Package assembly with applicator and container for adhesive materials

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6802416
  • Patent Number
    6,802,416
  • Date Filed
    Monday, August 30, 1999
    25 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, October 12, 2004
    20 years ago
Abstract
A package assembly or kit can be used in conjunction with storing and dispensing adhesive materials. The package assembly can include an enclosure in which an applicator and a container may be positioned. The container contains adhesive material. The enclosure may include a base and a cover. The base preferably includes one or more cavities, with at least one applicator disposed in one of the cavities. Further, the container may be disposed in another of the cavities. The cover may be provided with a plurality of wells. The container may include a restrictor positioned within a neck of the container. The restrictor is provided to limit the volume of adhesive material retained in an absorbent end of an applicator such as a swab. The package assembly can be provided in a sterilized condition.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




1. Field of Invention




This invention relates to a package assembly for adhesive materials.




2. Description of Related Art




Adhesive materials are conventionally stored in a storage tube or other similar device that includes a dispensing tip. Illustratively, U.S. Pat. No. 4,364,473 to Bogaert discloses an adhesive material stored in a tube. The storage tube may be constructed of an elastic or resilient material, such that the storage tube is squeezed to decrease the interior volume of the tube. When a user wants to apply a portion of the adhesive on a surface, the user positions the dispensing tip adjacent to or on the surface. The user then squeezes the tube to force a quantity of the adhesive material out. The adhesive flows out of the tube and onto the surface. However, there are various drawbacks to this arrangement, especially with applications of certain types of adhesives and applications of adhesives in certain environments.




Illustratively, it is difficult to apply adhesives with low viscosity using conventional devices. If the low viscosity adhesive is stored in a tube the user will squeeze the tube to dispense a quantity of the adhesive. However, it is difficult to squeeze the tube such that the correct amount of adhesive is dispensed. It is often the case that the tube is squeezed too much and a large quantity of the adhesive is dispensed. As a result, the adhesive may flow into areas to which the user did not intend to apply the adhesive. This results in possible damage to the surface as well as the necessity for the user to take away the excess adhesive. In turn, this also results in waste of the adhesive product.




An alternative approach to applying an adhesive is to initially apply the adhesive onto an applicator and then onto the surface. One example of this is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,737 to Clark. In such an approach, a user squeezes the tube, for example, containing the adhesive so as to apply a portion of the adhesive onto the applicator. The applicator is then moved into physical contact with the surface so that a portion of the adhesive is applied to the surface. However, with low viscosity adhesives, the adhesive may run off the applicator before it is adjacent the surface. This results in both waste of the adhesive and in possible harm, since excess adhesive may be deposited in an area where it is not wanted.




Further, a problem arises if the tube of adhesive is to be used more than once, as is common. If a user chooses to apply the adhesive directly from the tube onto the surface, and not to use an applicator, the dispensing tip may contact the surface upon which the adhesive is being applied. Over multiple uses, contaminants may be transferred from one surface to another surface. As is apparent, this is especially of concern with the application of adhesives in the medical field.




Further, there are other problems associated with conventional techniques with the application of adhesives in certain environments, such as environments in which the surface is difficult to reach or isolated. If a user wishes not to use an applicator, it is necessary for the dispensing tip of the tube to be adjacent to or on the surface. However, the tube may not easily fit within the spatial constraints in which the surface is located. As a result, the spatial constraints may limit applications using only the tube and force a user to use an applicator. This raises a further problem in that an appropriate applicator may not be conveniently available.




Accordingly, conventional devices fail to address the various drawbacks discussed above, as well as others. As described above, U.S. Pat. No. 4,364,473 to Bogaert discloses a tube containing an adhesive material. More specifically, Bogaert is directed to an arrangement for repairing a dental prosthesis including a package containing the tube of adhesive, bottles containing a monomer and a polymer and a support. Bogaert teaches using the tube to apply the adhesive directly on the prosthesis. This raises concerns of contamination as described above. Further, the tube of Bogaert would not be usable in some situations where there are spatial constraints and the tube could not be effectively maneuvered so as to apply the adhesive.




Accordingly, known devices do not effectively address the drawbacks described above, as well as others. Conventional devices fail to provide an applicator that is optimized for convenient dispensing and application of adhesive materials on a variety of surfaces and structures.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




An object of the invention is to address the need for an easy to use and efficient package assembly for dispensing and applying an adhesive material, preferably a medical adhesive.




Also, the invention is directed to the application of monomer compositions and polymers formed therefrom, in industrial and home applications, for example in bonding rubbers, plastics, glass, metal, wood, composites, fabrics, and other natural and synthetic materials. Included among these adhesives are the 1,1-disubstituted ethylene monomers and polymers, including cyanoacrylates such as the α-cyanoacrylates. Since the discovery of the adhesive properties of such monomers and polymers, they have found wide use due to the speed with which they cure, the strength of the resulting bond formed, and their relative ease of use. These characteristics have made the α-cyanoacrylate adhesives the primary choice for numerous applications such as bonding plastics, rubbers, glass, metals, wood, and, more recently, biological tissues. The invention provides an easy and efficient approach to apply these adhesives.




In particular, the invention provides a package assembly or kit to hold and apply an adhesive material conveniently, inexpensively and effectively. The kit includes an enclosure which contains at least one container of adhesive material and at least one applicator. The applicator includes at least one absorbent portion for absorbing adhesive to be applied.




In embodiments of the invention, the enclosure includes separate compartments. A plurality of applicators are contained within the enclosure. In some embodiments, each of the applicators includes a shaft having two ends and an absorbent portion at one or each end of the shaft. The two absorbent portions may be differently configured for wiping and drying a surface to be treated, and for applying adhesive, respectively. Separate compartments are provided for holding at least one container and the applicators. A plurality of the applicators is held within one or more of the separate compartments. Further, in embodiments separate compartments holding the applicators may be separable from the enclosure.




In embodiments, the enclosure includes a base and a cover. The cover has a surface facing an interior of the enclosure when the enclosure is closed, with wells disposed on the surface. The wells are configured to hold an adhesive material dispensed from a container when the enclosure is open. The enclosure may include at least the same number of the wells as a number of the applicators.




In embodiments of the invention, the container includes an internal lumen, a closable opening, and a bottom portion. The container is configured to be self-supportable on the surface with the opening facing upwardly. A restrictor may extend into the internal lumen of the container and define the opening of the container. The bottom portion of the container and a suction cup are configured to be connected together. The suction cup holds the container to the surface. The opening of the container and an applicator are configured to allow at least an absorbent portion of the applicator to pass through the opening into the container and to compress the absorbent portion.




In embodiments of the invention, a container assembly includes at least one container, an adhesive material within the container, and at least one applicator removably connectable to the container. The applicator includes at least one absorbent portion. In some embodiments, the applicator and/or container includes an applicator retainer that removably retains the applicator. A preferred applicator includes a shaft having a first end and a second end and a through-passage extending from the first end to the second end. The adhesive material can be dispensed through the through-passage and applied to a surface to be treated.




In embodiments of this invention, the adhesive material can be sequentially sterilized -e.g., once before being placed in the container for the adhesive, after being placed in the container, and optionally after the container and adhesive are placed in an enclosure—in embodiments of the package assembly. In such embodiments, the adhesive material can be subjected to sequential sterilization procedures with substantially no polymerization of the adhesive material occurring.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS




Embodiments of this invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures, wherein:





FIG. 1

is a side plan view of a container and applicator positioned in an enclosure of the invention;





FIG. 2

is a top plan view showing the package of

FIG. 1

;





FIG. 3

is a perspective view showing an applicator in accordance with embodiments of the invention;





FIG. 4A

is a top plan view of a package assembly including a cover with wells in accordance with embodiments of the invention;





FIG. 4B

is a partially broken away, top plan view of another package assembly including a cover with wells in accordance with embodiments of the invention;





FIG. 4C

is a top plan view of another package assembly including a cover with wells in accordance with embodiments of the invention;





FIG. 5

is a side cross-sectional view of the package assembly of

FIG. 4A

along the line I—I;





FIG. 6

is a top plan view of the package assembly of

FIGS. 4A and 5

with the cover closed;





FIG. 7

is a side cross-sectional view of the package assembly of

FIG. 6

along the line II—II;





FIG. 8

is a perspective view of another package assembly in accordance with further embodiments of the invention;





FIG. 9

is a side cross-sectional view of the package assembly of

FIG. 8

along the line III—III;





FIG. 10

is a top plan view of the package assembly of

FIGS. 8 and 9

in conjunction with a carrying box;





FIG. 11

is a side cross-sectional view of a container assembly according to embodiments of the invention;





FIG. 12

is a side cross-sectional view of the container assembly of

FIG. 11

at a time previous to that shown in

FIG. 11

;





FIG. 13

is a side cross-sectional view of a container assembly in accordance with further embodiments of the invention;





FIG. 14

is a side cross-sectional view of the container assembly of

FIG. 13

showing a receptacle and connected base;





FIG. 15

is a side cross-sectional view of a lower portion of a container assembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention;





FIG. 16

is a side cross-sectional view of a container assembly and swab according to further embodiments of the invention;





FIG. 17

is a side cross-sectional view of the container assembly of

FIG. 16

with the swab removed;





FIG. 18

is a top view of a package assembly in accordance with further embodiments of the invention; and





FIG. 19

is a partially cut away front view of the package assembly shown in

FIG. 18

in accordance with embodiments of the invention.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS




Aspects of this invention are directed to a package assembly or kit which includes a container of adhesive as well as an applicator. The package assembly according to this invention can be used in conjunction with a wide variety of applications of adhesive material, wherein it is necessary or desirable to efficiently and easily apply an adhesive material. Examples include, but are not limited to, those applicable to medical, industrial, and home use. For example, the package assembly in accordance with the invention may be used to apply monomeric adhesive compositions, such as an adhesive for the treatment of surgically incised or traumatically lacerated tissues; retarding blood flow from wounds; dressing burns; dressing skin or treating stomatitis or other superficial or surface sores or wounds. The package assembly may be used to store and apply a wide variety of adhesives, including polymerizable liquid adhesives such as 1,1-disubstituted ethylene monomers and polymers, including cyanoacrylate monomers such as the α-cyanoacrylates. Especially useful liquid adhesives include the adhesives described in copending U.S. patent applications Ser. Nos. 09/099,457 and 08/488,411, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. As used herein, “adhesive” or “adhesive material” includes, but is not limited to a monomeric formula or a monomeric composition that is reacted or unreacted. For example, in the invention adhesive is intended to encompass a monomeric formula that polymerizes when applied to the surface of the skin.




One particular application of the package assembly of the invention is in conjunction with the storage and application of adhesive materials for medical or surgical procedures. It should be appreciated that any known or later developed adhesive material can be used in conjunction with the invention.




A package assembly or kit in accordance with the invention preferably includes an enclosure. The enclosure contains at least one container and at least one applicator. The container contains an adhesive material. The applicator includes at least one absorbent portion. The enclosure may be any of a variety of shapes and designs dependent on numerous factors including the specific contents of the enclosure and the intended use of the adhesive contained within the enclosure, for example.




In embodiments, the enclosure includes a base and a cover for the base. The base includes one or more applicator cavities for holding and retaining one or more applicators. The base may further include a container cavity for holding and retaining the container of adhesive material. The cover is preferably movably connected to the base. For example, the cover may be removable or may be pivotably attached to the base using a line of weakness or hinges separating the cover from the base.




In embodiments, the cover or base, but preferably the cover, includes a plurality of wells formed on its surface. The wells may temporarily hold small quantities of the adhesive material into which the absorbent portion of the applicator may be dipped (dip wells), or can catch and retain drops resulting from application of the adhesive material to the applicator (drip wells).




In embodiments, the base includes a facing surface. The cover is pivotable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the cover surface opposes the facing surface of the base. In the second position, the cover surface faces in the same direction as the facing surface of the base. In such a manner, the wells that are disposed in the cover are exposed for use when the cover is in the second position.




In embodiments, applicator cavities are positioned in the base and have an elongated shape. In preferred embodiments, the base includes two applicator cavities and a single container cavity. The two applicator cavities may be positioned side by side. A plurality of applicators may be positioned in a single applicator cavity. For example, the applicators may be stacked within a single applicator cavity.




In embodiments, the enclosure includes one or more applicator cavities that may be separated along a breaking line. The breaking line may be weakened and broken in some manner, such as by a perforation. As a result, the respective cavity portions and associated applicators may be easily separated from each other.




In embodiments, applicator cavities for respective individual applicators are positioned in a holding portion of the package assembly. The applicator cavities may be shaped to match the shape of the applicators. For example, a first well may be positioned at the first end of the applicator cavity, a second well at the second end of the applicator cavity, and a connection portion may extend between the first well and the second well. This provides a neat and predictable location for the applicators and the applicator cavities themselves may act as dip or drip wells. This is particularly advantageous in embodiments where the applicator cavity portions may be separated from the rest of the enclosure and discarded after use.




In further embodiments, the container may include a vessel portion and a neck. A restrictor is positioned and supported in the neck of the container. The restrictor includes a passage extending between ends and along the length of the restrictor. The restrictor may be formed of any suitable material that is compatible with the adhesive, such as resilient plastics material, for example.




In embodiments, an absorbent end of an applicator may be passed through the restrictor into the container. Provided there is sufficient adhesive material contained in the container, the absorbent end of the applicator will absorb a portion of the adhesive material. Thereafter, the applicator including the absorbent end is withdrawn from the receptacle and is withdrawn back through the restrictor. The restrictor diminishes the size of the absorbent end, i.e., compresses and wipes the absorbent end of the applicator. As a result, the volume content of adhesive material retained within the absorbent end of the applicator is both limited and controlled. Use of the wells with such embodiments is therefore optional. In addition, the restrictor extending into the container can reduce or prevent spillage when the container is tipped.




Further, in embodiments, the container includes a base connected to its lower portion. In embodiments, the base may include a center support and a suction cup. The suction cup is positioned on a lower portion of the center support and can hold the container in place to permit one-handed application of the adhesive. The base may also include at least one extension or stabilizer for supporting the container against tipping on the suction cup. The extension may, for example, comprise a skirt. The skirt is annular in shape and defines a skirt interior space. The base may be integrally formed with or reversibly attached to the container.




In embodiments, the container base further includes a locking retainer integrally formed with or reversibly attached to the skirt. The locking retainer defines a receiving cavity having an interior in which the container is positionable. The receiving cavity is substantially circular in shape and includes an interior surface. The interior surface of the receiving cavity includes a locking channel defined therein. A locking ring disposed on an exterior surface of the container is matingly engageable with the locking channel.




In embodiments, a container assembly includes at least one container, an adhesive material within the container, and at least one applicator removably connectable to the container. The applicator includes at least one absorbent portion. In some embodiments, the applicator and/or the container includes an applicator retainer that removably retains the applicator. Embodiments of the applicator include a shaft having a first end and a second end and a through-passage extending from the first end to the second end. The adhesive material can be dispensed through the through-passage and applied to a surface to be treated. In some embodiments, a flow control element is provided in the through-passage to limit and/or control fluid flow through the through-passage, particularly back into the container after initiation has occurred.




In embodiments, the adhesive material can be sequentially sterilized. For example, the material can be sterilized before being placed in the container for the adhesive, as well as again after being placed in the container. Further, the container and adhesive can be sterilized after the container and adhesive are placed in an enclosure in embodiments of the package assembly. In such embodiments, the adhesive material can be subjected to sequential sterilization procedures with substantially no polymerization of the adhesive material occurring.




The invention offers a user simple and effective storage and application of an adhesive. The simplicity of the invention permits it to be used with little or no instruction prior to its use. Further, the construction of the invention includes a limited number of moving parts. The invention may be utilized easily and effectively in a wide variety of environments and in an expeditious manner.




The invention will be further described in conjunction with the accompanying figures showing exemplary embodiments of the invention. In the figures, like numerals have been used to identify like components.





FIGS. 1 and 2

show a package assembly or kit


100


in accordance with an embodiment of the invention to hold and apply an adhesive material conveniently, inexpensively and effectively. The kit includes an enclosure


120


. The enclosure


120


contains at least one container


122


, which contains an adhesive material, and at least one applicator


119


. The applicator


119


includes at least one absorbent portion


121


. The enclosure


120


may be any of a variety of shapes and designs dependent on numerous factors including the specific contents of the enclosure and the intended use of the adhesive contained within the enclosure, for example.




When a user wants to apply the adhesive to a surface, for example, the user opens the enclosure


120


and removes an applicator


119


and container


122


from the enclosure


120


. Thereafter, the user may drip, for example, an amount of the adhesive onto the absorbent portion


121


of the applicator or may dip the absorbent portion of the applicator into the adhesive in the container. Then, the absorbent portion


121


is moved so as to make physical contact with the surface upon which the adhesive is to be applied. When physical contact is made, the absorbent portion


121


will be compressed. As a result, adhesive will be released from the absorbent portion


121


onto the surface.




For example, an applicator


219


in accordance with embodiments of the invention may be constructed as shown in FIG.


3


. The applicator


219


includes a first absorbent end


221




a


and a second absorbent end


221




b


. The absorbent ends


221


may be constructed of absorbent foam or fibrous pad material, for example. The absorbent end


221




a


in

FIG. 3

is tapered such that the tip


223


of the absorbent end is smaller in dimension than the base


225


. The absorbent end


221




b


is tapered such that the tip


229


of the absorbent end is wider in dimension than the base


227


. Further, the tip


229


of the absorbent end


221




b


is wider than the base


225


of the absorbent end


221




a


. Such a construction can be useful to keep the applicator from falling into the container when dipped in through an opening that accommodates end


221




a


but not end


221




b


. The dimensions of the applicator


219


allow the applicator to be used to apply adhesive in a variety of environments and spatial constraints. The embodiment of

FIG. 3

is particularly desirable when the surface to be treated needs to be dried before the adhesive is applied. The wider end of the applicator can be used for drying the surface, and then the tapered end can be used to apply the adhesive, for example.




However, it should be recognized that the applicator


219


shown in

FIG. 3

is only illustrative and not limiting. For example, the applicator may include only one absorbent end. Further, the absorbent end or ends of the applicator may be a wide variety of shapes and sizes such as circular, elliptical, elongated, curved or square depending on the particular application of the adhesive. Also, in embodiments, the absorbent end could be in the form of a brush and constructed of foam. For example, an elongated, absorbent end constructed of open cell or closed cell foam may be particularly useful in the application of adhesives to treat stomatitis.




Some foam materials that can be used to form the absorbent end(s) of the applicator


219


are sensitive to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, which may cause these materials to change color. For example, polyurethane foam materials tend to change color when exposed to UV light, such as by yellowing. These changes in color are noticeable and can make the foam material undesirable or aesthetically unappealing for some uses. White foam materials are particularly susceptible to such color changes and will often develop an unsightly appearance as they age.




One suitable approach is to use colored foam materials. Surgical green is Applicants' preference.




