U.S. patent application number 14/615783 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-11 for container systems with lids for unit dose detergent compositions.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Francisco Miguel DE TAVARES DUARTE NOGUEIRA, Neil John ROGERS.
Application Number | 20160229599 14/615783 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56565218 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160229599 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ROGERS; Neil John ; et
al. |
August 11, 2016 |
CONTAINER SYSTEMS WITH LIDS FOR UNIT DOSE DETERGENT
COMPOSITIONS
Abstract
A container system includes a tub including a front wall, a back
wall opposite the front wall and side walls extending between the
front wall and the back wall. A bottom extends between the front
wall, back wall and side walls. A mouth structure includes a
fastening feature configured for connecting to a lid. The mouth
structure has an opening therethrough that provides access to a
containing volume of the tub. A shoulder extends inwardly from the
side walls to the mouth structure. A plurality of unitized doses of
a detergent composition is located within the containing volume of
the tub. A lid is connected to tub using the fastening feature. The
lid has an open position for allowing user access to the containing
volume and a closed position for preventing user access to the
containing volume. A flexible membrane may be connected to the
underside of the lid
Inventors: |
ROGERS; Neil John;
(Vilvoorde, BE) ; DE TAVARES DUARTE NOGUEIRA; Francisco
Miguel; (Dendermonde, BE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56565218 |
Appl. No.: |
14/615783 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2251/0021 20130101;
B65D 2251/0093 20130101; B65D 43/22 20130101; B65D 43/169 20130101;
B65D 51/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 43/22 20060101
B65D043/22; B65D 85/00 20060101 B65D085/00; B65D 51/18 20060101
B65D051/18; B65D 43/16 20060101 B65D043/16; B65D 25/30 20060101
B65D025/30 |
Claims
1. A container system comprising: a. a tub comprising: a front
wall; a back wall opposite the front wall; side walls extending
between the front wall and the back wall; a bottom extending
between the front wall, back wall and side walls; a mouth structure
connected to the front, back, and side walls, the mouth structure
including a fastening feature configured for connecting to a lid
and having an opening there through that provides access to a
containing volume of the tub; and a shoulder extending inwardly
from the side walls to the mouth structure; a plurality of unitized
doses of a detergent composition within the containing volume of
the tub; b. a lid connected to the tub using the fastening feature,
the lid having an open position for allowing user access to the
containing volume and a closed position for preventing user access
to the containing volume; and c. a flexible membrane.
2. The container system of claim 1, wherein the flexible membrane
is connected to the underside of the lid.
3. The container system of claim 1, wherein the tub comprises a lid
receiving portion and the flexible membrane is connected to the lid
receiving portion.
4. The container system of claim 1, wherein at least one side wall
is curved from the shoulder to the bottom and the side wall has a
vertically oriented flat portion.
5. The container system of claim 1, wherein the tub includes a
handle structure formed integrally with the tub.
6. The container system of claim 5, wherein the handle structure
includes an inwardly extending portion extending inwardly from the
rear wall toward the front wall of the tub and an outwardly
extending portion that extends outwardly toward one of the side
walls of the tub.
7. The container system of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises: a
tub connecting portion including an engaging feature configured to
engage the fastening feature of the mouth structure; and a lid
closure portion configured for movement relative to the tub
connecting portion between the open position and the closed
position.
8. The container system of claim 7, wherein the lid closure portion
is hingedly connected to the tub connecting portion such that the
lid closure portion moves between the open position and the closed
position while remaining connected to the tub connecting
portion.
9. The container system of claim 8, wherein the lid further
comprises a latching system configured to latch the lid closure
portion to the tub connecting portion with the lid closure portion
in the closed position.
10. The container system of claim 1, wherein the flexible membrane
comprises at least two portions having an opening there through
that provides access to the containing volume of the tub.
