The present invention relates generally to the packaging industry. More particularly, the present invention relates to reclosable packages having a tamper evident feature.
Reclosable packages or bags are very common, especially in the food industry. Reclosable packages are typically formed by using opposing body panels attached along three sides. Such packages are typically made to be reclosable via the use of a reclosable element or fastener such as a resealable adhesive seal or a reclosable zipper. Such zippers may be opened and closed either by pressure or by the use of an auxiliary slider mechanism.
Reclosable packages are a great convenience to consumers, especially for products such as luncheon meats and cheeses where, typically, only a portion of the product is used at any given time. A problem with these reclosable packages, however, is that the reclosable features do not provide a desired leak resistance. Thus, the contents of the package may leak out of the package and the external atmosphere can permeate into the package, promoting food spoilage. Another problem with reclosable packages is that such packages can be tampered with prior to purchase by the customer.
The reclosable packages may be used by the final manufacturer of, for example, the luncheon meats and cheeses in a form, fill and seal process. It would be desirable to have the reclosable packages formed on and integrated with at least some existing form, fill and seal equipment of these manufacturers without substantial retrofitting.
A need therefore exists for packages to be reclosable and have a desired tamper evident seal that may be used in at least some existing form, fill and seal processes.
According to one embodiment, a reclosable package comprises a first opposing body panel, a second opposing body panel, a reclosable seal, and a one-time breakable element. The second opposing body panel is joined with the first opposing body panel along three sides to create a receptacle space having a mouth at one end. The reclosable seal extends along the one end and includes a first track and a second track. The first track includes a first fin portion and a first reclosable element, while the second track includes a second fin portion and a second reclosable element. The first fin portion extends generally downwardly from the first reclosable element toward the receptacle space. The first fin portion has a first end and a second end that is further from the first reclosable element. The second fin portion extends generally downwardly from the second reclosable element toward the receptacle space. The second fin portion has a first end and a second end that is further from the second reclosable element. The first reclosable element and the second reclosable element are releasably engageable to each other.
The one-time breakable element comprises a first section and a second section. The one-time breakable element initially extends from the first fin portion to the second fin portion so as to prevent or inhibit tampering with the package prior to being opened. The first section of the one-time breakable element is attached near the second end of the first fin portion. The second section of the one-time breakable element is attached near the second end of the second fin portion. Each of the first and second sections extends upwardly and inwardly from near the respective second ends of the first and second fin portions so as to form a generally inverted U-shaped or V-shaped cross-sectional configuration. The first opposing body panel is attached to the first section of the one-time breakable element and the second opposing body panel is attached to the second section of the one-time breakable element.
The first reclosable element may include a first locking profile and the second reclosable element may include a second locking profile. The package may further include a slider mechanism slidably mounted to the first and second locking profiles for movement between an open and a closed position.
According to another embodiment, a reclosable package comprises a first opposing body panel, a second opposing body panel, a reclosable seal, and a one-time breakable element. The second opposing body panel is joined with the first opposing body panel along three sides to create a receptacle space having a mouth at one end. The reclosable seal extends along the one end and includes a first track and a second track. The first track includes a first fin portion and a first reclosable element. The second track includes a second fin portion and a second reclosable element. The first fin portion extends generally downwardly from the first reclosable element toward the receptacle space. The first fin portion has a first end and a second end that is further from the first reclosable element. The second fin portion extends generally downwardly from the second reclosable element toward the receptacle space. The second fin portion has a first end and a second end that is further from the second reclosable element. The first reclosable element and the second reclosable element are releasably engageable to each other.
The one-time breakable element comprises a first section and a second section. The one-time breakable element initially extends from the first fin portion to the second fin portion so as to prevent or inhibit tampering with the package prior to being opened. Each of the first and second sections extends upwardly and inwardly from respective second ends of the first and second fin portions so as to form a generally inverted U-shaped or V-shaped cross-sectional configuration. The first and second sections of the one-time breakable element and the first and second fin portions are integrally connected with each other. The first opposing body panel is attached to the first section of the one-time breakable element and the second opposing body panel is attached to the second section of the one-time breakable element.
