U.S. patent application number 11/845306 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-05 for container end-closure interlocks.
Invention is credited to Lisa P. Stringfield, Randal W. Stringfield.
Application Number | 20090057315 11/845306 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40388116 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090057315 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stringfield; Lisa P. ; et
al. |
March 5, 2009 |
Container End-Closure Interlocks
Abstract
An interlocking container end closure which permits a plurality
of containers to be joined together and the contents thereof
mixed.
Inventors: |
Stringfield; Lisa P.; (Los
Alamos, NM) ; Stringfield; Randal W.; (Los Alamos,
NM) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PEACOCK MYERS, P.C.
201 THIRD STREET, N.W., SUITE 1340
ALBUQUERQUE
NM
87102
US
|
Family ID: |
40388116 |
Appl. No.: |
11/845306 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/273 ;
206/219; 239/10 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 17/4012 20180101;
B65D 81/3211 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/273 ;
206/219; 239/10 |
International
Class: |
B65D 17/34 20060101
B65D017/34 |
Claims
1. A mixing apparatus comprising: first and second containers
comprising first and second ends; an engagement interface formable
between a first and second end of said containers; and wherein said
first and second containers are openable by a rotational force at
said engagement interface.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said engagement interface
comprises a seal.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a locking
mechanism.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an alignment
mechanism.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first and second
containers are locked together with the locking mechanism by
counter-rotation of said first and said second containers.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said engagement interface
comprises at least one tab, at least one hook, at least one catch,
at least one scored panel, and at least one fastener.
7. An openable container apparatus comprising: an opening
mechanism, said container openable from a rotational force applied
to said mechanism and said container openable from a cantilever
force.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said opening mechanism
comprises a tab.
9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said opening mechanism
comprises an at least partially movable opening cover.
10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said opening mechanism
comprises a hinge.
11. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said opening mechanism
comprises a stop.
12. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a recess disposed
in said cover.
13. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said opening mechanism
comprises a first tab comprising a first hook that is engagable
with a first scored panel, said tab attached to said opening
mechanism with a fastener.
14. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said opening mechanism
comprises a locking mechanism.
15. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said opening mechanism
comprises a seal.
16. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said opening mechanism
comprises an aligning mechanism.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said aligning mechanism
comprises an alignment key, at least one slot and at least one band
that aligns with said slot.
18. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said opening mechanism
comprises a second tab.
19. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a ridge disposed at
least partially around the perimeter of said first scored panel and
second scored panel.
20. A method for mixing two or more substances comprising:
providing two or more containers, the containers comprising first
and second ends; engaging at least two of the containers at an
interface, the interface comprised of at least a first end of one
of the containers and a second end of another of the containers;
opening the engaged containers at or near the interface by the
application of a counter-rotational force between the containers;
and mixing at least a portion of the contents of the engaged
containers.
21. The method of claim 20 further comprising forming an at least
substantially water-tight seal between the engaged containers.
22. The method of claim 20 further comprising locking the engaged
containers together with a locking mechanism.
23. The method of claim 20 further comprising an aligning mechanism
for engaging the at least two containers.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field Of The Invention (Technical Field)
[0005] This invention relates to a container design, and more
specifically to container end closures.
[0006] 2. Background Art
[0007] Containers equipped with "end closures" (or end closure
containers) can be used to store materials in a variety of forms,
but have historically been used on metallic containers to contain
liquids such as soft drinks and other consumable liquids. These
containers are generally comprised of materials such as aluminum
and are interconnected to a beverage single "end closure" after
being filled. The end closure is typically sealingly interconnected
to an upper end of the beverage container by "double seaming" or
other manners well known in the art. For these types of containers,
the container is opened for consumption using an "ecology tab," or
"stay-on tab" which is typically interconnected to the end. This
stay-on tab allows the consumer to open the top end of the
container to facilitate dispensing of the container contents.
