US5453310A — Cementitious materials for use in packaging conta…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 152 words

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping comprising a container formed from a cementitious structural matrix, the matrix including the reaction products of a cementitious mixture comprising a hydraulic cement selected from the group consisting of portland cement, slag cement, calcium aluminate cement, silicate cement phosphate cement, white cement, high alumina cement, and magnesium oxychloride cement, water, and a rheology-modifying agent, the cementitious mixture having a rheology and early green strength during formation of the container such that the cementitious structural matrix of the container is form stable through the removal of water from the cementitious mixture within a period of time of about 10 minutes or less after being positioned into a desired shape of the container for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping, the cementitious structural matrix having a thickness of about 5 mm or less and a density of about 1.6 g/cm 3 or less.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 152 words

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping comprising a container formed from a cementitious structural matrix, the matrix including the reaction products of a cementitious mixture comprising a hydraulic cement selected from the group consisting of portland cement, slag cement, calcium aluminate cement, silicate cement phosphate cement, white cement, high alumina cement, and magnesium oxychloride cement, water, and a rheology-modifying agent, the cementitious mixture having a rheology and early green strength during formation of the container such that the cementitious structural matrix of the container is form stable through the removal of water from the cementitious mixture within a period of time of about 10 minutes or less after being positioned into a desired shape of the container for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping, the cementitious structural matrix having a thickness of about 5 mm or less and a density of about 1.6 g/cm 3 or less.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 21 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, the cementitious structural matrix having a maximum thickness of about 3 mm.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 21 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, the cementitious structural matrix having a maximum thickness of about 1 mm.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 21 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, the cementitious structural matrix having a maximum thickness of about 2 mm.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 21 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, the cementitious structural matrix having a maximum thickness of about 0.5 mm.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 22 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, the cementitious structural matrix being sufficiently strong to avoid bursting during ordinary use.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 26 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, the cementitious structural matrix being sufficiently strong to protect the contents of the container from being damaged.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 25 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, the cementitious structural matrix being sufficiently strong to withstand forces typically associated with shipping and storing.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 26 words

