The present invention relates to a composite article for providing a desired combination of related and cooperating components for maintenance or cleaning operations. More particularly, the invention relates to a composite article for providing a related combination of components for the hygiene of an individual, such as the changing of a diaper on an infant.
Conventional systems for providing hygienic components for the care of an individual have included infant care bags for storing bottles, diapers, wet wipes, and other infant care supplies. Particular diaper changing bags have included closeable storage compartments, and have included carrying handles and foldable flaps.
Other systems have provided a package which included a disposable diaper, a separate changing pad and disposal container. The package could also include a closeable packet for retaining a wet wipe. Still other systems have included a disposable diaper with a diaper body having a pouch arranged to enclose a changing pad. The changing pad is removable from the pouch, and containers for holding personal care products, such as lotions, powders, oils, ointments, and wipes, are connected to the changing pad.
Conventional systems, such as those described above, have been cumbersome and unwieldy. Where components have been packaged together, it has been difficult to deploy the changing pad without scattering the other package contents. Where components such as changing pads and wet wipes are contained within the structure of a disposable diaper, the infant may be burdened with carrying about extra items which are bulky or uncomfortable. In other systems, a changing pad has been employed to package a diaper and possibly other related items. With the above systems, it has been difficult to simultaneously deploy the system while managing a squirming infant.
As a result, there has remained a need for a disposable assembly which conveniently and efficiently provides a desired combination of a drape or pad along with one or more other individual associated items for a given task. In particular, there has remained a need for a convenient and easy to use composite article which includes needed components for individual hygiene. For example, there has remained a need for a composite article which provides a changing pad and an individual disposable garment, along with optional wet wipe(s).
Generally stated, the present invention provides a disposable assembly relating to the changing of a disposable garment. The assembly includes a drape defined by a sheet having a terminal end opposite a free end, and a drape width. The assembly further includes a package having a first compartment, a package width, and an accessible outer surface located opposite an attachment outer surface. The attachment outer surface defines an attachment area. There is a disposable garment disposed in the first compartment. The terminal end of the drape is attached to the attachment outer surface of the package so that only a portion of the attachment area is covered by the drape.
In another aspect of the present invention, a disposable assembly is used to protect a surface for performing a task. The disposable assembly includes a drape defined by a sheet having a terminal end opposite a free end. The assembly further includes a package having a first compartment and a second compartment, and an accessible outer surface opposite an attachment outer surface. The attachment outer surface defines an attachment area. A first article is disposed in the first compartment and a second article is disposed in the second compartment. The terminal end of the drape is attached to the attachment outer surface of the package so that only a portion of the attachment area is covered by the drape.
In yet another aspect of the invention is a method of protecting a surface for performing a change of an absorbent garment. The method includes a step of providing a disposable assembly in a storage condition, the disposable assembly comprising a drape defined by a sheet having a terminal end opposite a free end; a package having a first compartment; and a disposable garment disposed in the first compartment; wherein the terminal end of the drape is attached to the attachment outer surface of the package so that only a portion of the attachment area is covered by the drape. Other steps include: deploying the disposable assembly onto a support surface; opening the first compartment; and removing the absorbent garment.
When compared to conventional devices, such as those described above, the various aspects of the composite article of the invention can provide a more effective combination and presentation of associated and interrelated components. In particular, aspects the present invention can more efficiently provide a more readily usable and effective combination of personal hygiene components, such as a drape in the form of a changing pad, a disposable diaper, and a plurality of wet wipes. The composite article advantageously provides an ergonomically designed combination package which is more easily opened and manipulated. The drape can be easily unfolded while the other contained components are maintained in place. Once the drape is opened, the other components are conveniently presented for ready use. Advantageously, the assembly may be deployed with one hand.
The present invention will be more fully understood and further advantages will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention and the drawings, in which:
The various embodiments of the invention will be described in the context of a disposable assembly 10 which includes a disposable absorbent garment article, such as a disposable diaper. Typically, the disposable articles are intended for limited use and are not intended to be laundered or otherwise cleaned for reuse. It is, however, readily apparent that the present invention could also be employed with other articles, such as children's training pants, adult incontinence products, feminine care products, items for bathing kits; items for dining; items for medical kits; items for shoe polish kits; items for use at the beach; and other applications where it is desirable to cover a surface with a drape while performing a particular task.