According to one process, a reclosable package is formed that comprises providing a first opposing body panel and a second opposing body panel that is joined with the first opposing body panel along three sides to create a receptacle space having a mouth at one end. A reclosable seal is extruded and includes a first track and a second track. The first track includes a first fin portion and a first reclosable element. The second track includes a second fin portion and a second reclosable element. The first fin portion extends generally downwardly from the first reclosable element. The first fin portion has a first end and a second end that is further from the first reclosable element. The second fin portion extends generally downwardly from the second reclosable element. The second fin portion has a first end and a second end that is further from the second reclosable element. The first reclosable element and the second reclosable element are releasably engageable to each other. The one-time breakable element comprises a first section and a second section. The one-time breakable element initially extends from the first fin portion to the second fin portion so as to prevent or inhibit tampering with the package prior to being opened. Each of the first and second sections extends upwardly and inwardly from respective second ends of the first and second fin portions so as to form a generally inverted U-shaped or V-shaped cross-sectional configuration. The first and second sections of the one-time breakable element and the first and second fin portions are integrally connected with each other.
The first opposing body panel is attached to the first section of the one-time breakable element. The second opposing body panel is attached to the second section of the one-time breakable element. The first fin portion extends generally downwardly from the first reclosable element toward the receptacle space. The second fin portion extends generally downwardly from the second reclosable element toward the receptacle space and the reclosable seal extends along the one end of the receptacle space.
Other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings.
a is a sectional view of a mouth portion of a reclosable package or bag according to one embodiment of the present invention;
b is a sectional view of a reclosable package or bag according to one embodiment of the present invention;
c is a sectional view of a mouth portion of a reclosable package or bag according to another embodiment of the present invention;
Turning now to the drawings,
Referring still to
b depicts a reclosable package or bag 80 having the one-time breakable element 12 located below the fastener 14. The package or bag 80 of
c depicts a mouth portion of a reclosable package or bag 90 having the one-time breakable element 12 located below the fastener or zipper 14. The package or bag 90 includes first and second opposing body panels 92, 94. Each of the opposing body panels 92, 94 forms a respective side gusset 96, 98.
In the embodiment of
The one-time breakable element 12 of
Referring back to
Instead of extruding the one-time breakable element 12 with the first and second fin portions 28, 34 as a single continuous piece, the one-time breakable element 12 and the fin portions 28, 34 may be separately extruded and then later weakly attached. For example, the one-time breakable element 12 may be attached near or at the second ends 28b, 34b of the respective fin portions 28, 34 by heat sealing or welding. The one-time breakable element 12 may be attached to the respective fin portions 28, 34 by elastomeric ribs. The weak attachment of the one-time breakable element 12 with the first fin portion 28 and/or the second fin portion 34 may create a preferential area of weakness.
Referring to
As shown in
A majority of the first section 212a of the one-time breakable section 212 may be attached to a first fin portion 228, by, for example, an adhesive or heat sealing. This attachment may occur even if the first fin portion 228 and the first section 212a are integrally extruded with each other such as shown in
Similarly, a majority of the second section 212b of the one-time breakable section 212 may be attached to a second fin portion 234 by, for example, an adhesive or heat sealing. As discussed above, the second section 212b and the second fin portion 234 may be integrally formed or separately formed. Alternatively, substantially all of the second section 212b of the one-time breakable section 212 may be attached to the second fin portion 234. It is contemplated that the first section 212a, the second section 212b, the first fin portion 228 and the second fin portion 234 may be integrally formed with each other.
The thicknesses of the one-time breakable element 12 and the first and second fin portions 28, 34 is generally from about 2 to about 10 mils. The thicknesses of one-time breakable element 12 and the first and second fin portions 28, 34 are typically from about 6 to about 8 mils. The thickness of the one-time breakable element may be greater if elastomeric ribs are used (e.g., generally from about 12 to about 14 mils). The area of weakness, such as the preferential area of weakness 38, is generally from about 0.5 mil to about 2 mils.
