Patent Application
20140191023
The present invention relates to apparatus, articles of manufacture and methods relating to improved separable or opening portions or structures or at least partially separable portions or structures for printable sheet material.
Many containers, such as envelopes, re-usable envelopes, pockets, carriers, cartons, boxes, folded forms, greeting cards, packaging, brochures, booklets, magazines and mailers, are formed of printable sheet material that is designed to be sealed or fastened and incorporate at least a partially separable portion or portions that may be used to open the container, or expose or remove an area, or separate connected container portions. Other items that have one or more layers or panels of printable sheet material are postcards, single sheet advertisements and order forms that can also incorporate at least a partially separable portion or portions. Various problems and inefficiencies are associated with the opening or separation of these portions relative to the remaining sheet material. For example, unsealing or opening of the item is often difficult, messy or damaging to the item. The existing perforation (cut and connector designs do not ensure that the desired tearing path is followed. Depending on how someone grasps and pulls the two separating portions, variable forces are applied that can subsequently cause the tearing of the two separable portions to drift away or tear into adjacent areas at each gap or connector area where the cuts are spaced apart to form gaps called connectors that are necessary to provide strength for the connection of the two separable portions for manufacture and use. Attempts at solving the problems and inefficiencies associated with manufacturing, fastening and separating such items have proven unsatisfactory.
Accordingly, there exists a need for apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture for fastening and/or separating portions of sheet material having one or more of the following attributes, capabilities or features: allows for easy release, separation or opening of connected sheet material portions; limits, minimizes or eliminates damage to the portions being separated; reduces, limits, eliminates or controls tearing of the sheet material portions during separation; reduces, limits, eliminates or controls tearing of the portions during separation regardless of the direction of separation of the connected portions; reduces, limits, eliminates or controls tearing of the portions during separation when the connected portions are separated in a particular direction; indicates tampering or attempted opening of the connected portions; prevents or reduces damage to text or graphics included on any connected/separated portions; provides an intuitive mechanism for opening or separating connected portions; makes opening containers easier; provides simple, dependable, easy-open functionality for containers; preserves the appearance and/or integrity of connected portions after separation; provides desired sturdiness of affixation/separation mechanisms; eliminates the need for equipment to open certain containers or separate connected portions; enables re-use, resealing or remailing of sheet material and containers made from sheet material; prevents accidental opening of perforations on containers; allows for easy connection of container portions; removes or reduces uncertainty in determining the quantity and extent of affixation material to include on the portions to be connected; enables the manufacture, sealing and use of containers with less affixation material; simplifies the manufacturing process of containers and other sheet material items; removes or reduces potential difficulties in processing and/or handling sheet material items; and allows for easy use of sheet material item manufacturing and handling equipment, such as high-speed envelope printing and converting technology, envelope insertion and sealing equipment, and mail processing technologies.
As used herein, the terms “present invention”, “invention” and variations thereof refer merely to at least one feature or capability that may be part of at least one embodiment of the invention, may be implemented and/or claimed independently, in combination with at least one other feature or capability, or not at all. The use of the terms “present invention”, “invention” and variations thereof does not mean or refer to the subject matter of every embodiment of the invention or each and every claim, or necessarily any claims, of any patent application. Thus, the use herein of the terms “present invention”, “invention” and variations thereof should not limit the scope of the invention or any claims of any patent application or patent related to, based upon or claiming priority to this application.
The invention includes various independent aspects or features. Included with this patent application are sample embodiments illustrated in drawings showing various views of various particular embodiments of the invention. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the drawings may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. Common or similar components or elements of the various illustrated embodiments are evident based upon the drawings themselves. Any text, graphics and other writings appearing in the drawings are provided only as examples of potential features that may be included in the illustrated embodiments, but which are not required by, or limiting upon, the present invention.
The present invention may have one or more of the features, capabilities or advantages described below or shown in the drawings and sample embodiments, as well as other features, capabilities and advantages that will be apparent to a person skilled in the art based upon the description below and/or the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein or shown in the attached drawings, or any particular details thereof. Also, any of the particular features described or shown with respect to one embodiment of the invention may be included in any other embodiment or application of the invention. Further, nothing in this document or the attached drawings or sample embodiments should limit the scope of the present invention, or any patent claims of any patent applications relating hereto. This patent application is intended merely to provide a written description of examples of various features of the present invention and the manner and process of making and using at least one embodiment sufficient to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and to set forth the best mode presently contemplated by the inventor of carrying out the present invention.