An article of manufacture defined in claim 1, the cementitious structural matrix being form stable immediately after being positioned into the desired shape of the container.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 35 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix has a strength to density ratio in a range from about 0.5 MPa-cm 3 /g to about 50 MPa-cm 3 /g.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 35 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix has a strength of density ratio in a range from about 5 MPa-cm 3 /g to about 10 MPa-cm 3 /g.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 30 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious mixture has a water to hydraulic cement ratio in the range from about 0.1 to about 10 w/w.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 16 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, said cementitious mixture including an aggregate material.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 50 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 13, wherein the aggregate material is selected from the group consisting of perlite, vermiculite, exfoliated rock, hollow glass spheres, sodium silicate macrospheres, lightweight concrete, porous ceramic spheres, tabular alumina, aerogel, lightweight expanded clay, expanded fly ash, expanded slay, pumice, and mixtures thereof.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 16 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 13, said aggregate material comprising hollow glass spheres.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 23 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 15, the individual hollow glass spheres having an average diameter less than about 1 mm.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 20 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 15, the individual hollow glass spheres having a plurality of effective diameters.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 31 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 17, the effective diameters of the individual hollow glass spheres being selected to maximize the particle packing density of the hollow glass spheres.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 33 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 13, said aggregate material comprising a naturally occurring rock which has been treated to create air voids and to increase its volume to mass ratio.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 26 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 13, wherein the aggregate material is selected from the group consisting of metals, polymers, ceramic, alumina, and cork.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 36 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 13 wherein the aggregate material is selected from the group consisting of clay, sand, gravel, rock, limestone, calcium carbonate, sandstone, gypsum, alumina, silica, ground quartz, and mixtures thereof.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 16 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 13, said aggregate material comprising a polymeric material.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 14 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 22, said polymeric material being biodegradable.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 16 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 22, wherein said cementitious structural matrix is flexible.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 33 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 22, wherein the polymeric material is included in an amount in a range from about 1% to about 10% by weight of the cementitious mixture.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 33 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 22, wherein the polymeric material is included in an amount in a range from about 3% to about 6% by weight of the cementitious mixture.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 47 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 13, said aggregate material comprising particles of a polymeric material, wherein the cementitious structural matrix has a surface and a center, and wherein said particles are more concentrated near the surface of the cementitious structural matrix than the center.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 22 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 27, wherein said surface of the cementitious matrix is more flexible than the center.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 32 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 27, wherein said particles are included in an amount in the range from about 1% to about 10% by weight of the cementitious mixture.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 32 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 27, wherein said particles are included in an amount in the range from about 2% to about 4% by weight of the cementitious mixture.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 28 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 13, wherein the aggregate material is selected from the group consisting of seeds, granulated starches gelatins, and solid agar-type materials.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 22 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 13, wherein said aggregate material imparts a predetermined color to the cementitious structural matrix.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 22 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 13, wherein said aggregate material imparts a predetermined texture to the cementitious structural matrix.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 28 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 13, wherein said aggregate material is included in an amount up to about 90% by weight of the cementitious mixture.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 33 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 13, wherein said aggregate material is included in an amount in the range from about 1% to about 60% by weight of the cementitious mixture.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 33 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 13, wherein said aggregate material is included in an amount in the range from about 20% to about 50% by weight of the cementitious mixture.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 29 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 13, wherein the cementitious mixture comprises at least one aggregate material which increases the thermal resistance of the cementitious structural matrix.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 18 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein said cementitious mixture further includes a fibrous material.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 21 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 38, wherein the fibrous material adds tensile strength to the cementitious structural matrix.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 29 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 38, wherein the fibrous material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of glass, cellulose, hemp, metal, ceramic, and silica.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 16 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 38, wherein the fibrous material comprises abaca fiber.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 24 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 38, wherein the fibrous material comprises individual fibers having an aspect ratio of at least 10:1.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 24 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 38, wherein the fibrous material comprises individual fibers having an aspect ratio of at least 00:1.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 29 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 38, wherein the fibrous material comprises individual fibers having an aspect ratio in a range from about 200:1 to about 300:1.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 39 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 38, wherein the fibrous material comprises individual fibers having a length that is at least twice the effective diameter of the individual particles of the other materials within the cementitious mixture.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 40 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 38, wherein the fibrous material comprises individual fibers having a length that is at least 10 times the effective diameter of the individual particles of the other materials within the cementitious mixture.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 40 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 38, wherein the fibrous material comprises individual fibers having a length that is at least 100 times the effective diameter of the individual particles of the other materials within the cementitious mixture.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 40 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 38, wherein the fibrous material comprises individual fibers having a length that is at least 1000 times the effective diameter of the individual particles of the other materials within the cementitious mixture.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 22 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 38, wherein the fibrous material increases the insulative properties of the cementitious structural matrix.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 28 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 38, wherein the fibrous material is included in an amount up to about 20% by volume of the cementitious mixture.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 32 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 38 wherein the fibrous material is included in an amount range from to about 0.5% to about 10% by volume of the cementitious mixture.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 33 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 38, wherein the fibrous material is included in an amount in the range from about 1% to about 6% by volume of the cementitious mixture.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 36 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the rheology-modifying agent increases the plastic characteristics of the cementitious mixture during a molding process and imparts form stability to the cementitious structural matrix after molding.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 24 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the rheology-modifying agent comprises a polysaccharide based material, including polysaccharides or any derivative thereof.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 25 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 54, wherein the polysaccharide based material comprises a cellulose based material, including cellulose or any derivative thereof.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 31 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 55, wherein the cellulose based material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of hydroxymethylethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylpropyiceiluiose, and mixtures thereof.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 16 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 55, wherein the cellulose based material comprises methylhydroxyethylcellulose.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 38 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 57, wherein a b 2% solution of the methylhydroxyethylcellulose in water has a viscosity within the range from between about 4,000 cps to about 15,000 cps measured at 20° C..