According to another embodiment, the reclosable package 10 further includes an optional auxiliary slider mechanism 36 (
The package 10 of
It is contemplated that other end terminations may be used instead of the above-described end terminations 37. For example, an end weld may be formed by heated bars pressed against the end of the fastener, ultrasonic welding or other ways known in the art.
As illustrated in
The one-time breakable element 12 not only provides a consumer with the assurance that his or her newly purchased package has never been opened before, but also provides a good initial seal that preserves the freshness of the food contents of the package prior to its initial opening. Since the reclosable closure arrangements of
For example, it is generally not desirably to have pull flanges that extend upwardly from the reclosable closure arrangement that can be grasped and pulled apart to open the reclosable closure arrangement from a sealed form. Such a reclosable package may interfere with the operation of opening and closing the package, resulting in customer dissatisfaction. Additionally, this type of package also includes another step for the customer of removing a tear strip or manually cutting the wall panels to gain access to the package. This type of package also includes higher product costs involved with using additional resins for extending the body panels.
The tracks, profiles, fin portions and one-time breakable element typically comprise one or more polymeric resins. The tracks, profiles, fin portions and one-time breakable element may be independently comprised of one or more polyolefins including, but not limited to, polyethylenes, polypropylenes or combinations thereof. Some non-limiting types of polyethylenes include low density polyethylenes (LDPE), linear low density polyethylenes (LLDPE), high density polyethylenes (HDPE), medium density polyethylenes (MDPE) and combinations thereof. Other non-limiting examples include plastomers, elastomers, ethylene Vinyl acetates (EVA), ethyl methacrylates, polymethylpentene copolymers, polyisobutylenes, polyolefin ionomers, cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs) or combinations thereof, including with polyethylenes and/or polypropylenes.
One or more of the tracks, profiles, fin portions and/or one-time breakable element may be made from multiple layers. The multiple layers of the tracks, profiles, fin portions and one-time breakable element may be independently formed by coextruding or other processes such as coating or laminating.
According to one embodiment, the opposing films forming the opposing body panels 16, 18 of the package may be made of one or more polymeric resins. Opposing body panels 116, 118 (
Furthermore, the opposing body panels 16, 18 of the present invention may be made of multiple layers including those layers joined by coextrusion or other processes such as coating or laminating. Similarly, the opposing body panels 116, 118 and 216, 218 may be made of such multiple layers. It is further possible to incorporate pigments, metallic components, paper, and/or paper/plastic composites into or on the layer(s) of the opposing body panels.
According to a further embodiment, the opposing body panels may be formed from a multi-wall paper construction. One non-limiting example of such a construction is a pinch bottom open mouth bag that is used in the pet food industry. It is contemplated that other types of multi-wall paper construction may be used in forming the opposing body panels.
The optional slider mechanism 36 may be formed from suitable polymeric materials such as, for example, nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, copolymers of polyethylene and polypropylene, polycarbonates, polyesters, polyacetals, or acrylic- butadiene-styrene copolymers. Especially preferred components for making the slider mechanism 36 are polypropylenes, polycarbonates or polyesters. The slider mechanism 36 may be formed by injection molding.
As discussed, the one-time breakable element may be formed from one or more layers. According to one embodiment, the one-time breakable element 12 may also be a barrier partition that includes a barrier layer that is substantially impermeable to at least one of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and/or water vapor. Similarly, the one-time breakable elements 112 (
The optional barrier layer of the one-time breakable element may comprise ethylene vinyl alcohols (EVOH), polyvinyl alcohols (PVOH), nylons, polyesters, ethylene vinyl dichlorides (EVDC), liquid crystal polymers (LCPs), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), modified polyolefins with barrier properties, polyacrylonitriles, acrylonitrile copolymers, polyacetals, cellophanes, cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs) or combinations thereof. More specifically, the optional barrier layer of the one-time breakable element is made of an EVOH, PVDC, nylon or polyester. Preferred nylons include nylon-6, nylon-66, nylon-MXD6 and amorphous nylons. Preferred polyesters include polyethylene terephthlate (PET) and polybutylene terephthlate (PBT).