The present invention is an improved separable or opening structure or portion for use with a container or other item formed of printable sheet material and having at least one partially separable portion, or one or more items or portions that are connectable with, or separable from one another or combination thereof. A few examples of single or multiple use “items” include envelopes, re-usable envelopes, window envelopes, inline envelopes, welded envelopes, overnight carriers, reusable overnight carriers, boxes, reusable boxes, folded forms, re-usable forms, pressure seal forms, cartons, containers, postcards, printed forms and packaging constructed of uncoated or coated paper, cardboard, chipboard, C1S board, pulp composite, fibrous, or other synthetic material or window material or paper patch or label or any other suitable material or a combination thereof. The at least partially separable portion or portions may be embodied in one or more panels, sections, or may be detachably affixed to or separable from other layers, patches or any other part or parts of the item or container, or any desirable combination thereof. The present invention is in no way limited by the type, construction, form, configuration, use or any other details or features of the item with which it is or may be used.
The opening or separable structure of the present invention includes at least one partially separable portion formed by at least one tearable line that is formed by at least one “connector” and/or at least two “cut lines”. To form a cut line, the item, or the panel, section, portions, parts or components thereof, may be weakened in any suitable desired manner, such as, for example, by having at least one score, cut, indentation, thin section or any combination thereof formed therein. The connector may be any desired, suitable mechanism for connecting the separable portion such as, for example, a gap or spacing approximate at least two cut lines forming a tearable line, or between at least one cut line and a fold line or other sheet material portion. The present invention may also feature a staggered or angled or bent or overlapping or intersecting or converging pattern of cut lines and connectors that may be incorporated to strengthen the formed tearable line or lines, portion or portions such that the tearable line or lines forming the separable portion or portions can be customized to function reliably for its purpose, desired tearing path and manufacturing method based on the type of sheet material or thickness of paper or substrate and design that is utilized to manufacture the corresponding at least partially separable portion.
The overlapping or intersecting or converging pattern of cut lines and connectors may also be configured with channeling cuts that extend or partially extend to ensure that the tearing is controlled or redirected in a specific direction or desired path, or this provides a method which enables the cut lines to be further separated from each other or positioned in at least a partially overlapping pattern forming stronger connector areas that make the tearable line or lines, portion or portions stronger and more reliable for manufacturing, insertion, processing and function. A stronger tearable cut design may be positioned more closely or proximate to a fold line or lines or void or window area or areas, and or positioned on or across a fold line or lines, section or section, portion or portions while thereby ensuring reliable manufacturing, processing and function of the tearable portion or portions. The overlapping, intersecting or staggered or converging cut lines may be spaced apart from each other thereby forming connectors and in line with each other or proximate to each other so that when the separable portion is lifted in a desired direction along a tearable line, each cut line tears through the adjacent connector towards the next cut line, or channeling cut in a desired shape or path or direction.
When desired, one or more of layers and/or patches may be connected utilizing a point or points of affixation between or proximate to the at least partially separable portion or portions and the corresponding separable layered or affixed patch portion such as for example, windowed envelopes, windowed boxes, packaging, containers and forms where patch material(s) or layered structures may be affixed approximate to one or more separable portion(s). The layer or patch could also embody additional windows, layers or patches, printed graphics or other embellishments. The affixation mechanism may be any desired shape or size, which functions as a suitable mechanism for connecting or affixing the items, layers, patches or portions or any combination thereof such as, for example, glue, tape, adhesive, removable adhesive. repositionable adhesive, remoisten gums or glues, contact gums or glues, pressure seal adhesive, latex gums, peel-n-seal tapes, two-sided tapes, fugitive adhesives, magnetic material, hook and loop fastener, or any combination thereof.
When desired, a release cut or cuts may be incorporated into one or more affixed portions, items, containers, layers, patches approximate to one or more affixation points to control or limit the adhered fibrous tearing between at least one among two affixed portions, items, layers, patches, container portions when lifted and separated from the other. When desired, the separable portion or layer or patch may be utilized for additional graphic marketing, communication or messaging space such as a hidden offer, advertising, coupon, repositionable note, or instructional graphics etc. or other embellishments like scratch off areas, labels, sound chips, credit or membership cards, 3-D pop-ups. The one or more at least partially separable portions or layers or patches may also embody printed graphics, photos, ads or other embellishments like repositionable adhesive areas, release coating areas, permanent adhesive areas, removable or scratch off labels, scratch off areas, membership cards, parking stickers, embossing, carbon or carbonless coating areas, die cut areas or any other desirable enhancement or combination thereof. The at least partially separable portions or layers or patches may also incorporate an area or areas that embody a polymer release coating that allow the release of corresponding permanent or removable adhesive area or areas.
When desired the at least partially separable portion or layer or patch may include a tearable or detachable section or sections that can be utilized as an advertising or messaging device such as for example a coupon or reminder note or part of reply or interactive method, or simply to remove a desired portion or section of the separable portion, or layer or patch for desired purpose such as for example the removal of outbound graphics, addressing and mail processing markings such as postage or presort markings etc for a another purpose or reuse. When desired the separable portion or portions, layer or layers, patch or patches may also incorporate a method to reseal and or reuse the remaining container portion or portions, item or items. Any desirable sealing or affixing method could be used to reseal or reuse the remaining container portion or item or layer, such as for example, adhesive, remoisten gum, peel-n-seal tape, glue, contact adhesives, hook and loop fastener, magnetic material, static bonding material, interlocking slits or cuts, string, button, hook etc or any combination thereof.
The present invention may have one or more of the following features, capabilities, functions or benefits: to allow for easy opening or separation or controlled tearing of one or more portions of one or more items; to allow for reliable connection of one or more separable portions of one or more items; to allow for easy separation of one or more portions of one or more items; to allow for easy opening of one or more portions of an item or an area; to allow for easy separation or controlled tearing or release of one or more portions of one or more items; controlling, limiting, minimizing or eliminating the damage to the separable portions, layers, patches that have been connected with the use of one or more weakened areas, connectors or intersecting or overlapping control tear lines and or affixing mechanisms and is separated or disconnected; reducing, limiting or controlling the tearing of the paper or substrate at or near one or more weakened area, cut line, connector or affixation mechanism on a separable portions, layer or patch; to preserve a separable portions, layer, patch or remaining portion or portions of an item or items for other use or reuse or continued use; to incorporate one or more methods to reseal or reclose the remaining container portion or portions of an item or items; to facilitate the detachment or separation of a portion or portions of the opening portion or portions from an item or items; to facilitate a method to display and when desired the removal of a portion or portions that may display graphics or information such as the outbound addressing information—for example, postage, stamps, indicia, postnet bar codes, IMB, cancellation marks or any other mailing or shipping information that would hinder the reuse, remailing or re shipping of the reusable portions, item or items; to incorporate a method to display necessary graphics, postage methods, account information and addressing information for use or reuse for mailing, shipping or interoffice use such as for example a die cut window, printed paper patch, label, or any type of form, label or insert that may be enclosed to display first or subsequent re-use information or any combination thereof; to prevent or reduce damage to graphics or other components or elements of a portion or portions of an item or items with which one or more connector mechanisms has been connected and or affixed and disconnected; to enable greater functionality and use of an item or portion of an item that has been connected and disconnected or separated with the use of one or more connecting and or affixing mechanisms; to preserve the appearance and/or integrity of an item or portion of an item that has been connected and disconnected with the use of one or more affixation mechanisms; to remove or reduce uncertainty in determining the quantity and extent of each connector to include on an item having at least one affixation mechanism during manufacturing; to simplify the manufacturing process of items; to remove or reduce the potential for problems in the processing and handling of items having opening or removable sections or portions; to allow easy use of manufacturing and handling equipment, such as inserting and sealing equipment, sorting and presorting processing methods and package processing equipment; to provide an intuitive mechanism for opening or separating an item or portion of an item that has been connected and disconnected with the use of one or more affixation mechanism; to provide tab shape, exposed edge, pop up edge, un-affixed or un-connected edge for the gripping and easy opening of an item or portion of an item; to make it easier to understand how to open or separate or both, and to open or separate an item or portion of an item; to enable, allow the use of, or preserve ornamental portions or designs, such as, for example, that simulate outlines of an object or objects, shape or shapes such as, animals, horizons, round, oval, square, rectangular, curved to conform to a graphic shape or the like on items having one or more connector or affixation mechanisms; to allow easy and intuitive access into an item or items; to provide dependable, easy-open functioning, separation release thereby limiting or controlling the fiber tear between connected portions and or items; to enable the manufacture, sealing and use of items with minimal connectors or affixation mechanisms or combinations thereof; to prevent the accidental opening of a perforation line or lines on an item; to use existing manufacturing technologies for providing any of the above; to utilize the space or areas within the at least partially separable or connected portions, layers, patches or items for other purposes such as additional marketing, messaging, branding, communications such as coupons, notes, offers, advertising, solicitations of one or more parties' services or products, or to incorporate other interactive or ornamental features such as scratch off areas or labels, pop-up mechanisms, affixed cards, tags, membership cards, winning tickets, additional windows, layers or any desirable embellishment or combination thereof; and to incorporate a systematic and actionable separation or opening process that is intuitive and methodical thereby creating a strategy or process for the creative team, package designer, marketer, direct mail strategist, copywriter etc. to integrate or present communications, messaging, actionable or interactive features, enclosures or embellishments to the recipient.