11. The container system of claim 1, wherein the flexible membrane
comprises polypropylene.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] One or more embodiments shown and described herein are
generally directed to container systems and their lids for unit
dose detergent compositions.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Detergent compositions, such as laundry detergent, may often
be found in various forms such as powders, granules, liquids and
gels, which are typically contained in a box-like container. Such
containers may be perforated to allow formation of an openable lid
to gain access to the detergent, or such containers may have a
dispensing closure, such as a "push-pull" type of dispensing
closure that can be selectably opened to allow a consumer to
dispense the detergent from the container.
[0003] Accordingly, improved detergent container systems are
continually desirable.
SUMMARY
[0004] In certain embodiments detergent compositions in "unit dose"
form may be provided. For example, detergent compositions may be
provided in a single dose of compacted powdered detergent contained
within a sealed, flexible membrane to form such "unit dose". During
a wash cycle, the unit dose may be placed in water, wherein it
disperses within the water of the wash cycle. Such unit dose
detergent compositions may generally be sold in box-like plastic
containers and a user may typically extract a unit dose for use by
removing the lid of the container and then removing the desired
unit dose through an opening of the container. Because unit dose
compositions and the flexible outer membrane may be formulated to
dissolve or otherwise break down in water, the lids of the
container may inhibit entrance of water into the container.
However, in order to inhibit the entrance of water into the
container, the lids may typically have a resistance to their
removal such that it takes both hands to remove the lid, i.e., one
hand on the container and one hand removing the lid. It has been
surprisingly discovered that certain packages as shown and
described herein enable a container for unit doses of a detergent
composition that is easy to handle, versatile and/or provides
sufficient sealing function against moisture.
[0005] In one embodiment, a container system includes a tub
including a front wall, a back wall opposite the front wall and
side walls extending between the front wall and the back wall. A
bottom extends between the front wall, back wall and side walls. A
mouth structure includes a fastening feature configured for
connecting to a lid. The mouth structure has an opening
therethrough that provides access to a containing volume of the
tub. A shoulder extends inwardly from the side walls to the mouth
structure. A plurality of unitized doses of a detergent composition
is located within the containing volume of the tub. A lid is
connected to tub using the fastening feature. The lid has an open
position for allowing user access to the containing volume and a
closed position for preventing user access to the containing
volume. A flexible membrane may be connected to the underside of
the lid.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The following detailed description of specific embodiments
of the present invention can be best understood when read in
conjunction with the drawings enclosed herewith.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an embodiment of a
container system for containing unit doses;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective rear view of the container system of
FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3 is another perspective front view of the container
system of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 4 is another perspective rear view of the container
system of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective front view of an embodiment of a tub
for use with the container system of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a front view of the tub of FIG. 5;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the tub of FIG. 5;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the tub of FIG. 5;
and
[0015] FIG. 9 is a perspective top view of an embodiment of a lid
with flexible membrane for use with the container system of FIG.
1.
[0016] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative
in nature and not intended to be limiting of the invention defined
by the claims. Moreover, individual features of the drawings and
invention will be more fully apparent and understood in view of the
detailed description.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The following text sets forth a broad description of
numerous different embodiments of the present invention. The
description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not
describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible
embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible, and it will be
understood that any feature, characteristic, component,
composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described
herein can be deleted, combined with or substituted for, in whole
or part, any other feature, characteristic, component, composition,
ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein. Numerous
alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current
technology or technology developed after the filing date of this
patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. All
publications and patents cited herein are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0018] It should also be understood that, unless a term is
expressly defined in this specification using the sentence "As used
herein, the term `______` is hereby defined to mean . . . " or a
similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that
term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or
ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be
limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this
patent (other than the language of the claims). No term is intended
to be essential to the present invention unless so stated. To the
extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this
patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a
single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not
confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such a claim term
be limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning.
Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word
"means" and a function without the recital of any structure, it is
not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted
based on the application of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, sixth
paragraph.
