US5506046A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Articles of manufacture fashioned from sheets having a highly inorganically filled organic polymer matrix
Assignee: E Khashoggi Industries LLC
•
Filing: 1993-11-24
•
Granted: 1996-04-09
•
Expires: 2013-11-24
Abstract
Abstract Compositions, methods, and apparatus for manufacturing sheets having a highly inorganically filled matrix. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together an organic polymer binder, water, one or more aggregate materials, fibers, and optional admixtures in the correct proportions in order to form a sheet which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures are formed into sheets by first extruding the mixtures and then passing the extruded materials between a set of rollers. The rolled sheets are dried in an accelerated manner to form a substantially hardened sheet, such as by heated rollers and/or a drying chamber. The inorganically filled sheets may have properties substantially similar to sheets presently made from traditional materials like paper, paperboard, polystyrene, plastic, or metal. Such sheets can be cut, rolled, pressed, scored, perforated, folded, and glued to fashion articles from the sheets. They have especial utility in the mass production of containers, particularly food and beverage containers.
Inventors
- 👤 Per J. Andersen
- 👤 Simon K. Hodson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 21:18
CPC Classifications
B; B05; B05B; B05B1/00; B05B1/34; B01; B01F; B01F23/00; B01F23/50; B01F23/51; B01F23/511; B01F23/56; B05B11/00; B05B11/0005; B05B11/0037; B28; B28B; B28B1/00; B28B1/52; B28B11/00; B28B11/003; B28B11/008; B28B13/00; B28B13/02; B28B13/021; B28B13/04; B28B13/06; B28B23/00; B28B23/0081; B28B23/0087; B28B3/00; B28B3/02; B28B3/12; B28B3/126; B28B3/20; B28B3/26; B28B3/2645; B28B7/00; B28B7/40; B28B7/42; B28C; B28C7/00; B28C7/02; B29; B29C; B29C43/00; B29C43/003; B29C43/02; B29C43/22; B29C43/222; B29C43/24; B29C43/32; B29C43/34; B29C43/36; B29C43/44; B29C43/46; B29C44/00; B29C44/34; B29C44/3402; B29C45/00; B29C45/0013; B29C48/00; B29C48/03; B29C48/07; B29C48/08; B29C48/13; B29C49/00; B29C49/0005; B29C49/02; B29C49/04; B29C49/0411; B29C49/0412; B29C49/06; B29C49/061; B29C49/062; B29C49/063; B29C51/00; B29C51/002; B29C51/04; B29C51/10; B29C53/00; B29C53/02; B29C53/04; B29C53/06; B29C53/063; B29C55/00; B29C55/02; B29C55/18; B29C67/00; B29C67/24; B29C67/242; B29C67/243; B29C70/00; B29C70/04; B29C70/28; B29C70/40; B29C70/50; B29C71/00; B29C71/0009; B31; B31D; B31D1/00; B31D1/0043; B31D1/005; B32; B32B; B32B37/00; B32B37/14; B32B37/144; B65; B65D; B65D11/00; B65D11/02; B65D43/00; B65D43/14; B65D43/16; B65D43/162; B65D5/00; B65D65/00; B65D65/38; B65D65/46; B65D65/466; C; C04; C04B; C04B14/00; C04B14/02; C04B14/04; C04B14/06; C04B14/064; C04B16/00; C04B16/02; C04B20/00; C04B20/0016; C04B20/002; C04B20/0048; C04B22/00; C04B22/02; C04B22/04; C04B24/00; C04B24/12; C04B24/14; C04B24/24; C04B24/38; C04B26/00; C04B26/02; C04B26/026; C04B26/28; C04B26/285; C04B28/00; C04B28/02; C04B38/00; C04B38/0006; C04B38/02; C04B40/00; C04B40/0028; C04B40/006; C04B41/00; C04B41/009; C04B41/45; C04B41/60; C04B41/61; C08; C08J; C08J5/00; C08J5/18; C08L; C08L1/00; C08L1/08; C08L1/26; C08L1/28; C08L1/286; C08L3/00; C08L3/02; C08L5/00; C08L5/02; C08L5/12; C08L5/14; C08L89/00; C08L89/04; C08L89/06; C08L97/00; C08L97/02; E; E05; E05D; E05D1/00; E05D1/02; B05B11/01; B05B11/10; B05C; B05C1/00; B05C1/04; B05C1/08; B05C1/0826; B05C1/0834; B05C3/00; B05C3/18; B05C5/00; B05C5/02; B05C5/0245; B29C2043/3433; B29C2043/3676; B29C2043/3689; B29C2043/461; B29C2043/463; B29C2043/464; B29C2043/466; B29C2049/023; B29C49/42; B29C49/46; B29C2049/4602; B29C2049/4605; B29C2049/4608; B29C2791/00; B29C2791/004; B29C2791/006; B29C2795/00; B29C2795/007; B29C2949/00; B29C2949/07; B29C2949/0715; B29C43/04; B29C43/06; B29C43/08; B29C48/12; B29C49/06905; B29C49/0691; B29C49/64; B29C49/6604; B29C49/6605; B29C51/08; B29C51/082; B29C53/56; B29C53/58; B29K; B29K2001/00; B29K2003/00; B29K2005/00; B29K2089/00; B29K2105/00; B29K2105/06; B29K2105/12; B29K2105/16; B29L; B29L2024/00; B29L2031/00; B29L2031/60; B29L2031/608; B29L2031/712; B29L2031/7132; B31B; B31B2105/00; B31B2105/002; B31B2105/0022; B31B2110/00; B31B2110/10; B31B2110/20; B31B2110/30; B31B2110/35; B31B50/00; B31B50/26; B31B50/28; B31B50/30; B31B50/32; B32B15/00; B32B15/16; B32B2262/00; B32B2264/00; B32B2307/00; B32B2307/50; B32B2307/54; B32B2307/70; B32B2307/726; B32B2307/7265; B32B2439/00; B32B2439/70; B32B27/00; B32B27/14; B32B29/00; B32B29/04; B32B3/00; B32B3/26; B32B3/266; B32B3/28; B32B37/12; B32B5/00; B32B5/22; B32B5/24; B32B5/26; B32B5/30; B32B7/00; B32B7/04; B32B7/12; B65D2301/00; B65D2301/20; B65D2565/00; B65D2565/38; B65D2565/381; B65D2565/385; C04B2111/00; C04B2111/00034; C04B2111/00129; C04B2111/00241; C04B2111/0037; C04B2111/00379; C04B2111/00413; C04B2111/00474; C04B2111/00612; C04B2111/00948; C04B2111/00965; C04B2111/80; C08J2323/00; C08J2323/02; E05Y; E05Y2999/00; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S206/00; Y10S206/819; Y10S229/00; Y10S229/93; Y10S229/931; Y10S428/00; Y10S428/906; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/13; Y10T428/131; Y10T428/1314; Y10T428/1334; Y10T428/1345; Y10T428/1348; Y10T428/1352; Y10T428/1372; Y10T428/139; Y10T428/1397; Y10T428/15; Y10T428/17; Y10T428/24; Y10T428/24355; Y10T428/24446; Y10T428/24479; Y10T428/2457; Y10T428/24579; Y10T428/24628; Y10T428/24669; Y10T428/24694; Y10T428/249921; Y10T428/249924; Y10T428/26; Y10T428/269; Y10T428/31504; Y10T428/31971
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 170
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
An article of manufacture comprising a sheet having a matrix reinforced with fibers, the matrix comprising a substantially homogeneous mixture of aggregate and organic binder, the sheet formed by removing a substantial quantity of water by evaporation from an inorganically filled mixture including water, a water-dispersible organic polymer binder selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides, proteins, and mixtures or derivatives thereof, a fibrous material, and an inorganic aggregate material, the aggregate material being present in a concentration in a range from about 40% to about 98% by volume of total solids in the inorganically filled mixture, the fibrous material being substantially homogeneously dispersed throughout the matrix of aggregate and organic binder, the sheet having a thickness in a range from about 0.01 mm to about 3 mm, wherein the matrix degrades after prolonged exposure to water.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
An article of manufacture comprising a sheet having a matrix reinforced with fibers, the matrix comprising a substantially homogeneous mixture of aggregate and organic binder, the sheet formed by removing a substantial quantity of water by evaporation from an inorganically filled mixture including water, a water-dispersible organic polymer binder selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides, proteins, and mixtures or derivatives thereof, a fibrous material, and an inorganic aggregate material, the aggregate material being present in a concentration in a range from about 40% to about 98% by volume of total solids in the inorganically filled mixture, the fibrous material being substantially homogeneously dispersed throughout the matrix of aggregate and organic binder, the sheet having a thickness in a range from about 0.01 mm to about 3 mm, wherein the matrix degrades after prolonged exposure to water.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, the aggregate material having a concentration in a range from about 50% to about 95% by volume of total solids in the inorganically filled mixture.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, the aggregate material having a concentration in a range from about 60% to about 80% by volume of total solids in the inorganically tilled mixture.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the aggregate material comprises at least two different aggregate materials.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the aggregate material comprises individual particles that are size optimized in order to achieve a predetermined particle packing density of the aggregate material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 5, wherein the particle packing density of the aggregate material is at least about 0.65.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 5, wherein the particle packing density of the aggregate material is at least about 0.75.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 5, wherein the particle packing density of the aggregate material is at least about 0.85.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the aggregate material comprises a lightweight aggregate which reduces the density and increases the insulation ability of the sheet.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 9, wherein the lightweight aggregate is selected from the group consisting of perlite, vemaiculite, hollow glass spheres, porous ceramic spheres, lightweight expanded geologic materials, pumice, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the aggregate material is selected from the group consisting of clay, gypsum, calcium carbonate, mica, silica, alumina, sand, gravel, sandstone, limestone, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the aggregate material comprises an organic aggregate selected from the group consisting of seeds, starches, gelatins, and agar materials.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the aggregate material includes an inorganic gel.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 13, wherein the inorganic gel is selected from the group consisting of silica gel, aluminum silicate gel, calcium silicate gel, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
35 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 13, wherein the gel has a concentration in the inorganically filled mixture such that a predetermined amount of moisture is maintained within the sheet under ambient conditions.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the aggregate material includes an inorganic material that is precipitated in situ.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the aggregate material comprises a polymerized silicate.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the thickness of the sheet is less than about 1 mm.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the thickness of the sheet is less than about 0.5 mm.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
42 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the water-dispersible organic polymer binder and the fibrous material have a combined concentration in a range from about 5% to about 60% by volume of total solids in the inorganically filled mixture.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
37 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 20, wherein the water-dispersible organic polymer binder and the fibrous material have a combined concentration less than about 40% by volume of total solids in the inorganically filled mixture.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
37 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 20, wherein the water-dispersible organic polymer binder and the fibrous material have a combined concentration less than about 30% by volume of total solids in the inorganically tilled mixture.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
38 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the the water-dispersible organic polymer binder has a concentration in a range from about 1% to about 50% by volume of total solids in the inorganically filled mixture.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
38 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the the water-dispersible organic polymer binder has a concentration in a range from about 2% to about 30% by volume of total solids in the inorganically filled mixture.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
38 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the the water-dispersible organic polymer binder has a concentration in a range from about 5% to about 20% by volume of total solids in the inorganically filled [matrix]mixture.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
19 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the water-dispersable organic polymer binder comprises a cellulose-based polymer.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
32 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 26, wherein the cellulose-based polymer is selected from the group consisting of methylhydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxymethylethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxyethylpropylcellulose, and mixtures or derivatives thereof.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
19 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the waterdispersable organic polymer binder comprises a starch-based polymer.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
44 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 28, wherein the starchbased polymer is selected from the group consisting of amylopectin, amylose, seagel, starch acetates, starch hydroxyethyl ethers, ionic starches, long-chain alkylstarches, dextrins, amine starches, phosphate starches, dialdehyde starches, and mixtures or derivatives thereof.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
29 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the protein is selected from the group consisting of prolamine, collagen, gelatin, glue, casein, and mixtures or derivatives thereof.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
44 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the water-dispersible organic polymer binder comprises a polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of alginic acid, phycocolloids, agar, gum arabic, guar gum, locust bean gum, gum karaya, gum tragacanth, and mixtures or derivatives thereof.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
20 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the inorganically filled mixture further includes a synthetic organic polymer.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
53 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 32, wherein the synthetic organic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylmethyl ether, polyacrylic acids, polyacrylic acid salts, polyvinylacrylic acids, polyvinylacrylic acid salts, polyacrylimides, polylactic acid, ethylene oxide polymers, synthetic clay, latex, and mixtures Or derivatives thereof.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
35 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibrous material has a concentration in a range from about 0.5% to about 50% by volume of total solids in the inorganically filled mixture.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
35 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibrous material has a concentration in a range from about 5% to about 40% by volume of total solids in the inorganically filled mixture.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
35 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibrous material has a concentration in a range from about 15% to about 30% by volume of total solids in the inorganically filled mixture.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
16 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibrous material includes organic fibers.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
34 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 37, wherein the organic fibers are selected from the group consisting of hemp, cotton, bagasse, abaca, flax, southern pine, and southern hardwood fibers, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibrous material includes inorganic fibers.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
33 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 39, wherein the inorganic fibers are selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, silica fibers, cemmic fibers, carbon fibers, metal fibers, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
24 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibrous material includes a mixture of different fibers having varying strengths and flexibilities.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
38 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibrous material is formed of a material such that the addition of the fibrous material to the inorganically filled mixture increases the tensile strength of the sheet.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
37 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibrous material is formed of a material such that the addition of the fibrous material to the inorganically filled mixture increases the flexibility of the sheet.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
25 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibrous material includes individual fibers having as aspect ratio of at least about 10:1.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
25 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibrous material includes individual fibers having as aspect ratio of at least about 100:1.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
25 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibrous material includes individual fibers having as aspect ratio of at least about 1000:1.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the aggregate material includes a hydraulically settable material.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 47, wherein the hydraulically settable material comprises a hydraulic cement.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 48, wherein the hydraulic cement includes portland grey cement.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
47 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 48, wherein the hydraulic cement is selected from the group consisting of portland white cement, slag cement, calcium aluminate cement, silicate cement, phosphate cement, high-alumina cement, magnesium oxychloride cement, aggregates coated with micro fine cement particles, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 47, wherein the hydraulically settable material includes calcium sulfate hemihydrate.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 47, wherein the hydraulically settable material includes calcium oxide.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
32 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 47, wherein the hydraulically settable material has a concentration within the inorganically filled mixture sufficient to assist binding of the components in the sheet.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the inorganically filled mixture includes finely dispersed voids.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
32 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibrous material includes individual fibers which have a substantially random orientation within the sheet, thereby increasing the toughness of the sheet.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
40 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibrous material comprises individual fibers which have a substantially unidirectional orientation within the sheet, thereby increasing the tensile strength of the sheet in the direction of the fiber orientation.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
40 words
An article of manuhcture as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibrous material comprises individual fibers which have a substantially bidirectional orientation within the sheet, thereby increasing the tensile strength of the sheet in the direction of the fiber orientation.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
52 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibrous material comprises individual fibers which have a substantially higher level of directional orientation at or near the surface of the sheet compared to fibers within the interior of the sheet, thereby increasing the tensile strength and toughness of the sheet.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
27 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the sheet has a tensile strength in a range from about 0.05 MPa to about 70 MPa.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
27 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the sheet has a tensile strength in a range from about 5 MPa to about 40 MPa.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
34 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the sheet has a tensile strength to density ratio in a range from about 2 MPa-cm 3 /g to about 200 MPa-cm 3 /g.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
34 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the sheet has a tensile strength to density ratio in a range from about 3 MPa-cm 3 /g to about 50 MPa-cm 3 /g.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
22 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the sheet has a maximum density of about 2 g/cm 3 .
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
29 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the sheet has a density in a range from about 0.4 g/cm 3 to about 1.5 g/cm 3 .
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
26 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the sheet can elongate in g range from about 0.5% to about 8% without completely fracturing.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
21 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the sheet included in the article of manufacture is water degradable.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
25 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the sheet included in the article of manufacture is readily degradable into environmentally neutral components.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
14 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the sheet is corrugated.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
14 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the sheet is creped.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
19 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein a surface of the article of manufacture includes indicia.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
16 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the sheet includes a score cut.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
15 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the sheet includes a score.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
15 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the sheet includes a perthration.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
15 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the sheet includes a slot.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
14 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the sheet is opaque.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
14 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the sheet is translucent.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a container.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
21 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1 , wherein the article of manufacture is a food or beverage container.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a packaging container.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture includes a seam.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
19 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1 , wherein the article of manufacture includes mechanical interlocking devices.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1 wherein the article of manufacture is a cup.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
25 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a two-piece cup comprising a sidewall and a bottom portion.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
15 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 83, wherein the sidewall has a seam.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
20 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 83, further including a seam between the sidewall and the bottom portion.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
21 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 82, wherein the cup includes a lip so as to strengthen the cup.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
16 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 82, wherein the cup is a pleated cup.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
16 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 82, wherein the cup is a cone cup.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
19 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a hinged clam-shell container.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a carton.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a milk carton.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
19 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a fruit juice container.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
22 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a container derived from a laminated sheet.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
21 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 93, wherein the laminated container is in the form of a corrugated box.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
19 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1 wherein the article of manufacture is a fast-food carry-out box.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
19 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a french fry container.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
20 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a carrier for beverage containers.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a box.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a bag.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1 wherein the article of manufacture is an envelope.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a tube.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
16 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 101, wherein the tube comprises a convoluted sheet.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 101, wherein the tube comprises a spiral wound sheet.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 101, further comprising continuous fibers wrapped around the tube.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 101, further comprising continuous fibers woven around the tube.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
20 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 101, further comprising continuous fibers integral to the sheet comprising the tube.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
21 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 101, further comprising closure means for engaging an open end of the tube.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
50 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 107, wherein the article of manufacture is selected from the group consisting of a can, a frozen juice concentrate container, a potato chip container, an ice cream container, a salt container, a detergent container, a motor oil container, and a mailing tube.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
32 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 101, wherein the tube has two open ends and is selected from the group consisting of a straw, a sleeve, and a sheet roll.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a plate.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a platter.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a tray.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a bowl.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
19 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1 , wherein the article of manufacture is an egg canon.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a lid.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
19 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a rigid setup box.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
21 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 116, wherein the rigid setup box comprises a box body and a lid.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
26 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a carded packaging container having a support card and a cover.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
16 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 118, wherein the cover comprises a translucent sheet.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
16 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 118, wherein the cover includes a plastic cover.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
16 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 120, wherein the cover includes a rigid blister.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1204, wherein the cover includes a plastic skin cover.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a pouch.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
20 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture comprises a container and a liner.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a magazine.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a book cover.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a notebook.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
26 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is a board-like material having a thickness less than about 3 cm.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is substantially flat.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture is substantially curved.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture has an oval cross-section.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture has a rectangular cross-section.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture has a triangular cross-section.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
161 words
An article of manufacture comprising a sheet having a matrix reinforced with fibers, the matrix comprising a substantially homogeneous mixture of aggregate and organic binder, the sheet formed by removing a substantial quantity of water by evaporation from an inorganically filled mixture including water, a water-dispersible organic polymer binder selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides, proteins, and mixtures or derivatives thereof, an organic fibrous material, and an inorganic aggregate material, the aggregate material being included in a concentration in a range from about 40% to about 95% by volume of solids in the inorganically filled mixture, the water-dispersible organic polymer binder and the organic fibrous material having a combined concentration in a range from about 5% to about 60% by volume of total solids in the inorganically filled mixture, the sheet having a thickness in the range from about 0.01 mm to about 3 mm, the fibrous material being substantially homogeneously dispersed throughout the matrix of aggregate and organic binder.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
161 words
An article of manufacture comprising a sheet having a matrix reinforced with fibers, the matrix comprising a substantially homogeneous mixture of aggregate and organic binder, the sheet formed by removing a substantial quantity of water by evaporation from an inorganically filled mixture including water, a water-dispersible organic polymer binder selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides, proteins, and mixtures or derivatives thereof, an organic fibrous material, and an inorganic aggregate material, the aggregate material being included in a concentration in a range from about 40% to about 95% by volume of solids in the inorganically filled mixture, the water-dispersible organic polymer binder and the organic fibrous material having a combined concentration in a range from about 5% to about 60% by volume of total solids in the inorganically filled mixture, the sheet having a thickness in the range from about 0.01 mm to about 3 mm, the fibrous material being substantially homogeneously dispersed throughout the matrix of aggregate and organic binder.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 134, wherein the article of manufacture is a container.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article of manufacturing as defined in claim 135, wherein the container is a food or beverage container.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
40 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 134 wherein the inorganic aggregate material comprises a lightweight aggregate selected from the group consisting of perlite, vermiculite, hollow glass spheres, porous cemmic spheres, lightweight expanded geologic materials, pumice, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
35 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 134, wherein the inorganic aggregate material is selected from the group consisting of clay, gypsum, calcium carbonate, mica, silica, alumina, sand, gravel, sandstone, limestone, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
21 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 134, wherein the thickness of the sheet is less than about 1 mm.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
37 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 134 wherein the waterdispersible organic polymer binder and the fibrous material have a combined concentration less than about 40% by volume of total solids in the inorganically filled mixture.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
37 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 134, wherein the water-dispersible organic polymer binder comprises a cellulose-based polymer selected from the group consisting of methylhydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxymethylethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxyethylpropylcellulose, and mixtures or derivatives thereof.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
27 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 134, wherein the sheet has a tensile strength in a range from about 5 MPa to about 40 MPa.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
20 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 134, wherein the article of manufacture comprises a container and a liner.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
15 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 134 wherein the article comprises a box.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
15 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 134 wherein the article comprises a cup.
Claim 148
Dependent Claim
15 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 134 wherein the article comprises a carton.
Claim 149
Dependent Claim
15 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 134 wherein the article comprises a plate.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 134, wherein the article comprises a french fry container.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
50 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 134, wherein the article comprises a container selected from the group consisting of a can, a frozen juice concentrate container, a potato chip container, an ice cream container, a salt container, a detergent container, a motor oil container, and a mailing tube.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
15 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 134, wherein the article comprises a tube.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 150, further comprising continuous fibers gapped around the tube.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
15 words
An article of manufacture as defined in claim 134, wherein the article comprises a tray.
Claim 155
Dependent Claim
145 words
A container comprising a sheet having a matrix reinforced with fibers, the matrix comprising a substantially homogeneous mixture of aggregate and organic binder, the sheet formed by removing a substantial quantity of water by evaporation from an inorganically filled mixture including water, a water-dispersible organic polymer binder selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides, proteins, and mixtures or derivatives thereof, a fibrous material, and an inorganic aggregate material, the aggregate material being present in a concentration in a range from about 40% to about 98% by volume of total solids in the inorganically filled mixture, the fibrous material being substantially homogeneously dispersed throughout the matrix of aggregate and organic binder, the sheet having a thickness in a range from about 0.01 mm to about 3 mm and a density less than about 2 g/cm 3 , wherein the matrix degrades after prolonged exposure to water.
Claim 156
Dependent Claim
145 words
A container comprising a sheet having a matrix reinforced with fibers, the matrix comprising a substantially homogeneous mixture of aggregate and organic binder, the sheet formed by removing a substantial quantity of water by evaporation from an inorganically filled mixture including water, a water-dispersible organic polymer binder selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides, proteins, and mixtures or derivatives thereof, a fibrous material, and an inorganic aggregate material, the aggregate material being present in a concentration in a range from about 40% to about 98% by volume of total solids in the inorganically filled mixture, the fibrous material being substantially homogeneously dispersed throughout the matrix of aggregate and organic binder, the sheet having a thickness in a range from about 0.01 mm to about 3 mm and a density less than about 2 g/cm 3 , wherein the matrix degrades after prolonged exposure to water.
Claim 157
Dependent Claim
16 words
A container as defined in claim 153, wherein the container comprises a food or beverage container.
Claim 158
Dependent Claim
37 words
A container as defined in claim 153 wherein the aggregate material comprises a lightweight aggregate selected from the group consisting of perlite, vermiculite, hollow glass spheres, porous cemmic spheres, lightweight expanded geologic materials, pumice, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 159
Dependent Claim
32 words
A container as defined in claim 153, wherein the aggregate material is selected from the group consisting of clay, gypsum, calcium carbonate, mica, silica, alumina, sand, gravel, sandstone, limestone, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 160
Dependent Claim
19 words
A container as defined in claim 153 wherein the thickness of the sheet is less than about 1 mm.
Claim 161
Dependent Claim
35 words
A container as defined in claim 153, wherein the water-dispersible organic polymer binder and the fibrous material have a combined concentration less than about 40% by volume of total solids in the inorganically filled mixture.
Claim 162
Dependent Claim
35 words
A container as defined in claim 153, wherein the water-dispersible organic polymer binder comprises a cellulose-based polymer selected from the group consisting of methylhydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxymethylethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxyethylpropylcellulose, and mixtures or derivatives thereof.
Claim 163
Dependent Claim
25 words
A container as defined in claim 153, wherein the sheet has a tensile strength in a range from about 5 MPa to about 40 MPa.
Claim 164
Dependent Claim
13 words
A container as defined in claim 153, wherein the container includes a liner.
Claim 165
Dependent Claim
13 words
A container as defined in claim 153, wherein the container comprises a box.
Claim 166
Dependent Claim
13 words
A container as defined in claim 153, wherein the container comprises a cup.
Claim 167
Dependent Claim
13 words
A container as defined in claim 153, wherein the container comprises a carton.
Claim 168
Dependent Claim
13 words
A container as defined in claim 153, wherein the container comprises a plate.
Claim 169
Dependent Claim
15 words
A container as defined in claim 153, wherein the container comprises a french fly container.
Claim 170
Dependent Claim
46 words
A container as defined in claim 153, wherein the container is selected from the group consisting of a can, a frozen juice concentrate container, a potato chip container, an ice cream container, a salt container, a detergent container, a motor oil container, and a mailing tube.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-04-09 | 1999-10-09 | 2000-04-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-04-09 | 2003-10-09 | 2004-04-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-04-09 | 2007-10-09 | 2008-04-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |