U.S. patent application number 12/432188 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-12 for package with strap handle.
Invention is credited to Mark Steele.
Application Number | 20090277916 12/432188 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41266059 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090277916 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Steele; Mark |
November 12, 2009 |
PACKAGE WITH STRAP HANDLE
Abstract
A package, and method of manufacturing the same, the package
having an attached strap handle for ease in carrying and pouring of
the contents. In one embodiment, the package includes a pair of
panels separated by a gusseted panel portion. Each end of the strap
handle is attached to the package through slits that are formed at
the confluence of the gusset panel portion and a respective one of
the panels. Seams or seals may be formed to effectively seal the
slits and may bond the handles to the package. The handle may
additionally include first and second strap handles, and a strap or
member spanning between the first and second strap handles.
Inventors: |
Steele; Mark; (New Prague,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ulbrich I.P., Ltd
7234 W. Timber Ln.
Maple Grove
MN
55369
US
|
Family ID: |
41266059 |
Appl. No.: |
12/432188 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61050816 |
May 6, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/754 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/566 20130101;
B65D 75/56 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/754 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/28 20060101
B65D025/28 |
Claims
1. A package having a strap handle, comprising: a first panel
portion having a longitudinal edge; a second panel portion having a
longitudinal edge, the longitudinal edges of the first and second
panel portions being generally parallel to each other; a gusseted
panel portion including a first longitudinal edge and a second
longitudinal edge, the gusset panel portion extending from the
longitudinal edge of the first panel portion to the longitudinal
edge of the second panel portion; a handle including an exterior
portion having a length dimension, the length dimension extending
from the longitudinal edge of the first panel portion to the
longitudinal edge of the second panel portion exterior to the
gusset panel portion; a first seal portion including the edge of
the first panel portion, the first edge of the gusset panel portion
and a first portion of the handle; and a second seal portion
including the edge of the second panel portion, the second edge of
the gusset panel portion and a second portion of the handle.
2. The package of claim 1, wherein the first seal portion and the
second seal portion are continuous seal portions without breaches
therealong.
3. The package of claim 1, further including a second handle.
4. The package of claim 3, further including a member spanning
between the handle and the second handle.
5. The package of claim 4, wherein the member spanning between the
handle and the second handle is at least partially rigid.
6. The package of claim 1, further including an access seal such
that at least a portion of the access seal is removable to provide
access into the package.
7. The package of claim 1, further including a supplemental handle
aperture.
8. The package of claim 1, wherein the gusseted panel portion is a
side gusseted panel portion.
9. The package of claim 1, wherein the gusseted panel portion is a
bottom gusseted panel portion.
10. A package having a strap handle, comprising: a first panel
portion having a longitudinal edge; a second panel portion having a
longitudinal edge, the longitudinal edges of the first and second
panel portions being generally parallel to each other; a gusseted
panel portion including a first longitudinal edge and a second
longitudinal edge, the gusset panel portion extending from the
longitudinal edge of the first panel portion to the longitudinal
edge of the second panel portion; a strap handle including an
exterior portion, a first end portion and a second end portion; a
first continuous seal portion including the longitudinal edge of
the first panel portion, the first edge of the gusset panel portion
and the first end portion of the handle; and a second continuous
seal portion including the longitudinal edge of the second panel
portion, the second edge of the gusset panel portion and second end
portion of the handle.
11. The package of claim 10, further including a second strap
handle.
12. The package of claim 11, further including a member spanning
between the strap handle and the second strap handle.
13. The package of claim 12, wherein the member spanning between
the strap handle and the second strap handle is at least partially
rigid.
14. The package of claim 10, further including an access seal such
that at least a portion of the access seal is removable to provide
access into the package.
15. The package of claim 10, further including a supplemental
handle aperture.
16. The package of claim 10, wherein the gusseted panel portion is
a side gusseted panel portion.
17. The package of claim 10, wherein the gusseted panel portion is
a bottom gusseted panel portion.
