Package having insertable product retention member

ES 2 329 062 T3

DESCRIPTION

Package with insertable product retention element.

Field of the invention

The present invention relates generally to a package for containing a set of consumable products and retaining the products in the package until the desired time to dispense the individual products. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pack for retaining and dispensing gum strips with an insertable element for retaining the product.

Background of the invention

It is well known to contain consumable products such as rubber strips in a package or housing which retains the rubber strips and allows a single strip to be dispensed therefrom. The rubber strips are normally arranged in a set, so that a single rubber strip can be removed from the set leaving the remaining rubber strips in the package. Often times, the rubber strips can be individually wrapped in an outer wrap.

Some of the rubber strip packages are of the type that maintain their external configuration even after removal of one of the rubber strips. This creates a space in the package that allows adjoining rubber strips to move. Consequently, it may be difficult to remove the additional rubber strips from the package if one or more of the remaining rubber strips tips or falls into the package. Also, to create such a space, the remaining rubber strips can slide or move in the package and may even fall out of the package.

An attempt to retain and dispense individual gum strips from a package is shown in US Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0080020 to Kopecky, the discovery of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. The Kopecky publication discloses a rubber strip package housing formed from a blank of die cut cardboard having a generally rectangular configuration. The housing includes a front cover that opens to expose a plurality of rubber strips. The rubber strips are contained in a parallel assembly by a sheet that surrounds the rubber strips. The sheet, including the set of rubber strips, is placed in the package housing so that the rubber strips are exposed once the front cover is opened. To retain the rubber strips in a vertical condition and keep the rubber strips within the package once one or more of the strips is removed from the assembly, the rubber strips are adhesively attached to the sheet. Adhesive fastening can adapt the shape of wax areas on the inner surface of the sheet. Once the wrapped strips are inserted into the sheet, heat is applied to the sheet to cause the wax to melt. The set of rubber strips attached to the sheet can then be placed in the package for retention and dispensing.

BE 417615 relates to a cigarette pack assembly where cigarettes are placed in a juxtaposed array within a pack housing. A series of bands protrude either from the wall of the housing or, when two rows of cigarettes are viewed, a divider sheet, to separate and prevent lateral movement of the individual cigarettes.

Although the device described in the Kopecky publication is intended to provide a package that allows both retention and dispensing of gum strips, it has been found that the package cannot function properly for a long period of time. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved gum strip package that allows for the retention and dispensing of individual gums and will retain the remaining gum strips in the package once one or more of the gum strips are removed.

The present invention provides a package assembly for elongated consumable products comprising:

- a plurality of said products aligned in a set in a juxtaposed way;

- a package housing for including said products, said package housing having a front wall, a rear wall, and a closable lid for closing a dispensing opening;

- a friction product retention element supported insertably within said package to frictionally retain said set of products within said package, characterized in that the friction product retention element is selected from:

a) a band extending transversely to the products to wrap the set of products, said band frictionally retaining said set;

b) a U-shaped retention closure supporting one end of said product assembly; Y

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c) a carrier insertably fixed in said package, said carrier having a foldable front tab forming a lower U-shaped section to support one end of said product and an upper foldable section to foldably position over the other end of said products, wherein said upper folding section includes a plurality of labels covering each product, said labels being detachable from one another to dispense said products.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the friction retention element is the band that extends transversely to the products to wrap the assembly of products. The band can be attached as an adhesive to the package. Each product in the set can include an individual wrapper. The wrapper is folded at at least one end to define an upwardly formed wrap tab. The band defines a transverse edge that extends the length of the array of products. The transverse edge of the web is engageable with the wrapper tab upon removal thereof to removably retain the products in the package. The wrapper tab is deflectable to allow removal of the product from the package.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a friction retainer includes the U-shaped retainer to support one end of the product assembly. The U-shaped latch is an elongated member having a bottom wall, opposite vertical side walls, and a widened extension diverging inwardly. The widened extension is pushed inward between the walls of the package to retentively support the ends of the product in the closure.

