U.S. patent application number 12/886473 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-05 for package with pressure activated expansion chamber.
Invention is credited to Greg Melchoir, Mark Steele.
Application Number | 20110103714 12/886473 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43925521 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110103714 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Steele; Mark ; et
al. |
May 5, 2011 |
PACKAGE WITH PRESSURE ACTIVATED EXPANSION CHAMBER
Abstract
A package having an expansion chamber is depicted and described.
The package generally includes a collapsed expansion chamber
configured to open when a predetermined amount of internal pressure
is reached. A pressure sensitive closure mechanism, such as a
frangible seal or flexible we film web, is disposed between the
main compartment and the expansion chamber and functions to
separate the main compartment and the expansion chamber until the
predetermined internal pressure is reached.
Inventors: |
Steele; Mark; (New Prague,
MN) ; Melchoir; Greg; (Green Bay, WI) |
Family ID: |
43925521 |
Appl. No.: |
12/886473 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61243772 |
Sep 18, 2009 |
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61311110 |
Mar 5, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
383/2 ;
383/210 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/008 20130101;
B65D 79/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/2 ;
383/210 |
International
Class: |
B65D 30/00 20060101
B65D030/00; B65D 33/20 20060101 B65D033/20; B65D 33/06 20060101
B65D033/06 |
Claims
1. A flexible package, comprising: a first panel; a second panel
disposed opposite the first panel; an interior compartment disposed
between the first and second panels; a first expansion chamber
disposed adjacent to the interior compartment; and a first pressure
sensitive closure separating the first expansion chamber from the
interior compartment and configured to permit the interior
compartment to expand into the first expansion chamber when a first
pressure value of the interior compartment is exceeded.
2. The flexible package of claim 1, further comprising a fitment
disposed in the package, the fitment having a top portion
protruding outward from the package and a bottom portion protruding
into the package.
3. The flexible package of claim 2, further comprising a flange
disposed on the bottom portion of the fitment and sealed inside of
the interior compartment.
4. The flexible package of claim 1, wherein the first expansion
chamber is configured as a handle.
5. The flexible package of claim 1, further comprising a second
expansion chamber disposed adjacent to the interior compartment and
separated from the interior compartment by a second pressure
sensitive closure, the second pressure sensitive closure configured
to permit the interior compartment to expand into the second
expansion chamber when a second pressure value of the interior
compartment is exceeded.
6. The flexible package of claim 5, wherein the first pressure
value is the same as the second pressure value.
7. The flexible package of claim 1, wherein the first pressure
sensitive closure is an expandable web.
8. The flexible package of claim 1, wherein the first pressure
sensitive closure is a frangible seal
9. The flexible package of claim 1, wherein the first expansion
chamber displays a message when in communication with the interior
compartment.
10. A flexible package, comprising: a first panel; a second panel
disposed opposite the first panel; an interior compartment disposed
between the first and second panels; a first expansion chamber
disposed adjacent to the interior compartment; and an expandable
film separating the first expansion chamber from the interior
compartment, the expandable film configured to expand into the
first expansion chamber in response to a first pressure value of
the interior compartment exceeding a threshold value.
11. The package of claim 10, wherein the first and second panels
are constructed of a generally flexible polymer material.
12. The package of claim 10, further comprising a gusset extending
between the first and second panels.
13. The flexible package of claim 10, further comprising an access
device disposed in the package, the access device having a top
portion protruding outward from the package and a bottom portion
protruding into the package.
14. The flexible package of claim 13, further comprising a flange
disposed on the bottom portion of the access device and sealed
inside of the interior compartment.
15. The flexible package of claim 10, further comprising a second
expansion chamber disposed adjacent to the interior compartment and
separated from the interior compartment by a pressure sensitive
closure.
16. The flexible package of claim 15, wherein the pressure
sensitive closure is an expandable web.
17. A method for containing gas produced by a contents of a
flexible package, the method comprising: activating a pressure
sensitive closure separating an expansion chamber from an interior
compartment of the flexible package in response to an increase in
pressure in the interior compartment above an activation value.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of activating the
pressure sensitive closure includes rupturing a frangible seal.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of activating the
pressure sensitive closure includes stretching a flexible film.
20. The method of claim 17, further comprising communicating the
contents of the interior compartment with expansion chamber,
thereby lowering the pressure in the interior compartment.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/243772, filed on Sep. 18, 2009, and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/311110, filed on Mar. 5,
2010, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in
their entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to flexible
packaging and, more particularly, to packages, and methods for
forming and using packages, having expansion chambers actuated by
pressure within the primary package chamber.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Flexible packages are used for containing a wide variety of
items, both solid and liquid, such as beverages, lawn products and
food products. Some products, such as carbonated drinks, produce
gasses (gas off) during and after they are filled into a package.
Conventional flexible packages have a fixed maximum volume, and
therefore, cannot expand. As a result, the gas produced in the
sealed package raises the pressure inside of the package. Some
packages may fail because they are not strong enough to handle the
additional pressure generated by the gassing off of the product
once sealed. This is especially true with flexible packages. The
use of flexible packages has been limited because of the limited
pressures they can handle before failure.
[0004] Using vents in the flexible package is not always feasible.
For example, some carbonated products, such as beer, require the
carbonation or gas to stay within the container when it gases off.
A vent would cause the gas to escape. Loss of the gasses may
negatively affect the freshness, flavor and texture of the product.
Vents are also an additional expense and are difficult to implement
for products that require the package to be filled completely to
the top, leaving no room for oxygen in the package. Oxygen may
permeate the package through the vent, thereby negatively affecting
the freshness of the product.
[0005] Package failure with increased internal pressure may also
occur at or adjacent to a fitment or pour spout, such as the edges
or seals where panels or joined. These seals, especially near where
the ends of the fitment meet the two adjacent panels of film, tend
to be the weakest section of the pouch, or where failures often
occur.
[0006] As a result, there is a need for a flexible package that
substantially solves the above-referenced problems with
conventional package designs, configurations, and manufacturing
methods.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention addresses certain problems facing
flexible packages and the packaging industry. Embodiments of the
present invention are directed to a flexible package having an
interior compartment capable of storing a product, including solids
or liquids. The package includes a collapsed expansion chamber
configured to communicate with the interior compartment when a
predetermined amount of internal pressure is reached. A pressure
sensitive closure mechanism, such as a flexible film web or a
frangible seal, is disposed between the interior compartment and
the expansion chamber and functions to separate the main
compartment and the expansion chamber until the predetermined
internal pressure is reached.
[0008] Multiple expansion chambers may be used. The expansion
chambers may be located in various positions and orientations with
respect to the package. The expansion chamber may also be
configured in various shapes, including handles, and display
panels.
[0009] Embodiments of the present invention are also directed to a
flexible package generally including a fitment or spout sealed in a
panel. An aperture is defined in the package material and the spout
is placed through the aperture from the inside or sealant side of
the panel film, and then a flange of the fitment remaining inside
the interior compartment can be sealed around the hole's edges.
[0010] The detailed technology and preferred embodiments
implemented for the subject invention are described in the
following paragraphs accompanying the appended drawings for people
skilled in this field to well appreciate the features of the
claimed invention. It is understood that the features mentioned
hereinbefore and those to be commented on hereinafter may be used
not only in the specified combinations, but also in other
combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of
the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package having an
expansion chamber in accordance with an example embodiment of the
present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a package
having an expansion chamber in accordance with an example
embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a package having multiple
expansion chambers in accordance with an example embodiment of the
present invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a package
having multiple expansion chambers in accordance with an example
embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a package having an
expansion chamber in accordance with an example embodiment of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a package
having an expansion chamber in accordance with an example
embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a package having multiple
expansion chambers in accordance with an example embodiment of the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a package
having multiple expansion chambers in accordance with an example
embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a package having an
expansion chamber in accordance with an example embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 10A is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a
package having an expansion chamber in accordance with an example
embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 10B is a side cross-sectional schematic view of the
package of FIG. 10A showing the expansion chamber in an expanded
state in accordance with an example embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a package having an
expansion chamber and handle aperture in accordance with an example
embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a
package having an expansion chamber and handle aperture in
accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a package having an
expansion chamber in accordance with an example embodiment of the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 14A is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a
package having an expansion chamber in accordance with an example
embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 14B is a side cross-sectional schematic view of the
package of FIG. 14A showing the package filled with product in
accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 14C is a side cross-sectional schematic view of the
package of FIGS. 14B showing the expansion chamber in an expanded
state in accordance with an example embodiment of the present
invention.
[0028] 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 example 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, cross-hatching, dashing or shading in the figures is
provided to demonstrate sealed portions and/or integrated regions
or devices for the package.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] In the following descriptions, the invention will be
explained with reference to various example embodiments;
nevertheless, these embodiments are not intended to limit the
present invention to any specific example, environment, embodiment,
applications, or particular implementations described herein.