If it is desirable to have an effective water vapor barrier, a cyclic olefin copolymer such as TOPAS® 8007 may be used. TOPAS® 8007 is made by Ticona, a business of Calanese AG, in Summit N.J. This cyclic olefin copolymer is believed to be prepared with feedstocks of norbornene and ethylene and the use of a metallocene catalyst. The TOPAS® 8007 has a glass transition temperature, Tg, of about 85° C. with a norbornene level believed to be about 39 mole %.
There are believed to be at least three other grades of TOPAS® resins available (TOPAS® 6013, TOPAS® 6015 and TOPAS® 6017). Other companies that have cyclic olefin copolymers available include Nippon Zeon (Japan), Mitsui Chemical (Japan) and JSR (Japan), formerly know as Japan Synthetic Rubber. These cyclic olefin copolymers are believed to be prepared with feedstocks of norbornene and ethylene and the use of a metallocene catalyst. The three grades of TOPAS® resins available have glass transition temperatures, Tg, of 140, 160 and 180° C., respectively. The corresponding norbornene levels of the four grades of TOPAS® resins are believed to be about 48, 55 and 59 mole %.
It is preferred that water soluble materials, such as PVOH, do not comprise the optional barrier layer if the one-time breakable element is made of only the barrier layer because those materials may dissolve in a moisture environment, lose strength and/or barrier characteristics.
According to one embodiment, a five layer barrier layer is contemplated. The five layer barrier layer has polymeric outer layers such as, for example, high density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra low density polyethylene (ULDPE) and low density polyethylene (LDPE). The interior layer is made of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). The EVOH layer is attached to the outer polymeric layers via adhesive layers such as ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA). Another example of an adhesive is an anhydride modified LDPE that has a melt index (MI) of about 1.8 g/10 min. and a density of about 0.92 g/cm3.
The optional barrier layer generally has an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) less than 10 cm3 (mil)/100 in2-day at 23° C. as measured by ASTM D3985-81. The barrier layer preferably has an oxygen transmission rate less than 2 cm3 (mil)/100 in2-day at 23° C. and, more preferably, less than 0.5 cm3 (mil)/100 in2-day at 23° C. as measured by ASTM D3985-81.
The optional barrier layer may also be substantially impermeable to water vapor and other gases causing dehydration, increased humidification and/or oxidation. The optional barrier layer generally has an water vapor transmission rate (OTR) less than 20 g/100 in2-day at 23° C. as measured by ASTM F1249-90. The ASTM F1249-50 has been slightly modified in Section 11.2 to normalize and account for the small width of the track. The barrier layer preferably has an oxygen transmission rate less than 5 g/100 in2-day at 23° C. and, more preferably, less than 1 g/100 in2-day at 23° C. as measured by ASTM F1249-90.
The optional barrier layer may assist in inhibiting loss of flavor, absorption of external odors and development of microflora (bacteria) in the food products of the package.
It is contemplated that oxygen absorbers/scavengers may be included in forming the optional barrier layer. Oxygen absorbers or scavengers are generally chemical or enzyme based. Chemical oxygen scavengers contemplated in the present invention include metallic reducing agents such as various ferrous compounds, powdered iron oxide and metallic platinum. Other chemical oxygen scavengers include non-metallic formulations such as those employing ascorbic acids (Vitamin C) and their associated salts and organo-metallic molecules that have a natural affinity for oxygen.
It is contemplated that additional materials may be added in forming the optional barrier layer. These materials include various fillers, such as clay, talc, mica and nanocomposites that may be more cost effective. These fillers may provide a tortuous path for oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and/or water vapor.
Similarly, the opposing body panels 16, 18 (
As discussed above, the opposing body panels 16, 18 may be made from multiple layers. Similarly, the opposing body panels 116, 118 of
An example of a three layer body panel (not shown) includes a first layer having the same materials as described above in making the optional barrier layer of the one-time breakable element, a tie layer and a third layer made of polyolefin(s), such as an LDPE, an HDPE, an LLDPE or combinations thereof. In this embodiment, the first layer would be preferably located on the interior of the body panel with the tie layer being located between the first and third layers.