Another embodiment of the U-shaped closure may include inwardly extending elastic tabs that deflectively engage the products to retentively support the products to each other.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a friction retention element that includes the carrier insertably supported within the package. The carrier has a foldable front tab which forms a lower U-shaped section to support one end of the products and an upper foldable section to be foldably positioned on the other end of the products. The upper folding section includes a plurality of tabs, each tab covering an individual product. The tabs are separable from each other to dispense an individual product. Once the product is removed, the tab is repositionable between the adjoining product. It is further contemplated that the tab can be separated by perforations.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective showing the package assembly of the present invention in a closed condition.

Figure 2 is a perspective showing the pack assembly of Figure 1 in an open condition showing a set of products that can be dispensed from a dispensing opening.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the present invention where a set of products is wrapped with a band located within a package housing shown in its pre-assembled condition.

Figure 4 shows a set of wrapped products of the type shown in Figure 2 that includes a band over said products.

Figure 5 shows the set of products of figure 4 with two products shown positioned for extraction with respect to said band.

Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention where a set of products are supported within a package housing shown in its pre-assembled condition.

Figures 7 and 8 show additional details of the packaging assembly of Figure 6.

Figure 9 shows another embodiment of the present invention where a set of products are supported within a closure within the package housing shown in its pre-assembled condition.

Figure 10 is a perspective showing the closure of Figure 9.

Figure 11 is another embodiment of the present invention where a set of products are supported within another embodiment of a closure located within a package housing shown in its pre-assembled condition.

Figure 12 is a side plan view of the products contained within the closure of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a perspective showing the closure of Figure 11.

Figure 14 shows another embodiment of the present invention where a set of products are supported within a package housing shown in the pre-assembled condition.

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Figures 15, and 16 (not claimed) show additional details of the assembly of Figure 14 for retaining a set of products.

Figure 17 shows an unclaimed embodiment of the present invention where individual products are supported within a package housing shown in a pre-assembled condition.

Figure 18 shows another embodiment of the present invention where a set of products are supported within a package housing shown in its pre-assembled condition.

Figures 19 and 20 show additional details of the assembly of Figure 18.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

The present invention relates to a package assembly containing a plurality of consumable products in a package housing. The package housing can be open to allow the dispensing of one or more products from it and can be resealed to contain and hold the products within. Although the present invention is useful with a wide variety of consumable products, it is particularly useful with respect to elongated rubber strips that are arranged in a juxtaposed array.

Consumable product packages of this type are described in commonly issued US Patent Application Serial No. 10 / 833,468 requested on July 1, 2004 entitled "Confectionery Packaging Design" and in series no. 11 / 025,739 filed on December 22, 2004 entitled "Gum Package Design with Two Separate Compartments", which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Furthermore, the present invention discloses consumable product packages of the type shown in commonly issued US patent application No. 2005/0255198 entitled "Gum Slab Package With Flap Retention", and also shown in commonly issued US patent application no. 2005/0255199 entitled "Package For Dispensing And Retaining Gum Slabs With Adhesive Securement".

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, the present invention provides a package assembly 10 supporting therein a set 12 of rubber strips 14. The rubber strips 14 are typically elongated rectangular shaped elements that may optionally include wrappers. (not shown in figure 2) individually around each rubber strip. The rubber strips are arranged contiguously to form a set 12. The rubber strips 14 are supported in the assembly in a package housing 16. The package housing 16 includes a front wall 18, an opposite rear wall 20, a bottom wall 22, and opposite side walls 24 and 26. As will be described in more detail below, the package housing is formed from die-cut cardboard, which is folded in a well-known manner to form the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2. The package housing 16 is folded so as to provide an open upper end 28 that defines a dispensing opening. The rear wall 20 includes an upwardly extending collapsible cap 30 that can be folded over the open top end to close the opening and contain the strips 14 within the package housing 16. A slot 32 located in the front wall 18 allows for the distal edge 34 of cap 30 is inserted therein for closure purposes. Additionally, it is contemplated that the package is provided in the condition shown in Figure 1 with the lid 30 adhesively attached to the front wall 18. Once the adhesive fastener is removed to dispense the first gum strip, the tab can be closed again by inserting it into slot 32.