In order to provide a longer stability against color changes of the foam materials of the applicators, in embodiments, a UV stabilizing agent is included in the enclosure


120


to protect the foam materials of the applicators contained in the enclosure


120


from UV radiation. The UV stabilizing agent of the enclosure


120


helps maintain the original color of the foam. In some embodiments, the UV stabilizing agent is compounded into the material that is used to form the enclosure


120


. For example, the enclosure


120


can be formed of any suitable plastic material and a UV stabilizing agent can be compounded into the plastic material. In other embodiments, the UV stabilizing agent can be applied onto at least a portion of the inner and/or outer surface of the enclosure


120


. For example, the UV stabilizing agent can be selectively applied on at least a portion of the inner and/or outer surface of the enclosure that directly surrounds the applicators.




Any suitable UV stabilizing agent can be added to the material forming the enclosure


120


. For example, suitable UV stabilizers include, but are not limited to, UV absorbers such as benzophenone compounds, benzotriazole compounds, benzoxazole compounds, butadiene compounds, cinnamate compounds, s-triazine, cyanoacrylate compounds, oxanilide compounds and the like. The UV stabilizer compound can be incorporated into the material forming the enclosure


120


in any suitable amount to provide the desired UV stabilization and protection functions.




It will be understood that a UV stabilizing agent may be included in any of the enclosures for applicators described herein to provide the UV stabilization and protection functions to the enclosures and protect the foam materials of the applicators from degradation due to exposure to UV radiation.




In embodiments, a UV stabilizing agent may also be incorporated into the foam material of the absorbent end(s) of the applicator


219


. Further, a UV stabilizing agent may also be added directly to the foam materials used to form the absorbent end(s) of any of the other exemplary embodiments of the applicator described herein, such as the applicator


119


.




It will be understood that a UV stabilizing agent may also or alternatively be incorporated into any of the container assemblies described herein to provide protection against UV light exposure.





FIGS. 4A

,


4


B,


4


C and


5


show an enclosure or package assembly


300


in accordance with an embodiment of this invention. As shown in

FIG. 4A

, the package assembly


300


includes an enclosure


310


. Enclosure


310


includes a base


312


and a cover


314


. The cover


314


is movably attached to the base


312


. For example, the cover


314


may be pivotally attached to the base


312


using a hinge


316


or weakened portion.




The base


312


is elongated and includes a facing surface


318


and a plurality of cavities formed within the facing surface


318


. Specifically, the base


312


includes a plurality of applicator cavities


320


and a single container cavity


322


. The applicator cavities


320


are formed in the shape of an elongated slot and extend along the length of the base


312


. A first and second applicator cavity


320


may be positioned side by side as shown in FIG.


4


A. However, the invention is not limited to two adjacent applicator cavities


320


. For example, a single cavity might be provided, in which applicators are positioned side by side.




The base


312


also includes the container cavity


322


positioned adjacent the applicator cavities


320


. As shown in

FIG. 4A

, the container cavity


322


is positioned at one end of the applicator cavities


320


and centered relative to the width of the applicator cavities


320


. The base


312


may be constructed using various constructs including a separate outer shell and inner shell, wherein the cavities are formed in the inner shell, for example. Alternatively, the base


312


may be constructed of a single unitary piece of material.




The base


312


may be sized to contain a desired number of applicators and containers. For example, in some embodiments, the base may be sized such that ends of the base


312


have a width substantially equal to their depth.




Further, the base


312


may contain an open cavity and an insert contained in the open cavity. The insert may include a plurality of dividers including slits and folds, for example, so as to form chambers in which to hold the container containing adhesive and the applicators, for example. The insert may be of any suitable material such as plastics, cardboard, paperboard or others. The invention is not limited to such an arrangement and the base


312


may be formed in a wide variety of arrangements so as to hold the contents thereof.




The container cavity


322


may hold the container


122


, for example, shown in

FIG. 1

, as well as a wide variety of containers of different shapes, sizes and constructs. Further, it should be recognized that a wide variety of containers or receptacles may be used in embodiments of the invention. For example bottles with screw on lids, snap on lids, sealed pouches, or tubes may be used. For example, a foil tube similar to a traditional toothpaste container, preferably with a puncturable foil seal, may be utilized.




The cover


314


includes a cover surface


323


. The cover


314


is movable between a first position, wherein the cover surface


323


opposes the facing surface


318


of the base


312


, and a second position, wherein the cover surface


323


faces in the same direction as the facing surface


318


. A plurality of wells


324


is disposed on the cover surface


323


. Specifically, as shown in

FIG. 4A

, the wells


324


may be arranged in two sets of five, wherein the sets extend in a linear fashion along a portion of the length of the cover surface


323


. However, the invention is not limited to such arrangement and the wells


324


may be arranged in a wide variety of arrangements. Further, the wells


324


may be concentrated along a certain portion of the cover


314


, as shown in FIG.


4


A. The wells


324


may be formed into any of a diverse variety of shapes. Illustratively, the wells


324


shown in

FIG. 5

define the shape of a portion of a sphere. Alternatively, the wells could be oval, for example, or any other shape.




The wells


324


may be used in a plurality of manners. Illustratively, a user may apply a quantity of adhesive material onto an absorbent end


121


of a swab


119


by dripping the adhesive material from a bottle. However, a common problem with such a procedure is overdrip. Accordingly, the wells


324


serve as a reservoir to catch and retain drops resulting from overdrip. Alternatively, adhesive can be dispensed directly into the wells, and the applicator is then dipped into the wells. This can provide somewhat better control over the amount and location of adhesive on the applicator.





FIG. 4B

shows another enclosure or package assembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Like reference numerals have been used in

FIG. 4B

, as in

FIG. 4A

, to designate like components.

FIG. 4B

illustrates that the cover


314


may be movably attached to the base


312


at an end


329


, rather than a side, as shown in FIG.


4


A. The arrangement shown in

FIG. 4B

is advantageous in that a user may easily hold the opened enclosure


310


using a single hand. However, it should be recognized that in accordance with the invention the interrelationship of the base


312


and the cover


314


is not limited to the arrangement shown in

FIG. 4A

or

FIG. 4B

, but rather may be a wide variety of shapes and designs.





FIG. 4C

shows another enclosure or package assembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Like reference numerals have been used in

FIG. 4C

, as in

FIGS. 4A and 4B

, to designate like components.

FIG. 4C

illustrates the cover


314


movably attached to the base


312


at an end


329


. An optional insert


330


may be placed on the base


312


. The insert


330


may include an inner portion


332


, which may be received within a cavity


331


of the base


312


, and an outer portion


334


which is substantially exterior to the base


312


when the inner portion


332


is in the cavity


331


. The insert may be formed of any suitable material such as plastics, cardboard, paperboard or others. The inner portion


332


may be open at neither, one or both ends


338


,


340


. A plurality of applicators


119


are provided inside of the inner portion


332


. The applicators


119


may include two absorbent ends as shown, or alternatively may include only one absorbent end.




The cover


314


includes a plurality of wells


324


on the facing surface


323


. In addition, the cover


314


defines a container cavity


322


generally between the wells


324


, which receives a container


122


. The cover may be sized to include any desired number of wells


324


and to contain any desired number of containers


122


. The container cavities and containers are preferably sized and shaped to provide an effect that cavity walls hold the container in place.




The applicators


119


are accessed by removing the insert


330


from the base


312


and removing a desired number of applicators


119


. After the applicators


219


are removed from the insert


330


, the insert is placed back into the cavity


331


of the base


312


. Insert


330


could be alternatively shaped to hold the applicators or could be eliminated, with the applicators being loose or held by shapes on the cavity walls and/or floor.




An opening


336


may be formed in the outer portion


334


to receive a hanging element such as a hook to enable the package assembly


300


to be supported on a display when the cover


314


is in the closed position. Label information may also be provided on the insert


330


if desired.





FIG. 5

is a cross-sectional view of the package assembly


300


of

FIG. 4A

along the line I—I in FIG.


4


A.

FIG. 5

shows that the applicator cavity


320


may be provided with a sufficient depth so as to accommodate a plurality of applicators, such as swabs


219


, for example. Illustratively, as shown in

FIG. 5

, five swabs


219


may be arranged in each applicator cavity


320


. As described above, however, an alternative arrangement is to provide a single cavity, in which the applicators could be positioned side by side. In such an arrangement, for example, the single cavity might hold ten applicators.

FIGS. 4A and 5

also show a latch


326


used in conjunction with the package assembly


300


. The latch


326


may include first and second latch


326


portions. The latch


326


provides securement of the cover


314


in a closed condition. The specific construct of the latch


326


may be any of a wide variety of arrangements known in the art.




As shown in

FIGS. 4A

,


4


B and


5


, the applicator cavity


320


accommodates a plurality of swabs. However, it should be recognized that the swabs


119


may be positioned together in a single package or may be disposed individually in separate containers. For example, the swabs could be individually wrapped. Further, separate containers or packages containing individual swabs may in turn be disposed collectively in a larger container.





FIG. 6

is a top plan view of the package assembly


300


of

FIGS. 4A and 5

with the cover


314


closed. Further,

FIG. 7

is a cross-sectional view of the package assembly


300


of

FIG. 6

along the line II—II, showing the cover


314


closed. Specific dimensions of the package assembly


300


of

FIGS. 4A-7

may be widely varied depending on the particular application. However, illustratively, the package assembly


300


may be provided with a length of approximately six inches and a width and depth of approximately one inch.





FIGS. 8-10

show a package assembly


400


in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. As shown in

FIG. 8

, the package assembly


400


includes an enclosure


410


provided with cavities. The enclosure


410


includes an applicator portion


412


and a container portion


414


. Further, the portions


412


and


414


may be separated by a hinge or a line of weakness defining a breaking line


416


.




The applicator portion


412


includes a plurality of applicator cavities


420


as shown in

FIGS. 8 and 9

.

FIG. 8

shows a package assembly


400


of the invention including ten applicator cavities


420


. The applicator cavities


420


each include a first end and a second end. A connection portion


454


extends between the first end and the second end of the applicator cavities


420


. A first well


450


is positioned at the first end of each applicator cavity


420


. Also, a second well


452


is positioned at the second end of each applicator cavity


420


.




Lower surfaces of the first well


450


and the second well


452


, as well as the connection portion


454


, define a depth relative to the facing surface


418


. As is apparent from

FIG. 9

, the depth of the connection portion


454


is preferably less than the depth of each of the first and second wells


452


. Further, the depth of the first well


450


may be greater than the depth of the second well


452


. Accordingly, the applicator cavities


420


may be formed in this shape, or any other suitable shape, to accommodate a variety of applicators as well as to act as dip wells and/or drip wells for the adhesive.




The applicator cavities


420


may be separated into distinct cavity portions


460


. A single cavity portion


460


includes a single applicator cavity


420


in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. Each distinct cavity portion


460


is separated from an adjacent cavity portion by an additional line of weakening or breaking line


416


. The breaking line


416


may be formed using a series of perforations or scoring, similar to the breaking line


416


separating the container portion


414


with the applicator portion


412


.




An applicator including the ends


121


may be positioned within the first well


450


, the connection portion


454


, and the second well


452


, as shown in FIG.


9


. The applicator cavities


420


may be dimensioned to accommodate any of a wide variety of applicators with absorbent ends


121


which are the same in dimension or different.




A cover such as flexible cover


456


is removably positioned upon the facing surface


418


of the applicator portion


412


and/or the facing surface


418


of the container portion


414


. For example, the flexible cover


456


may be laminated upon the package assembly


400


in such a manner that the cover


456


may be peeled back and separated from the facing surface


418


. The cover


456


may be formed of cellophane or any other suitable material. The cover


456


in conjunction with the applicator portion


412


can provide each cavity with a seal to prevent the entry of extraneous materials.




The package assembly shown in

FIGS. 8 and 9

preferably can be folded or rolled into a compact arrangement. Specifically, the breaking lines


416


can provide flexibility to the package assembly


400


to allow folding or rolling. Illustratively, the package assembly


400


may be folded so as to be inserted into a storage package


458


as shown in FIG.


10


.





FIGS. 11 and 12

show a container assembly


510


in accordance with preferred embodiments of this invention. As shown in

FIGS. 11 and 12

, the container assembly


510


includes a vessel


514


, a base


516


and a restrictor


518


. The vessel


514


may be formed integral with or removably attachable to the base


516


. Further, the restrictor


518


is positioned within vessel


514


. An applicator such as a swab


219


, as shown in

FIG. 3

, with an absorbent end


221


may be inserted into and withdrawn from the vessel


514


through the restrictor


518


as shown in

FIGS. 11 and 12

, respectively.




The base


516


serves to support the receptacle


514


in an upright position to provide access to the interior of the receptacle


514


through the restrictor


518


.




The vessel


514


includes an internal lumen


524


and a neck


526


. The internal lumen


524


defines a substantially cylindrical or other shape interior including bottom


528


and annular shoulder


530


disposed at the top


532


of the vessel


514


as shown in FIG.


11


. The shoulder


530


serves to provide a smooth transition between the interior surface of the internal lumen


524


and the interior surface of the neck


526


. It also provides an area


533


into which adhesive material


570


can flow without spilling when the container is tilted. An exterior surface of the neck


526


may include a connecting arrangement


534


, including, but not limited, to threads, rings, catches or snaps, for example. The neck


526


includes an uppermost planer surface which forms a rim defining an opening


536


. The opening


536


is closable using an appropriately shaped stopper or cap.




The restrictor


518


is positioned within the neck of the vessel


514


. The restrictor


518


is preferably substantially cylindrical in shape and includes a central passage


540


extending along the length and through the center of the restrictor


518


. The interior of the restrictor


518


includes an interior surface


538


that forms the central passage


540


. Further, the restrictor


518


includes a top surface


542


. An annular tapered surface


544


can provide a transitional surface between the top surface


542


and the interior surface


538


of the restrictor


518


. A lower tapered surface


546


can provide a transitional surface between the restrictor interior surface


538


and the lower end


548


of the restrictor


518


, as shown in

FIGS. 11 and 12

.




A suction cup


566


may be mounted on the lower end of center support


564


. The suction cup


566


provides a secure attachment of the container assembly


510


to a supporting surface. As a result, the container assembly


510


of the invention provides for one handed use, thus allowing a user's free hand to hold the object upon which the adhesive material is to be applied, for example. Such is particularly useful in a medical or specifically surgical environment.




Particularly in combination with use of a suction cup, base


516


preferably includes at least one extension that stabilizes the container on a surface. The extension may be in the form of a skirt


550


. The skirt


550


extends downwardly from the receptacle bottom


528


and is formed into an annular tapered shape. As shown in

FIGS. 11 and 12

, the skirt


550


includes an inner skirt surface


552


and an outer skirt surface


554


. The inner skirt surface


552


and the outer skirt surface


554


may be tapered toward each other towards a common contact supporting rim


556


. The contact supporting rim


556


is positioned on a supporting surface during use of the container assembly


510


. The contact supporting rim


556


contacts the supporting surface in a manner such that the container assembly


510


is stabilized during use.




The container assembly


510


including the base


516


with skirt


550


, as well as the restrictor, may be formed of any of a wide variety of materials including but not limited to polymerized materials such as plastics, foams, rubbers, thermoplastics, thermosets, metals, for example, or any other suitable material. In general, the only limitation on the materials used to fabricate the container assembly


510


and restrictor is that the material must be sufficiently compatible with the composition to be dispensed that undesirable effects on the composition do not occur during contact of the composition with the container and the restrictor.




Furthermore, in embodiments, the container assembly


510


can be formed of polymeric materials that have been modified by a post-halogenation treatment to be highly resistant to attack, solvation and/or permeation by 1,1-disubstituted ethylene monomer compositions, and thus provide an extended shelf life of the containers and adhesives. Such container assemblies are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/106,093 filed Oct. 29, 1998 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/147,259 filed Aug. 5, 1999, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.




Further, while the skirt


550


was described as having a annular shape, the skirt


550


is not limited to such shape. Rather, the skirt


550


could be a variety of shapes, including, but not limited to, conical, cylindrical, polygonal, or include a plurality of supports or a segmented annular arrangement, for example.




Illustratively, a process of dispensing and applying an adhesive in conjunction with the assembly


510


of the invention will hereinafter be described. The container assembly


510


is used in conjunction with an applicator such as a swab


119


shown in

FIG. 1

or swab


219


shown in

FIG. 3

, for example. The specific dimensions of the swab should be compatible with the dimensions of the restrictor


518


.




When a user desires to apply an adhesive material to the swab


119


, an absorbent end


121


may be maneuvered into the upper tapered surface of the restrictor


518


and pushed through the restrictor passage


540


. In this manner, the swab


119


is inserted into the vessel


514


through the restrictor


518


. The diameter of the restrictor interior surface


538


is slightly less than the uncompressed outer diameter of the absorbent end


121


of the swab


119


. As a result, as the swab


119


is passed through the restrictor


518


, the material of the absorbent end


121


of the swab


119


is compressed. Once the absorbent end


121


is fully inserted into the vessel


514


, the absorbent end


121


is submersed or partially submersed in adhesive material


570


. Thereafter, the user withdraws the absorbent end


121


of the swab


119


from the vessel


514


back through the restrictor


518


. As the swab


119


is withdrawn through the restrictor


518


, the swab


119


will again be compressed. As a result, a portion of the adhesive material


570


which was absorbed and retained by the swab


119


will be forced out of the swab


119


and will drip back into the internal lumen


524


of the vessel


514


. As a result, the volume content of the adhesive material


570


retained in the absorbent end


121


after the swab


119


is fully withdrawn from the receptacle assembly


510


may be accurately controlled.




As a user withdraws the swab


119


, an upward force will be exerted on the receptacle container assembly


510


. The suction cup


566


may be provided, as described above, to retain the receptacle assembly


510


on a supporting surface. Further, an upward force will be exerted on the restrictor


518


so as to tend to separate the restrictor


518


from the vessel


514


. However, the restrictor


518


may be retained within the neck


526


using any known method such as well known adhesives or a friction fit, for example.





FIGS. 13 and 14

show an embodiment of a container assembly


610


in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, the vessel


614


and the base


616


are not integrally formed. Rather, they are removably connected through the use of a locking retainer


672


.




Specifically, the base


616


includes the locking retainer


672


and a suction cup


667


at the lower portion of the locking retainer


672


. Illustratively, the locking retainer


672


includes a receiving cavity


674


and a locking channel


676


. The receiving cavity


674


includes a lower circular surface


678


and a retainer interior surface


680


. The locking channel


676


is formed in the retainer interior surface


680


of the receiving cavity


674


. Further, an outer surface of the vessel


614


is formed with a locking ring


686


. In the embodiment shown in

FIG. 13

, the locking ring


686


extends fully around the exterior of the vessel


614


. However, such arrangement is not necessary and the locking ring


686


could be segmented, or extend around only a portion of the vessel


614


, for example. Further, the locking channel


676


could be segmented or only partially extend around the retainer interior surface


680


, for example.

FIG. 13

shows the vessel


614


and the base


616


in a separated condition.




Provided the relative positioning as shown in

FIG. 13

, upon movement of the vessel


614


downward, it passes into the receiving cavity


674


of the base


616


. The vessel


614


is guided into the base


616


by the retainer interior surface


680


of the


25


receiving cavity


674


. After sufficient downward movement, the bottom surface of the vessel


614


may contact and be supported by the lower surface of the receiving cavity


674


, as shown in FIG.


14


. At the same time, the locking ring


686


will be opposed to locking channel


676


and will pass into and mate with the locking channel


676


. As a result, the vessel


614


will be removably secured to the base


616


.