The above as well as other advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which:
The U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/778,603 filed Mar. 13, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference.
The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. In respect of the methods disclosed, the steps presented are exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps is not necessary or critical.
In the attached drawings of various examples of the present invention, a first layer or an at least partially or fully separable portion is referenced by the numeral 20 and has edges formed by a series of intersecting cuts or weakened areas referred to as cut lines 21 spaced apart by solid areas referred to as connectors 22. The cut lines 21 and connectors 22 are positioned to form a tearable line as the separable portion 20 is lifted thereby tearing the corresponding connectors 22 in a desired direction or path forming the shape of the at least partially separable portion 20. Redirecting or at least partially overlapping channeling cuts 28 may be incorporated proximate the series of cut lines 21 so as to ensure the tearing action is controlled and directed in the desired direction and path that forms the separable portion or opening section 20. When desired the channeling cuts 28 may also cooperate with the connectors 22 to add strength and to ensure reliable manufacture, processing and use. Any quantity, size, shape and orientation of cut lines 21, channeling cuts 28 and corresponding connectors 22 or any combination thereof may be used to form the tearable line that forms the at least partially separable portion 20 or portions which are embodied in the present invention.
A second layer or patch is referenced by the numeral 30, and may be applied when desired proximate to the at least partially separable portion and or to the adjacent portion or portions. The patch material may be made of any desirable substrate such as paper, clear window material, foil, cellophane, polyester, synthetic substrate etc and may be printed or embellished for any desirable purpose.
Also shown in the drawings are various attachment devices 25 such as a remoisten glue area 25a, a gum area 25b and a peel-n-seal strip 25c on the patch 30 as shown in
The separable portion 20 and the second layer or patch 30 may have any respective shape, size, orientation, configuration, form and location, as is desired. A few examples of different shaped separable or opening portions 20 are shown in accompanying drawings. The series of cut lines 21 and connectors 22 that form a separable portion 20 may be any desired length or shape to form the separable or opening portion 20. When desired the at least partially separable portion 20 and the second layer or patch 30 may be connected by an affixation point or points 35 that connect the separable portion to the layer or patch for such purposes as reliable manufacturing, processing and use methods etc. When desired release cuts 36 may be incorporated proximate to a point or points of affixation 35 on the separable portion 20 and/or corresponding layer or patch 30 so as to allow the controlled release or easy separation of the affixed separable portion 20 and layer or patch 30 by limiting or ending the tearing of the adhered surface fibers on the affixed separable portion 20 and/or corresponding layer or patch 30. Any desired shape, size and configuration or combination of release cut(s) 36 or desired affixation mechanism(s) 35 may be utilized to connect and thereby enable the controlled release or separation of the separable portion 20 and the corresponding layer or patch 30. When desired the affixation mechanism or mechanisms may utilize a repositionable or releasable adhesive method or process that does not require the release cuts, so as to enable reclosure or reuse of the container or the separable or opening portion or section or sections thereof. Or when desired to incorporate a method to reuse or reapply a detachable section or portion of the separable opening portion or sections thereof to another item such as for example a note in a Day-Timer® planner, a coupon or offer etc.