18. A package having a strap handle, comprising: a first panel
portion having a longitudinal edge; a second panel portion having a
longitudinal edge, the longitudinal edges of the first and second
panel portions being generally parallel to each other; a gusseted
panel portion including a first longitudinal edge and a second
longitudinal edge, the gusset panel portion extending from the
longitudinal edge of the first panel portion to the longitudinal
edge of the second panel portion; a first longitudinal seal
portion; a second longitudinal seal portion; and means for handling
the package adapted such that portions of the means for handling
are joined along respective portions of the first and second seal
portions.
19. The package of claim 18, wherein the gusseted panel portion is
a side gusseted panel portion.
20. The package of claim 18, wherein the gusseted panel portion is
a bottom gusseted panel portion.
21. The package of claim 18, further including means for providing
multi-strap handling.
22. The package of claim 18, further including a second means for
handling the package, provided adjacent to the means for
handling.
23. The package of claim 22, further including a means for spanning
between the means for handling and the second means for handling.
Description
PRIORITY APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/050,816, filed May 6, 2008, which is
hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to flexible
packaging and, more particularly, to flexible packaging having at
least one strap handle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Flexible and/or disposable packaging including handles for
ease of handling and transport are known. For heavier packages,
certain handle designs cause discomfort to the user because the
handles are too narrow, thus causing the lifting and handling
forces to be concentrated over a small area on the palm of the
user's hand.
[0004] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0080794 discloses a strap
style handle. The strap handle is disposed within an elongated hole
cut out of the center of a gusset panel. The strap is comprised of
a heat sealable film. The ends of the strap are adhered to the
inside of the package adjacent the elongated hole, with excess
length of strap extending through the hold to the exterior to
define a loop that can gripped by the user. A patch is then placed
over the entire area of the elongated hole and strap from the
inside to protect the contents from leaking out or from infestation
(e.g., moisture and oxygen) from breaching the package. The strap
is usually applied in the machine direction (longitudinally or
parallel with the side gussets length).
[0005] The above-mentioned process requires many steps, each posing
not only added expense in production but also a probability of loss
of integrity of the package. Also, the orientation of the handle is
not conducive to pouring out the contents of the package,
particularly for a heavily loaded package.
[0006] A handle system that may be provided using fewer
manufacturing steps and which provides a handle having a more
favorable positioning and orientation would be welcomed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Various embodiments of the invention include a strap handle
having sufficient width to spread the pressure of the lifting force
over a large area of the user's hand for reduced local pressures,
thus enhancing comfort to the user during lifting and transport.
Certain embodiments utilize substantially less material and process
than existing handle systems, as no patch is required. The present
invention also offers less potential for leakage or infestation
into the package than existing handle systems because the process
generates substantially less perimeter to be sealed than the
elongated hole of existing handle systems. Furthermore, in some
embodiments, the strap handle is placed generally transverse to the
side gusset seals, enabling the consumer to easily pour the product
from the package. An end of the strap handle is sandwiched between
panel portions of the package at edge seals to further increase
stability and reduce manufacturing steps and costs.
[0008] In another aspect of the invention, the process of applying
the handle can be done during the manufacturing of a pre-made
pouch, on a form-fill and seal machine, or the strap can be
pre-applied to the material used to make the package in subsequent
manufacturing steps.
[0009] Structurally, one embodiment may include a first panel
having a longitudinal edge portion and a second panel having a
longitudinal edge portion, the longitudinal edges of the first and
second panels being substantially parallel to each other. A
gusseted panel including a first longitudinal edge portion and a
second longitudinal edge portion may extend from the longitudinal
edge portion of the first panel to the longitudinal edge portion of
the second panel. The assembly may include a handle including an
exterior portion having a length dimension and a maximum width
dimension. The length dimension may extend from the longitudinal
edge of the first panel to the longitudinal edge of the second
panel, exterior to the gusset, the exterior portion of the handle
having a length dimension that extends from the first longitudinal
edge to the second longitudinal edge of the gusset portion and a
width dimension that extends parallel to the first and second
longitudinal edges. The package may further include a first seal or
seam comprising the edge of the first panel, the first longitudinal
edge of the gusset panel and the handle, and a second seal or seam
comprising the edge of the second panel, the second longitudinal
edge of the gusset panel and the handle. As such, ends of the
handle are sealed at the respective seals or seams.
[0010] In other embodiments, the package can include two or more
strap handles. In those employing a dual handle configuration, a
first and second strap handle can be positioned along a panel
portion of the package, generally adjacent or proximate one
another. Alternatively, a spanning strap can be provided to span
between the first and second strap handles to provide another
stable and pressure-distributing means of carrying and handling the
package. Such dual handle embodiments can provide easier handling,
manipulation, pouring and other use of the package by end users.
Any of the handles can be constructed wholly, or in part, of
flexible, semi-rigid, rigid, shape molded, curved, and like
materials, configurations and designs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a strap handled
package in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIGS. 3 and 4 are partial sectional views of the strap
handled package of FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 4A is a partial sectional view of a strap handled
package having a loop handle in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention;
[0014] FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of a strap handled
package in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a bottom strap handled
package in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of possible
configurations for the bottom strap handled package of FIG. 7, with
the FIG. 9 configuration having a longer external portion of the
handle than the FIG. 8 configuration;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a strap handled package
with dual handles in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a strap handled package
with dual handles and a spanning member in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention; and
[0019] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a spanning handle portion,
at least partially rigid, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0020] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of
example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should
be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the
invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary,
the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims. For illustrative purposes,
hatching or shading in the figures is generally provided to
demonstrate sealed portions and/or integrated devices for the
package.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, a strap handled package 30
is depicted in an embodiment of the invention. The strap handled
package 30 may include a first panel portion 32 and a second panel
portion 34 with a gusset panel portion 36 disposed therebetween.
Various embodiments can further include additional panels, such as
sides, bottom, top, etc., gusseted or non-gusseted. The package
panel portions can be formed of a single web material and folded or
formed to define the distinct panel portions, or one or more film
materials or webs can be separately joined to define the various
structures of the package. The cross-hatching in the figures is
used generally to denote sealing and/or panel edges or seams.
[0022] In one embodiment, a portion of a handle 38 extends between
the first and second panels 32 and 34 external to the gusset
portion 36. The first and second panels 32 and 34 may be further
characterized as having end edges 42 and longitudinal edges 46. In
one embodiment, the end edges 42 are sealed together to form end
seam or seal 48, and the longitudinal edges 46 may be pressed or
fused together at the boundary of the gusset portion 36 to form
edge seam or seal 50. Edge seam or seal 50 can be continuous along
its longitudinal length, without breaks, breaches, gaps or other
discontinuities. In other embodiments, the edge seam or seal 50 can
include cut out or punched out regions to create gaps or other
discontinuities along its length to insert ends of the handle 38.
Similarly, the seal can be provided in a region isolated proximate
or around the handle, or the sealed ends of the handle 38, rather
than along the entire length of the respective package fold or seam
(e.g., seam 50). Any of the handles, or handle portions, can be
constructed wholly, or in part, of flexible, semi-rigid, rigid,
shape molded, curved, radiused, and like materials, configurations
and designs.
[0023] The package panel portions are generally constructed of
flexible sheet material such as polyethylene, polyester, metal
foil, polypropylene, or polyethylenes and/or polyethylene laminated
with other materials such as nylon, polyester, and like films. To
provide for higher barriers, embodiments can use combination layers
of said materials and materials of the like. Package panels are
joined or otherwise formed to define distinct or distinguishable
panel portions and an internal compartment or cavity 31 for the
package. For instance, the package panels can be formed from one or
more film or web materials.
[0024] In one embodiment, end portions 39 of the handle 38 are
sandwiched between the gusset portion 36 and a respective one of
the first and second panels 32 and 34 along a portion of respective
first and second edge seams 50a, 50b. As such, the first edge seam
50a, e.g., a "quad seal," bondably includes a portion of an end
portion 39, a portion of the gusset portion 36 (e.g., edge portion)
and a portion of the first panel 34 (e.g., edge portion). Likewise,
the second edge seam 50b bondably includes a portion of an end
portion 39, a portion of the gusset portion 36 (e.g., edge portion)
and a portion of the second panel 32 (e.g., edge portion). Each of
the edge seams 50a and 50b can be continuous along their respective
longitudinal lengths, without breaks, breaches, gaps or other
discontinuities.