FIG. 15

illustrates an operation to mount the assembly


510


of

FIG. 11

, for example, upon a supporting surface


558


in accordance with the invention. The assembly may be supported upon a smooth surface upon which it is desirable or necessary to support the assembly. The user exerts a downward pressure on the assembly so as to resiliently bend the suction cup


566


and secure the suction cup


566


to the surface, as is well known in the art.




Further, the skirt


550


of the assembly


510


may be somewhat resilient. As a result, downward pressure of the assembly results in slight deformation of the skirt


550


. This deformation will occur as the suction cup


566


is being pressed upon the supporting surface


558


. The user will release the assembly after the suction cup


566


is sufficiently deformed. Thereafter, due to the resilience of suction cup


566


, the suction cup


566


will move to some extent back to the undeformed condition shown in

FIG. 15

until the force applied by the suction is equivalent to force exerted due to the resilience of the suction cup


566


. As a result, the skirt


550


may be maintained in a somewhat deformed condition and a state of tension is provided between the skirt


550


and the force exerted by the suction cup


566


. Accordingly, stability of the assembly is enhanced.





FIGS. 16 and 17

show a container assembly


710


in accordance with further exemplary embodiments of this invention. As shown in

FIGS. 16 and 17

, the container assembly


710


includes a vessel


714


and an optional applicator retainer


718


. The applicator retainer


718


is positioned within the vessel


714


. As depicted, it extends substantially into vessel


714


, but need not do so in all embodiments. An applicator such as a swab


750


with an absorbent end


752


may be inserted into and retained in the vessel


714


using the applicator retainer


718


as shown in

FIGS. 16 and 17

, respectively, and described below.




The vessel


714


includes an internal lumen


724


and a neck


726


. The internal lumen


724


defines a substantially cylindrical or other shape interior including a bottom


728


and annular shoulder


730


. The neck


726


is disposed above the annular shoulder


730


of the vessel


714


as shown in FIG.


16


. The annular shoulder


730


serves to provide a smooth transition between the interior surface of the internal lumen


724


and the interior surface of the neck


726


. Thus while shoulder


730


is optional, it provides certain advantages. An opening


736


is defined at the top of the neck


726


. An exterior surface of the neck


726


may include a connecting arrangement


734


, including, but not limited, to threads, rings, catches or snaps, for example. The connecting arrangement


734


may be used to removably hold an appropriately shaped stopper or cap


760


. The neck


726


may further include a stopper surface


727


to control the position of the cap


760


when the cap


760


is placed, for example screwed, onto the neck


726


. Thus, the opening


736


is closable using the appropriately shaped stopper or cap


760


.




In accordance with the invention, the applicator retainer


718


can be positioned within the neck


726


of the vessel


714


. The applicator retainer


718


may be substantially cylindrical or other shape. The interior of the applicator retainer


718


includes an interior surface


738


, as shown in

FIG. 17

, that forms a holding passage


740


. The holding passage


740


extends along the length and through the center of the applicator retainer


718


.




The applicator retainer


718


may be integrally formed with the neck


726


, as shown in

FIGS. 16 and 17

. Alternatively, the applicator retainer


718


may be formed separately from the neck


726


. Accordingly, the applicator retainer


718


may be retained within or around the neck


726


using any known method such as well known adhesives or a friction fit, for example.




As shown in

FIG. 17

, an upper portion of the applicator retainer


718


may include a receiving portion


744


. An interior surface


738


of the receiving portion


744


defines a certain inner diameter and shape that cooperate with the outer diameter and shape of a tube portion


754


of swab


750


. An optional bead


745


defines a lower edge of the receiving portion


744


. The inner diameter of the bead


745


is slightly smaller than the interior surface


738


of the receiving portion


744


.




The container assembly


710


, as well as the swab


750


, may be formed of any of a wide variety of materials including but not limited to polymerized materials such as plastics, foams, rubbers, thermoplastics, thermosets, metals, for example, or any other suitable material. In general, the only limitation on the materials used to fabricate them is that the material must be sufficiently compatible with the composition to be dispensed that undesirable effects on the composition do not occur during contact of the composition with the container assembly


710


.




Illustratively, a process of dispensing and applying a medicinal fluid such as an adhesive in conjunction with the container assembly


710


of the invention will hereinafter be described. The container assembly


710


is used in conjunction with an applicator such as the swab


750


, for example. The specific dimensions of the swab


750


should be compatible with the dimensions of the applicator retainer


718


, as described below.




The swab


750


includes an absorbent end


752


attached to the first end


756


of a tube portion


754


. The tube portion


754


also has a second end


757


. The tube portion


754


also includes a tubular passage


758


extending from the first end


756


to the second end


757


. The absorbent end


752


may be constructed of non-hydrophilic or hydrophilic polyurethane foam, for example, or any other appropriate foam or material as described in the various embodiments of the invention. Further, it should be recognized that swabs according to the other embodiments of the invention, as described herein, may also be constructed of non-hydrophilic or hydrophilic polyurethane foam.




The material, such as foam, forming the absorbent end


752


of the swab


750


can absorb the liquid material contained in the vessel, such as various adhesives. The absorbed liquid material can then be applied to a surface as described below.




The swab


750


may optionally also include a flow-control element such as a valve


755


disposed at some point along the tube portion


754


, such as near either end thereof. The valve


755


may be used to limit and/or control fluid flow through the tubular passage


758


. For example, the valve


755


may be used to control fluid back-flow. Alternatively, such a valve may be positioned in some portion of the applicator retainer


718


.




In embodiments, the valve


755


permits fluid to flow through the through passage


758


substantially only in a direction from the second end


757


to the first end


756


of the swab


750


. Accordingly, some contaminants can be prevented from flowing into the vessel


714


and contaminating the contents of the vessel


714


. For example, adhesive in which polymerization has been initiated is preferably prevented by the valve


755


from flowing back into the vessel


714


and causing polymerization of adhesive remaining therein. Also, when a sterilized adhesive is contained in the vessel


714


and dispensed through the through passage


758


, the adhesive is substantially prevented by the valve


755


from flowing from a portion of the through passage


758


between the valve


755


and the absorbent end


752


of the swab


750


, which may have contacted a surface such as human tissue, back into the vessel


714


, where the dispensed adhesive or other contaminants may contaminate the sterilized adhesive in the vessel


714


.




When a user desires to apply an adhesive material


770


using the swab


750


, the second end


757


may be maneuvered into the upper portion of the applicator retainer


718


and pushed into the receiving portion


744


of the holding passage


740


, as shown in FIG.


16


. In this manner, the swab


750


is inserted into and retained in the applicator retainer


718


. The diameter of the interior surface


738


of the receiving portion


744


is preferably slightly less than the outer diameter of the tube portion


754


of the swab


750


. As a result, as the second end


757


of the tube portion


754


is passed into the applicator retainer


718


, the receiving portion


744


frictionally holds the tube portion


754


of the swab


750


. Accordingly, the receiving portion


744


retains the swab


750


in the holding passage


740


in such a manner that the swab


750


is removably retained in the holding passage


740


. The bead


745


limits movement of the tube portion


754


into the receiving portion


744


.




Once the second end


757


of the swab


750


is inserted and retained in the vessel


714


, the vessel


714


may be tilted, inverted and/or squeezed by a user. As a result, the adhesive material


770


flows into the second end


757


of the tube portion


754


and through the tubular passage


758


. The adhesive material


770


then flows into the absorbent end


752


of the swab


750


. The user may selectively vary the orientation of the container assembly


710


and/or squeezing pressure on vessel


714


to adjust the amount of adhesive material


770


flowing into the absorbent end


752


. Thus, the container assembly


710


may be used to apply the adhesive material


770


on any of a wide variety of surfaces.




Once the user applies the adhesive material


770


upon a desired surface, the user may then remove the swab


750


from the vessel


714


, as shown in FIG.


17


. The user may subsequently insert a new swab


750


into the holding passage


740


. The new swab


750


may then be used to apply the adhesive material


770


to a different surface, for example. Thus, by repeatedly exchanging different swabs


750


, complete or substantial sterility of the contents of vessel


714


, if sterile initially, may be maintained.




The assembly may optionally include a filter or the like to limit or prevent introduction of contaminants from the air into the adhesive material in the vessel


714


. Alternatively or in addition, the adhesive material may contain preservatives and/or stabilizers to counteract effects of minor amounts of such contaminants.





FIGS. 18 and 19

show a package assembly


800


in accordance with embodiments of the invention. As shown in

FIGS. 18 and 19

, the package assembly


800


includes an enclosure


810


constructed of any of a wide variety of materials. The enclosure


810


may be constructed of paper, laminated paper or cardboard, for example. The enclosure may also be constructed of generally non-air permeable materials including various plastics materials and other polymers.




In accordance with the embodiment of the invention shown in

FIGS. 18 and 19

, the enclosure


810


includes four walls


812


and a bottom


814


. The four walls


812


and the bottom


814


form an interior space


815


. The enclosure


810


may also include a rear top flap


816


and side flaps


817


, as shown in

FIGS. 18 and 19

.




Further, the package assembly


800


preferably includes a separator


820


positioned within the interior space


815


. The separator


820


may also be constructed of paper, laminated paper or cardboard, for example. The separator


820


includes walls


822


. The walls


822


are constructed to form a further interior space


824


. As shown in

FIGS. 18 and 19

, the separator


820


including the walls


822


preferably do not extend the entire height of the walls


812


of the enclosure


810


. Rather the walls


822


of the separator


820


may extend along only a portion of the wall


812


, as shown in FIG.


19


. Further, the interior space


824


formed by the walls


822


may be open at the bottom of the interior space


824


. Alternatively, the bottom of the interior space


824


may be closed such as by a stop flap


825


extending from a corner of the interior space


824


. The stop flap


825


limits the position of an article disposed in the interior space


824


.




