Patent · US Expired

Retainable access tab for a flowable material container

US5860586A · kind A · utility

5Cited by
8References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 18, 1996
Grant dateJan 19, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 18, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02W30/80
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A retainable access tab for a laminate for a carton blank is disclosed. The retainable access tab may have a predetermined configuration such as keyhole configuration or a hourglass configuration. The retainable access tab extends the length of a roof panel of a carton which is formed from the carton blank. In this manner, a shortened straw may be utilized to access the entire contents of the carton. The retainable access tab provides a hygienic environment for accessing the contents of the carton by revealing a previously untarnished surface for penetration of the straw. The retainable access tab has a hinge which allows it to be retained to the carton after insertion of a straw, In this manner, the potential for littering is decreased and the potential for greater recycling is increased by the present invention.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.