In some embodiments, the weakened areas or release cuts 36 are located proximate to an affixation mechanism 35. In such embodiments, the weakened area and affixation mechanism may be configured and positioned in any desired manner.
There is a tab shaped opening or starting mechanism 24 integrated in the outline of the intersecting cuts 21 and connectors 22 that form the tearable line or lines that form three edges of the separable or opening portion 20. The tab 24 is an option but forms a functional and intuitive device that can be utilized to help the recipient initiate the lifting and subsequent tearing of the intersecting tearable cuts 21 and connectors 22. There is a second perforated tearable line 40 incorporated in the separable or opening portion 20 whereby a section or portion of the separable or opening portion 20 can be separated and detached from the front panel 10 subsequently leaving a second seal flap portion 23 attached to the remaining portion of the container or envelope E1 which serves as a method to reuse and reseal the remaining container portion for mailing purposes. The second seal flap portion 23 includes an attachment device 25 such as a remoisten glue area.
A second layer or patch 30 is applied proximate to the separable opening portion 20 and features one affixation point 35 and release cuts 36 proximate to the opening tab shape 24 to ensure reliable manufacturing, insertion, mail processing, opening function, reusable function. The separable portion 20 also displays instructional graphics 26 to apply a stamp or postage for remailing and also may display a FIM bar code 27 used for automation mail processing methods. There is a hump 20a in the top edge of the separable portion 20 so as to display more of the postal FIM bar graphics 27. If desired, the path of the tearable lines forming edges of the separable portion 20 could be straightened and if desired the side flap 13 where the tearable lines extend could be shortened to the same height (not shown) to allow the end of the separable portion to open fully along the side whereby the separable portion is connected. There are two patch configurations shown (
Another embodiment of the present invention includes a printable sheet material in the form of an envelope E2 as shown in
A third embodiment of the present invention is an envelope E3 shown in
There are various shapes and configurations of envelope structures that can incorporate the present invention—side seam, booklet, catalog, diagonal seam etc. There are many other container applications that can incorporate the present invention—for example, folded forms, pressure seal forms, boxes, packaging, overnight carriers, reusable overnight carriers, etc.
When the recipient receives this envelope he/she simply turns to the back side, lifts and pulls the opening tab shape 24 towards the outbound seal flap 23 thereby tearing or breaking a tearable line 37 that intersects the outer edge of the back panel 11 which allows the separable opening portion 20 to detach from the points of affixation 35 on the patch or second layer 30. Once the opening section 20 is separated from the patch 30, the separable portion 20 remains attached to the outbound seal flap 23. To reuse or remail this envelope E4, one would simple tear off the separable portion 20 which is affixed to the original seal flap portion 12 and a portion of the front panel 10 of the envelope along a horizontal perforation or tearable line 38 which is short of the second seal portion or flap 23 at the edge of the patch 30. As shown in
There is another bangtail configuration (not shown) whereby the extended bangtail section folds to the outside of the back panel and is affixedly attached to the back panel with an affixing point or points that may or may not require corresponding release cuts. A patch or second layer is not required. The end of the bangtail section becomes the opening mechanism for the envelope as the initial seal flap is sealed to the lower section proximate to the fold line of the extended bangtail section. Additional perforations may be incorporated in the bangtail to divide into sections that can subsequently be separated or detached.
An open “V” channeling cut separable portion tear strip 20c is formed on the left side of the front panel 10. This structure illustrates a tearable open “V” cut 53 pattern that does not require a patch behind the opening thumb cut tab shape 24 at the bottom. This design has a curved tearable line 61 pattern and a straight tearable line 62 pattern to illustrate that the tearable lines can follow any pattern, shape or image, etc. The tear strip 20c provides access to the contents of the envelope by simply lifting and pulling the tab 24 which rips along the open “V” channeling cut patterns 61 and 62. The opening tab shape can be modified to open along the bottom edge as illustrated or just along one corner edge like the removable rectangular pattern 20b on the back panel 11.
The tabbed opening structure 20 on the right side of the front panel 10 with open “V” channeling cuts 53 at top and bottom features a tab shaped starting mechanism 24 that is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,983,875 (can include the affixation point or glue spot 35 and the release cuts 36), and opening structure of U.S. Pat. No. 8,020,751, but integrates open “V” channeling cuts along the top and bottom edges. The starting mechanism 24 overlaps a portion of a rectangular area of the attachment device 25 where there is no adhesive. The open “V” channeling cuts 53 along the top and bottom of the opening structure could be utilized in the part of the opening that angles towards the top and bottom of the right side flap 13. A third tearable line 63 allows the left portion of the opening structure 20 to be detached along the tearable line after it is initially opened. The address window 29 is included in the front panel 10 and extends behind and around the initial opening tab structure 24. The opening tab structure 24 could be modified with an opening structure that does not require patch material similar to the opening tear strip structure 20c on the left side of the front panel 10.
The tabbed opening structure 20a in the middle of the address window 29 on the front panel 10 with the open “V” channeling cuts 53 in a rounded pattern opens downwardly across a fold line where the opening shape continues on the back panel 11. It features a tab shaped opening mechanism 24 within the address window 29 that is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,983,875 (glue spot and release cuts), and the opening structure in U.S. Pat. No. 8,020,751, but integrates open “V” channeling cuts along the left and right edges of the round shaped opening structure across the front and back panel where it is designed to be detachable when it is fully opened. The address window 29 included in the front panel 10 extends behind and around the initial opening tab structure 24. The opening tab structure 24 could be modified with an opening structure that does not require patch material similar to the opening tear strip structure 20c formed on the left side of the front panel 10.
The rectangular opening structure 20b with a patch 30 having a repositionable adhesive area on the right side of the back panel 11 is formed with the open “V” channeling cuts 53 along a lower tearable perimeter line. The separable portion 20b features a rounded corner shaped opening mechanism 24. The open “V” channeling cuts 53 are only along the bottom of the opening structure 20b, but the open “V” cuts could be utilized in the other perimeter tear lines formed by the channeling cuts 28. This illustration shows one configuration of an opening structure that includes a patch 30 which is positioned along the two upper edges that form the easy opening rounded corner shape. The patch 30 is not required for the opening structure 20b, but is included to illustrate a removable shape that could be opened, removed and subsequently be re-attached to another area of this container or second object or structure using a lifted patch and repositionable adhesive. The patch 30 (when desired) would only need to cross one edge of this particular opening structure even though it is shown crossing two edges. The patch 30 and corresponding repositionable adhesive area needs only to extend enough into the removable shaped structure 20b so as to enable reattachment as desired. It could be as small as ⅛″ thick depending on the length or width of the detachable portion and the partial patch. The repositionable adhesive is illustrated as a pattern that stops short of the opening structure cut pattern but is applied light enough to be a continuous pattern crossing from outside the opening shape 20b to the area inside the opening shape.
In summary, the pair of tearable lines 58 form the generally rectangular first separable portion 20, similar to
The printable sheet materials E1 through E17 have an opening structure comprising: a face or front panel having an integral separable portion; a tearable line formed in the front panel permitting the separable portion to be at least partially separated from a remaining portion of the front panel, the tearable line including a plurality of cut lines separated by a plurality of connectors and, in some cases, channeling cuts; and, in some cases, a patch positioned behind the separable portion whereby when the separable portion is detached from the front panel along the tearable line, the patch is exposed.
It should be understood that all of the illustrated embodiments and the above descriptions of any components and features may be adjusted or modified for any application, desired size, material construction, configuration, form and quantity, as is or becomes known. The present invention is in no way limited to the components, configurations, dimensions, specific example or other details described above or shown in the attached figures. Further, the above-described features are not limited to the details as described and shown. Yet further, each such feature can be used independently of any other feature. Moreover, the present invention does not require each of the above features and includes further capabilities, functions, methods, uses and applications, as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art based upon the description above and the appended drawings and claims. Thus, the particular combination of inventive features described herein and shown in the appended drawings is not limiting on the present invention. While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or teachings of this invention. Many variations and modifications of the invention are possible and are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited to the embodiments described herein.
In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present invention has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiment. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope.
This application is a continuation-in-part of the co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/749,152 filed Mar. 29, 2010 that claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/164,418 filed Mar. 28, 2009. This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/778,603 filed Mar. 13, 2013.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61778603 | Mar 2013 | US | |
| 61164418 | Mar 2009 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 12749152 | Mar 2010 | US |
| Child | 14208010 | US |