The top and bottom of each of the respective walls


822


are defined by respective top edges


826


and respective bottom edges


828


. The top edges


826


may be horizontal or may be angled. Further, the bottom edges


828


may be horizontal or may be angled. Illustratively, a lower edge


828


is angled as shown in FIG.


19


. The specific orientation and size of the walls


822


and the top and bottom edges


826


,


828


will vary depending on the particular application of the package assembly


800


and the particular method used to construct the package assembly


800


. Further, the separator


820


may be integrally constructed with the enclosure


810


. That is, the enclosure


810


and the separator


820


may be constructed of one sheet of paper, for example.




Illustratively, the package assembly


800


may be used to retain the container assembly


710


shown in

FIGS. 16 and 17

. Specifically, the vessel


714


may be retained in the interior space


824


formed by the walls


822


. Further, a plurality of swabs


750


may be stored in the interior space


815


outside the walls


822


. Each of the swabs


750


may be individually wrapped in an appropriate manner, for example to maintain the swabs


750


in a clean or even sterile condition. For example, swabs that have been sterilized as described above may be kept sterile in this manner. Further it should be recognized that other swabs as discussed above may be individually wrapped for the same reasons.




In addition to the vessel


714


, one or more additional containers of selected medicaments and/or polymerization initiators/accelerators can be provided in the interior space


815


of the package assembly


800


. For example, these additional materials can be provided in a separate container within or attached to any of the package assemblies disclosed herein.




The material can be any material, but is preferably an initiator that initiates polymerization and/or cross-linking of the monomer; a polymerization rate modifier, ,which modifies the rate of polymerization of the monomer; and/or a bioactive material, such as a medicament.




Particular initiators and rate modifiers for particular monomers may be readily selected by one of skill in the art without undue experimentation. Control of the molecular weight distribution of the applied adhesive can be enhanced by selection of the concentration and functionality of the initiator or rate modifier vis-a-vis the selected monomer. Suitable polymerization initiators and rate modifiers for cyanoacrylate compositions include, but are not limited to, detergent compositions; surfactants, including nonionic surfactants such as polysorbate 20 (e.g., Tween 20™; ICI Americas), polysorbate 80 (e.g., Tween 80™; ICI Americas), and poloxamers; surfactants such as tetrabutylammonium bromide, quaternary ammonium halides such as benzalkonium chloride or its pure components, and benzethonium chloride; stannous octoate (tin (II) 2-ethylhexanoate), and sodium tetradecyl sulfate; and amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants such as dodecyldimethyl(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium hydroxide, inner salt; amines, imines, and amides, such as imidazole, tryptamine, urea, arginine and povidine; phosphines, phosphites and phosphonium salts, such as triphenylphosphine and triethyl phosphite; alcohols; methyl gallate; inorganic bases and salts, such as sodium bisulfite, magnesium hydroxide, calcium sulfate and sodium silicate; sulfur compounds such as thiourea and polysulfides; polymeric cyclic ethers such as monensin, and nonactin, cyclic and acyclic carbonates, such as diethyl carbonate; phase transfer catalysts such as Aliquat™ 336 (General Mills, Inc., Minneapolis, Minn.); organometallics; manganese acetylacetonate; radical initiators and radicals, such as di-t-butyl peroxide and azobisisobutyronitrile; and bioactive compounds or agents.




In preferred embodiments, the initiator may be a bioactive material, including quaternary ammonium halides such as alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride (benzalkonium chloride; BAC) its pure components, or mixtures thereof, especially those with an alkyl containing 6-18 carbon atoms; benzethonium chloride; benzyl pyridinium halides; and salts of sulfadiazine. Cobalt napthenate can be used as an accelerator for peroxide.




The polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material may also contain an initiator and/or a rate modifier which is inactive until activated by a catalyst or accelerator (included within the scope of the term “initiator” as used herein) in the separate container. Initiators activated by stimulation such as heat and/or light (e.g., ultraviolet or visible light) are also suitable.




In embodiments where the initiator is also a bioactive material, the bioactive material may be supplied in an amount that is effective to initiate polymerization and to be effective for the biological activity intended (e.g., in a sufficient amount to be antiseptic). The bioactive material is selected in conjunction with the polymerizable monomer to be dispensed such that the bioactive material functions as an initiator or rate modifier for the monomer. During application of the compositions, the bioactive material combines with the monomer composition.




As mentioned above, the bioactive material can, but need not, be a polymerization initiator or rate modifier. Where the bioactive material is not an initiator or a rate modifier, an initiator or rate modifier can also be provided along with the bioactive material.




Suitable bioactive materials include, but are not limited to, medicaments such as antibiotics, antimicrobials, antiseptics, bacteriocins, bacteriostats, disinfectants, steroids, anesthetics, fungicides, anti-inflammatory agents, antibacterial agents, antiviral agents, antitumor agents, growth promoting substances, or mixtures thereof.




Exemplary compounds include, but are not limited to, acetic acid, aluminum acetate, bacitracin, bacitracin zinc, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, betadine, calcium chloroplatinate, certrimide, cloramine T, chlorhexidine phosphanilate, chlorhexidine, chlorhexidine sulfate, chloropenidine, chloroplatinatic acid, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, clioquinol, cysostaphin, gentamicin sulfate, hydrogen peroxide, iodinated polyvinylidone, iodine, iodophor, minocycline, mupirocin, neomycin, neomycin sulfate, nitrofurazone, non-onynol 9, potassium permanganate, penicillin, polymycin, polymycin B, polymyxin, polymyxin B sulfate, polyvinylpyrrolidone iodine, povidone iodine, 8-hydroxyquinoline, quinolone thioureas, rifampin, rifamycin, silver acetate, silver benzoate, silver carbonate, silver chloride, silver citrate, silver iodide, silver nitrate, silver oxide, silver sulfate, sodium chloroplatinate, sodium hypochlorite, sphingolipids, tetracycline, zinc oxide, salts of sulfadiazine (such as silver, sodium, and zinc), and mixtures thereof. Preferable bioactive materials are USP approved, more preferably USP monographed.




Preferable medicaments are those that are anions or help in radical generation or that are ion pairs or are themselves radicals.




In embodiments, the medicament is preferably a quaternary ammonium halide such as alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride (benzalkonium chloride; BAC) with an alkyl containing 6-18 carbon atoms, its pure components, or mixtures thereof, or benzethonium chloride; or a salt of sulfadiazine, such as a silver, sodium, or zinc salt.




The medicament can have a pharmaceutical effect only at the site of application (i.e., limited to the tissue on/in which it is applied), or it can have a systemic effect (by systemic, it is not only meant that the medicament has an effect throughout the patient's body, but also at a specific site other than the site of application). In embodiments where the medicament is applied in an amount sufficient to show a systemic pharmaceutical activity, it can be absorbed, transported, or otherwise distributed to the site or sites within the patient where the pharmaceutical activity is desired, e.g., through the cardiovascular or lymph systems.




The material may be in the form of a solid, such as a powder or a solid film, or in the form of a liquid, such as a watery, viscous, or paste-like material. The material may also be compounded with a variety of additives, such as surfactants or emulsifiers, and vehicles.




It is preferred to use two-ended applicators with such embodiments, so that the adhesive can be applied with one end before or after the other material is applied with the other end.




According to this invention, in some embodiments, the adhesive and other components of the container assembly and/or package assembly or kit may be sterilized. For example, the adhesive material


570


shown in

FIG. 1

may be sterilized. Further, the assembly


510


shown in

FIG. 11

including the vessel


514


, the restrictor


518


and the swab


119


may also be sterilized. The assembly


510


may be sterilized by the same or a different method as that used for the adhesive material


570


. Also, the package assembly or kit


100


, shown in

FIG. 1

, may be sterilized along with its contents. Likewise, the container assembly


710


shown in

FIG. 16

can be sterilized along with its contents. Further, the package assembly


800


can be sterilized including the enclosure


810


and contents of the enclosure


810


including any containers and adhesive contained in the containers.




In embodiments, various sterilization processes may be used for the separate components of the package assembly or kit. Examples include, but are not limited to, chemical sterilization (e.g., exposure to ethylene oxide or hydrogen peroxide vapor), physical sterilization (e.g., dry or moist heat) or other techniques such as microwave irradiation, gamma radiation, and ionizing radiation. Especially useful methods for sterilizing include electron beam irradiation, such as the method disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/025,472, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.




It will be understood that the same or different sterilization technique may be used to sterilize different components of the package assembly. For example, different sterilization techniques can be used to sterilize the separate components of the assembly


510


, the assembly


710


and the assembly


800


.




It will also be understood that some or all components of the package assembly do not have to be sterilized in some embodiments of this invention. For example, the enclosure


810


of the assembly


800


may optionally not be sterilized in some embodiments. For example, the enclosure


810


may not be sterilized for embodiments in which the enclosure is formed of a material, such as a paper material, that is air permeable.




However, in embodiments in which the enclosure


810


is formed of a non-air permeable material such as a plastics material, the enclosure may also be sterilized. Further, in some embodiments, a non-air permeable material, such as a plastics material, may be applied over an air permeable material such as a paper material. For example, a plastics material may be applied to a cardboard enclosure by a shrink wrapping process. In such embodiments, after applying the plastics material or the like over the enclosure, the package assembly may be sterilized.




In embodiments in which the adhesive monomeric composition and other components of the package assembly are sterilized, the sterilization should not cause more than an acceptable amount of curing and premature polymerization of the adhesive. In embodiments, the adhesive composition may be subjected to multiple sterilization processes to form the package assembly. For example, in the container assembly


710


shown in

FIGS. 16 and 17

, the adhesive can be sterilized before being placed into the vessel


714


. Then, the vessel containing the adhesive as well as swabs


750


can be sterilized. Next, if the vessel and swabs are provided in an enclosure, the enclosure containing the vessel


714


and adhesive and the swabs


750


can be sterilized. Thus, the adhesive should not be prematurely polymerized to more than an acceptable amount after such sequential sterilization has been performed. Preferably, substantially no polymerization of the adhesive occurs during the sequential sterilization.