The disposable assembly 10 is has three main component categories, namely: a flexible package 12; a drape 14, which may be sized appropriately to function as a changing pad; and one or more articles 16, which may take many different forms, e.g. diapers and wipes. With reference to
Package 12 includes one or more compartments for holding article(s) 16. In one exemplary embodiment shown in
In the various configurations of the invention, the package 12 is desirably composed of any operable sheet material, which is sufficiently flexible and a foldable, such as a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a cellulosic sheet, a polymer film or the like, as well as combinations thereof. Suitable woven fabrics can include, for example, woven fabrics of cotton, rayon, linen, as well as other natural or synthetic fibers, and the like. Examples of suitable nonwoven fabrics include hydroentangled pulp, spunbond fabrics, SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) fabrics, SBL (stretch-bonded-laminate) fabrics, GORTEX fabrics, STL (stretch-thermal-laminate) fabrics or the like, as well as combinations thereof. Suitable polymer films include, for example, films composed of polyethylene, LDPE (low-density polyethylene), LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene), ULDPE (ultra-low-density polyethylene), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), polypropylene, polyethylene/EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) copolymers, a blend of polyethylenes, paper, nylon, cellophane, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) film, metallic foil, metalized films, polyester films, microporous breathable films or the like, as well as combinations thereof. In the representatively shown arrangement, the package 12 is a film composed of a low density polyethylene blend.
In particular aspects of the invention, the material of the package 12 is configured to be substantially liquid impermeable. For example, the package 12 can be constructed of a substantially liquid impermeable polymer film. Alternatively, the package 12 can be composed of a fabric which has been treated or otherwise configured to be substantially liquid impermeable. For example, the package 12 may be composed of a sheet comprising a laminate of a polymer film and a woven or nonwoven fabric layer.
Desirably, the material of the package 12 is configured to be thermally fusible. For example the package can include films or fibers which are heat-bondable. Accordingly, a bonding of the package can be accomplished by adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, thermal-mechanical embossing or crimping, ultrasonic bonding, or the like.
In the embodiment of the present invention shown in
The packets may be placed in series such that two sealed ends 40 of the separate packets are aligned together and bonded to form a joint 42, such as the fin seam that is best seen in
While the package 12 is depicted as being constructed from two separate packets 22, other alternative constructions are possible. In one such alternative, package 12 may be a substantially unitary member composed of a single, unit sheet of tubular material. When the packets 22 are constructed from a continuous sheet or tubular material, they may remain integrally connected, and cut from the continuous tubular configuration two at a time. In yet another alternative, the package 12 is composed of a sheet material that is an assembly of a plurality of pieces joined and affixed along their edges to form a larger contiguous sheet.
Referring now to
So that articles 16 may be readily accessed from each packet 22 without having to cut the packet or create an arbitrary tear thereon, an opening of some kind may be located on a surface of the packet. For instance, a finished packet 22 has length 44 and a width 46 (with respect to the longitudinal axis of the deployed or used disposable assembly 10, shown in
With reference to
In other aspects of the invention, the disposable assembly 10 may include an opening mechanism which allows a selective defeating of the closure 36 to provide a convenient access to the drape 14. For example, the article opening mechanism can include a system of frangible lines (not shown) which may be positioned along the folded edge 39 of the tape to selectively open the closure 36. Other possibilities include a string that is embedded in the tape and oriented along fold 39 such that when the string is pulled, the tape is separated at the fold 39. Examples of other releasable attachments include zippers, ZIPLOC® fasteners, hook-and-loop fasteners, releasable stitching or the like, as well as combinations thereof.
In other embodiments of the present invention, it is contemplated that various types of conventional packet configurations can be employed with the present invention. Examples of suitable packet designs and opening systems can include a packet with a ZIPLOC® opening or a hardpack with a latch opening, and the previously mentioned packet having a cover selectively closable with a resealable adhesive and a packet with a frangible seal. The type of opening may be determined by the contents inside the packet 22. For example, it may be desirable to close a packet containing wet wipes with a resealable adhesive cover. This will allow users to access a single wipe and reseal the package, should one be needed prior to deploying the package 12.