The components of the reclosable closure arrangement (such as the tracks having integrally formed interlocking profiles and fin portions) may be attached to the body panels of the package by processes such as heat sealing, welding or blocking. The process utilized depends upon the materials from which the bag and the reclosable closure arrangement are made. Specifically, heat sealing is a process whereby materials are fused or melted together. Welding is a process where an intermediate third material is utilized to “glue” similar materials to each other. Blocking is a process where at least sufficient pressure and optional temperature increases result in intimate surface contact adhesion of layers without sealing.
Alternatively, an adhesive seal may be utilized as a fastener or reclosable element of the present invention. Such seals employ a resealable adhesive-type substance that is applied to either one or both of the films forming the package. The adhesive may alternatively be applied to an intermediary base strip. It is contemplated that other closure arrangements, besides adhesive seals and zippers, may be used in the present invention.
According to one process, a reclosable package is formed by providing a first opposing body panel and a second opposing body panel joined with the first opposing body panel along three sides to create a receptacle space having a mouth at one end. A reclosable seal includes a first track and a second track is extruded. The first track includes a first fin portion and a first reclosable element, while the second track includes a second fin portion and a second reclosable element. The first fin portion extends generally downwardly from the first reclosable element. The first fin portion has a first end and a second end being further from the first reclosable element. The second fin portion extends generally downwardly from the second reclosable element. The second fin portion has a first end and a second end being further from the second reclosable element. The first reclosable element and the second reclosable element are releasably engageable to each other. The reclosable seal may include a first and second locking elements and a slider mechanism that engages the locking elements to move between open and closed positions.
The one-time breakable element comprising a first section and a second section is extruded. The one-time breakable element initially extends from the first fin portion to the second fin portion so as to prevent or inhibit tampering with the package prior to being opened. Each of the first and second sections extends upwardly and inwardly from respective second ends of the first and second fin portions so as to form a generally inverted U-shaped or V-shaped cross-sectional configuration. The first and second sections of the one-time breakable element and the first and second fin portions are integrally connected with each other according to one embodiment.
It is contemplated that the first fin portion, second fin portion, first and second sections of the one-time breakable element may be made separately from each other. For example, the first fin portion, second fin portion, first and second sections of the one-time breakable section may be extruded separately from each other. It is contemplated that the first fin section and the first section of the one-time breakable section may be extruded with each other. It is contemplated that the second fin section and the second section of the one-time breakable section may be extruded with each other. According to another embodiment, the first fin section, the second fin section and the one-time breakable element (first and second sections) are extruded separately.
The first opposing body panel is attached to the first section of the one-time breakable element. The second opposing body panel is attached to the second section of the one-time breakable element. The first fin portion extends generally downwardly from the first reclosable element toward the receptacle space. The second fin portion extends generally downwardly from the second reclosable element toward the receptacle space and the reclosable seal extends along the one end of the receptacle space.