In some embodiments, electron beam irradiation may be used to sterilize liquid adhesive compositions inside their containers. In preferred embodiments, there is substantially no initiation of polymerization of monomeric liquid adhesive compositions that affects the utility of the monomer or monomers. Benefits of electron beam irradiation include the ability to sterilize the liquid composition on a production line without initiating any substantial polymerization, in a few seconds and at a lower penetration than some other types of irradiation, such as gamma irradiation. The sterilized adhesive compositions have good shelf life and excellent stability. The temperature levels of the adhesive compositions during electron beam irradiation change only slightly from room temperature. In addition, post sterilization microbiological testing and a quarantine period are not required.




In embodiments, the adhesive compositions are sterilized by subjecting the compositions to a sufficient dosage of electron beam irradiation. The adhesive compositions can be sterilized in a container using electron beam irradiation. In addition, in embodiments in which the container is placed in an enclosure, the enclosure can also then be subjected to electron beam irradiation.




In embodiments, the liquid adhesive composition is subjected to a dosage of about 0.5-10 MRad (5-100 kGy), preferably about 1.0-5.0 MRad (10-50 kGy), and more preferably 1-3 Mrad (10-30 kGy), of electron beam irradiation. The time of exposure is relative to the strength of the beam and is typically in the range of tenths of a second to seconds (depending on the conveyor speed) and is preferably less than one minute. Time of exposure will change from day to day depending on the beam strength at the time of setup. Dosimeters may be used to determine the exposure of the samples.




There are several available sources for electron beam irradiation. Two groups of electron beam accelerators are: (1) a Dynamitron, which uses an insulated core transformer, and (2) radio frequency (RF) linear accelerators (linacs). The Dynamitron is a particle accelerator (4.5 MeV) designed to impart energy to electrons. The high energy electrons are generated and accelerated by the electrostatic fields of the accelerator electrodes arranged within the length of the glass-insulated beam tube (acceleration tube). These electrons, traveling through an extension of the evacuation beam tube and beam transport (drift pipe) are subjected to a magnet deflection system in order to produce a “scanned” beam, prior to leaving the vacuum enclosure through a beam window. The dose can be adjusted with the control of the percent scan, the beam current and the conveyor speed.




In embodiments in which electron beam irradiation is used for sterilization of the adhesive compositions, the adhesive compositions may be in any type of at least partially electron beam permeable container, including, but not limited to, glass, plastic, and film-formed packages. In embodiments, the container may be sealed or have an opening. The penetration of electron beam irradiation is a function of the packaging. If there is not enough penetration from the side of a stationary electron beam, the container may be flipped or rotated to achieve adequate penetration. Alternatively, the electron beam source can be moved about a stationary package. In order to determine the dose distribution and dose penetration in product load, a dose map can be performed. This will identify the minimum and maximum dose zone within a product.




In embodiments, after the container containing the liquid adhesive composition is sterilized with electron beam irradiation, the container may be placed in an enclosure forming a package assembly and subjected to a different type of irradiation. The package assembly may then be sterilized. For example, the entire package assembly may be sterilized by chemical (e.g., with ethylene oxide or hydrogen peroxide vapor) or other techniques such as microwave irradiation and electron beam irradiation.




The amount of polymerization that occurs can be determined by various techniques including measuring changes in viscosity of the adhesive compositions. Viscosity changes can provide a measure of the stability of the adhesive compositions.




According to embodiments of the invention, sequential sterilization can be performed with substantially no resulting polymerization of adhesive compositions. Accordingly, the sterilized adhesive compositions can have a satisfactory shelf life.




While this invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations may be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, various different combinations, and shapes, sizes and arrangements, of the described features are contemplated. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth herein are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.



Claims
  • 1. A kit for storing and applying an adhesive material, comprising:an enclosure; at least one container within said enclosure; an adhesive material comprising 1,1-disubstituted ethylene monomers within said at least one container; a plurality of applicators within said enclosure, each of said applicators comprising at least one absorbent portion.
  • 2. The kit according to claim 1, wherein said at least one container is a bottle.
  • 3. The kit according to claim 1, wherein each of said applicators comprises a shaft having two ends and a said absorbent portion at each end of said shaft.
  • 4. A kit according to claim 3, wherein an initiator or rate modifier for said adhesive material is located at one of said at least one absorbent portions at one end of each of said applicators.
  • 5. The kit according to claim 1, wherein said adhesive material comprises α-cyanoacrylate monomers.
  • 6. The kit according to claim 1, wherein said absorbent portion comprises foam.
  • 7. The kit according to claim 6, wherein said foam comprises an ultraviolet light stabilizing agent.
  • 8. The kit according to claim 1, wherein the container comprises a polymeric material that has been modified by a post-halogenation treatment.
  • 9. A kit according to claim 6, wherein an initiator or rate modifier for said adhesive material is located at said at least one absorbent portion of each of said applicators.
  • 10. The kit according to claim 1, wherein said absorbent portion comprises a fibrous pad.
  • 11. A kit according to claim 10, wherein an initiator or rate modifier for said adhesive material is located at said at least one absorbent portion of each of said applicators.
  • 12. The kit according to claim 1, wherein said enclosure comprises separate compartments for holding said at least one container and said plurality of applicators.
  • 13. The kit according to claim 12, wherein said plurality of said applicators is held within one said separate compartment.
  • 14. The kit according to claim 12, wherein a plurality of said applicators is held within each of a plurality of said separate compartments.
  • 15. The kit according to claim 12, wherein each of said plurality of applicators is held within a said separate compartment.
  • 16. The kit according to claim 15, wherein said separate compartments holding said plurality of applicators are separable from said enclosure.
  • 17. The kit according to claim 16, wherein said separate compartments holding said plurality of applicators are individually separable from said enclosure at predetermined portions of said enclosure.
  • 18. The kit according to claim 15, wherein said enclosure comprises a foldable portion comprising said separate compartments holding said plurality of applicators.
  • 19. The kit according to claim 12, wherein said enclosure further comprises at least one separate well for holding said adhesive material dispensed from said at least one container.
  • 20. The kit according to claim 19, wherein said enclosure comprises a plurality of said wells.
  • 21. The kit according to claim 19, wherein said enclosure comprises at least the same number of said wells as a number of said plurality of applicators.
  • 22. The kit according to claim 19, wherein said enclosure comprises a base and a cover.
  • 23. The kit according to claim 22, wherein said cover is pivotably connected to said base.
  • 24. The kit according to claim 22, wherein said enclosure comprises a plurality of said wells, said cover has a surface facing an interior of said enclosure when said enclosure is closed, and said plurality of wells are disposed on said surface and configured to hold the dispensed adhesive material when said enclosure is open.
  • 25. The kit according to claim 22, wherein said cover comprises a plurality of said wells and a compartment releasably holding said container, and said base comprises a compartment containing said plurality of applicators.
  • 26. The kit according to claim 1, wherein each of said applicators comprises a shaft and said at least one absorbent portion.
  • 27. The kit according to claim 26, wherein said container comprises a closable opening, said opening and said at least one applicator being configured to allow at least said at least one absorbent portion of at least one of said applicators to pass through said opening into said at least one container and to compress said at least one absorbent portion.
  • 28. The kit according to claim 27, wherein said opening is defined by a restrictor that extends into an internal lumen of said container.
  • 29. The kit according to claim 28, wherein said restrictor is formed of a resilient material.
  • 30. The kit according to claim 26, wherein said at least one container comprises a closable opening and is configured to be self-supportable on a surface with said opening facing upwardly.
  • 31. The kit according to claim 30, further comprising at least one suction cup for holding said container to a surface.
  • 32. The kit according to claim 31, wherein said container has a bottom portion, and said bottom portion and said at least one suction cup are configured to be connected together.
  • 33. The kit according to claim 32, wherein said bottom portion further comprises at least one extension that stabilizes said container on said surface.
  • 34. The kit according to claim 33, wherein said extension is in the form of a skirt surrounding said suction cup.
  • 35. A kit according to claim 26, wherein an initiator or rate modifier for said adhesive material is located at said at least one absorbent portion of each of said applicators.
  • 36. The kit according to claim 1, wherein at least the adhesive material and the plurality of applicators are sterilized.
  • 37. The kit according to claim 36, wherein all contents of the enclosure are sterilized.
  • 38. The kit according to claim 1, wherein said applicator is removably connectable to said container.
  • 39. The kit according to claim 38, wherein said container includes an applicator retainer that removably retains said applicator.
  • 40. The kit according to claim 39, wherein said applicator comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end, said shaft having a through-passage extending from the first end to the second end of the shaft, and contents of said container can be dispensed through said through-passage.
  • 41. The kit according to claim 38, wherein said enclosure comprises separate compartments for holding said at least one container and said plurality of applicators.
  • 42. The kit according to claim 41, wherein said enclosure comprises an outer box having walls and a bottom defining an interior space, said separate compartments being disposed in said interior space.
  • 43. The kit according to claim 42, wherein said container is disposed within at least one said compartment and a plurality of said plurality of applicators are disposed within at least one other said compartment.
  • 44. The kit according to claim 41, wherein at least one said compartment includes at least one stop flap to support the container.
  • 45. A method for applying an adhesive material to a surface to be treated using the kit of claim 1, the method comprising:applying the adhesive material to the exterior surface of one said absorbent portion so that the adhesive material is then absorbed into said absorbent portion; and applying said adhesive material to said surface to be treated by contacting said absorbent portion with said surface to be treated.
  • 46. The method according to claim 45, wherein the surface to be treated is living tissue.
  • 47. The method according to claim 45, wherein said monomers comprise α-cyanoacrylate monomers.
  • 48. The method according to claim 45, wherein at least the adhesive material is sterilized.
  • 49. The method according to claim 48, wherein the applicator and adhesive material are sterilized.
  • 50. The kit according to claim 1, further comprising at least one medicament within at least one second container within or attached to said enclosure.
  • 51. The kit according to claim 50, wherein said applicator comprises a shaft having two ends and a said absorbent portion at each end of said shaft.
  • 52. A kit according to claim 1, wherein said container comprises a multidose bottle containing an amount of said adhesive material sufficient for multiple applications and wherein each of said applicators includes an initiator or rate Modifier for said adhesive material.
  • 53. A kit according to claim 52, wherein said container, said adhesive material and said applicators are sterilized, and wherein each of said applicators is contained in a separate sealed pouch.
  • 54. A kit according to claim 52, wherein said initiator or rate modifier for said adhesive material is located at said at least one absorbent portion.
  • 55. A kit according to claim 1, wherein each of said applicators includes an initiator or rate modifier for said adhesive material.
  • 56. A kit according to claim 55, wherein said initiator or rate modifier for said adhesive material is located at said at least one absorbent portion.
  • 57. The kit according to claim 1, wherein the enclosure includes a ultraviolet light stabilizing agent.
  • 58. A kit for storing and applying an adhesive material, comprising:an enclosure, said enclosure comprising a base and a cover, said enclosure further comprising separate compartments and a plurality of separate wells, said cover having a surface, and said wells being disposed on said surface and extending out of a plane of said surface; at least one container within said enclosure; an adhesive material within said at least one container, said wells being configured to hold adhesive material dispensed from said container; a plurality of applicators within said enclosure, each of said applicators comprising at least one absorbent portion, said enclosure comprising at least the same number of said wells as a number of said applicators; wherein separate said compartments are provided for holding said at least one container and said plurality of applicators.
  • 59. The kit according to claim 58, wherein at least the adhesive material and the plurality of applicators are sterilized.
  • 60. The kit according to claim 59, wherein all contents of the enclosure are sterilized.
  • 61. A method for storing and applying an adhesive material, comprising:opening an enclosure; removing one of a plurality of applicators from the enclosure, each of the plurality of applicators comprising at least one absorbent portion; removing from the enclosure a container that contains an amount of an adhesive material comprising 1,1-disubstituted ethylene monomers sufficient for a plurality of applications; dispensing a portion of the amount of the adhesive material to at least one of a plurality of wells, the wells being disposed on, and extending out of a plane of, a surface of the enclosure; contacting an absorbent portion of the one applicator with the amount of the adhesive material in the well; and applying adhesive from the applicator.
  • 62. The method of claim 61, further comprising:removing a second of the plurality of applicators from the enclosure; dispensing a second portion of the amount of the adhesive material to an unused well of the plurality of wells when the enclosure is open; contacting an absorbent portion of the second applicator with a second amount of the adhesive material in that well; and applying adhesive from the applicator.
  • 63. A kit for storing and applying an adhesive material, consisting essentially of:an enclosure; at least one container within said enclosure; an adhesive material comprising 1,1-disubstituted ethylene monomers within said at least one container; and a plurality of applicators within said enclosure, each of said applicators comprising at least one absorbent portion.
  • 64. A kit for storing and applying an adhesive material, comprising:an enclosure; at least one container within said enclosure; an adhesive material comprising 1,1-disubstituted ethylene monomers within said at least one container; a plurality of applicators within said enclosure, each of said applicators comprising at least one absorbent portion; and a removable insert within said enclosure, the removable insert defining at least one open cavity containing at least said plurality of applicators.
  • 65. The kit of claim 64, wherein said removable insert further contains said at least one container.
  • 66. The kit of claim 65, wherein said removable insert defines a separate cavity for said at least one container.
  • 67. The kit of claim 66, wherein said separate cavity is designed to hold said at least one container in place.
  • 68. A method for storing and applying an adhesive material, comprising:opening an enclosure; removing one of a plurality of applicators from the enclosure by removing an insert containing the plurality of applicators from the enclosure and removing an applicator from the insert, each of the plurality of applicators comprising at least one absorbent portion; removing from the enclosure a container that contains an amount of an adhesive material comprising 1,1-disubstituted ethylene monomers sufficient for a plurality of applications; applying a portion of the amount of the adhesive material to the at least one absorbent portion of the one applicator; and applying adhesive from the applicator.
  • 69. The method of claim 68, wherein removing the insert further comprises removing the container from the enclosure.
  • 70. A method for storing and applying an adhesive material, comprising:opening an enclosure; removing one of a plurality of applicators from the enclosure, each of the plurality of applicators comprising at least one absorbent portion; removing from the enclosure a container that contains an amount of an adhesive material comprising 1,1-disubstituted ethylene monomers sufficient for a plurality of applications; applying a portion of the amount of the adhesive material to the at least one absorbent portion of the one applicator; and applying adhesive from the applicator to at least one of an incision, a laceration, a wound, a burn, an inflammation and a sore.
  • 71. A compact kit for storing and applying an adhesive material, comprising:an enclosure having no dimension greater than approximately six inches; at least one container within said enclosure; an adhesive material comprising 1,1-disubstituted ethylene monomers within said at least one container; and a plurality of applicators within said enclosure, each of said applicators comprising at least one absorbent portion.
Priority Claims (1)
Number Date Country Kind
PCT/US99/19553 Aug 1999 WO
Parent Case Info