[0019] Embodiments described herein generally relate to container
systems for holding a number of unitized doses of a detergent
composition, such as a laundry detergent composition. As used
herein, the term `detergent composition` is hereby defined to mean
any of the agents conventionally used for removing soil, such as
general household detergents or laundry detergents of the synthetic
or soap type. The term may also include other cleaning agents. The
container systems may include a number of features providing, among
others, ease of handling, versatility and/or sealing functions to
protect the unitized doses from exposure to water while in the
container system. As used herein, the terms `unitized dose` and
`unit dose` are hereby defined to mean a dose of detergent product
incorporating one or more laundry detergent compositions sufficient
for a single wash cycle. Suitable unit dose forms include capsules,
sachets and pouches any of which can have single or multiple
compartments. Suitable unit dose forms for use herein include
water-soluble, water-dispersible and water-permeable capsules,
sachets and pouches. Suitable water soluble pouches may be based on
partially hydrolysed polyvinyl alcohol as pouch material. An
example of a water-soluble substrate is discussed in, for example,
U.S. Ser. No. 11/824,703, entitled "Water-Soluble Substrate with
Resistance to Dissolution Prior to Being Immersed in Water," filed
Jul. 2, 2007. Detergent compositions can be in liquid, gel, powder
and/or paste form, which is herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, an embodiment of a container system
10 is shown. The container system 10 generally includes a tub 12
and a lid 14. The tub 12 may include a front wall 16, a rear wall
18 opposite the front wall 16 and side walls 20 and 22 extending
between the front wall 16 and the rear wall 18. A bottom 24 may
provide a base structure for the container system 10 that extends
between the front wall 16, rear wall 18 and side walls 20 and 22.
The bottom 24 may provide the base structure for supporting the
container system 10 in an upright, standing position, as
illustrated by FIG. 1, when resting on a support surface. While the
front wall 16, rear wall 18 and side walls 20 and 22 are
illustrated as having a somewhat rounded configuration, they may be
flat. Further, while the bottom 24 is illustrated as being arcuate
(e.g., concave curvature), it may be flat.
[0021] As can be seen by FIG. 1, a label 26 may be located at a
front face 28 of the front wall 16. The label 26 may be formed of
any one or more suitable materials, such as paper, plastic film,
combinations thereof, etc. The label 26 may be adhered (e.g., using
a pressure sensitive adhesive), shrink fit or otherwise attached to
the tub 12 by any suitable manner. The label 26 may have an
identifier (e.g., printed thereon) that identifies a source of the
container system 10. In some embodiments, the label 26 may have a
dimension (e.g., width and/or height) that is less than a dimension
(e.g., width and/or height) of the front face 28. In embodiments
where the tub 12 is formed of a transparent or semi-transparent
material, such a smaller dimensioned label 26 can facilitate
viewing of unitized doses 30 of detergent compositions through the
front wall 16 of the container system 10 (e.g., along areas
adjacent the periphery of the label 26). Such viewing capability
may be desirable, for example, so that consumers can see contents
of the container systems 10 when placed on a shelf for consumer
purchase. In other embodiments, the tub 12 or one or more portions
thereof may be formed of an opaque material, such that the contents
of the container system 10 may not be seen through the tub 12. In
still other embodiments, a portion or all of the front wall 16 may
be transparent and/or semi-transparent and the label 26 may be
configured to include one or more windows and/or openings (not
shown) therein (i.e., portions where there is not label material)
in order to facilitate viewing of the unitized doses 30 of
detergent compositions through both the label and the front wall
16. In addition, the one or more windows may comprise a transparent
and/or semi-transparent material.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 2, a label 31 may also be located at a
rear face 33 of the rear wall 18. The label 31 may be located
between handle structures 42 and 44, which will be described in
greater detail below. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the label 31 may
comprise a shape that approximates an hourglass shape or be
substantially hourglass shaped to fit between the handle structures
42 and 44, however, other shapes and sizes are possible.