[0008] Container opening devices, including frangible seals and
pull tabs are generally known in the art. Known pull tabs and
frangible seals typically remain attached to the container after
opening. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,412,526 and 6,415,940, describe known
divided containers. More recently, manufacturers have started using
Large Opening End closures (LOEs), which increase the surface area
of the tear panel for enhanced flow capability. This LOE has
allowed for easier use after opening the container.
[0009] Product manufacturers have historically utilized end closure
containers to dispense the contents of a single container. As such,
manufacturers have only needed to employ a container design that
incorporates a single end closure. The contents of these containers
have always been at the discretion of the manufacturer, and the
product options available to the consumer when purchasing a single
container have always been limited to those provided by the
manufacturer. Due to the limitations of existing container designs,
consumers cannot currently create their own mixture without first
dispensing the products from their original containers. As such,
creating a mixture from two or more containers requires the use of
additional equipment (secondary containers, mixers, etc.), a stable
work surface, and a steady hand. This task is difficult when it is
performed while in transit or when there is limited time or space.
Such are the constraints often posed when performing everyday tasks
such as driving a car, biking, walking, etc. Therefore, there is a
need for a new container design that allows the consumer to easily
and efficiently create a mixed product without additional equipment
and while on-the-go.
[0010] Thus, there is an industry need for a container design that
will facilitate the interconnection of two or more containers
without spillage or leakage, for the purpose of holding, mixing,
and dispensing the container contents. These new end closures
preferably have ease of use, preferably function for single and
multiple interconnected containers, and preferably have the
capability to be constructed of disposable or recyclable materials,
as required. As described herein, the following invention addresses
the aforementioned problems and design as described above.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a mixing
apparatus that includes first and second containers having first
and second ends, an engagement interface formable between a first
and second end of the containers where the first and second
containers are openable by a rotational force at the engagement
interface. The mixing apparatus may include a locking mechanism,
where the containers are locked by counter-rotation of the first
and second containers. The mixing apparatus can also include an
alignment mechanism. The engagement interface can include a seal,
at least one tab, at least one hook, at least one catch, at least
one scored panel, and at least one fastener.
[0012] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an
openable container which includes an opening mechanism, the
container openable from a rotational force applied to the mechanism
and the container openable from a cantilever force. The opening
mechanism may also have a tab, at least partially movable opening
cover with a recess disposed in the cover, a hinge and/or a stop.
The opening mechanism may further include a first tab comprising a
first hook that is engagable with a first scored panel, the tab
attached to the opening mechanism with a fastener, a locking
mechanism, a seal, an aligning mechanism where the aligning
mechanism has an alignment key, at least one slot and at least one
band that aligns with the slot, a second tab and a ridge disposed
at least partially around the perimeter of the first scored panel
and second scored panel.
[0013] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a method
for mixing two or more substances by providing two or more
containers, the containers having first and second ends, engaging
at least two of the containers at an interface, the interface
formed from at least a first end of one of the containers and a
second end of another of the containers, opening the engaged
containers at or near the interface by the application of a
counter-rotational force between the containers and mixing at least
a portion of the contents of the engaged containers. The method for
mixing also optionally includes forming an at least substantially
water-tight seal between the engaged containers and/or locking the
engaged containers together with a locking mechanism. There may
also be an aligning mechanism for engaging the at least two
containers.
[0014] An embodiment of the present invention is the integration of
two end closure interlock assemblies into one container--one
interlock assembly located on the top end of the container, and the
other located on the bottom end of the container. These interlocks
are used to align and/or seal two stacked containers, and to create
a fully contained opening between the containers to promote mixing
of the container contents. As such, one aspect of the present
invention preferably provides a container top interlock assembly
that incorporates a stay-on tab; this interlock assembly can be
used either for opening a single container, or for engaging the
bottom interlock assembly on an adjacently stacked container. It is
another aspect of the present invention to provide a bottom
interlock assembly that can be engaged by the top interlock
assembly of an adjacent, stacked container. It is yet another
aspect of the present invention to create these interlocks such
that the end closures do not prematurely leak or rupture when not
engaged.