Thus, in particular configurations, the package 12 may includes an operative packet 22 opening system for selectively providing an access into the packet for removing the individual wipes for use, as desired. In one embodiment of the present invention, the opening system can include a removable panel 55 which can be selectively peeled away in a direction 62 to expose the opening 52 into the packet 22. The removable panel 55 may include a grasping pull-tab 60, and may or may not be completely detachable from the packet. A releasable seal can, for example, be provided by a releasable adhesive, or a releasable mechanical fastener, such as described elsewhere herein. However, if resealability is not desired, other adhesives or constructions may be used.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the packet 22 opening system can include a line or other suitable region of frangibility, with or without a removable panel 55. It is further contemplated that the removable panel 55 may actually peel away with it a portion of the accessible surface 48 to simultaneously create opening 52. It is contemplated that there may be a single removable panel 55 covering any number of openings 52 located on the assembly surface 48. For example (not shown), a single removable panel could bridge the fold lone 30 and extend to cover both of the openings covered by the two removable panels 55 depicted in
The disposable assembly 10 can further employ a displaying mechanism for presenting the composite article to user. For example, the displaying mechanism can comprise an aperture or hanger (neither shown) located on a sealed end 40 or a hanger located on the body of package 12, such as on a surface 48 or 50. The aperture or hanger allows a hanging of the composite article on a display hook or rod. The aperture may be located, and desirably centered, in a relatively shorter-length edge region of the package 12. Examples of other suitable displaying mechanisms can include hooks, tabs, straps, clips, pins, latches, adhesive strips or the like, as well as combinations thereof.
It should be readily appreciated that the disposable assembly 10 may include decorative and/or informational indicia and/or graphics on the package 12 (particularly on the accessible surface 48), the drape layer 14, the optional removable panel 55 (such as on outer surface 54), or any other component of the composite article. Any indicia visible from the outer surface of the package 12, including any indicia shown on a packet opening mechanism, may be oriented for intended display at any desired rotational angle of the disposable assembly 10. For example, the intended display of the indicia may be when the longer dimension of the closed package is aligned horizontally, or optionally may be when the shorter dimension of the closed package is aligned horizontally. Regardless, the indicia may be oriented so that it is most readily recognizable or readable when the product is displayed in the store.
As illustrated in
The drape 14 has an appointed working surface 86 and an oppositely positioned support contact surface 88. Desirably, the working surface 86 is appointed to be a user side surface of the drape 14. The support contact surface 88 is appointed to be placed against the ground, floor, table, bed, or whatever surface is used to support the activity associated with the disposable assembly 10, such as the diaper changing example shown in the figures.
The drape 14 may also be configured to exhibit an increased coefficient of friction to help reduce slippage or other movement of the disposable assembly 10 relative to its underlying support surface, or to prevent slippage of whatever object is placed on the working surface 86 of drape 14. Various types of techniques may be employed to adjust the frictional coefficient. For example, the coefficient of friction can be increased by embossing the surfaces 86 and/or 88 of the drape 14, or by applying a high-friction surface treatment, applying adhesives, employing blooming slip agents, coatings, applying chemical/electrical discharge treatments, or the like to such surfaces.
In the various configurations of the invention, the drape 14 may be composed of any operative sheet material which is sufficiently flexible and foldable, such as a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a paper layer, a polymer film or the like, as well as combinations thereof. The drape 14 may be a substantially unitary member composed of a single, unit sheet of material, or may be an assembly composed of a plurality of pieces joined and affixed along their edges to form a larger contiguous sheet. Suitable woven fabrics include, for example, fabrics of cotton, rayon, linen, as well as other natural or synthetic fibers, and the like. Suitable nonwoven fabrics include hydroentangled pulp, spunbond fabrics, SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) fabrics, SBL (stretch-bonded-laminate) fabrics, GORTEX® fabrics, STL (stretch-thermal-laminate) fabrics or the like, as well as combinations thereof. Suitable polymer films include films composed of polyethylene, LDPE (low-density polyethylene), LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene), ULDPE (ultra-low-density polyethylene), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), polypropylene, polyethylene/EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) copolymers, a blend of polyethylenes, paper, nylon, cellophane, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) film, metallic foil, metalized films, polyester films, microporous, breathable films or the like, as well as combinations thereof.
For example, the drape 14 may include a nonwoven fabric layer portion laminated to a barrier layer portion. The fabric portion is suitably joined and secured to the barrier portion with a suitable attachment mechanism, such as adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, sonic bonding, stitching, pinning, stapling, clipping, entangling, another system of chemical or mechanical interaction or the like, as well as combinations thereof. In one non-limiting yet desired configuration, the drape 14 includes a nonwoven fabric portion at the working surface 86, the fabric portion composed of a polypropylene spunbond fabric provided at a basis weight of about 10 to about 40 gsm. The fabric portion is laminated to a barrier film portion located at the support contact surface 88, which has a total film thickness of about 0.5 to about 5 mils and may be formed from polyethylene.
In particular aspects of the invention, the drape 14 can be configured to be substantially liquid impermeable. For example, the drape 14 can include a substantially liquid impermeable polymer film. In other arrangements, the drape 14 can include a woven or nonwoven fabric which is water repellent, or has been treated or otherwise configured to be substantially liquid impermeable. For example, a woven or nonwoven fabric can be coated or otherwise treated with a water repellent material to impart an operative level of liquid impermeability. In a desired configuration, the drape 14 can be a laminate member composed of a nonwoven, spunbond polypropylene fibrous layer and a polypropylene catalloy barrier film. The working surface may also be treated with anti-bacterial and/or anti-viral agent.
In particular other aspects of the invention, the drape 14 can be configured to be insulated. For example, the drape 14 may include a closed-cell foam layer to provide a measure of insulation. This may be advantageous when placing a baby on a drape supported by a cold surface.
Various types of articles 16 may be incorporated into the disposable assembly 10 of the present invention. For example, the article 16 can include a child's diaper or training pant, an adult incontinence product, a feminine care product, an item for shining shoes, an item for jewelry cleaning, an item for medical treatment, an item for first-aid, an item for dining, an item items for use at the beach, or the like.
In the representatively shown arrangements, a first article 16 can comprise a disposable absorbent article, such as the disposable diaper 130 shown in
In other embodiments of the present invention, the composite article 16 can include take the form of a toy, diaper powder and/or lotion, a disposal bag, or the like, as well as combinations thereof. The packet may contain one or more wet wipes or towelettes. In the non-limiting example shown in
At least a portion of the flexible drape 14 is affixed to the package 12, and more particularly, the drape 14 is at least partially overlapped or otherwise superposed on the package 12. In the shown arrangement, the drape 14 is superposed over a portion of the entire attachment area defined by the attachment surface 50 of package 12. Desirably, about 5 to about 95 percent of the attachment area is covered by the drape. In the alternative, about 10 to about 85 percent of the attachment area is covered by the drape. In yet another alternative, about 20 to 60 percent of the attachment area is covered by the drape 14.
In particular, to attach drape 14 to package 12, the working surface 86 may be positioned immediately adjacent the attachment surface 50 of the package, as shown in
In the alternative, the package 12 can be pivotably attached to the support contact surface 88 of the drape 14 at a location which is generally adjacent to the terminal edge 98 of drape 14. In this arrangement, the package 12 is pivotably movable to the deployed condition, as determined when the drape 14 is in its unfolded condition and disposed on a support with the working surface 86 facing the user.
In an optional aspect of the invention, the package 12 can be releasably attached to the drape 14. The releasability can, for example, be provided by a frangible bond between the package 12 and the drape 14. The frangible bond can, for example, be provided by an appointed region of frangibility, a releasable adhesive fastener, a releasable mechanical fastener, or the like. Examples of releasable mechanical fasteners include snaps, zippers, ZIPLOC fasteners, cooperating hook-and-loop fasteners (including, e.g. mushroom-and-loop fasteners), clips, other cooperating systems of interengaging mechanical elements, or the like, as well as combinations thereof.
With reference to
In the shown configurations, the location of the longitudinal fold line 34 generally corresponds to the location of the package fold line 30. Desirably, the drape 14 may be substantially centered with respect to the width of the package 12 (e.g.