While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
This application is a divisional application of application Ser. No. 10/457,770, filed Jun. 9, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,808, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/102,003 filed on Mar. 20, 2002 now abandoned, Each of these applications is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
1785234 | Sundback | Dec 1930 | A |
1898216 | Schade et al. | Feb 1933 | A |
1923262 | Goebel | Aug 1933 | A |
2035674 | Sipe | Mar 1936 | A |
2064432 | Keidel | Dec 1936 | A |
2070753 | Schatzky | Feb 1937 | A |
2091617 | Sundback | Aug 1937 | A |
2107216 | Rogers | Feb 1938 | A |
2111079 | Spear et al. | Mar 1938 | A |
2161561 | Dalton | Jun 1939 | A |
2193757 | Beckwith | Mar 1940 | A |
2287349 | Hirsch | Jul 1942 | A |
2514750 | Dobbs et al. | Jul 1950 | A |
2560535 | Allen | Jul 1951 | A |
2715759 | Poux | Aug 1955 | A |
2807265 | Oliva et al. | Sep 1957 | A |
2848031 | Svec et al. | Aug 1958 | A |
2869207 | Bernstein | Jan 1959 | A |
2978769 | Harrah | Apr 1961 | A |
2994469 | Troup et al. | Aug 1961 | A |
2997765 | Markoff-Moghadam | Aug 1961 | A |
3054434 | Ausnit et al. | Sep 1962 | A |
3060985 | Vance et al. | Oct 1962 | A |
3103049 | Hawley | Sep 1963 | A |
3115689 | Jacobs | Dec 1963 | A |
3122807 | Ausnit | Mar 1964 | A |
3149927 | Fady | Sep 1964 | A |
3172443 | Ausnit | Mar 1965 | A |
3181583 | Lingenfelter | May 1965 | A |
3198228 | Naito | Aug 1965 | A |
3220076 | Ausnit et al. | Nov 1965 | A |
3225429 | Fady | Dec 1965 | A |
3226787 | Ausnit | Jan 1966 | A |
3234614 | Plummer | Feb 1966 | A |
3259951 | Zimmerman | Jul 1966 | A |
3262634 | Goodwin | Jul 1966 | A |
3325084 | Ausnit | Jun 1967 | A |
3338285 | Jaster | Aug 1967 | A |
3339606 | Kugler | Sep 1967 | A |
3371696 | Ausnit | Mar 1968 | A |
3389441 | Heimberger | Jun 1968 | A |
3425469 | Ausnit | Feb 1969 | A |
3426396 | Laguerre | Feb 1969 | A |
3462068 | Suominen | Aug 1969 | A |
3473589 | Gotz | Oct 1969 | A |
3532571 | Ausnit | Oct 1970 | A |
3543343 | Staller et al. | Dec 1970 | A |
3565147 | Ausnit | Feb 1971 | A |
3579747 | Hawley | May 1971 | A |
3608439 | Ausnit | Sep 1971 | A |
3633642 | Slegel | Jan 1972 | A |
3634913 | Ausnit | Jan 1972 | A |
3660875 | Gutman | May 1972 | A |
3686719 | Johnston et al. | Aug 1972 | A |
3780781 | Uramoto | Dec 1973 | A |
3790992 | Herz | Feb 1974 | A |
3818963 | Whitman | Jun 1974 | A |
3827472 | Uramoto | Aug 1974 | A |
3839128 | Arai | Oct 1974 | A |
3849843 | Alberts | Nov 1974 | A |
3903571 | Howell | Sep 1975 | A |
3909887 | Yoshida | Oct 1975 | A |
3948705 | Ausnit | Apr 1976 | A |
3962007 | Heimberger | Jun 1976 | A |
3972095 | Kandou | Aug 1976 | A |
3991801 | Ausnit | Nov 1976 | A |
4112990 | Anderson | Sep 1978 | A |
4189809 | Sotos | Feb 1980 | A |
4191230 | Ausnit | Mar 1980 | A |
4196030 | Ausnit | Apr 1980 | A |
4212337 | Kamp | Jul 1980 | A |
4235653 | Ausnit | Nov 1980 | A |
4241865 | Ferrell | Dec 1980 | A |
4249982 | Ausnit | Feb 1981 | A |
4262395 | Kosky | Apr 1981 | A |
4263699 | Moertel | Apr 1981 | A |