[0023] Referring back to FIG. 1, the container system 10 may
include a latching system 45 that can be used to secure the lid 14
in the illustrated closed position. The tub 12 may include a
feature, such as a recess 47 that can facilitate latching and
unlatching of the latching system 45 in order to open and close the
lid 14. Additionally, the provision of the latching system 45
facilitates the opening of the container system 10 with one hand,
thus facilitating access to the enclosed articles by both
left-handed and right-handed users, as well as by a user whose one
hand is occupied in a task, such as holding a child, and who
therefore must use his or her free hand, which may be left or
right, to reach for the enclosed articles. Additional details of
the latching system 45 will be described in greater detail
below.
[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, the tub 12 is illustrated in
isolation with the lid 14 removed. As shown, the tub 12 may have a
somewhat rounded configuration with the front wall 16 and rear wall
18 being flat or planar. It will be understood, however, that the
tub 12 may have any shape as known in the art and, in one
embodiment, may have a more rectangular or boxed configuration. In
some embodiments, although flat, one or both the front wall 16 and
the rear wall 18 may be slanted at an angle relative to the
vertical (e.g., five degrees or less), which can reduce contact
between adjacent tubs 12 and reduce scuffing or otherwise rubbing
contact against any labels affixed to the respective wall. The side
walls 20 and 22 (or at least portions thereof) may be rounded. In
the illustrated embodiment, the side walls 20 and 22 curve
outwardly from a lid-receiving portion 32 of the tub 12 and then
curve inwardly to the bottom 24 (e.g., convex or substantially
convex curvature). In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of
both side walls 20 and 22 may be about the same along the lengths
of the side walls 20 and 22 or the radius of curvature of the side
walls 20 and 22 may be different. In embodiments where the
curvatures are the same, the tub 12 may be symmetric about a
vertical axis A extending through a center of the tub 12.
[0025] Referring particularly to FIGS. 7 and 8, one or both of the
side walls 20 and 22 may include a flat portion 34 and 36 that is
bounded by curved portions 38 and 40. The flat portions 34 and 36
are illustrated as being somewhat circular and oriented vertically,
substantially parallel with axis A; however other shapes and
orientations may be used such as various polygonal shapes. The
curved portions 38 and 40, as noted above, curve from the lid
receiving portion 32 to the bottom 24 and may also curve from the
front wall 16 to the rear wall 18 (see FIG. 9). In other words,
each of the side walls 20 and 22 may curve bi-directionally (e.g.,
bi-directional radii of curvature) and include an island or
discrete flat portions 34 and 36. As will be described in greater
detail below, the flat portions 34 and 36 may provide contact
regions where filled container systems 10 may come into
side-by-side contact, for example, during a conveying process. In
some embodiments, the flat portions 34 and 36 may be located at
about a position along the side walls 20 and/or 22, respectively,
that is horizontally aligned with the center of gravity of the
container system 10. In other embodiments, the flat portions 36
and/or 36 may be located at and/or above a position along the side
walls 20 and/or 22, respectively, that is horizontally aligned with
the center of gravity of the container system 10.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the lid receiving portion 32
includes a shoulder 46 that extends inwardly from upper edges 48,
50, 52 and 54 of the front wall 16, rear wall 18 and side walls 20
and 22, respectively, to a mouth structure 56. The mouth structure
56 extends upwardly from the shoulder 46, terminating at an upper
mouth edge 58. A fastening feature in the form of a rib 60 extends
about a periphery of the mouth structure 56 as shown, for example,
in FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the rib 60 is a single, continuous
rib that extends about the entire periphery of the mouth structure
56. Other configurations are possible, however, such as, for
example, multiple or discontinuous rib structures.