[0015] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of embodiments
of the present invention preferably include:
[0016] a. Providing a top interlock assembly (TIA) on the top end
closure, and a bottom interlock assembly (BIA) on a new bottom end
closure which are integrated into a single container such that they
facilitate contained mixing of the contents of two or more stacked
containers;
[0017] b. Providing a stay-on tab on the container's top end
closure to facilitate opening of a container in the traditional
manner;
[0018] c. Providing an alignment key on the said TIA and an
alignment key receiver on the said BIA to ensure proper alignment
of two containers, and to ensure that the container openings remain
aligned (one on top of the other) at the completion of the coupling
process;
[0019] d. Providing catch bands on the TIA, catch band rings on the
BIA, and a gasket on the BIA to facilitate irreversible coupling
and sealing of two or more containers, and to create a leak proof
seal at the interface;
[0020] e. Providing a TIA tear panel ridge that can be engaged by a
BIA wiper simultaneous with coupling of the containers;
[0021] f. Providing a TIA tear panel hinge and TIA tear panel hook
that can open the TIA tear panel simultaneous with coupling of the
containers;
[0022] g. Providing a BIA tear panel ridge that can be engaged by a
TIA component simultaneous with coupling of the containers;
[0023] h. Providing a BIA tear panel hinge and BIA pivot tab hook
that can open the BIA tear panel simultaneous with coupling of the
containers; and
[0024] i. Providing a pivot tab catch on the pivot tab that can be
engaged by a stay-on tab for rotating the pivot tab simultaneous
with coupling of the containers.
[0025] j. Providing a BIA pivot tab stop and a TIA stay-on tab stop
to prevent over-rotation of the adjoined containers once the
openings are fully aligned;
[0026] Still further objects and advantages will become apparent
from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
[0027] Thus, the consumer can easily and conveniently join together
two or more stacked containers, without damaging either container,
and without spilling/leakage of the container contents, to promote
mixing and dispensing of the container contents. This effort is
limited to aligning the containers, coupling the containers by
engaging the catch band and catch band rings, creating a sealed
opening between the containers, and engaging the stay-on pull tab
on the TIA to open the container. The present invention allows for
minimal consumer education or effort in order to use this
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and
form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more
embodiments of the present invention and, together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The
drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating one or more
preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed
as limiting the invention. In the drawings:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a top isometric view of an embodiment of the TIA
and the components related thereto;
[0030] FIG. 2 is an exploded top isometric view of an embodiment of
the TIA and the components related thereto;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a top isometric view of an embodiment of the BIA
and the components related thereto;
[0032] FIG. 4 is an exploded top isometric view of an embodiment of
the BIA and the components related thereto;
[0033] FIGS. 5 through 11 are top views of an embodiment of the BIA
as it is overlaid onto the TIA during the interlocking and opening
sequence. The starting sequence in FIG. 5 illustrates the initial
alignment at the beginning of the interlock sequence. FIG. 11
illustrates the ending alignment when the assemblies are fully
interlocked and the containers are fully opened. The arrows
illustrate an amount of rotation that is preferably applied to the
upper and/or lower container during the sequence.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] To assist in the understanding of the present invention, the
following is a list of the components and associated numbering
showing in the drawings.
TABLE-US-00001 # Component 12 Top integrated assembly (TIA) 13 TIA
tear panel ridge 14 TIA stay-on tab 15 TIA tear panel score 16 TIA
fastener 17 TIA stay-on tab stop 18 TIA tear panel 19 Finger well
20 TIA wiper 22 Catch band 23 TIA tear panel hinge 24 Stay-on tab
hook 25 Alignment key 26 TIA rim 27 TIA tear panel well 30 Bottom
integrated assembly (BIA) 31 Pivot tab catch 32 Pivot tab 33 BIA
tear panel hinge 34 BIA fastener 35 BIA tear panel score 36 BIA
tear panel 37 BIA wiper 38 BIA tear panel ridge 39 Gasket 40
Alignment key receiver 41 Catch band ring 42 BIA pivot tab hook 43
BIA pivot tab stop 44 Catch band slots 45 BIA tear panel well
[0035] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an
embodiment of the present invention, wherein TIA 12 is provided and
adapted for coupling with BIA 30 (FIG. 2).