4285376 | Ausnit | Aug 1981 | A |
4295919 | Sutrina et al. | Oct 1981 | A |
4309233 | Akashi | Jan 1982 | A |
4312102 | Fukuroi | Jan 1982 | A |
4337889 | Moertel | Jul 1982 | A |
4341575 | Herz | Jul 1982 | A |
4363345 | Scheibner | Dec 1982 | A |
4419159 | Herrington | Dec 1983 | A |
4430070 | Ausnit | Feb 1984 | A |
4437293 | Sanborn, Jr. | Mar 1984 | A |
4498939 | Johnson | Feb 1985 | A |
4515647 | Behr | May 1985 | A |
4520534 | De Lima Castro Netto | Jun 1985 | A |
4528224 | Ausnit | Jul 1985 | A |
4555282 | Yano | Nov 1985 | A |
4561109 | Herrington | Dec 1985 | A |
4562622 | Takabatake | Jan 1986 | A |
4582549 | Ferrell | Apr 1986 | A |
4589145 | Van Erden et al. | May 1986 | A |
4601694 | Ausnit | Jul 1986 | A |
4602405 | Sturman et al. | Jul 1986 | A |
4615083 | Mayerhofer | Oct 1986 | A |
4617683 | Christoff | Oct 1986 | A |
4661990 | Rifkin | Apr 1987 | A |
4666536 | Van Erden et al. | May 1987 | A |
4673383 | Bentsen | Jun 1987 | A |
4682366 | Ausnit et al. | Jul 1987 | A |
4709533 | Ausnit | Dec 1987 | A |
4736450 | Van Erden et al. | Apr 1988 | A |
4736451 | Ausnit | Apr 1988 | A |
4744674 | Nocek | May 1988 | A |
4756061 | Jones et al. | Jul 1988 | A |
4782951 | Griesbach et al. | Nov 1988 | A |
4791710 | Nocek et al. | Dec 1988 | A |
4825514 | Akeno | May 1989 | A |
4832505 | Ausnit et al. | May 1989 | A |
4846585 | Boeckmann et al. | Jul 1989 | A |
4890935 | Ausnit et al. | Jan 1990 | A |
4891867 | Takeshima et al. | Jan 1990 | A |
4895198 | Samuelson | Jan 1990 | A |
4923309 | Van Erden | May 1990 | A |
4925316 | Van Erden et al. | May 1990 | A |
4925318 | Sorensen | May 1990 | A |
4947525 | Van Erden | Aug 1990 | A |
4949527 | Boeckmann et al. | Aug 1990 | A |
4966470 | Thompson et al. | Oct 1990 | A |
4969967 | Sorensen et al. | Nov 1990 | A |
4971454 | Branson et al. | Nov 1990 | A |
4987658 | Horita | Jan 1991 | A |
5007142 | Herrington | Apr 1991 | A |
5007143 | Herrington | Apr 1991 | A |
5010627 | Herrington et al. | Apr 1991 | A |
5017021 | Simonsen et al. | May 1991 | A |
5020194 | Herrington et al. | Jun 1991 | A |
5022530 | Zieke | Jun 1991 | A |
5023122 | Boeckmann et al. | Jun 1991 | A |
5031944 | Keyaki | Jul 1991 | A |
RE33674 | Uramoto | Aug 1991 | E |
5036643 | Bodolay | Aug 1991 | A |
5063069 | Van Erden et al. | Nov 1991 | A |
5063644 | Herrington et al. | Nov 1991 | A |
5066444 | Behr | Nov 1991 | A |
5067208 | Herrington et al. | Nov 1991 | A |
5067822 | Wirth et al. | Nov 1991 | A |
5070583 | Herrington | Dec 1991 | A |
5088971 | Herrington | Feb 1992 | A |
5092684 | Weeks | Mar 1992 | A |
5100246 | La Pierre et al. | Mar 1992 | A |
5116301 | Robinson et al. | May 1992 | A |
5129734 | Van Erden | Jul 1992 | A |
5131121 | Herrington et al. | Jul 1992 | A |
5152613 | Herrington, Jr. | Oct 1992 | A |
5161286 | Herrington, Jr. et al. | Nov 1992 | A |
5186543 | Cochran | Feb 1993 | A |
5189764 | Herrington et al. | Mar 1993 | A |
5198055 | Wirth et al. | Mar 1993 | A |
5211482 | Tilman | May 1993 | A |
5253395 | Yano | Oct 1993 | A |
RE34554 | Ausnit | Mar 1994 | E |
5442838 | Richardson et al. | Aug 1995 | A |
5669715 | Dobreski et al. | Sep 1997 | A |
5713669 | Thomas et al. | Feb 1998 | A |
5769772 | Wiley | Jun 1998 | A |
5775812 | St. Phillips et al. | Jul 1998 | A |
5788378 | Thomas | Aug 1998 | A |
5836056 | Porchia et al. | Nov 1998 | A |
5851070 | Dobreski et al. | Dec 1998 | A |
5867875 | Beck et al. | Feb 1999 | A |
5911508 | Dobreski et al. | Jun 1999 | A |
5956924 | Thieman | Sep 1999 | A |
5964532 | St. Phillips et al. | Oct 1999 | A |
6138439 | McMahon et al. | Oct 2000 | A |
6212857 | Van Erdern | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6216423 | Thieman | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6247843 | Buchman | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6257763 | Stolmeier et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6264366 | Custer | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6273607 | Buchman | Aug 2001 | B1 |
6286189 | Provan et al. | Sep 2001 | B1 |
6287000 | Buchman | Sep 2001 | B1 |
6287001 | Buchman | Sep 2001 | B1 |
6289561 | Provan et al. | Sep 2001 | B1 |
6290390 | Buchman | Sep 2001 | B1 |
6290391 | Buchman | Sep 2001 | B1 |
6290393 | Tomic | Sep 2001 | B1 |
6292986 | Provan et al. | Sep 2001 | B1 |
6347437 | Provan et al. | Feb 2002 | B2 |
6347885 | Buchman | Feb 2002 | B1 |
6376035 | Dobreski et al. | Apr 2002 | B1 |
6378177 | Athans et al. | Apr 2002 | B1 |
6386760 | Tomic | May 2002 | B1 |
6409384 | Provan et al. | Jun 2002 | B1 |
6427421 | Belmont et al. | Aug 2002 | B1 |
6439770 | Catchman | Aug 2002 | B2 |
6499878 | Dobreski et al. | Dec 2002 | B1 |
6505383 | Machacek et al. | Jan 2003 | B2 |
6527444 | Buchman | Mar 2003 | B1 |
6575625 | Cappel et al. | Jun 2003 | B2 |
6611996 | Blythe et al. | Sep 2003 | B2 |
20020015537 | Strand et al. | Feb 2002 | A1 |
20020071617 | Bois | Jun 2002 | A1 |
20020097923 | Dobreski et al. | Jul 2002 | A1 |
20020131653 | Dobreski et al. | Sep 2002 | A1 |
20030179955 | Rehwinkel | Sep 2003 | A1 |
20050220375 | Thomas et al. | Oct 2005 | A1 |
20060291756 | Thomas et al. | Dec 2006 | A1 |
20070065051 | Eads et al. | Mar 2007 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
648191 | Sep 1962 | CA |
844815 | Jun 1970 | CA |
300325 | Oct 1954 | CH |
1 435 827 | Nov 1968 | DE |
27 52 703 | Jun 1978 | DE |
0 109 793 | Mar 1987 | EP |
0 374 539 | Aug 1993 | EP |
1 109 532 | Jan 1956 | FR |
1 144 870 | Dec 1964 | FR |
1 350 126 | Aug 1966 | FR |
522663 | Jun 1940 | GB |
560103 | Mar 1944 | GB |
812842 | May 1959 | GB |
914203 | Dec 1962 | GB |
914204 | Dec 1962 | GB |
940266 | Oct 1963 | GB |
1012988 | Dec 1965 | GB |
2085519 | Apr 1982 | GB |
2138494 | Oct 1984 | GB |
2268731 | Jan 1994 | GB |
61-259959 | Nov 1986 | JP |
9113759 | Jan 1991 | WO |
9529604 | Nov 1995 | WO |
9535046 | Dec 1995 | WO |
9535047 | Dec 1995 | WO |
9845180 | Oct 1998 | WO |
0146028 | Nov 2000 | WO |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20060189467 A1 | Aug 2006 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 10457770 | Jun 2003 | US |
Child | 11376827 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 10102003 | Mar 2002 | US |
Child | 10457770 | US |