[0025] The handle 38 may be further characterized as having an
external portion 52 having an external length 54 and a width 56.
The external length 54 may be defined as the length of strap that
extends from the first edge seam 50a to the second edge seam 50b,
and extends generally in the direction of an axis 58 that may be
generally transverse to the edge seams 50. The width 56 is
dimensioned generally parallel to the edge seams 50, and may be
substantially uniform in dimension (as depicted) or have a varying
width (not depicted). The handle 38 may be comprised of a material
selected and dimensioned to be both strong enough to carry the
contents of the package, and also to be heat sealable on both sides
of the material to effect a positive seal. Further, the handle 38
can take on varying shapes and sizes.
[0026] It is noted that while the depictions of FIGS. 1 through 4
present only a single handle 38, the invention may include multiple
handles adjacent one or more gusset portions 36, e.g., a second
handle 38 provided along a second gusset panel portion. Further,
the spatial gaps between the sandwiched or bondable materials, such
as 39, 50a, 50b, 32, and 34, in FIG. 4 are provided for
illustrative purposes. Bonding or other joinder techniques will
bring the materials into sealing contact.
[0027] Assembly of the strap handled package 30 may be accomplished
by various methods. In one method, the material of the strap
handled package 30 is unwound from a first roll into a machine that
can take the film through a dancer system of rollers to convert the
film or web from continuous motion to intermittent motion. At the
intermittent motion section of the machine, two slits 60, cut-outs,
or material plugs, may be cut into or out of the web, one each at
the boundary between what may eventually become the gusset portion
36 and the first and second panels 32 and 34. Each slit 60 is long
enough to thread the handle 38, or the end portions 39,
therethrough. The slits 60 can be dimensioned apart from each other
the distance of the opened dimension of the gusset portion 36. The
slits 60 can be placed in alignment with each other on each
impression or section of film that may eventually become an
individual strap handled package 30. Where multiple handled
packages are to be formed, additional slits 60 or cut out slugs
(one pair per handle) may be formed along determined panel
portions.
[0028] A second roll of film may be used for the handle 38. The
second roll may be fed transverse to the direction of the web of
the first roll and the slits 60. A length of the material that
forms the handle 38 may be cut and removed from the roll for
subsequent threading or feeding through the slits 60. Typically,
the length of the handle 38 may be a few inches longer than the
distance between the two slits 60.
[0029] The material for the handle 38 may be centered over the two
slits 60 and a plunger mechanism used to push both ends 39 of the
handle 38 material through the slits 60 to the back, interior or
sealant side of the package material. The two end portions 39 of
the handle 38 that have been pushed through the slits 60 may be
laid flat across the web, each end extending toward each outer edge
of the main web or inward, where a seal (e.g., 50a, 50b) can be
made to fasten, either permanently or temporarily, the ends of the
handle 38 to the web material.
[0030] The first roll, now including the handle 38 affixed thereto,
can be rolled up for further processing using normal pouch
formation process techniques, or sent immediately through the pouch
making process, such as a form-fill-seal or pre-made pouch
machine.
[0031] The process may further include application of a zipper
attached for later processing, thus providing the strap handled
package 30 with both a handle and a re-closable feature as desired.
Further, other known one-time or limited-use access devices can be
employed. For instance, fixed zippers, slider zippers,
adhesives/tapes, snap or screw cap devices, snap fasteners, hook
and latch fastening, spouts, fitments, and other like techniques
and devices known to one skilled in the art can be employed for use
as the access devices.