It is also contemplated that the package housing 16 may be covered by a plastic covering (not shown) that contains and protects the package and during transportation and prior to sale and use.

As will be described in more detail below, it is contemplated that the set 12 of strips 14 be removably supported retentively within the package housing 16 so as to allow easy removal of one or more rubber strips while maintaining the remainder. of the rubber strips in the package housing. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the technique for releasably supporting the strips 14 within the package housing will allow the strips 14 to maintain their position within the housing even after removal of one or more adjacent rubber strips to prevent the rubber strips from lean or fall into the package or fall out of the package.

Referring now to Figures 3-5, one embodiment of the present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment, like reference numerals indicate like elements with 100 added to the reference numerals in Figures 1 and 2 to indicate the present embodiment.

Figure 3 shows the package assembly 110 and the package housing 116 in their pre-assembled condition. The package housing 116 is formed from a die-cut cardboard shape that can be folded from its flat configuration shown in Figure 3 to the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2. The package housing includes a rear wall 120, a folding front wall 118, folding side walls 124 and 126, and a folding lid 130. The package housing 116 supports a set 112 of rubber strips 114 against the interior surface of the rear wall 120.

As shown more particularly in Figures 4 and 5 in the present illustrative embodiment, the rubber strips 114 are wrapped rubber strips. Each rubber strip 114 can be individually wrapped with a

ES 2 329 062 T3 paper and / or foil wrapping 115 in conventional form. Wrapping in this manner provides a folded wrap tab 117 at each of its ends. In the present embodiment, the wrap tabs 117 are folded on the same side of the rubber strip and mutually opposite inward. The set of rubber strips are arranged so that the wrap tabs are opposite the rear wall 120 when the package housing is assembled.

The set 112 of rubber strips 114 are held in frictional engagement by a transversely extending band 131. The band 131 can be formed from a wide variety of materials including paper, sheet, or combinations thereof. The band extends transversely over the set 112 of rubber strips 114 and along the longitudinal extent of the wrapped rubber strips 114 at a location that does not overlap the wrap tabs 117. The ends of the band (not shown) can be sealed together in a conventional manner to completely envelop the assembly 112. The band 131 is positioned on the assembly 112 in such a way that it by friction retains the wrapped rubber strips inside but allows longitudinal movement therealong as shown in Figure 5. The band 131 defines spaced transverse edges 133 and 135 from each other. Edge 135, for example, of band 131 serves as a retaining surface that prevents inadvertent removal of the individual rubber strip 114 from assembly 112.

As shown graphically in Figure 5, in an attempt to remove or more of the rubber strips from the band assembly, the wrap tab will catch the transverse edge 335 of the band 331. Although the wrap tab is a folded tab, a further upward movement of the individual wrapped gum strip 114 results in the wrap tab unfolding to allow complete removal of the individual gum strip 114 from the set of bands. The engagement between the folded wrap tab 117 and the edge 135 of the band 131 is sufficient to keep the individual rubber strips within the band preventing inadvertent dislodging therefrom even when adjacent rubber strips have previously been pulled out. Thus, after removal of one or more of the rubber strips from the set of bands, the remaining rubber strips will be retentively supported within the band 131.

Referring again to Figure 3, the set of rubber strip bands is positioned in the package housing 116 while the arrangement of the rubber band strips is such that the wrap tabs 117 are opposed against the rear wall 120 It can be appreciated, of course, that the band assembly can be positioned in the opposite direction with the folded tabs facing away from the front wall 118.

It is contemplated that to support the band assembly within package housing 116, strap 131 may be adhesively attached to rear wall 120 of package assembly 116. Such adhesive attachment will prevent movement of strap 131 within housing 116 Thus, the band and its frictional engagement on the wrapped rubber strips 114 serves to retain the strips 114 with the package 116. In addition, the ability of transverse edge 335 to catch wrapping tab 117 prevents inadvertent dislodging of rubber strips 114 from the package.

Referring now to Figures 6-8, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment, like reference numerals indicate like elements with 200 being added to the reference numerals in Figures 1 and 2 to indicate the present embodiment.

Figure 6 shows the assembly of the package 210 with the package housing 216 in its pre-assembled condition. The package housing 216 is formed from a die-cut cardboard shape that can be folded from its flat configuration shown in Figure 6 into the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2. The package housing includes a rear wall 220, a folding front wall 218, folding side walls 224 and 226 and a folding lid 230. The package housing 216 supports a set 212 of rubber strips 214 against the interior surface of the rear wall 220. In the present invention, the rubber strips 214 are unwrapped rubber strips. However, the present embodiment also contemplates the use of wrapped rubber strips.

In the present illustrative embodiment, the rubber strips 212 may be supported on a band 231. The band 231 is in the form of a U-shaped element that supports the set 214 of rubber strips 212 so that the upper extremities of the same are exposed for their dispensation. Web 231 can be formed from a wide variety of conventional materials such as paper, sheet, or combinations thereof. The U-shaped band defines opposite side walls, front and rear walls, and a bottom wall.

The package assembly 210 of the present embodiment also includes, as particularly shown in Figures 7 and 8, a micro-fluted corrugated backing slat 241. The backing slat 241 is a corrugated element that defines a micro-ribbed structure. striated. Support slat 241 is positioned against the inner surface of rear wall 120 and attached thereto by an adhesive or the like. The set 214 of products 212 contained within the U-shaped band 231 is positioned against the micro-ribbed support slat 241 so that when the housing 216 is assembled, the ribbed structure of the support slat 241 exerts a force o holding pressure against the individual rubber strips 212. Such holding force is provided by the corrugated structure of the support slat 241. As can be seen in the drawing of Figure 8, a single rubber strip 112 can be removed from the assembly. Once removed, the pressure exerted by the corrugated support slat 241 tends to hold the remaining rubber strips 212 in a vertical position and retained within the package housing 216. This is by virtue of the friction between the corrugated micro support slat. -striated 241 and the front wall 218 of the housing

ES 2 329 062 T3 assembled package 216. Thus, the rubber strips will remain in place within package 216 even when an adjoining rubber has been previously removed.

Referring now to Figures 9 and 10, yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment, like reference numerals indicate like elements with 300 being added to the reference numerals in Figures 1 and 2 to indicate the present embodiment.

Figure 9 shows the assembly of the package 310 within the package housing 316 in its pre-assembled condition. The package housing 316 is formed from a die-cut cardboard shape that can be folded from its flat configuration shown in Figure 9 into the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2. The package housing includes a rear wall 320, a folding front wall 318, folding side walls 324 and 326 and a folding lid 330. The package housing 316 supports a set 312 of rubber strips 314 against the interior surface of the rear wall 320. In the present illustrative embodiment, the rubber strips 314 are unwrapped rubber strips. However, wrapped rubber strips can also be used in the present invention.

The rubber strips 314 are held in the assembly using a closure 331 shown in more detail in the figure.

10. Closure 331 is a long, generally U-shaped element that can be formed from a wide variety of materials including elastic plastic material such as PVC. Closure 331 includes a flat bottom wall 333, a pair of opposing side walls 335 and 337 that extend upward from bottom wall 333 to provide a U-shaped configuration. Upper extensions 335a and 337a of side walls 335 and 337 they are externally widened. This external widening provides an advance so that the lower ends of the rubber strips 314 can be inserted therein. The closure sidewalls 335 and 337 331 may also include blanks 339 that can be biased inwardly to engage the rubber strips 312 to help secure the rubber strips 312 in the closure.

The closure is formed to have an elastic memory so that the side walls impart an elastic retention force against the rubber strips inserted therein. In addition, the closure 331 is supported in the package housing 316 so that when the package housing is assembled by the upward fold of the front wall 318, the walls 335 and 337 will be further pushed inward as a result of the extensions. flared externally upward 335a and 337a. It also retentively holds the rubber strips in place. Thus, upon removal of one of the rubber strips 314 from assembly 312, the remaining rubber strips will be retentively supported within the closure and thereby in the package housing 316.

It is further contemplated that closure 331 may be adhesively secured within package housing 316 by a suitable adhesive.

Referring now to Figures 11-13, yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment, like reference numerals indicate like elements with 400 being added to the reference numerals in Figures and 2 to indicate the present embodiment.

Figure 11 shows the package assembly 410 with the package housing 416 in its pre-assembled condition. The package housing 416 is formed from a die-cut cardboard shape that can be folded from its flat configuration shown in Figure 11 to the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2. The package housing includes a rear wall 420, a folding front wall 418, folding side walls 424 and 426 and a folding lid 430. Package housing 416 supports a set 412 of rubber strips 414 against the inner rear surface of rear wall 420. In the present illustrative embodiment, unwrapped rubber strips are shown. However, the present invention also contemplates the use of wrapped rubber strips. The lower ends of the rubber strips 414 may be supported on a support member 441 shown more fully in Figures 12 and 13.

Support member 441 is in the form of a U-shaped closure. Support member 441 may be formed of cardboard or similar materials. Element 441 includes a bottom wall 443, opposing side walls 445 and 447 extending upward from bottom wall 443. Element 441 includes a pair of inwardly directed side wall tabs 445a and 447a respectively extending from the side walls 445 and 447. As particularly shown in Figure 12, the side wall tabs 445a and 447a support rubber strips 414 to retentively hold the rubber strips within the support member 441. These tabs exert an elastic force against the rubber strips allowing a removable retention thereof. In addition, once the pack assembly 416 is assembled with the front wall 418 being folded up, the folded pack maintains the side walls 445 and 447 in a vertical condition thus maintaining the elastic diagonal engagement of the side wall tabs 445a. and 447a against the rubber strips 414. Thus, one or more rubber strips can be removed from the package housing 416 with the remaining rubber strips remaining in place.

It is further contemplated that the U-shaped member 441 may be adhesively secured within the package housing 416.

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Referring now to Figures 14-16, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment, like reference numerals indicate like elements with 500 being added to the reference numerals of Figures 1 and 2 to indicate the present embodiment.

Figure 14 shows a package assembly 510 with the package housing 516 in its pre-assembled condition. The package housing 516 is formed from a die-cut cardboard shape that can be folded from its flat configuration shown in Figure 14 to the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2. The package housing includes a rear wall 520, a folding front wall 518, folding side walls 524 and 526 and a folding lid 530. The package housing 516 supports a set 512 of rubber strips 514 against the interior surface of the rear wall 520. In the present illustrative embodiment, unwrapped rubber strips 514 are shown. However, the present invention contemplates the use of wrapped rubber strips.

Rubber strips 514 are further contained within a support member 551 shown more fully in Figures 15 and 16. Support member 551 may be a U-shaped member as shown in Figure 15 or it may be formed of two flat elements spaced apart as shown in figure 16 (not claimed). Support member 551 includes inwardly facing sidewalls 553 and 555 each defining a micro-fluted corrugated surface. The rubber strips 514 are supported between the corrugated surfaces 553 and 555 as shown in Figures 15 and 16. The corrugated surfaces serve to frictionally hold the rubber strips together. The micro-fluted configuration of the corrugated surfaces exerts pressure on the rubber strips, especially when the surfaces are supported within the assembled package housing 516. The retentive friction engagement provided by corrugated surfaces 553 and 555 is sufficient to removably retentively hold the rubber strips so that once one or more rubber strips are removed from the assembly, the remaining rubber strips are held vertically. in place by the wavy surfaces.

It is further contemplated that support member 551 may be adhesively attached to package 516 after assembly.

Turning now to Figure 17, another but not claimed embodiment of the present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment, like reference numerals indicate like elements with 600 being added to the reference numerals in Figures 1 and 2 to indicate the present embodiment.

Figure 17 shows the package assembly 610 with the package housing 616 in its pre-assembled condition. The package housing 616 is formed from a die-cut cardboard shape that can be folded from its flat configuration shown in Figure 17 to the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2. The package housing includes a rear wall 620, a folding front wall 618, folding side walls 624 and 626 and a folding lid 630. The package housing 616 supports a set 612 of rubber strips 614 therein. For the sake of clarity, only two strips 614 of assembly 612 are shown in Figure 17. In the present illustrative embodiment, the rubber strips are 614 unwrapped rubber strips. However, the present invention contemplates the use of wrapped rubber strips.

As shown in Figure 17, the package assembly 610 additionally includes a die-cut foil support member 660. The sheet support member 660 is formed of cardboard and is a flat member 661 having a plurality of die-cut rectangular openings spaced apart. yes 662 formed through it. The punched openings 662 are cut on three sides so that a remaining longitudinal extension allows the cutting portion 663 to be folded out of the flat element 661. The cutting portion 663 forms elastic elements with sheets, which when folded individually support the strips rubber 614. These cutting parts 663 can be arranged in two rows where each cutting part of one row is adjusted from the cutting part of the other row. The rubber strips 614 can be supported between two longitudinally adjacent cutting elements of the two rows.

The cutting portions 663 serve as elastic members to hold the rubber strips in place. Each rubber strip can consequently be individually removed with no effect on the retention of the remaining rubber strips by the laminated support member 660. Thus, when the front wall 618 is folded to form the package housing 616, the Sheeted support retentively supports set 612 of rubber strips 614 within package 660. The laminated support member 660 including the set 612 of rubber strips 614 may be supported by a terminal member 670 at one of its ends.

It is further contemplated that the support member 660 may be adhesively attached to the rear wall 620 of the package housing 616.

Referring now to Figures 18-20, yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment, like reference numerals indicate like elements with 700 being added to the reference numerals in Figures 1 and 2 to indicate the present embodiment.

Figure 18 shows the package assembly 710 with the package housing 716 in its pre-assembled condition. The package housing 716 is formed from a die-cut cardboard shape that can be folded from its flat configuration shown in Figure 18 to the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2. The package housing 716 supports a set 712 of strips. rubber 714 against the inside surface of the rear wall 720. The package housing includes a rear wall 720, a folding front wall 718, walls

ES 2 329 062 T3 folding sides 724 and 726 and a folding lid 730. In the present illustrative embodiment, the rubber strips 714 are unwrapped rubber strips. However, the present invention contemplates the use of wrapped rubber strips.

The rubber strips 714 are further contained within a die-cut cardboard carrier 770. The cardboard carrier 770, shown in its flat configuration in Figure 19, includes a collapsible bottom tab 771 that is folded along the scored lines. 772. Carrier 770 has a rear wall 773 against which rubber strips are positioned. The rear wall 773 of the blank 770 also includes a plurality of grooves 779 therealong.

The carrier further includes a foldable top tab 774 that is folded along marked lines 775. The foldable top tab 774 is divided into a plurality of individual tabs 776 with rounded ends 777. The individual tabs 776 are separated by perforations 778 from each other .

Figure 20 shows the holder 770 that supports the assembly 712 of rubber strips 714. The front tab 771 receives one surface of the assembly while the rear wall 773 receives the opposite surface. The top tab 774 is folded over the top of the rubber strips 714 so that the rounded ends

777 of the tabs 776 cover the front of the rubber strips 714.

As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the rubber strips 714 contained in the carrier 770 are positioned within the package housing 716. It is contemplated that the carrier may be adhesively supported to the rear wall 720 of the package housing 716. The arrangement of the blank carrier 770 in the package housing 716 retentively supports the individual rubber strips 714 therein. To remove a rubber strip 714, the associated tab 776 is lifted so that it separates from adjacent tabs by virtue of the perforations

778 each. With the tab 776 raised, the individual rubber strips 714 can be removed. The tab 776 is then folded down again and the rounded distal end 777 can be inserted into the associated slot 779 by positioning the tab in the slot after removal of the associated rubber strip. The position of the tab 776 in the slot 779 results in the adjoining rubber strips being held in place, preventing them from tilting.

References cited in description

This list of references cited by the applicant has been compiled exclusively for the information of the reader. It is not part of the European patent document. It has been made with the greatest diligence; However, the EPO does not assume any responsibility for eventual errors or omissions.

Patent documents cited in the description • US 20030080020 A, Kopecky [0004] • BE 417615 [0005] • US 83346804 A, 2004 [0014] • US 11025739 B, 2004 [0014] • US 20050255198 A [0015] • US 20050255199 A [0015]