[0036] Referring to the Figs., wherein like numerals indicate like
or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a preferred
embodiment of the container connector, sealer, and opener of the
present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. As illustrated in
FIG. 1, TIA 12 is preferably comprised of multiple components
described as follows. TIA stay-on tab 14 is connected via TIA
fastener 16 to a center portion of TIA 12 for dispensing the
container contents in the traditional manner using finger well 19,
or in conjunction with a connected BIA 30. When opening the
container in the traditional manner, TIA stay-on tab 14 is
preferably lifted upward, and a nose of TIA stay-on tab 14 is
driven downward into TIA tear panel 18. As force is continually
applied, TIA tear panel 18 is torn away from the center panel by
means of TIA tear panel score 15. TIA tear panel 18 begins
deflecting downward and into the beverage container as the tear
moves clockwise, as viewed from an outer surface thereof. Once TIA
tear panel 18 is pushed downward from the center panel, TIA stay-on
tab 14 may be pushed downward, and the beverage consumed in the
traditional manner while TIA tear panel 18 remains attached at TIA
tear panel hinge 23.
[0037] Other TIA 12 component parts are incorporated to facilitate
coupling, sealing, and opening TIA 12 when connected to BIA 30.
These components include stay-on tab hook 24, which is preferably
disposed near a nose of TIA stay-on tab 14. TIA tear panel ridge 13
is preferably disposed near the rim of TIA tear panel 18. TIA wiper
20 is preferably disposed between TIA tear panel ridge 13, and TIA
stay-on tab stop 17. The perimeter of the TIA includes a segmented
catch band 22 and an alignment key 25. FIG. 2 is an isometric view
illustrating TIA 12 with TIA stay-on tab 14 shown separated from
the TIA to provide more detail for stay-on tab hook 24 and
associated TIA tear panel well 27.
[0038] BIA 30 is not used or engaged unless it is coupled with TIA
12. BIA 30, as illustrated in FIG. 3, is preferably comprised of
multiple components described as follows. Pivot tab 32 connected
via BIA fastener 34 to a center portion of BIA 30 to facilitate
opening of BIA 30 when coupled with TIA 12. This tab preferably
does not open the container in the traditional manner. Rather, when
a rotation force is applied to the coupled containers, this force
engages TIA wiper 20, BIA wiper 37, TIA tear panel ridge 13, and
BIA tear panel ridge 38, which then facilitates simultaneous
opening of BIA tear panel 36 and TIA tear panel 18. A seal is
preferably created between the containers by means of gasket
39.
[0039] BIA tear panel 36 is preferably torn away from center panel
by means of BIA tear panel score 35. BIA tear panel 36 begins
deflecting into the beverage container as TIA wiper 20 moves
clockwise across BIA tear panel ridge 38 as viewed from the outer
surface thereof. During this process, TIA stay-on tab 14 engages
pivot tab catch 31, and initiates rotation of pivot tab 32, which
causes BIA pivot tab hook 42 to fold BIA tear panel 36 downward
into the container at BIA tear panel hinge 33. BIA wiper 37 is
preferably mounted between BIA tear panel ridge 38, and BIA pivot
tab stop 43. The perimeter of the BIA preferably includes alignment
key receiver 40 and catch band ring 41. FIG. 4 provides an
isometric view of BIA 30 with the pivot tab 32 shown separated from
BIA 30 to provide more detail on BIA pivot tab hook 42 and
associated BIA tear panel well 45.
Operation--FIGS. 5 Through 11
[0040] FIGS. 5 through 11 are top plan views of BIA 30 as it is
overlaid onto TIA 12 during the interlocking and opening sequence.
Only the interfacing TIA 12 and BIA 30 are illustrated to show how
these assemblies relate and engage each other during the opening
sequence. Note that for illustration purposes, some of BIA 30
components (specifically, BIA tear panel 36, BIA tear panel ridge
38, BIA tear panel score 35, and BIA tear panel hinge 33) are
excluded from FIGS. 5 through 11. Effectively, FIGS. 5 through 11
illustrate the interaction of BIA 30 components with TIA 12
components necessary to facilitate opening of TIA tear panel 18.
The opening sequence also results in the simultaneous opening of
BIA tear panel 36; however, this action is not illustrated. The
arrows on FIGS. 6 through 11 are representative of the rotation
applied to BIA 30 in order to initiate coupling of the two
containers.
[0041] The starting sequence in FIG. 5 shows the initial alignment
at the beginning of the coupling and opening sequence. Two
containers are brought together by inserting alignment key 25 into
alignment key receiver 40, which results in insertion of catch
bands 22 into catch band slots 44. At this point, TIA rim 26 is
seated against gasket 39.
[0042] On FIG. 6, catch bands 22 have moved under the catch band
ring 41. The catch bands and catch band rings feature a saw-tooth
profile which, when mated, allow one-way rotation of the coupled
containers and prevent inadvertent reversing of the coupling. This
design also ensures a secure seating of TIA rim 26 against the
gasket 39. In FIG. 6, BIA wiper 37 has moved clockwise over TIA
tear panel ridge 13, causing TIA tear panel score 15 to break.
Pivot tab 32 and associated components (specifically BIA pivot tab
stop 43, pivot tab catch 31, and BIA pivot tab hook 42) have also
rotated with BIA 30 according to an amount as illustrated by the
arrow.
[0043] On FIG. 7, catch bands 22 and catch band ring 41 continue to
engage. BIA wiper 37 continues to move over TIA tear panel ridge
13, causing further breakage along TIA tear panel score 15. Pivot
tab 32 and associated components have also rotated with BIA 30
according to an amount as illustrated by the arrow.
[0044] On FIG. 8, catch bands 22 and catch band ring 41 continue to
engage. BIA wiper 37 continues to move over TIA tear panel ridge
13, causing further breakage along TIA tear panel score 15. At this
point, pivot tab catch 31 has mated with the left edge of TIA
stay-on tab 14. From this point on in the opening sequence, pivot
tab 32 and TIA stay-on tab 14 are preferably connected and move as
a single unit. BIA pivot tab stop 43 has continued to rotate with
BIA 30 according to an amount as illustrated by the arrow.
[0045] On FIG. 9, catch bands 22 and catch band ring 41 continue to
engage. BIA wiper 37 continues to move over TIA tear panel ridge
13, causing further breakage along TIA tear panel score 15. At this
point, mated pivot tab catch 31 and TIA stay-on tab 14 have rotated
according to an amount as illustrated by the arrow. This rotation
causes stay-on tab hook 24 to engage TIA tear panel 18 such that
TIA tear panel 18 is pushed into the container along TIA tear panel
hinge 23. BIA pivot tab stop 43 has continued to rotate with BIA 30
according to an amount as illustrated by the arrow.
[0046] On FIG. 10, catch bands 22 and catch band ring 41 continue
to engage. BIA wiper 37 continues to move over TIA tear panel ridge
13, causing further breakage along TIA tear panel score 15. At this
point, mated pivot tab catch 31 and TIA stay-on tab 14 have rotated
according to an amount as illustrated by the arrow. This rotation
causes stay-on tab hook 24 to fold TIA tear panel 18 into the
container along TIA tear panel hinge 23. BIA pivot tab stop 43 has
come in contact with the left edge of mated pivot tab catch 31 and
TIA stay-on tab 14.