[0032] The roll of material will go through a normal pouch making
process for a package typically with a gusset, such as a side
gusseted panel, where the handle strap can be sealed at the
location of slits 60, as depicted in FIG. 4. The seal can be
provided in a region isolated proximate or around the handle 38, or
along the length, or a portion of the length, of the respective
package fold or seam. The sealing process may be performed with the
seal bars normally used to make the corner or quad seals on gusset
folds. The handle 38 material is thereby fused and sealed where it
comes out of the package in the normal seals or seams of a package,
thus protecting the contents in the package from leaking out and/or
protecting the contents from contaminants or oxygen from getting
in. In addition, providing sealing of the handle 38 at the normal
seals or seams of a package reduces the costs and labor that would
be required to alter the package seals or add connectivity material
or structure for the handle. It is noted that the ends of the
handle 38 material can be sealed to the outside of the package; for
instance, when slits 60 are not utilized. In such an embodiment,
the handle 38 can be provided along at least a portion of a seam or
seal 50 of the package, while the ends 39 are sealed, laid out, or
otherwise disposed along an external panel surface (e.g., rather
than within the package through a slit 60).
[0033] In operation, a user inserts his or her hand between the
handle 38 and the gusset portion 36 with the palm facing the handle
38, then grips the handle 38 and exerts an upward force to lift the
strap handled package 30. The width 56 of the handle 38 may be
sufficiently wide to spread the lifting force over an area of the
palm so as not to cause discomfort. That is, the pressure generated
locally on the palm of the hand may be sufficiently low so as not
to cause discomfort.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 4A, an alternative arrangement for
attaching the handle 38 to the strap handled package 30 is
depicted. In this embodiment, only a single slit 60a is formed in
the web at the confluence of the gusset portion 36 and one of the
panels 32 or 34. Both ends 39 of the handle 38 are inserted in the
slit 60a for fusion thereto upon formation of the edge seam 50. By
this configuration and process, the strap handled package 30 can
have a loop handle 38a attached to one of the edge seams 50.
[0035] In operation, the loop handle 38a may find utility not only
for transporting the strap handled package 30, but also for hanging
the strap handled package 30 at an elevation for easier access,
storage, filling, and the like.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a strap handled package 64
having a supplemental end handle 66 is depicted in another
embodiment of the invention. Like the strap handled package 30, the
package 64 may be characterized by first and second panels 32 and
34, a gusset portion 36, edge seals or seams 50 and the handle 38.
In this embodiment, the strap handled package 64 can further
include a first end 68 having a removable seal 70, and a second end
72 having a permanent seal 74 with the supplemental end handle 66
formed therein. The handle 66 can be located along or with other
panel portions of the package without deviating from the spirit and
scope of the present invention.
[0037] In operation, one positions the package 64 in an upright
position (e.g., with the removable seal 70 substantially uppermost)
and removes the removable seal 70 to provide an open end 71 of the
strap handled package 64. The user may grip the handle 38 as well
as the supplemental end handle 66 to control the orientation of the
package 64. The user then orients or tips the package 64 at an
angle relative to vertical to release a product 76 from the open
end 71 of the strap handled package 64. The seal 70 can run
completely along the package, or just a portion of the package. In
addition, the seal 70 can include notching, laser scoring, or other
tear/notch features to enable tearing or cutting away of all or a
portion of the seal 70.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 7 through 9, a bottom strap handled
package 80 having a top end 81, bottom gusset panel 82 and a bottom
handle 84 is depicted in an embodiment of the invention. The bottom
strap handled package 80 may include edge seams 88 and bottom seams
90. The handle 84 may have the same characteristics as the handle
38 of the previous embodiments (e.g., length, width and
relationship with a gusseted portion). In addition, the package 80
can be configured and used in other orientations, such as a shaker
pouch, whereby a portion of the package is perforated and the
package can be manipulated or shook by the user to dispense product
from the perforations, fitment or other access device.
[0039] Operationally, a use of the handle 84 may be to transport
the bottom strap handled package 80 to a destination in the "upside
down" configuration of FIGS. 8 and 9, then put to rest in the
upright position of FIG. 7. The bottom strap handled package 80 may
then be opened on the top end 81 for access. For example, the
bottom strap handled package 80 may contain a large quantity of dry
pet food that the user transports to a location near a feeding
area. The user can then draw product from the bag as he or she
normally would, the primary utility of the handle 84 being in the
transport of the bottom strap handled package 80. Like other
embodiments of the present invention, various access devices,
re-closeable or limited-use, and various tear/notch features can be
employed in the strap handled package 80.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 10 through 12, strap handled packages 90,
100 having two or more handles 38 is depicted in another embodiment
of the invention. Like the strap handled package 30, the packages
90, 100 may be characterized by first and second panels 32 and 34,
a gusset panel portion 36, edge seals or seams 50 and the handle
38. In these embodiments, the strap handled package can further
include at least a first handle 38a and a second handle 38b. The
additional or second handle 38b can be included adjacent or
proximate the first handle 38a. In addition, a member, spanning
strap or handle portion 102 can be connected, attached or otherwise
provided to span between the handles 38a and 38b, as shown in FIG.
11.
[0041] The handle 102 can run generally parallel with the gusseted
panel 36. The strap handled packages 90, 100 provide additional
stability and ease of use for a consumer or other end user. Namely,
gripping, carrying and handling are made easier because the weight
of the package is distributed across a user gripping the two straps
with one or more hands. This can be particularly useful for
packages designed to hold and carry heavy products or contents. The
handle 102 provides yet another means of handling and carrying the
package while simultaneously distributing pressure and stress on
the end user's hands. The handle 102 also allows the end user
flexibility in maneuvering, manipulating and orienting the package
for handling and use. As detailed herein, any of the handles, or
handle portions, can be constructed wholly, or in part, of
flexible, semi-rigid, rigid, shape molded, curved, radiused, and
like materials, configurations and designs. For example, handle 102
can be integral or separately attachable (e.g., by the end user or
at the place of package formation) to the strap handles 38a, 38b
with hook portions at the ends of the handle 102. In one
embodiment, the handle 102 can be rigid, or at least partially
rigid, to provide additional structural security and handling
performance, as shown in FIG. 12. In addition, such a handle 102
can include molded shape features, radiused edges or lengths, and
other configuration or designs to enhance handling, pouring, and
overall manipulation of the package via the handles.
[0042] In one embodiment of a rigid spanning handle, as depicted in
FIG. 12, the spanning strap or handle portion 102 can include a
rounded or radiused grip 103 and one or more end connectors 104.
The one or more end connectors 104 can further include an
engagement channel 106 and lips or tabs 108. In operation, the end
connectors 104 are adapted for engagement with one or more of the
strap handles 38a, 38b such that each of the straps is capable of
insertion within the engagement channel 106 of a respective
connector 104. The lips or tabs 108 can serve to assist in
retaining the straps 38a, 38b in the channels 106. Once attached in
this manner, the handle 102 spans between the straps 38a, 38b to
provide a primary or supplemental means of handling, pouring and
manipulation of the package via use of the grip 103. In addition,
the handle 102 is selectively removable from the straps 38a, 38b if
desired. Again, the shape, size and structure of the handle portion
102 and the one or more corresponding straps 38 can vary greatly
depending on the particular aesthetic or functional packaging
needs.
[0043] Various handles, graphics, closeable and re-closeable access
devices, gusseted portions, and like features known to one skilled
in the art are also envisioned for use with this invention and can
be implemented without deviating from the spirit and scope of the
present invention. All references to front, back, top, bottom, and
the like are merely for demonstrative purposes and are not intended
to limit the variations and positional references and orientations
of the panels in the present invention.
[0044] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes
thereof, and it is, therefore, desired that the present embodiment
be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
Similarly, the above-described methods and techniques for
manufacturing the present invention are illustrative sequential
processes and are not intended to limit the methods of
manufacturing the present invention to those specifically defined
herein. It is envisioned that various depicted steps can be
performed in differing substantive and sequential order. In
addition, various unspecified steps and procedures can be performed
in between those steps described herein without deviating from the
spirit and scope of the present invention and the method of
manufacturing the same.
* * * * *