The folds with respect to the lateral fold lines 90 may all be arranged to turn or pivot in generally the same direction, or may be arranged to pivot in a zigzag, accordion-type configuration. In addition, the drape 14 may be folded along its lateral fold lines in any suitable sequence.
In operation, the package 12 is unfolded so that the drape 14 can be unfolded to its open, deployed position. The first compartment 18 and second compartment 20, such as the diaper and the wipes compartments, can then be readily accessed and used. The unfolding of the drape 14 and the movement or removal of the contained unit components can occur in a sequence which is substantially a reverse of the sequence which was employed to enclose the unit components, and to fold the drape 14 and package 12.
In another embodiment of the present invention, there is a method of protecting a surface for performing a change of an absorbent garment, such as a diaper 130. Provided is the disposable assembly 10 in a folded, storage condition that is desirably fastened with a closure 36. The assembly 10 is then deployed. Deployment may occur by opening the closure 36; unfolding the package 12 to reveal the folded drape 14, unfolding the drape 14; and placing the support contact surface of the drape onto a support surface. The drape 14 may be grasped at the free end 100 of the drape 14 and spread out on the support surface such as a floor or table. Desirably, the working surface 86 faces the user, and the opposite surface 88 makes contact with the support. A baby 200 may be disposed on the surface 86 in any position the user chooses. The compartments 18, 20 may be opened as desired to remove the articles 16 stored within. For example, the compartment 18 may be opened to obtain a wet wipe, and the compartment 20 may be opened to obtain the diaper 130. The compartments may be opened by breaking a frangible seal or removing a removable panel as described above.
The diaper 130 is shown in
The diaper 130 generally defines a longitudinally extending length dimension 156, and a laterally extending width dimension 158, as representatively illustrated in
The backsheet 138 defines a length and a width that, in the illustrated version, coincide with the length and width of the diaper 130. The absorbent core 142 generally defines a length and width that are less than the length and width of the backsheet 138, respectively. Thus, marginal portions of the diaper 130, such as marginal sections of the backsheet 138, may extend past the transversely opposed, longitudinally extending terminal side edges 160 and/or the longitudinally opposed, transversely extending terminal end edges 162 of the absorbent core 142 to form side margins 164 and end margins 166 of the diaper 130. The topsheet 140 is generally coextensive with the backsheet 138, but may optionally cover an area that is larger or smaller than the area of the backsheet, as desired. The backsheet 138 and topsheet 140 are intended to face the garment and body of the wearer, respectively, while in use. The topsheet 140 and the backsheet 138 can, for example, be joined to each other in at least a portion of the diaper periphery 144 by attachment mechanisms (not shown) such as adhesive bonds, sonic bonds, thermal bonds, pinning, stitching, or a variety of other attachment techniques known in the art, as well as combinations thereof.
The topsheet 140 suitably presents a bodyfacing surface which is compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, the topsheet 140 may be less hydrophilic than the absorbent core 142, to present a relatively dry surface to the wearer, and is sufficiently porous to be liquid permeable, permitting liquid to penetrate readily through its thickness. A suitable topsheet 140 may be manufactured from a wide selection of web materials, such as porous foams, reticulated foams, apertured plastic films, natural fibers, synthetic fibers (for example, polyester or polypropylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet 140 is suitably employed to help isolate the wearer's skin from liquids held in the absorbent core 142.
Various woven and nonwoven fabrics may be used for the topsheet 140. For example, the topsheet 140 may be composed of a meltblown or spunbonded web of polyolefin fibers. The topsheet 140 may also be a bonded-carded web composed of natural and/or synthetic fibers. The topsheet 140 may be composed of a substantially hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material may, optionally, be treated with a surfactant, or otherwise processed, to impart a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity. Specifically, the topsheet 140 may be a nonwoven, spunbond, polypropylene fabric.
The backsheet 138 may suitably be composed of a material which is either liquid permeable or liquid impermeable. It is generally desirable that the backsheet 138 be formed from a substantially liquid impermeable material. For example, a typical backsheet 138 can be manufactured from a thin plastic film or other flexible liquid impermeable material. Further, the backsheet 138 may be formed of a woven or nonwoven fibrous web layer which has been totally or partially constructed or treated to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability to selected regions that are adjacent or proximate the absorbent core 142. Still further, the backsheet 138 may optionally be composed of micro-porous “breathable” material that permits vapors to escape from the absorbent core 142 while still preventing liquid exudates from passing through the backsheet.
The absorbent core 142 may comprise a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as a web of cellulosic fluff, mixed with particles of a high-absorbency material commonly known as superabsorbent material. In a particular version, the absorbent core 142 comprises a mixture of superabsorbent hydrogel-forming particles and wood pulp fluff. The wood pulp fluff may be exchanged with synthetic polymeric, meltblown fibers or with a combination of meltblown fibers and natural fibers. The superabsorbent particles may be substantially homogeneously mixed with the hydrophilic fibers or may be non-uniformly mixed.
The high-absorbency material can be selected from natural, synthetic and modified natural polymers and materials. The high-absorbency materials can be inorganic materials, such as silica gels, or organic compounds, such as crosslinked polymers. The term “crosslinked” refers to any means for effectively rendering normally water-soluble materials substantially water insoluble, but swellable.
Examples of synthetic, polymeric, high-absorbency materials include the alkali metal and ammonium salts of poly(acrylic acid) and poly(methacrylic acid), poly(acrylamides), poly(vinyl ethers), maleic anhydride copolymers with vinyl ethers and alpha-olefins, poly(vinyl pyrolidone), poly(vinyl morpholinone), poly(vinyl alcohol), and mixtures and copolymers thereof. Further polymers suitable for use in the absorbent core include natural and modified natural polymers, such as hydrolyzed acrylonitrile-grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and the natural gums, such as alginates, xanthum gum, locust bean gum, and the like. Mixtures of natural and wholly or partially synthetic absorbent polymers can also be useful. Processes for preparing synthetic, absorbent gelling polymers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,663, issued to Masuda et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,082, issued to Tsubakimoto et al.
As representatively illustrated in
The diaper 130 may further include elastics at the end edges 148 and side edges 146 of the diaper 130 to further prevent leakage of body exudates and support the absorbent core 142. The diaper 130 may also include a pair of waist elastics 152 that are connected to the end edges 148 of the diaper 130. The leg elastics 150 and waist elastics 152 are generally adapted to fit about the legs and waist of a wearer in use to maintain a positive, contacting relationship with the wearer to effectively reduce or eliminate the leakage of body exudates from the diaper 130.
The elastics may be adhered to the backsheet 138 in a stretched position, or they may be attached to the backsheet 138 while the backsheet 138 is pleated, such that elastic constrictive forces are imparted to the backsheet 138. The leg elastics 150 may also include such materials as polyurethane, synthetic and natural rubber. The waist elastics 152 may be formed by elastic strands attached to the backsheet 138 or they may be formed by attaching separate pieces of stretchable materials to the waist regions of the article.
The disposable absorbent articles can but need not necessarily comprise fasteners 167 for securing the absorbent article about the waist of the wearer. The illustrated versions of the diaper 130 comprise such fasteners 167. In at least one version, the fasteners 167 are situated in the rear region 134 of the diaper 130, and are located inboard each longitudinal extending side edge 146. The fasteners 167 may be configured to encircle the hips of the wearer and engage the backsheet 138 of the front region 132 of the diaper 130 for holding the diaper on the wearer. Suitable fasteners are well known to those of skill in the art and can comprise adhesive tape tab fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, mushroom fasteners, snaps, pin, belts and the like, and combinations thereof. Desirably, the fasteners 167 are releasably engageable directly with the garment-facing surface of the backsheet 138. Desirably, the fasteners 167 comprise a mechanical fastening system.
By way of illustration only, various materials and methods for constructing other diapers are disclosed in PCT Patent Application WO 00/37009 published Jun. 29, 2000 by A. Fletcher et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,464 issued Jul. 10, 1990 to Van Gompel et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,766,389 issued Jun. 16, 1998 to Brandon et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,190 issued Nov. 11, 2003 to Olson et al. which are incorporated herein by reference to the extent they are consistent (i.e., not in conflict) herewith.
Having described the invention in rather full detail, it will be readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. All of such changes and modifications are contemplated as being within the scope of the invention, as defined by the subjoined claims.