[0047] FIG. 11 shows the completion of the opening sequence. At
this point, catch bands 22 and catch band ring 41 have fully
engaged. Mated pivot tab 32 and TIA stay-on tab 14 have rotated
according to an amount as illustrated by the arrow. BIA wiper 37
has moved over TIA tear panel ridge 13, causing complete breakage
along TIA tear panel score 15. Stay-on tab hook 24 has completely
folded TIA tear panel 18 into the container along TIA tear panel
hinge 23. BIA pivot tab stop 43 and TIA stay-on tab stop 17 have
prevented further rotation of the mated components, thereby
ensuring that the container openings remain completely aligned.
[0048] Once the opening sequence has been completed per FIGS. 5
through 11, the consumer can optionally manipulate the coupled
containers to facilitate mixing of the container contents. Once the
desired level of mixing is obtained, the container may be opened in
the traditional manner by engaging TIA stay-on tab 14 as previously
described.
[0049] From the description above, a number of advantages of TIA 12
and BIA 30 end closures become evident:
[0050] a. Consumers will have the ability to customize a beverage,
snack, or other consumable or non-consumable product by coupling
together two or more containers and mixing the container contents
in a confined manner. TIA 12 and BIA 30 end closure designs also
preferably prevent inadvertent reversal of this coupling.
[0051] b. Because there is no concern for spillage/leakage of the
combined container contents, the consumer has the ability to
perform the coupling, sealing, and mixing of these container
contents while on-the-go or in places where mixing of two or more
container contents without benefit of the present invention would
otherwise be difficult.
[0052] c. Consumers have the ability to dispense the mixture
created by coupling, sealing, and opening multiple stacked
containers in the traditional manner. They are also able to
dispense the contents of a single container in the tradition
manner, if mixing of multiple containers is not desired.
[0053] d. Consumers have the ability to create an extensive number
of container combinations to suit their specific purposes.
Consumers can stack as many containers as desired, with as many
combinations of container contents as desired.
[0054] e. The present invention allows for minimal consumer
education or effort in order to use this invention.
[0055] Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the
consumer can easily and conveniently join together two or more
stacked containers, without damaging either container, and without
spilling/leakage of the container contents, to promote mixing and
dispensing of the container contents. This effort is limited to
aligning the containers, coupling the containers by engaging catch
bands 22 and catch band rings 41, creating a sealed opening between
the containers, and employing TIA stay-on tab 14 with BIA pivot tab
32 to open the containers. Furthermore, the present invention has
the additional advantages in that: [0056] It allows the consumer to
mix the contents of two or more containers without initially
dispensing the container contents; [0057] It permits the consumer
to customize a beverage, snack, or other consumable or
non-consumable product while on-the-go, or in places where mixing
of two or more container contents without benefit of the present
invention would otherwise be impractical or difficult; [0058] It
allows the consumer to create an extensive number of container
combinations to suit his/her tastes; [0059] It allows the consumer
to open the top-most container in the traditional manner, thereby
minimizing the amount of education required to operate the present
invention; and [0060] It allows the consumer to couple two or more
containers without significant physical effort, and without the
significant understanding of the mechanics of the present
invention.
[0061] Although the description above contains many specifics,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the
presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, TIA
12 and BIA 30 end closures can be used on a variety of container
sizes, including varying diameters of end closures, as well varying
heights and volumes of the associated containers. Thus, the scope
of the present invention should not be limited to the examples
provided.
[0062] The preceding examples can be repeated with similar success
by substituting the generically or specifically described reactants
and/or operating conditions of this invention for those used in the
preceding examples.
[0063] Although the invention has been described in detail with
particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other
embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and
modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those
skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in the appended
claims all such modifications and equivalents. The entire
disclosures of all references, applications, patents, and
publications cited above and/or in the attachments, and of the
corresponding application(s), are hereby incorporated by
reference.
* * * * *