Therefore, descriptions of these example embodiments are only
provided for purpose of illustration but not to limit the present
invention. It should be appreciated that elements unrelated
directly to the present invention are omitted from the embodiments
and the attached drawings.
[0030] References to "top," "bottom," "front," "back" and the like
are for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to limit the
scope of the disclosed invention. For instance, placing an
expansion chamber on the "front" panel could be just as easily
employed in the back or side portions of the package.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the flexible package 100
comprises a front panel 102 and back panel 104, which define an
interior compartment 106 accessible through an access opening. The
edges 108 of the front 102 and back 104 panels are sealed together.
However, one or more of the portions of the package 100 may be
gusseted. For example, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a gusset 110 provided at
the bottom of the package in order to create a larger volume within
the interior compartment 106. Placing a gusset 110 on the bottom
also provides the product with the ability to stand up on its own.
Other panels, such as a side panel, could be gusseted as well.
[0032] A spout or fitment 112, such as a square top or inverted
funnel shape, is provided to a portion of the top interface edge of
the front 102 and back 104 panels. However, it is understood that
the fitment could be located in various other positions and still
be within the scope of the invention.
[0033] The package 100 further includes an expansion chamber 114
located or defined in the front panel 102 of the package. It is
understood to be within the scope of the invention, however, that
the expansion chamber may be located in any position on the package
100 such that it can communicate with the interior compartment 106.
It is further within the scope of the invention to use multiple, or
a plurality, of expansion chambers, each located such that they are
capable of communicating with the interior compartment.
[0034] The expansion chamber 114 is shown extending the full width
of the package, from side to side. However, the expansion chamber
114 may extend only partially across a dimension of the package
100. The expansion chamber may also be oriented horizontally,
vertically or in any other direction.
[0035] A frangible seal, valve or other pressure sensitive closure
116 is disposed between the interior compartment 106 and the
expansion chamber 114. The pressure sensitive closure 116 maintains
separation between the interior compartment 106 and the expansion
chamber 114. However, when the pressure in the interior compartment
106 rises above a predetermined threshold, the closure 116 will
open or rupture to allow communication between the interior
compartment 106 and the expansion chamber 114. The opening of
closure 116 allows the product and/or gases located in the interior
compartment 106 to have room to expand. Because of this added space
within the package 100, the product and/or gas has a place to go
and will therefore reduce pressure before leaking, rupturing, or
other failure occurs.
[0036] The threshold pressure at which the closure 116 opens will
depend on a variety of factors, including the type of film used to
make the package and expansion chamber, the geometry of the
package, and the size and geometry of the expansion chamber. In a
few examples, the threshold may be approximately 5, 20 or 30 pounds
per square inch (PSI). However, higher and lower threshold
pressures are within the scope of the invention. As such, the
package and corresponding expansion chamber can be configured to
handle a wide range of pressures.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the package 100 is shown
having at least two expansion chambers 114. Each expansion chamber
114 is separated from the interior compartment 106 via a closure,
valve or frangible seal 116. Each seal may be configured to rupture
at the same or a different predetermined pressure. For example, a
first seal may rupture at predetermined pressure P1. However, if
the pressure in the package continues to rise, then the second seal
may be set to rupture at a higher second predetermined pressure P2.
Additional expansion chambers can be included to provide stepped
control of internal pressure.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the package 100 is shown
having a vertically oriented expansion chamber 114 provided to the
front panel 102. However, a similar expansion chamber may be
provided to the back panel 104 in addition, or as an alternative to
the front panel 102. It can also be seen in FIG. 5 that an
additional top panel 118 may be provided between the top edges of
the front 102 and back 104 panels to provide increased interior
compartment volume. The top panel 118 can be gusseted or
non-gusseted.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the package 100 is shown
having multiple expansion chambers 114. It is understood however,
that any one or more of the depicted expansion chambers 114 may be
omitted or re-located on the package 100 without departing from the
scope of the invention. A generally flat gusset panel 120 is
provided to the top of the package. The front 102 and back 104
panels seal at their respective interfaces with the top panel 120.
An expansion chamber 120 extends outwardly from the front and back
of the package at the interface between the top panel 120 and the
respective front 102 and back 104 panels. Another expansion chamber
114 extends outwardly from the front panel 102.
[0040] The fitment 112 is provided (e.g., shown with cap) to an
aperture in the top panel 120. Different sizes and shapes for the
fitment can be employed. A flange 122 on the bottom of the fitment
is sealed inside of the interior compartment 106 to provide a
surface fitment configuration. In this configuration, when the
pressure inside the package expands, it will generally push evenly
around the seal of the flange 122 and no particular weak point will
exist for leaking, as opposed to fitments that are sealed within or
to the edge seals of panels or webs.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 9, FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, the package 100
is shown having an expansion chamber 114 on the front panel 102.
The expansion chamber 114 is configured to present a display
graphic 124 on the package when the seal 116 separating the
expansion chamber 114 from the interior compartment 106 ruptures.
The expansion chamber 114 is shown collapsed in FIG. 10A and
expanded in FIG. 10B. The size and shape of the expanded chamber
may be chosen to correspond to the desired visual indication or
graphic. For example, the expansion chamber may pop out or extend
from the package with a message or an indication that the product
has gassed off. The expansion chamber 114 may be located in various
places on the package, for example front panel 102, back panel 104,
top edge and side edges without departing from the scope of the
invention. The expansion chamber may also comprise a variety of
different shapes and sizes within the scope of the invention.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the package 100 is shown
having an expansion chamber 114 extending from a side edge. The
expansion chamber 114 has an aperture 126 defined through it from
front to back. As a result it can be used as a handle for carrying
the package 100. The frangible seal 116 separates the expansion
chamber 114 from the interior compartment 106 and functions as
previously described. Once the frangible seal 116 is ruptured, the
product contained in the interior compartment 106 will fill the
expansion chamber 114, thereby making the handle easier and more
comfortable for a person to grasp. A flange 122 on the bottom of
the fitment is sealed inside of the interior compartment 106 to
provide a surface fitment configuration. The diameter of the flange
122 is larger than the outer dimension of the cap. This
configuration permits the fitment 112 to be sealed against the
panel by placing a sealing device over the cap and contacting the
panel while also contacting the flange 122 inside of the
package.
[0043] In use, the interior compartment of the flexible package can
be filled to the top with the product. Doing this forces any
unwanted oxygen out of the interior compartment. Then the package
is sealed. Thereafter, if the product contained in the package
gasses off, the gasses raise the pressure inside of the package
until a predetermined pressure is reached. When the predetermined
pressure is reached, the frangible seal, or other
pressure-sensitive closure means, separating the expansion chamber
form the interior compartment opens, thereby increasing the volume
of the package. The result is a decrease in the pressure in the
package proportional to the volume of the expansion chamber. One or
more expansion chambers may be provided. The expansion chambers may
be of any desired size or configuration. When more than one
expansion chamber is provided, their individual opening pressures
may all be the same, or the may be staged. In addition, the
expansion chambers as disclosed and depicted herein, can be
employed or provided with packages other than just flexible
packages, including packages constructed at least partially of
rigid, semi-rigid, or semi-flexible materials or panels.
[0044] It is also contemplated that expansion chambers may also
have secondary expansion chambers in communication with the primary
expansion chamber. A pressure sensitive closure is used to separate
the primary and secondary expansion chambers. The closure is
configured to open communication with the secondary expansion
chamber at a pressure higher than the closure separating the
interior compartment from the primary expansion chamber.
[0045] The construction of a flexible package is generally
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/400,304, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Briefly, the
package panel portions are generally constructed of flexible sheet
material such as polyethylene, polyester, metal foil,
polypropylene, or polyethylenes or polypropylenes laminated with
other materials such as nylon, polyester, and like films. To
provide for increased barrier properties, embodiments can use
composite or laminate layers of said materials and material of the
like. Generally, in such composite or laminate embodiments, a
material having preferred sealing characteristics can be joined,
bonded or laminated to a material having a different preferred
characteristic (e.g., beneficial oxygen barrier properties).
Regardless, single sheets, composites/laminates, and a myriad of
other materials and techniques known to one skilled in the art may
be implemented based on particular usage and manufacturing needs
without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. The present invention in certain embodiments permits the
flexible package to be made using cheaper materials than would
otherwise be necessary because the expansion chamber addresses the
danger of pressure induced failure.
[0046] In an additional embodiment, the pressure sensitive closure
used is selected to maintain a predetermined maximum pressure in
the package. Thus, if pressure increases over the threshold, then
gas is released into the expansion chamber until the pressure in
the package falls below the threshold pressure. When such condition
is achieved, the pressure sensitive closure closes or re-seals.
This configuration is particularly useful when the contents of the
package are to be maintained under relatively constant
pressure.
[0047] In a further embodiment as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14A-14C,
the expansion chamber 114 may be provided with a film or web of
elastic material to form an expandable web 128 that functions as
the pressure sensitive closure. The expandable web has an elastic
property such that it has a measurable resistance to the interior
compartment 106 being filled with gas or package contents. In such
an arrangement, an increase in pressure in the main compartment
causes the closure to stretch into the expansion chamber, thereby
increasing the volume of the package and correspondingly lowering
the pressure in the package. If the pressure in the package
recedes, then the resilient film returns to the its original state.
This arrangement permits the expansion chamber to be constructed of
the same material(s) as the rest of the package, thus reducing
manufacturing cost.
[0048] In the arrangement described above, the expansion chamber
114 does not flood with gas or contents, and a corresponding
immediate drop of pressure in the interior compartment 106 does not
occur. Instead, the web 128 expands into the expansion chamber 114
in proportion to the rise in pressure within the interior
compartment 106 and a relatively constant pressure can be
maintained within a set range of expansion volume. This arrangement
is particularly beneficial, for example, when the contents of the
package is under pressure or has gas mixed with a liquid. In one
example, a carbonated beverage could be maintained under pressure,
and when some of the carbon dioxide in the liquid gasses off, the
gas pressure expands the web, thereby increasing the relative
pressure inside of the interior compartment, but the expansion
allows regulation of that pressure so that the package does not
rupture. The increased pressure coupled with the resilient nature
of the web trying to return to its memorized or equilibrium state
will promote the liquid reabsorbing the carbon dioxide that was
previously gassed off. As a result, the freshness of the package
contents is maintained.
[0049] Referring particularly to FIGS. 14A-14C, the operation of an
expandable web 128 can be seen. In FIG. 14A, the package 100 has
not been filled yet. FIG. 14B shows the package 100 after the
interior compartment or chamber 106 is filled. The product is
filled to a fill line 132 as shown in the figure. The web 128 has
not yet expanded into the expansion chamber 114. Now in FIG. 14C,
the contents of the package has produced gas, causing a gas pocket
134 to form above the product fill line 130, thereby stretching the
expandable web 128 into the expansion chamber 114, and in the neck
region 136 of the package 100. In one particular alternative, the
expansion chamber may be omitted, wherein the expandable web 128
maintains the sealed integrity of the package.
[0050] It is also contemplated that a pressure sensitive closure
separating the expansion chamber(s) can be omitted with the use of
resilient expansion chambers or elastic webs. In such
configurations, the resilient property of the expansion chamber or
web functions as the pressure regulation means.
[0051] Each package panel can be formed from an individual web or,
alternatively, each of the panels can be portions of a larger
single web, wherein the large web is folded, cut or shaped to
define the individual and distinct panel portions and, ultimately,
the shape and size of the package 100. Further, in one embodiment,
the top and bottom panel portions can be formed by the selective
joining of the respective end portions of the front and back panels
to provide necessary material for folding and formation. Regardless
of the formation techniques, or the use of separate web panels, a
designated and distinguishable panel portion is defined for each
panel. Further, one or more of the panel portions can be
gusseted.
[0052] The package 100 and its portions can be formed to provide a
stand-up pouch, pre-made pouch, bag-top, one formed and filled on a
"form-fill-seal" (e.g., vertical, horizontal, etc.) machine,
thermoforming machine, and other known package designs and
configurations. Other known package designs and packaging
techniques and features can be adapted to incorporate or form the
configuration of the present invention as well. The fitment or
access device 112 can be provided to the package 100 during the
machining or formation process, or pre-applied to a section of
material or web prior to package formation.
[0053] Embodiments employing seals can utilize heat seals, adhesive
bonding, and various other known sealing techniques.
[0054] Various figures and descriptions disclose features and
accessories. However, it must be noted that these features are
merely illustrative in nature and may be placed in varying
locations and under varying configurations, and still be consistent
with the present invention. Various regions of the package can
include a handle portion, access devices (e.g., re-closeable zipper
devices), and the like. In addition, the shape and configuration
for the panel portions are also merely illustrative and can be
altered without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Any of the panel portions, or selected regions thereof,
can include various aesthetic and functional graphics, such as
logos, instructions, advertising, bar codes, and the like. These
graphics can run transverse, parallel, or even in a diagonal
orientation to the longitudinal panel edges discussed herein.
[0055] 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 forming
the present invention are illustrative processes and are not
intended to limit the methods of manufacturing/forming the present
invention to those specifically defined herein. A myriad of various
unspecified steps and procedures can be performed to create or form
the inventive package 100. In addition, features or aspects of
various example embodiments may be mixed and matched (even if such
combination is not explicitly described herein) without departing
from the scope of the invention.
* * * * *