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 16 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 55, wherein the cellulose based material comprises carboxymethylcellulose.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 25 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 54, wherein the polysaccharide based material comprises a starch based material, including starches or any derivative thereof.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 46 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 60, wherein the starch based material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of amylopectin, amylose, sea-gel, starch acetates, starch hydroxyethyl ethers, ionic starches, long-chain alkyl starches, dextrins, amine searches, phosphate starches, dialdehyde starches, and mixtures thereof.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 41 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 54, wherein the polysaccharide based material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of alginic acid, phycocolloids, agar, gum arabic, guar gum, locust bean gum, gum karaya, gum tragacanth, and mixtures thereof.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 24 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 53, wherein the rheology-modifying agent comprises a protein based material, including proteins or any derivative thereof.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 30 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 63, wherein the protein based material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of prolamine, gelatin, glue, casein, and mixtures thereof.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 48 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the theology-modifying agent comprises a synthetic material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinylmethyl ether, polyacrylic acids, polyacrylic acid salts. polyvinylacrylic acids, polyvinylacrylic acid salts, polyacrylimides, ethylene oxide polymers, and mixtures or derivatives thereof.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 24 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the rheology-modifying agent is selected from the group consisting of synthetic clay and latex.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 33 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the rheology-modifying agent is included in an amount in a range from about 0.2% to about 10% by volume of the cementitious mixture.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 33 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the rheology-modifying agent is included in an amount in a range from about 0.5% to about 5% by volume of the cementitious mixture.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 33 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the rheology-modifying agent is included in an amount in a range from about 1% to about 2.5% by volume of the cementitious mixture.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 31 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious mixture further comprises means for creating a discontinuous phase of finely dispersed, nonagglomerated voids within the cementitious structural matrix.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 32 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 70, wherein the means for creating a discontinuous phase of finely dispersed, nonagglomerated voids within the cementitious structural matrix includes an air entraining agent.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 17 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 71, wherein the air entraining agent comprises a surfactant.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 34 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 71, wherein the air entraining agent is selected from the group consisting of a polypeptide, an alkylene, a polyol, or a synthetic liquid anionic biodegradable solution.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 35 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 71, further including a stabilizing agent for retaining the finely dispersed air voids within the cementitious mixture as the cementitious mixture hardens into the cementitious structural matrix.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 16 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 74, wherein the stabilizing agent comprises vinsol resin.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 19 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 74, wherein the stabilizing agent comprises a polysaccharide based rheology-modifying agent.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 53 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 70, wherein the means for creating a discontinuous phase of finely dispersed, nonagglomerated voids within the cementitious structural matrix includes a material which reacts with the components of the cementitious mixture to produce a gas in order to incorporate voids into the cementitious structural matrix.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 24 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 77, wherein the material which reacts with the components of the cementitious mixture comprises a metal.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 23 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 77, wherein the material which reacts with the components of the cementitious mixture comprises aluminum.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 20 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 77, further comprising a base which accelerates the production of the gas.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 15 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 80, wherein the base comprises sodium hydroxide.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 24 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 53, wherein the cementitious structural matrix further comprises a discontinuous, nonagglomerated phase including finely dispersed voids.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 21 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix is in the shape of a box.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 21 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 83, wherein the box is suitable for holding a food or beverage product.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 17 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 83, wherein the box is suitable for shipping goods.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 18 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 83, wherein the box is suitable for storing dry goods.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 20 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 83, wherein the box is suitable for storing goods which contain liquids.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 30 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 83, wherein the box includes a plurality of cementitious walls defining an interior and an opening which permits access to the interior.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 36 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 88, wherein the box comprises at least one cementitious flap that is hingedly attached to a cementitious wall and selectively able to at least partially cover the opening.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 28 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 88, wherein the box comprises a removable cementitious enclosure that is selectively able to at least partially cover the opening.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 15 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 83, wherein the box comprises cementitious partitions.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 21 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix is in the shape of a cup.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 21 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix is in the shade of a plate.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 21 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix is in the shape of a tray.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 15 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 94, wherein the tray includes cementitious partitions.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 23 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix is in the shape of a "TV dinner" tray.

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 23 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix is in the shape of a "clam shell" container.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 21 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix is in the shape of a crate.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 21 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix is in the shape of a carbon.

Claim 101

Dependent Claim 21 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix ms in the shape of an envelope.

Claim 102

Dependent Claim 22 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix ms in the shape of an accordion file.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 21 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix ms in the shape of a bottle.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 24 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix ms in the shape of a lid for a container.

Claim 105

Dependent Claim 21 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix ms in the shape of a can.

Claim 106

Dependent Claim 24 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix is in the shame of a partition within a container.

Claim 107

Dependent Claim 24 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix is in the shape of a liner within a container.

Claim 108

Dependent Claim 21 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix is in the shape of a jar.

Claim 109

Dependent Claim 32 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix of the container includes a wall which incorporates a structural feature to increase the strength of the wall.

Claim 110

Dependent Claim 16 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 108, wherein the wall has a honeycomb configuration.

Claim 111

Dependent Claim 26 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the structural matrix comprises a corrugated cementitious sheet sandwiched between two sheets having generally smooth surfaces.

Claim 112

Dependent Claim 20 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix is manufactured for a single use.

Claim 113

Dependent Claim 16 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix is reusable.

Claim 114

Dependent Claim 32 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the weight of the container is less than the weight of the product that it is designed to contain based upon volume.

Claim 115

Dependent Claim 34 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 113, wherein the weight of the container is less than one-fourth of the weight of the product that it is designed to contain based upon volume.

Claim 116

Dependent Claim 34 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 113, wherein the weight of the container is less than one-tenth or the weight of the product that it is designed to contain based upon volume.

Claim 117

Dependent Claim 33 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the hydraulic cement is included in an amount in the range from about 5% to about 90% by weight of the cementitious mixture.

Claim 118

Dependent Claim 18 words

In article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix is a lightweight product.

Claim 119

Dependent Claim 33 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 117, wherein the hydraulic cement is included in an amount in the range from about 5% to about 60% by weight of the cementitious mixture.

Claim 120

Dependent Claim 33 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 117, wherein the hydraulic cement is included in an amount in the range from about 10% to about 30% by weight of the cementitious mixture.

Claim 121

Dependent Claim 33 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the hydraulic cement is included in an amount within the range from about 5% to about 90% by weight of the cementitious mixture.

Claim 122

Dependent Claim 33 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the hydraulic cement is included in an amount in the range from about 10% to about 50% by weight of the cementitious mixture.

Claim 123

Dependent Claim 33 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the hydraulic cement is included in an amount in the range from about 20% to about 30% by weight of the cementitious mixture.

Claim 124

Dependent Claim 25 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix comprises means for restraining movement of an object within the container.

Claim 125

Dependent Claim 23 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix comprises means for cushioning an object within the container.

Claim 126

Dependent Claim 26 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix comprises means for preventing an object within the container from being crushed.

Claim 127

Dependent Claim 26 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the container comprises a plurality of cementitious structural matrices of differing properties that are joined together.

Claim 128

Dependent Claim 37 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix of the container is form stable within a period of time less than about 5 minutes after being positioned into the desired shape.

Claim 129

Dependent Claim 37 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix of the container is form stable within a period of time less than about 1 minute after being positioned into the desired shape.

Claim 130

Dependent Claim 37 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix of the container is form stable within a period of time less than about 10 seconds after being positioned into the desired shape.

Claim 131

Dependent Claim 37 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix of the container is form stable within a period of time less than about 3 seconds after being positioned into the desired shape.

Claim 132

Dependent Claim 24 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix has a density less than about 1 g/cm 3 .

Claim 133

Dependent Claim 31 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the cementitious structural matrix has a density in the range from about 0.1 g/cm 3 to about 0.6 g/cm 3 .

Claim 134

Dependent Claim 242 words

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping comprising a container formed from a cementitious structural matrix, the matrix including the reaction products of a cementitious mixture comprising: a hydraulic cement Selected from the group consisting of portland cement, slag cement, calcium aluminate cement, silicate cement, phosphate cement, white cement, high alumina cement, and magnesium oxychloride cement and included in an amount in g range from about 5% to about 90% by weight of the cementitious mixture: water added in an amount to result in a water to cement ratio in a range from about 0.1 to about 10 w/w; a rheology-modifying agent having a concentration in g range from about 0.2% to about 10% by weight of the cementitious mixture; and an aggregate material having a concentration in g range from about 1% to about 60% by weight of the cementitious mixture. the hydraulic cement. water, rheology-modifying agent, and aggregate material having a concentration relative to each other such that the cementitious mixture has a rheology and early green strength during formation of the container such that the cementitious structural matrix of the container is form stable within a period of time of about 10 minutes or less after being positioned into a desired shape of the container for storing, dispensing, packaging, pinioning, or shipping, the cementitious structural matrix having a thickness of about 5 mm or less and a density of about 1.6 g/cm 3 or less.

Claim 135

Dependent Claim 242 words

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping comprising a container formed from a cementitious structural matrix, the matrix including the reaction products of a cementitious mixture comprising: a hydraulic cement Selected from the group consisting of portland cement, slag cement, calcium aluminate cement, silicate cement, phosphate cement, white cement, high alumina cement, and magnesium oxychloride cement and included in an amount in g range from about 5% to about 90% by weight of the cementitious mixture: water added in an amount to result in a water to cement ratio in a range from about 0.1 to about 10 w/w; a rheology-modifying agent having a concentration in g range from about 0.2% to about 10% by weight of the cementitious mixture; and an aggregate material having a concentration in g range from about 1% to about 60% by weight of the cementitious mixture. the hydraulic cement. water, rheology-modifying agent, and aggregate material having a concentration relative to each other such that the cementitious mixture has a rheology and early green strength during formation of the container such that the cementitious structural matrix of the container is form stable within a period of time of about 10 minutes or less after being positioned into a desired shape of the container for storing, dispensing, packaging, pinioning, or shipping, the cementitious structural matrix having a thickness of about 5 mm or less and a density of about 1.6 g/cm 3 or less.

Claim 136

Dependent Claim 36 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 133, wherein the cementitious mixture comprises a fibrous material included in an amount in the range from about 0.5% to about 10% by volume of the cementitious mixture.

Claim 137

Dependent Claim 30 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 133, wherein the cementitious mixture comprises means for creating a discontinuous phase of finely dispersed, nonagglomerated voids within the cementitious structural matrix.

Claim 138

Dependent Claim 33 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 133, wherein the cementitious mixture comprises an air entraining agent for incorporating finely dispersed, nonagglomerated air voids within the cementitious mixture during a mixing process.

Claim 139

Dependent Claim 17 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 136, wherein the air entraining agent comprises a surfactant.

Claim 140

Dependent Claim 41 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 133, wherein the cementitious mixture comprises a metal which reacts with components of the cementitious mixture to produce a gas, which is incorporated into the cementitious mixture as finely dispersed, nonagglomerated gas bubbles.

Claim 141

Dependent Claim 14 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 138, wherein the metal comprises aluminum.

Claim 142

Dependent Claim 24 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 138, wherein the cementitious mixture comprises a base which aids in the formation of the gas.

Claim 143

Dependent Claim 15 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 140, wherein the base comprises sodium hydroxide.

Claim 144

Dependent Claim 23 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 133, wherein the theology-modifying agent comprises a polysaccharide material, including polysaccharides or any derivatives thereof.

Claim 145

Dependent Claim 15 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 142, wherein the theology-modifying agent comprises methylhydroxyethylcellulose.

Claim 146

Dependent Claim 17 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 133, wherein the aggregate material comprises hollow glass spheres.

Claim 147

Dependent Claim 36 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 144, wherein the cementitious mixture comprises a fibrous material included in an amount in the range from about 0.5% to about 10% by volume of the cementitious mixture.

Claim 148

Dependent Claim 22 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 133, wherein the cementitious structural matrix has a maximum thickness of about 3 mm.

Claim 149

Dependent Claim 22 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 133, wherein the cementitious structural matrix has a maximum thickness of about 0.5 mm.

Claim 150

Dependent Claim 22 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 133, wherein the cementitious structural matrix has a maximum thickness of about 1 mm.

Claim 151

Dependent Claim 37 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 133, wherein the cementitious structural matrix of the container is form stable within a period of time less than about 5 minutes after being positioned into the desired shape.

Claim 152

Dependent Claim 37 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 133, wherein the cementitious structural matrix of the container is form stable within a period of time less than about 1 minute after being positioned into the desired shape.

Claim 153

Dependent Claim 37 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 133, wherein the cementitious structural matrix of the container is form stable within a period of time less than about 10 seconds after being positioned into the desired shape.

Claim 154

Dependent Claim 37 words

In article of manufacture as defined in claim 133, wherein the cementitious structural matrix of the container is form stable within a period of time less than about 3 seconds after being positioned into the desired shape.

Claim 155

Dependent Claim 24 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 133, wherein the cementitious structural matrix has a density less than about 1 g/cm 3 .

Claim 156

Dependent Claim 31 words

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 135, wherein the cementitious structural matrix has a density in the range from about 0.1 g/cm 3 to about 0.6 g/cm 3 .

Claim 157

Dependent Claim 160 words

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping comprising a container formed from a cementitious structural matrix, the matrix including the reaction products of a cementitious mixture comprising a hydraulic cement selected from the group consisting of portland cement, slag cement, calcium aluminate cement, silicate cement, phosphate cement, white cement, high alumina cement, and magnesium oxychloride cement, water, a rheology-modifying agent, and an aggregate material, the hydraulic cement, water, rheology modifying agent, and aggregate material having relative concentrations such that the cementitious mixture has a rheology and early green strength during formation of the container such that the cementitious structural matrix of the container is form stable within a period of time of less than about 10 minutes after being positioned into a desired shape of the container for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping, the cementitious structural matrix having a thickness less than about 5 mm and a density less than about 1,6 g/cm 3 .

Claim 158

Dependent Claim 160 words

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping comprising a container formed from a cementitious structural matrix, the matrix including the reaction products of a cementitious mixture comprising a hydraulic cement selected from the group consisting of portland cement, slag cement, calcium aluminate cement, silicate cement, phosphate cement, white cement, high alumina cement, and magnesium oxychloride cement, water, a rheology-modifying agent, and an aggregate material, the hydraulic cement, water, rheology modifying agent, and aggregate material having relative concentrations such that the cementitious mixture has a rheology and early green strength during formation of the container such that the cementitious structural matrix of the container is form stable within a period of time of less than about 10 minutes after being positioned into a desired shape of the container for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping, the cementitious structural matrix having a thickness less than about 5 mm and a density less than about 1,6 g/cm 3 .

Claim 159

Dependent Claim 154 words

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping comprising a container formed from a cementitious structural matrix, the matrix including the reaction products of a cementitious mixture comprising hydraulic cement selected from the group consisting of portland cement, slag cement, calcium aluminate cement, silicate cement, phosphate cement, white cement, high alumina cement, and magnesium oxychloride cement, water, a rheology-modifying agent, and a fibrous material, the cementitious mixture having a theology and early green strength during formation of the container for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping such that the cementitious structural matrix of the container is form stable through the removal of water from the cementitious mixture within a period of time of about 10 minutes or less after being positioned into a desired shape of the container, the cementitious structural matrix having a density of about 1.6 g/cm 3 or less and a thickness of about 5 mm or less.

Claim 160

Dependent Claim 154 words

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping comprising a container formed from a cementitious structural matrix, the matrix including the reaction products of a cementitious mixture comprising hydraulic cement selected from the group consisting of portland cement, slag cement, calcium aluminate cement, silicate cement, phosphate cement, white cement, high alumina cement, and magnesium oxychloride cement, water, a rheology-modifying agent, and a fibrous material, the cementitious mixture having a theology and early green strength during formation of the container for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping such that the cementitious structural matrix of the container is form stable through the removal of water from the cementitious mixture within a period of time of about 10 minutes or less after being positioned into a desired shape of the container, the cementitious structural matrix having a density of about 1.6 g/cm 3 or less and a thickness of about 5 mm or less.

Claim 161

Dependent Claim 171 words

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping comprising a container formed from a cementitious structural matrix, the matrix including the reaction products of a cementitious mixture comprising hydraulic cement, water, and a rheology-modifying agent, the cementitious mixture having a rheology and early green strength during formation of the container such that the cementitious structural matrix of the container is form stable through the removal of water from the cementitious mixture within a period of time less than about 10 minutes after being positioned into a desired shape of the container for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping, the cementitious structural matrix having a density less than about 1.5 g/cm 3 and being in the shape of a box, wherein the box includes a plurality of cementitious walls defining an interior and an opening which permits access to the interior and wherein the box comprises at least one cementitious flap that is hingedly attached to a cementitious wall and selectively able to at least partially cover the opening.

Claim 162

Dependent Claim 171 words

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping comprising a container formed from a cementitious structural matrix, the matrix including the reaction products of a cementitious mixture comprising hydraulic cement, water, and a rheology-modifying agent, the cementitious mixture having a rheology and early green strength during formation of the container such that the cementitious structural matrix of the container is form stable through the removal of water from the cementitious mixture within a period of time less than about 10 minutes after being positioned into a desired shape of the container for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping, the cementitious structural matrix having a density less than about 1.5 g/cm 3 and being in the shape of a box, wherein the box includes a plurality of cementitious walls defining an interior and an opening which permits access to the interior and wherein the box comprises at least one cementitious flap that is hingedly attached to a cementitious wall and selectively able to at least partially cover the opening.

Claim 163

Dependent Claim 163 words

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping comprising a container formed from a cementitious structural matrix, the matrix including the reaction products of a cementitious mixture comprising hydraulic cement, water, and a rheology-modifying agent, the cementitious mixture having a rheology and early green strength during formation of the container such that the cementitious structural matrix of the container is form stable through the removal of water from the cementitious mixture within a period of time less than about 10 minutes after being positioned into a desired shape of the container for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping, the cementitious structural matrix having a density less than about 1.5 g/cm 3 and being in the shape of a box, wherein the box includes a plurality of cementitious walls defining an interior and an opening which permits access to the interior and wherein the box comprises a removable cementitious enclosure that is selectively able to at least partially cover the opening.

Claim 164

Dependent Claim 163 words

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping comprising a container formed from a cementitious structural matrix, the matrix including the reaction products of a cementitious mixture comprising hydraulic cement, water, and a rheology-modifying agent, the cementitious mixture having a rheology and early green strength during formation of the container such that the cementitious structural matrix of the container is form stable through the removal of water from the cementitious mixture within a period of time less than about 10 minutes after being positioned into a desired shape of the container for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping, the cementitious structural matrix having a density less than about 1.5 g/cm 3 and being in the shape of a box, wherein the box includes a plurality of cementitious walls defining an interior and an opening which permits access to the interior and wherein the box comprises a removable cementitious enclosure that is selectively able to at least partially cover the opening.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1998-09-25	1999-03-27	1999-09-26	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2002-09-25	2003-03-27	2003-09-26	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2006-09-25	2007-03-27	2007-09-26	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Cementitious materials for use in packaging containers and their methods of manufacture

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