US5842567A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Quick release package
Assignee: Alcon Research LLC
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Filing: 1997-11-12
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Granted: 1998-12-01
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Expires: 2017-11-12
Abstract
Abstract A package having two halves that are connected by a hinge. The hinge allows the halves to be folded against each other about a device and held in this position by snap/indentation pairs. A folded tab on one half rests against a detent on the other half. Pushing down on the folded tab causes the tab to straighten out and thereby push against the detent, eventually overcoming the frictional force of the snap/indentation pair closest to the tab and pushing the halves apart an amount sufficient to remove the device.
Inventors
- 👤 T. Scott Rowe
- 👤 Michael Meritt-Powell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 02:37
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B50/00; A61B50/30; A61B50/3001; A61B2050/005; A61B2050/0067; A61B2050/0083
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
78 words
A package, comprising: a) a first half having a detent; b) a second half having a foldable tab; (c) the first and second halves having a first snap/indentation pair and a second snap/indentation pair, the first snap/indentation pair having a release force less than the second snap/indentation pair; and (d) a hinge pivotally connecting the first half and the second half so that when the tab is folded, a free end of the tab rests against the detent.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
78 words
A package, comprising: a) a first half having a detent; b) a second half having a foldable tab; (c) the first and second halves having a first snap/indentation pair and a second snap/indentation pair, the first snap/indentation pair having a release force less than the second snap/indentation pair; and (d) a hinge pivotally connecting the first half and the second half so that when the tab is folded, a free end of the tab rests against the detent.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The package of claim 1 wherein the first half, the second half, the tab and the hinge are integrally molded from a thermoformed plastic.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The package of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of cavities formed in the first half and the second half.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
136 words
A method of opening a package, the package having a first half with a detent, a second half with a foldable tab, a first snap/indentation pair, a second snap/indentation pair and a hinge pivotally connecting the first half and the second half so that when the tab is folded, a free end of the tab rests against the detent, the first snap is frictionally engaged in the first indentation and the second snap is frictionally engaged in the second indentation, the method comprising: depressing the folded tab with sufficient force so as to overcome the friction force holding the first snap/indentation pair together without overcoming the frictional force holding the second snap/indentation pair together, thereby pivoting the first half and the second half apart about the hinge an amount sufficient to allow removal of a device.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
136 words
A method of opening a package, the package having a first half with a detent, a second half with a foldable tab, a first snap/indentation pair, a second snap/indentation pair and a hinge pivotally connecting the first half and the second half so that when the tab is folded, a free end of the tab rests against the detent, the first snap is frictionally engaged in the first indentation and the second snap is frictionally engaged in the second indentation, the method comprising: depressing the folded tab with sufficient force so as to overcome the friction force holding the first snap/indentation pair together without overcoming the frictional force holding the second snap/indentation pair together, thereby pivoting the first half and the second half apart about the hinge an amount sufficient to allow removal of a device.
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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) | 2001-11-30 | 2002-06-01 | 2002-12-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-11-30 | 2006-06-01 | 2006-12-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-11-30 | 2010-06-01 | 2010-12-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |