Patent · US Expired

Molded container and lid having strategically positioned drainage opening

US6604647B1 · kind B1 · utility

19Cited by
47References
30Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJun 23, 1997
Grant dateAug 12, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 23, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB65D2543/00972
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A container includes first and second intersecting surfaces, and has at least one tearstrip opening to permit access to the contents of the container. The opening is positioned substantially at the intersection of those surfaces to permit drainage of substantially all of the contents of the container through the opening formed upon tearing of the tearstrip. Where the intersection is formed by a lid and a container wall, the lid has an outermost edge and the opening is positioned sufficiently near to the outermost edge to permit the desired drainage but also either does not tear the outermost edge (because the opening is sufficiently inwardly from the outermost edge) or does not destroy the hoop strength of a downwardly-depending hoop flange formed at the outermost edge. A plurality of such tearstrips may be provided and may be spaced from each other to provide pouring and/or venting in a variety of directions. The tearstrips may be provided with tab members to assist in their removal from the lid, and may be retained on the lid or completely removed depending upon the application. A shroud element protects the tearstrips from inadvertent dislodgment, and a resealing element closes …

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