This is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No. 09/145,200 filed Sep. 1, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,313 and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/138,049 filed Jun. 8, 1999. The entire disclosures of the prior applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

US Referenced Citations (72)
Number Name Date Kind
2119646 Pidel Jun 1938 A
2168179 Tobey Aug 1939 A
3083821 Woodson Apr 1963 A
3146806 Ginsburg Sep 1964 A
3315689 Melik Apr 1967 A
3491875 Fischer et al. Jan 1970 A
3524537 Winter Aug 1970 A
3559652 Banitt et al. Feb 1971 A
3638785 Casteel et al. Feb 1972 A
3667472 Halpern Jun 1972 A
3704089 Stehlik Nov 1972 A
3759375 Nappi Sep 1973 A
3938898 Reitknecht Feb 1976 A
3976195 Cohen Aug 1976 A
4035334 Davydov et al. Jul 1977 A
4212387 Kotski et al. Jul 1980 A
4294349 Ibsen et al. Oct 1981 A
4329990 Sneider May 1982 A
4364473 Bogaert Dec 1982 A
4430013 Kaufman Feb 1984 A
4612252 Sagane et al. Sep 1986 A
4707450 Nason Nov 1987 A
4724177 Russo Feb 1988 A
4726553 Wischusen, III Feb 1988 A
4767398 Blasius, Jr. Aug 1988 A
4786534 Aiken Nov 1988 A
4789639 Fleming Dec 1988 A
4802797 Cole Feb 1989 A
4828113 Friedland et al. May 1989 A
4854759 Morane et al. Aug 1989 A
4869381 Agner Sep 1989 A
4875602 Chickering et al. Oct 1989 A
4887994 Bedford Dec 1989 A
5033252 Carter Jul 1991 A
5106297 Discko, Jr. Apr 1992 A
5123431 Wilson Jun 1992 A
5152742 Simpson Oct 1992 A
5240415 Haynie Aug 1993 A
5241803 Griffin Sep 1993 A
5308180 Pournoor et al. May 1994 A
5333737 Clark Aug 1994 A
5370221 Magnusson et al. Dec 1994 A
5378226 Hanifl et al. Jan 1995 A
5403591 Tighe et al. Apr 1995 A
5474206 Herring, Sr. Dec 1995 A
5480935 Greff et al. Jan 1996 A
5490737 Gueret Feb 1996 A
5525647 Eichmiller Jun 1996 A
5530037 McDonnell et al. Jun 1996 A
5575997 Leung et al. Nov 1996 A
5580565 Tighe et al. Dec 1996 A
5582834 Leung et al. Dec 1996 A
5597254 Vasas Jan 1997 A
5599125 Vasas et al. Feb 1997 A
5653769 Barley, Jr. et al. Aug 1997 A
5660273 Discko, Jr. Aug 1997 A
5697720 Lhuisset Dec 1997 A
5709866 Booras et al. Jan 1998 A
5779053 Partika et al. Jul 1998 A
5842326 Wolf Dec 1998 A
5857991 Grothoff et al. Jan 1999 A
5859076 Kozma et al. Jan 1999 A
5860806 Pranitis et al. Jan 1999 A
5874044 Kotzev Feb 1999 A
5881536 Müller-Wille et al. Mar 1999 A
5900245 Sawhney et al. May 1999 A
5909976 Maeda Jun 1999 A
5981621 Clark et al. Nov 1999 A
6000575 LaCour et al. Dec 1999 A
6143805 Hickey et al. Nov 2000 A
6342213 Barley et al. Jan 2002 B1
6386781 Gueret May 2002 B1
Foreign Referenced Citations (7)
Number Date Country
196 42 286 Apr 1998 DE
0 402 140 Dec 1990 EP
0 779 229 Jun 1997 EP
0 857 658 Aug 1998 EP
WO 9212863 Aug 1992 WO
WO 9731598 Sep 1997 WO
WO 9823220 Jun 1998 WO
Non-Patent Literature Citations (1)
Entry
DAP Weldwood Contact Cement, Champion International, Dayton, Ohio ( © 1996).
Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
60/138049 Jun 1999 US
Continuation in Parts (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 09/145200 Sep 1998 US
Child 09/385030 US