[0027] Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 4, the exemplary handle
structures 42 and 44 can provide multiple grasping possibilities
for a user. For example, the user may grasp the container system 10
at any one of the handle structures 42 or 44 to hold the container
system 10 in a single hand. In another instance, the user may grasp
the container system 10 with both hands, one hand grasping handle
structure 42 and 44. Thus, multiple grasping positions can be used
in utilizing the handle structures 42 and 44.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 9, the lid 14 is illustrated in
isolation, removed from the tub 12. The lid 14 generally includes a
tub connecting portion 80 that connects the lid 14 to the tub 12
and a lid closure portion 82 that is moveable relative to the tub
connecting portion 80 between open and closed configurations. In
some embodiments, the lid closure portion 82 may be moveably
connected to the tub connecting portion 80 (e.g., by a hinge
structure 84 such as one or more living hinges) such that the lid
closure portion 82 may be moved (e.g., pivoted) relative to the tub
connecting portion 80 between the open and closed configurations
while remaining connected to the tub connecting portion 80. In
other embodiments, the lid closure portion 82 may be removably
connected to the tub connecting portion 80 such that the lid
closure portion 82 can be completely separated from the tub
connecting portion 80. An opening 92 extends through the tub
connecting portion 80 that is sized and arranged to align with the
opening 65 of the tub 12. While FIG. 9 illustrates a continuous tub
connecting portion 80, other configurations are contemplated such
as a segmented tub connecting portion 80.
[0029] A notch 102 may be provided at the front of the tub
connecting portion 80. The notch 102 may provide a latch engaging
feature of the latch system 45 for latching the lid closure portion
82 in the closed configuration. In other embodiments, the notch 102
may not be provided. For example, a bottom edge of the tub
connecting portion 80 may provide the latch engaging feature.
[0030] The lid closure portion 82 is provided with a latch engaging
feature 120 of the latch system 45. In the illustrated exemplary
embodiment, the latch engaging feature 120 includes a cantilevered
latch member 122 that is configured for movement between latched
and unlatched positions. In some embodiments, the latch member 122
may be formed of the same material forming the adjacent portions,
which may have sufficient flexibility and resiliency to allow the
latch member 122 to be repeatedly moved between the latched and
unlatched positions. In some embodiments, the material forming the
latch member 122 may have sufficient resiliency to bias the latch
member toward the illustrated latched position. A self closing
latch system 45 may also be provided where enough biasing force is
provided by the material to automatically return the latch member
122 to the latched position. While the latch member 122 may be
formed of material forming the adjacent portions, the latch member
122 may also be formed of a different material.
[0031] Referring back to FIG. 9, a flexible membrane 130 is
illustrated as being connected to the underside of the lid 14. It
will be understood, however, that in other embodiments the flexible
membrane 130 may be connected to the lid receiving portion 32 or
any other portion of the tub 12 so long as the flexible membrane
130 at least partially blocks the opening 65 of the tub 12. It will
further be understood that in some embodiments the flexible
membrane 130 may substantially or completely block the opening 65
of the tub 12. The flexible membrane 130 may be connected to the
underside of the lid 14 in any suitable manner as known in the art.
In one preferred embodiment the flexible membrane 130 may be heat
sealed to the underside of the lid 14. In yet other embodiments the
flexible membrane 130 may be glued to the underside of the lid 14.
The flexible membrane 130 may include at least two portions 132,
134 having an opening there through that provides access to the
containing volume of the tub 12. In one preferred embodiment, the
two portions 132, 134 overlap and in yet another embodiment the
leading edges of the two portions abut each other. It will be
further understood that the flexible membrane 130 may include any
number of portions and the leading edges may be formed into any
shape, such as in a wavy configuration, or design as known in the
art. In yet another embodiment, the flexible membrane 130 may be
one unitary piece that includes a perforation or line of weakness
that when broken forms the at least two portions 132, 134 and
provide access to the containing volume of the tub 12.
