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S229/00; Y10S229/902; Y10S229/92; Y10S229/93; Y10S229/931
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
In a clamshell type container having a top portion, a bottom portion, two side portions and a back panel portion separating said top portion from said bottom portion along a single hinge line having a midpoint halfway between said two side portions, said back panel portion having a central region which extends from the midpoint of said single hinge line about one-half of the distance from said midpoint to said side portion, the improvement comprising: intersecting, non-coextensive diagonal incisions formed in said back panel in said central region, both above and below, and for less than the entire length of, said hinge line, said diagonal incisions being so formed that any two thereof will touch one another at a point that lies approximately on said single hinge line, whereby permanent buckling of the back panel is avoided when said top portion is pivoted about said hinge line to open said container.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
151 words
In a clamshell type container having a top portion, a bottom portion, two side portions and a back panel portion separating said top portion from said bottom portion along a single hinge line having a midpoint halfway between said two side portions, said back panel portion having a central region which extends from the midpoint of said single hinge line about one-half of the distance from said midpoint to said side portion, the improvement comprising: intersecting, non-coextensive diagonal incisions formed in said back panel in said central region, both above and below, and for less than the entire length of, said hinge line, said diagonal incisions being so formed that any two thereof will touch one another at a point that lies approximately on said single hinge line, whereby permanent buckling of the back panel is avoided when said top portion is pivoted about said hinge line to open said container.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
An article according to claim 1, wherein said diagonal incisions are placed at the midpoint of the hinge line as it extends from one side of the container to the other.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article according to claim 1, wherein said diagonal incisions form the shape of a single "X".
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
An article according to claim 1, wherein said diagonal incisions form the shape of two "V"s, with each "V" having a tip.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article according to claim 1, wherein said diagonal incisions form the shape of a plurality of "V"s.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
An article according to claim 5, wherein said tips of said "V"s are oriented towards said midpoint of said back panel portion of said container.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
An article according to claim 6, wherein said tips of said "V"s are oriented towards said midpoint of said back panel portion of said container.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
An article according to claim 5, wherein said tips of said "V"s are oriented away from said midpoint of said back panel portion of said container.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
An article according to claim 6, wherein said tips of said "V"s are oriented away from said midpoint of said back panel portion of said container.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
An article according to claim 1, wherein the angle between said diagonal incisions and said hinge line is not less than 20°.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
An article according to claim 1, wherein the angle between said diagonal incisions and said hinge line is not more than 80°.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
An article according to claim 1, further including ribs formed on said back portion, said ribs being formed both above and below, and parallel to, said hinge line.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
An article according to claim 12, wherein the vertical extent of said diagonal incisions is no less than 15% of the total height of said back portion.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
An article according to claim 1, wherein said diagonal incisions are placed at the midpoint of the hinge line as it extends from one side of the container to the other.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article according to claim 14, wherein said diagonal incisions form the shape of a single "X".
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
An article according to claim 14 wherein said diagonal incisions form the shape of two "V"s.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article according to claim 14, wherein said diagonal incisions form the shape of a plurality of "V"s.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
An article according to claim 1, wherein the angle between said diagonal incisions and said hinge line is not less than 5°.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
An article according to claim 1, wherein the angle between said diagonal incisions and said hinge line is not ore than 85°.
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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) | 1991-12-20 | 1992-06-20 | 1992-12-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-12-20 | 1996-06-20 | 1996-12-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-12-20 | 2000-06-20 | 2000-12-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |