Pull back closure

Abstract

The invention described herein relates broadly to closure assemblies, and methods of use and manufacture thereof. More particularly, certain embodiments relate to assemblies and methods for closing an opening defined by a spout provided on a flexible container utilising a capping member having a plugging portion and a substantially fracturable retaining skirt. Embodiments provide may an adequate seal for the contents contained within bags against the significant pressure placed upon the closure by the often weighty and voluminous contents of the packaging. Furthermore, the closure may be easily and comfortably removable by a user whilst managing the handling of the bag.

Claims

1. A closure assembly for closing an opening defined by a spout provided on a flexible container comprising: a capping member for covering the opening and further comprising a curved plugging portion extending outwardly at its outermost periphery forming a surface for the attachment of a substantially fracturable retaining skirt, the substantially fracturable retaining skirt being disposed about at least a portion of the periphery of the plugging portion and being attached to and projecting substantially perpendicularly from the surface and substantially parallel with the lengthwise orientation of the curved plugging portion, the substantially fracturable retaining skirt comprising a substantially annular securement means configured to grip at least a Portion of an exterior surface of the spout defining an opening on the flexible container, the substantially annular securement means comprising one or more annular ridges projecting inwardly from the substantially fracturable retaining skirt to abut against at least a portion of the exterior surface of the spout defining an opening on a flexible container, or grip at least a portion of a lip provided on the exterior surface of the spout, the substantially fracturable retaining skirt comprising a tear end and an attachment end at opposing ends of the substantially fracturable retaining skirt, the tear end having a grip means attached thereto and a weakening at the area of attachment of the substantially fracturable retaining skirt to a surface of the curved plugging portion, and the attachment end having a substantially secure attachment at the area of attachment of the substantially fracturable retaining skirt to the surface of the curved plugging portion; wherein the substantially fracturable retaining skirt is configured to be fracturable upon application of force from the grip means away from the curved plugging portion but the attachment end of the substantially fracturable retaining skirt is configured to be non-fracturable, and the application of force at the attachment end permits the release of the curved plugging portion.

2. The closure assembly according to claim 1 wherein the curved plugging portion is curved about a substantially central axis.

3. The closure assembly according to claim 2 wherein the curved plugging portion is further characterised by a hollow semi dome shape, the convexity of the curved plugging portion extending downwardly, and a substantially annular projection extending outwardly from an edge of the curved plugging portion to provide a surface for the attachment of the substantially fracturable retaining skirt.

4. The closure assembly according to claim 1 wherein the curved plugging portion is configured to abut against an inner wall of the spout defining an opening on a flexible container to plug the opening and substantially enclose the contents of the flexible container therein.

5. The closure assembly according to claim 1 wherein the attachment of the substantially fracturable retaining skirt to the surface of the curved plugging portion is weakened by a reduction in the thickness of a material forming the closure assembly at the area of attachment of the substantially fracturable retaining skirt to the surface of the curved plugging portion, but not at the area of attachment of the attachment end of the retaining skirt.

6. The closure assembly according to claim 5 wherein the area of attachment of the substantially fracturable retaining skirt to the surface of the curved plugging portion comprises a notch at the tear end to aid the tearing of the substantially fracturable retaining skirt and unplugging of the curved plugging portion.

7. The closure assembly according to claim 6 wherein the grip means comprises a hook or annular ring to aid the gripping of the grip means by a user and the application of force on the grip means away from the curved plugging portion by the user.

8. The closure assembly according to claim 7 wherein the grip means comprises an annular ring attached to the tear end of the substantially fracturable retaining skirt extending outwardly from the substantially fracturable retaining skirt.

9. A method of manufacture of the closure assembly according to claim 1 wherein the closure assembly is moulded from a plastic or plastic composite material and a weakening between the substantially fracturable retaining skirt and the surface of the curved plugging portion is formed by moulding the weakening into the closure assembly, by cutting the weakening into the closure assembly or by stamping the weakening into the closure assembly formed by moulding.

10. A method of closing the opening defined by the spout provided on the flexible container comprising positioning the curved plugging portion of a closure assembly according to claim 1 over the opening and engaging the substantially fracturable retaining skirt about at least a portion of an exterior surface of the spout.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) The invention now will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings together with examples and the preferred embodiments disclosed in the detailed description. The invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are provided by way of illustration only such that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will convey the full scope and breadth of the invention.

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a closure assembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram of the closure assembly disposed upon, and connected to, a container spout.

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the closure assembly of FIG. 1, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.

(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a closure assembly showing lines of weakness, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.

(6) FIG. 5 is a further perspective view of a closure assembly showing lines of weakness, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.

(7) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a closure assembly, with pull-tab in a deployed position, secured upon spout 200, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.

(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the closure assembly showing a tear initiation point in the cap collar.

(9) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a closure assembly, with pull-tab in a deployed position, secured upon spout 200 with retaining skirt partially pulled away from connecting flange, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.

(10) FIG. 9 is a further perspective view of a closure assembly, with pull-tab in a deployed position, with retaining skirt further pulled away from connecting flange, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.

(11) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a closure assembly removed from the spout, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.

(12) FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a process to remove a closure assembly from a spout, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.

(13) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a closure assembly disposed upon bag, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(14) Several embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the figures. Exemplary embodiments are described to illustrate certain aspects and embodiments of the invention, not to limit its scope, which is defined by the claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognise that a number of equivalent variations of the various features provided in the description that follows may be possible.

(15) FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a closure assembly 10, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention. The closure assembly 10 includes a cap, herein characterised as a closure assembly 100, and a spout 200. As shown in FIG. 1, the closure assembly 100 has been removed from the spout 200, and the disposition of the spout 200 is open to allow fluid, for example, to pass out of the spout, in accord with aspects of the disclosure as described below. In contrast to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram of the closure assembly 100 disposed upon, and connected to, the spout 200. In the arrangement of FIG. 2, the disposition of the spout 200 is closed.

(16) The closure assembly 100 includes a plugging portion 110. In the arrangement of FIG. 2, the plugging portion 110 is secured upon the spout so as to close spout opening 220. The plugging portion 110 may be secured to the spout 200 with a cap collar 120. On the other hand, in the arrangement of FIG. 1, the plugging portion 110 is removed from the spout 200 so as to open spout opening 220.

(17) FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of the closure assembly 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Hereinafter further details will be described with reference to FIG. 2, as well as FIGS. 1 and 3.

(18) A closure assembly 10, in accordance with at least one embodiment, includes a plugging portion 110, a cap collar 120, and a pull assembly 150. As is shown in FIG. 3, the cap collar 120 extends around an outer periphery of the plugging portion 110. The cap collar 120 includes both a connecting flange 130 and a retaining skirt 140. The connecting flange 130 may be connected to an outer periphery of the plugging portion 110. From the outer periphery of the plugging portion 110, the connecting flange 130 may extend in a substantially horizontal manner. The retaining skirt 140 may be connected to the connecting flange 130. More specifically, the retaining skirt 140 may extend downwardly, in an annular manner, from the connecting flange 130. In some embodiments, the retaining skirt 140 may be disposed adjacent or proximate to an outer periphery of the connecting flange 130. However, in other embodiments, the retaining skirt 140 may be disposed at a distance from an outer periphery of the connecting flange 130, in the manner shown in FIG. 3.

(19) The plugging portion 110 may be provided with a bottom surface 110′ that is convex or bowed to a degree. The convex arrangement may offer the advantage of withstanding substantial force resulting from the volume of content pressing against the plugging portion 110, as well as withstanding impacts on the packaging. The convex structure, in turn, allows the closure to withstand higher forces placed upon the closure than is currently provided by closures commonly available for other fields of use e.g. those used in milk and juice packaging. In general, such convex structure of the plugging portion 110 provides for external and internal conformation that provides greater mechanical strength.

(20) The retaining skirt 140 may be provided with a plurality of ridges 145. In particular, as shown in FIG. 3, the ridges 145 may include upper securement ridges 147 and lower securement ridges 146. The ridges 145 serve to secure the closure assembly 100 upon spout 200. More specifically, the ridges 145 serve to engage with a spout retaining collar 211, as shown in FIG. 1.

(21) As shown in FIG. 1, the spout 200 includes a supporting stem or tube 210. The supporting stem 210 may be in the form of a short tubular structure that is provided with a spout opening 220. Accordingly, fluids, for example, may pass through the spout opening 220. The spout retaining collar 211 may be provided proximate an upper end of the supporting stem 210. The spout retaining collar 211 engages one or more of the ridges 145 so as to secure the closure assembly 100 upon the spout 200. However, it is appreciated that any number of spout retaining collars 211 and/or alternatives to ridges 145 may be provided as desired. For example, the spout retaining collar 211 may be constituted by a plurality of ridges and the ridges 145 may be constituted by a single ridge.

(22) As shown in FIG. 1, the spout 200 also includes a skirt channel 212. The skirt channel 212 may provide an annular channel that accepts one or more of the ridges 145. Accordingly, the spout retaining collar 211 and skirt channel 212 collectively afford a securement mechanism so as to engage with ridges 145. The skirt channel 212 may be formed, in part, by an outer surface of the supporting stem 210.

(23) The spout 200 may further include ribbed surface disposed upon the supporting stem 210. The ribbed surface 213 may be provided for structural support and/or provided to attach a tube, pipe, or to attach to another structure upon the spout after the closure assembly has been removed. They may also be provided for additional support and improved grip strength at the point of attachment, for example, when fitted to a box or dispenser. As a result, the attached tube or pipe may then direct fluid exiting the spout opening 220 in a desired manner. Alternatively, the ribbed surface 213 may be constituted by threads or a threaded arrangement upon which a tube, pipe, or other structure may be disposed upon the spout 200; so as to direct fluid exiting from the spout opening 220. Additionally, the spout 200 may be provided with a spout securement collar 230. The spout securement collar 230, for example, may be attached to an interior surface of a container or bag to which the spout 200 is provided. For example, an upper surface 231 of the spout securement collar 230 may be secured to an internal surface of a supporting bag, so as to support the spout 200. The spout securement collar 230 may be secured to such an internal surface of a supporting bag utilising adhesive, heat bonding, and/or other arrangement. Alternatively, a lower surface of the spout securement collar 230 may be secured to an external surface of a supporting bag, so as to support the spout 200.

(24) In an aspect of the disclosure, the closure assembly may be secured upon the spout 200 as shown in FIG. 2, and yet be easily removable to open the spout opening 220 to provide the arrangement shown in FIG. 1. The closure assembly 100 is provided with a pull-tab assembly 150 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The pull-tab assembly may include a pull-tab 151 that includes a pull-tab opening 152. The pull-tab 151, in embodiments of the disclosure, is connected to the cap collar 120 via a connecting tang 153.

(25) In general, the closure assembly 100 and/or the spout 200 may be constructed in whole or in part of a suitable plastic material and/or other material, as may be desired. Suitable materials and their comparative qualities and characteristics are known to persons skilled in the art, who may select a material based on its desired performance qualities in the field of application.

(26) More specifically, the connecting tang 153 is connected to a connecting flange tear segment 131, which constitutes a part of connecting flange 130. The connecting flange tear segment 131 is in turn connected to a retaining skirt first end 141. In operation, as described further below, the pull-tab 151 is movable from a stowed position to a deployed position. In the stowed position, the pull-tab 151 is disposed interior of the cap collar 120. This arrangement is shown in FIG. 2. In particular, the pull-tab 151 may be disposed and/or at least partially contained within a cap recess 111 of the plugging portion 110. As shown in FIG. 3, the cap recess 111 may be constituted by a recess, indent or divot formed in the plugging portion 110. On the other hand, in the “deployed” position the pull-tab 151 is disposed outside of the cap collar 120. This arrangement provides an advantage of being highly contained and sleek as shown in FIG. 2. On the other hand, as described below and FIG. 3, the deployed position of the pull-tab 151 allows a user to exert substantial pull force, in various directions, so as to easily and effectively tear the retaining skirt 140 from the connecting flange 130 along one or more predetermined weakened lines. In other words, the pull-tab 151, in the deployed position, enables a user to apply a substantial pull force so as to disengage at least a portion of the cap collar 120 from the spout retaining collar 211 (FIG. 1) of the spout 200. As a result, the closure assembly 100 may be removed from the spout 200.

(27) Such disengagement of at least a portion of the cap collar 120 from the spout retaining collar 211 (of the spout 200) may be associated with tearing at least a portion of the closure assembly 100. In particular, as described herein, such tearing of the closure assembly 100 may be performed as a result of a pull force applied by the user, to the pull-tab 151, as applied to one or more weakened lines or lines of weakness in the closure assembly.

(28) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a closure assembly 100 showing a portion of a series lines of weakness 170, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a closure assembly 100 showing a portion of lines of weakness', in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.

(29) In particular, a weakened portion in the closure assembly 100 as shown in FIG. 4 may include an annular line of weakness 171 that extends around the plugging portion 110. The annular line of weakness is provided to demarcate the connecting flange 130 from the retaining skirt 140 shown in FIG. 5 and provides a separation point for the retaining skirt 140 to be separated from at least a portion of the connecting flange 130. The annular line of weakness 171 is shown in FIG. 4.

(30) As described above, an annular line of weakness 171 is provided to demarcate the connecting flange 130 from the retaining skirt 140. The annular line of weakness 171 provides a separation point or line for the retaining skirt 140 to be separated from at least a portion of the connecting flange 130.

(31) Tearing of the closure assembly 100 may also include tearing along a vertical line of weakness 176 (as shown in FIG. 5) that demarcates a weakened portion of the retaining skirt. Specifically, the weakened portion of the retaining skirt may be a line of weakness 176 that demarcates a retaining skirt first end 141 and a retaining skirt second end 142 (as shown in FIG. 3).

(32) Further, tearing of the retaining skirt 140 from the connecting flange 130 may be associated with tearing along one or more lines of weakness 172, 173, 174 that serve to provide a separation between the connecting flange tear segment 131 from a remaining portion of the connecting flange 130. Further details are described below relating to the manner in which the closure assembly 100 is removed from the spout 200 utilising various lines of weakness.

(33) As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the pull-tab assembly includes a connecting tang 153. The connecting tang 153 may be provided between the pull-tab and the cap collar 120. More specifically, the connecting tang 153 may include a first end and a second end. A first end of the connecting tang 153 may be connected to the pull-tab 151. On the other hand, a second end of the connecting tang 153 may be connected to the connecting flange tear segment 131. As a result, pull force exerted upon the pull-tab 151 may be transferred through the connecting tang 153 so as to exert force on the connecting flange tear segment 131. Such arrangement provides the ability to exert force on tear lines 172, 173, 174, 176. In particular, the arrangement provides the ability to initially exert a tear force on a tear initiation point 175, as shown in FIG. 5, for example.

(34) The connecting tang 153 also provides a hinge 154 (shown in FIG. 2), in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, to provide for pivoting of the pull-tab 151 from a stowed position to a deployed position. The hinge may be constituted by a plastic member or other flexible member that is adapted to bend. The connecting tang 153 may be provided with a weakened portion in a midportion thereof, i.e. where bending is desired, so as to enhance the bendability of the connecting tang 153. As shown in FIG. 3, the connecting tang 153 may be constituted by a planar material, such as plastic.

(35) As is also described above, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a closure assembly 100, with pull-tab 151 in a stowed position, secured upon spout 200 to close the spout, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a closure assembly 100, with pull-tab 151 in a deployed position, secured upon spout 200, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.

(36) FIGS. 7-10 are sequential perspective views showing a process for removing the closure assembly 100 from the spout 200. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the closure assembly 10 showing a tear initiation point 175 in the cap collar 120. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a closure assembly 100, with pull-tab 151 in a deployed position, secured upon spout 200 with retaining skirt 140 partially pulled away from connecting flange 130, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 9 is a further perspective view of a closure assembly 100, with pull-tab 151 in a deployed position, with retaining skirt 140 further pulled away from connecting flange 130, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a closure assembly 100 removed from spout 200, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.

(37) FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a process for removing a closure assembly 100 from a spout 200, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention. The process starts with step 500. In step 500, the closure assembly 100, with the pull-tab stowed, is provided on a bag, such as bag 700 shown in FIG. 12. The closure assembly 100 serves to close spout 200 and to contain fluid within bag 700. In the closed position, the bag may be shipped or delivered to a desired destination and/or handled in any other way as required. After step 500 as shown in FIG. 11, the process passes to step 510.

(38) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a closure assembly 10 disposed upon bag 700, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.

(39) In step 510, a user engages pull-tab 151 with his or her finger, for example, so as to pull pull-tab 151 out of the stowed position as shown in FIG. 3. That is, a user pulls the pull-tab so as to position the pull-tab in a deployed position as shown in FIG. 6. After step 510, the process passes to step 520.

(40) In step 520, the user pulls the pull-tab sideways and/or in other direction, i.e. to the left as shown in FIG. 7. Accordingly, the user exerts a pull force that may be exerted upwards, downwards, and/or to the left as shown in FIG. 7. This pull force exerts a force upon tear initiation point 175 and/or other lines of weakness of the closure assembly 100. Accordingly, separation of the connecting flange tear segment 131 from the remaining portion of the connecting flange 130 is initiated. After step 520, the process passes to step 530.

(41) In step 530, the user further pulls the pull-tab sideways to the left as shown in FIG. 8. The exertion of such pull force serves to rupture or breach various lines of weakness including lines 176, 174, 173, 172 and/or 171. As a result, in the arrangement shown in FIG. 8, the connecting flange tear segment 131 is completely separated from the remaining portion of the connecting flange. The retaining skirt 140 is separated partially from the spout retaining collar 211. In the arrangement of FIG. 8, as reflected at 530′ of FIG. 11, the retaining skirt 540 has not been fully compromised such that the closure assembly 100 is still substantially secured upon the spout 200. Although, it is appreciated that in the arrangement of FIG. 8, the closure assembly 10 has been compromised to sufficient degree such that leakage might occur through spout opening 220. After step 530 of FIG. 11, process passes to step 540.

(42) In step 540, the user further exerts a pull force and pulls the pull-tab in a clockwise manner around the spout 200, as is shown in FIG. 9. Such exertion of further pull force results in further breach or rupture line of weakness 171, as shown in FIG. 5. It is appreciated that as retaining skirt 140 is further segregated, a long line of weakness 171, the closure assembly 100 will be progressively less secured to the spout 200.

(43) After step 540 of FIG. 11, the process passes to step 550. In step 550, the user exerts an upward force on the closure assembly 100 so as to remove the closure assembly 100 from the spout 200. This results in access to spout opening 220 and a fully opened disposition of the spout 200/bag 700. Accordingly, as reflected in step 560, with the closure assembly 100 is removed, the spout is fully open to allow contents of bag 700 to flow out of the spout 200.

(44) The various components described herein may be made from any of a variety of materials including, for example, plastic, plastic resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, composite material, foam and/or rubber, for example, or any other material as may be desired. For example, the closure assembly and/or the spout described herein may be produced from a plastic resin, such as polyethylene, and by injection moulding. However, it is appreciated that safe material consideration should be considered in the case that the closure assembly is to be used with a consumable. The apparatus of the disclosure, as described herein, is used in the context of a bag or container that contains a liquid. However, the apparatus of the disclosure may be used in conjunction with other substances, such as vapor or solid, such as granulized solid, for example.

(45) A variety of production techniques may be used to make the apparatuses described herein. For example, suitable injection moulding and other moulding techniques and other manufacturing techniques might be utilised. Also, the various components of the apparatuses may be integrally formed, as may be desired, in particular when using moulding construction techniques. Also, the various components of the apparatuses may be formed in pieces and connected together in some manner, such as with a suitable adhesive acceptable for the intended use. The various lines of weakness, as described herein, may either be moulded into the particular part, cut in post moulding, or stamped in post moulding, for example. It is appreciated that a tear initiation point may be at an alternate point along a line of weakness, and is not limited to the particular arrangement shown in FIG. 7, for example.

(46) Fastener arrangements, such as those needed to connect the spout securement collar to a supporting bag, used in the invention might include welding, compression fit, D-zip, tape and/or adhesive, for example. Suitable faster arrangements acceptable for the intended use (for example to comply with regulations such as food standards or that are fit for the intended purpose) will be well known to persons skilled in the art. Thus, such persons may select between alternative fastener arrangements, as required.

(47) The various apparatuses and components of the apparatuses, as described herein, may be provided in various sizes and/or dimensions, as desired. Suitable sizes and/or dimensions will vary depending on the specifications of connecting components or the field of use, which may be selected by persons skilled in the art.

(48) It will be appreciated that features, elements and/or characteristics described with respect to one embodiment of the disclosure may be used with other embodiments of the invention, as desired.

(49) Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure and accompanying claims.

(50) It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly on another element or layer or intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present.

(51) As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

(52) It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

(53) Spatially relative terms, such as “lower”, “upper”, “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of structures in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawing figures. For example, if a device in the drawing figures is turned over, elements described as “lower” relative to other elements or features would then be oriented “upper” relative the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “lower” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

(54) The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “including,” “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

(55) Embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with reference to diagrams and/or cross-section illustrations, for example, that are schematic illustrations of preferred embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the description. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the description should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of components illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

(56) Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this description belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealised or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

(57) Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the description. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect and/or use such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

(58) Embodiments are also intended to include or otherwise cover methods of using and methods of manufacturing any or all of the elements disclosed above.

(59) While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims.

(60) All publications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed in Australia or elsewhere before the priority date of each claim of this application.

(61) It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those skilled in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.