[0032] The above tub 12, lid 14 and flexible membrane 130 may be
formed by any suitable method utilizing any suitable materials. In
some embodiments, the tub 12 may be molded (e.g., injection stretch
blow molded) from a suitable plastic material such as polyethylene
terephthalate. Any suitable polyolefins and/or polyesters may be
used. The lid 14, flexible membranes 130 or portions thereof may be
formed partially or wholly of a moldable thermoplastic material,
such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, acrylonitryl
butadiene styrene (ABS), polyester, polyvinyl chloride,
polycarbonate or elastomer, or a blend of these materials. In some
embodiments, the tub 12 is formed of a clear, transparent or
semi-transparent material, while the lid 14 and/or flexible
membrane 130 is formed of an opaque material. In another
embodiment, the lid 14 and/or flexible membrane 130 may be formed
translucent. In one embodiment, the lid closure portion 82 may be
formed using differential mold half temperatures to pre-shape (or
pre-warp) the lid closure portion 82. In such embodiments, the lid
closure portion 82 may impart a sealing force once the lid closure
portion 82 is in the closed configuration.
[0033] As indicated above, the above-described container systems 10
may contain unitized doses (e.g., counts of 50, 56, 84, 96, etc.)
of a laundry detergent composition. In some instances, the unitized
doses 30 may be pouches. The pouches may be a single compartment or
include multiple compartments. The pouches may contain various
compositions, which may be of varying colors that may be seen from
outside of the pouch. A multi-compartment pouch may contain the
same or different compositions in each separate compartment. This
multi-compartment feature may be utilized to keep compositions
containing incompatible ingredients (e.g., bleach and enzymes)
physically separated or partitioned from each other. It is believed
that such partitioning may expand the useful life and/or decrease
physical instability of such ingredients. Additionally or
alternatively, such partitioning may provide aesthetic benefits as
described in European Patent Application Number 09161692.0 (filed
Jun. 2, 2009 and assigned to the Procter & Gamble Company),
which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0034] Non-limiting examples of useful compositions include light
duty and heavy duty liquid detergent compositions, hard surface
cleaning compositions, detergent gels commonly used for laundry,
and bleach and laundry additives, shampoos, body washes, and other
personal care compositions. Compositions of use in the present
pouches may take the form of a liquid, solid or a powder. Liquid
compositions may comprise a solid. Solids may include powder or
agglomerates, such as micro-capsules, beads, noodles or one or more
pearlized balls or mixtures thereof. Such a solid element may
provide a technical benefit, through the wash or as a pre-treat,
delayed or sequential release component; additionally or
alternatively, it may provide an aesthetic effect.
[0035] In pouches comprising laundry compositions, the compositions
may comprise one or more of the following non-limiting list of
ingredients: opacifier; antioxidant; fabric care benefit agent;
detersive enzyme; deposition aid; rheology modifier; builder;
bleaching agent; bleach precursor; bleach catalyst; perfume;
whitening agent; pearlescent agent; enzyme stabilizing systems;
scavenging agents including fixing agents for anionic dyes,
complexing agents for anionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof;
optical brighteners or fluorescers; soil release polymers;
dispersants; suds suppressors; dyes; colorants; hydrotropes such as
toluenesulfonates, cumenesulfonates and naphthalenesulfonates;
color speckles; colored beads, spheres or extrudates; clay
softening agents. Each of these ingredients is described in
European Patent Application Number 09161692.0 (filed Jun. 2, 2009
and assigned to the Procter & Gamble Company), which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety. Additionally or
alternatively, the compositions may comprise surfactants and/or
solvent systems.
[0036] The above described container systems may provide a number
of features such as ease of handling, versatility and/or sealing
functions to protect the unitized doses from exposure to water
while in the container system. The container systems may also be
provided in a variety of sizes, for example, depending on the
number of united doses to be contained therein. The lid, when
formed of an opaque material, can mask some of the empty volume at
the top of the tub when the tub is formed of a clear material. For
example, the lid may mask about five percent or more of the empty
volume of the filled tub, such as about 10 percent or more.
[0037] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
[0038] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise
limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it
is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed
herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other
reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such
invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of
a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of
the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning
or definition assigned to that term in this document shall
govern.
[0039] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *