Folded merchandising unit and blank

A display unit including a front panel, an outer back panel, a bottom panel and side panels; first, second and third connected reinforcing panel sections folded into superposing relation to the outer back panel, the bottom panel and the front panel, respectively, such that a double-panel reinforcement is established on a portion of the display unit; wherein the first, second and third connected reinforcing panel sections are also connected with the front panel along a first fold line defined between the front panel and the third reinforcing panel section; an inner back panel is connected and folded into superposing relation with the outer back panel along a second fold line; and wherein a depth of the display unit is defined between the front panel and the outer back panel and the second connected reinforcing panel section extends an entirety of the depth between the front panel and the outer back panel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A wide variety of different types of merchandising units are used to store, dispense, and display consumer goods at the point of sale. For example, in shops and kiosks, the majority of consumer goods are displayed on free standing counter top displays or similar wall mounted display units. However, it may be desirable to dispense certain items from units provided inside the kiosk or behind the counter top area. In such instance, it may be preferred to allow consumers to still view the goods, but not have them directly accessible by the consumer.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

It would be desirable to provide a novel merchandising unit for consumer goods and in particular, for smoking articles, which provides increased flexibility in the display and access of the consumer goods at the point of sale.

The present invention relates to a folded merchandising unit adapted to be glued and shipped in a folded state and erected at a point of sale into a merchandising display carton. The invention finds particular application as a merchandising unit for smoking articles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a merchandising unit, i.e., display carton, particularly suited for packages of smoking articles, as well as smokeless tobacco products, or any other types of consumer goods.

According to one embodiment, a display (merchandising) unit includes a front panel, an outer back panel, a bottom panel and side panels; first, second and third connected reinforcing panel sections folded into superposing relation to said outer back panel, said bottom panel and said front panel, respectively, said first, second and third connected reinforcing panels also being connected with said front panel along a first fold line defined between said front panel and said third panel section; an inner back panel connected and folded into superposing relation with said outer back panel along a second fold line; whereby a double-panel reinforcement of the display unit is established.

A further embodiment provides a method of establishing a double-panel reinforcement of a display unit, comprising establishing a box structure comprising a front panel, an outer back panel, a bottom panel and side panels; folding first, second and third connected reinforcing panel sections into superposing relation to said outer back panel, said bottom panel and said front panel, respectively, said folding including folding along a first fold line defined between said front panel and said third panel section; and folding an inner back panel into superposing relation with said outer back panel along a second fold line.

According to one embodiment, a carton blank is adapted to be glued and shipped in a folded condition and erected at a point of sale into a merchandising display carton. The carton blank comprises a first rectangular panel having first and second short ends and first and second long ends, the first and second short ends being free ends and the first long end being a free end; a second rectangular panel having first and second short ends and first and second long ends, the first long end of the second rectangular panel hingedly connected to the second long end of the first rectangular panel along a first fold line; a third rectangular panel having first and second short ends and first and second long ends; a glue flap having first and second short ends and first and second long ends, the first long end of the glue flap hingedly connected to the second short end of the second rectangular panel along a second fold line, the second long end being a free end, and the first and second short ends being free ends; a first side panel having first and second short ends and first and second long ends, the first long end of the first side panel hingedly connected to the second short end of the third rectangular panel along a third fold line, the second long end of the first side panel hingedly connected to the first short end of the second rectangular panel along a fourth fold line, the second short end of the first side panel hingedly connected to a first dust flap along a fifth fold line and the first short end of the first side panel being a free end; a second side panel having first and second short ends and first and second long ends, the second long end of the second side panel hingedly connected to the first short end of the third rectangular panel along a sixth fold line, the second short end of the second side panel hingedly connected to a second dust flap along a seventh fold line and the first short end and first long end of the second side panel being free ends; a bottom panel having first and second short ends and first and second long ends, the first long end of the bottom panel hingedly connected to the second long end of the third rectangular panel along an eighth fold line, the second long end of the bottom panel hingedly connected to a tuck flap along a ninth fold line, and the first and second short ends of the bottom panel being free ends; and the third rectangular panel having first, second and third score lines parallel to the first and second long ends of the third rectangular panel and first and second perforated lines extending from the first long end and perpendicular to the first, second and third score lines to form first, second and third foldable inner reinforcement sections which are located inside the display carton when the display carton is erected; wherein the glue flap is adapted to be glued to an inside of the second side flap so as to provide a carton blank in a folded condition which can be erected to form a merchandising display carton by folding the first and second side panels at an angle of 90° with respect to the second and third rectangular panels and form a rectangular opening between the first and second side panels and between the second and third rectangular panels, folding the first and second dust flaps by an angle of 90° with respect to the first and second side panels so as to overlie a bottom of the rectangular opening, folding the tuck flap by an angle of 90° with respect to the bottom flap and folding the bottom flap by an angle of 90° with respect to the third rectangular panel so as to overlie the bottom of the rectangular opening with the tuck flap against an inside of the second rectangular panel, and folding the first rectangular panel by an angle of 180° with respect to the second rectangular panel so as to be inside the rectangular opening against the second rectangular panel20.

According to another embodiment, the carton blank further comprises a third perforated line in the first side panel, the third perforated line extending from the first short end of the first side panel to a fold line between the first side panel and the third rectangular panel; a fourth perforated line in the second side panel, the fourth perforated line extending from the first short end of the second side panel to a fold line between the second side panel and the third rectangular panel; a fifth perforated line extending between the fourth perforated line and the first perforated line; and a sixth perforated line extending between the second perforated line and the third perforated line, the first through sixth perforated lines allowing sections of the carton blank to be removed while leaving the three reinforcement sections, which fold about the first, second and third score lines such that the first reinforcement section abuts the second rectangular panel, the second reinforcement section abuts the bottom panel and the third reinforcement section abuts the third rectangular panel.

According to another embodiment, a method of erecting the glued and folded display carton comprises folding the first and second side panels at an angle of 90° with respect to the second and third rectangular panels and forming a rectangular opening between the first and second side panels and between the second and third rectangular panels; folding the first and second dust flaps by an angle of 90° with respect to the first and second side panels so as to overlie a bottom of the rectangular opening; folding the tuck flap by an angle of 90° with respect to the bottom flap; folding the bottom flap by an angle of 90° with respect to the third rectangular panel so as to overlie the bottom of the rectangular opening with the tuck flap against an inside of the second rectangular panel; folding the first rectangular panel by an angle of 180° with respect to the second rectangular panel so as to be inside the rectangular opening against the second rectangular panel; separating the first, second and third reinforcement sections from remaining portions of the carton blank by tearing the carton blank along the first and second perforation lines; folding the first reinforcement section 90° with respect to the second reinforcement section; folding the second reinforcement section 90° with respect to the third reinforcement section; folding the third reinforcement section 180° about the third score line such that the third reinforcement section abuts an inside of a lower portion of the third rectangular panel, the second reinforcement section abuts the bottom panel, and the first reinforcement section abuts a lower portion of the second rectangular panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring toFIGS. 1-2, a carton blank100for a merchandising unit300is described herein. The blank100comprises a first (inner) back rectangular panel10, a second (outer) back rectangular panel20and a third rectangular panel30. The first rectangular panel10has first and second short ends12,14and first and second long ends (or “edge portions”)16,18, the first and second short ends12,14being free ends and the first long end16being a free end. The second rectangular panel20has first and second short ends22,24and first and second long ends26,28, the first long end26of the second rectangular panel being hingedly connected to the second long end18of the first rectangular panel10along a first fold line L1. The third rectangular panel30has first and second short ends32,34and first and second long ends36,38.

The blank100further comprises a glue flap40, a first side panel50, a second side panel60, and a bottom panel70. The glue flap40has first and second short ends42,44and first and second long ends46,48, the first long end46of the glue flap being hingedly connected to the second short end24of the second rectangular panel20along a second fold line L2, the second long end48being a free end, and the first and second short ends42,44being free ends. The first side panel50has first and second short ends52,54and first and second long ends56,58, the first long end56of the first side panel50being hingedly connected to the second short end34of the third rectangular panel30along a third fold line L3, the second long end58of the first side panel50being hingedly connected to the first short end22of the second rectangular panel20along a fourth fold line L4, and the second short end54of the first side panel50being hingedly connected to a first dust flap59along a fifth fold line L5and the first short end52of the first side panel50being a free end. The second side panel60has first and second short ends62,64and first and second long ends66,68, the second long end68of the second side panel60being hingedly connected to the first short end32of the third rectangular panel30along a sixth fold line L6, the second short end64of the second side panel60being hingedly connected to a second dust flap69along a seventh fold line L7and the first short end62and first long end66of the second side panel60being free ends. The bottom panel70has first and second short ends72,74and first and second long ends76,78, the first long end76of the bottom panel70being hingedly connected to the second long end38of the third rectangular panel30along an eighth fold line L8, the second long end78of the bottom panel70being hingedly connected to a tuck flap79along a ninth fold line L9, and the first and second short ends72,74of the bottom panel70being free ends.

As shown best inFIG. 1, the third rectangular panel30has first, second and third score (fold) lines31,33,35extending transversely and parallel to the first and second long ends36,38thereof in order to facilitate folding of the third rectangular panel30therealong, as described further below. The third rectangular panel30also includes first and second perforated lines P1, P2extending from the first long end36and perpendicular to the first, second and third score (fold) lines31,33,35to form, when broken, first, second and third foldable inner reinforcement sections T1, T2, T3. The carton blank100further comprises first and second cut lines C1, C2in the third rectangular panel30, the first cut line C1extending from the first perforated line P1to one end35aof the third score line35and the second cut line C2extending from the second perforated line P2to an opposite end35bof the third score line35, the perforated lines P1, P2and the cut lines C1, C2allowing the three reinforcement sections T1, T2, T3to be separated from the first and second side panels50,60and folded about the first, second and third score lines31,33,35such that the first reinforcement section T1abuts the second rectangular panel20, the second reinforcement section T2abuts the bottom panel70and the third reinforcement section T3abuts the third rectangular panel30when the unit is erected. The first, second and third reinforcement sections T1-T3, can thus be folded into the interior of the erected merchandising unit to provide, together with back panels10and20when folded, a double-wall thickness along the front, bottom and back portions of the unit.

The glue flap40is adapted to be glued to an inner or inside surface of the second side panel60so as to provide an erectable carton blank structure in a folded condition which can be erected to form the display carton or merchandising unit300. Hence, the carton blank is configured to be readily glued and folded into a collapsed state to facilitate shipping to the sales force, and the collapsed unit is readily erected in the field. More particularly, fold lines L2, L3, L4and L6are preferably pre-broken by folding 180°, fold lines L4and L6are then folded 180° and glue flap40is glued to the inner surface of second side panel60to form a glued and folded blank structure. With reference toFIG. 2, the glued and folded blank100is erected by folding the first and second side panels50,60at an angle of 90° with respect to the second and third rectangular panels20,30to form a rectangular opening110between the first and second side panels50,60and between the second and third rectangular panels20,30. Thereafter, the first and second dust flaps59,69are folded by an angle of 90° with respect to the first and second side panels50,60so as to overlie a bottom of the rectangular opening110, the tuck flap79is folded by an angle of 90° with respect to the bottom flap70and the bottom flap70is folded by an angle of 90° with respect to the third rectangular panel30so as to overlie the bottom of the rectangular opening110with the tuck flap79against an inside of the second rectangular panel20. The first rectangular panel10is then folded by an angle of 180° with respect to the second rectangular panel20so as to be inside the rectangular opening110and disposed against the second rectangular panel20. The folded over first rectangular panel10thus provides a double wall thickness and additional strength and support to the back portion of the erected merchandising unit.

The carton blank100further comprises a locking tab21extending from the second long end28of the second rectangular panel20and a slit71along fold line L9between the bottom panel70and the tuck flap79. The locking tab21is configured to fit into the slit71when the carton blank is erected. The locking tab21is hingedly connected to the second rectangular panel about a tenth fold line L10and is foldable about an eleventh fold line L11parallel to the tenth fold line L10, the locking tab being defined by cut lines C3, C4in the second rectangular panel extending between the tenth fold line L10and the eleventh fold line L11.

The carton blank100further comprises a first hole H1in the first rectangular panel10and a second hole H2in the second rectangular panel20, the first and second holes H1, H2forming a first axially aligned mounting hole when the first rectangular panel10is folded over the second rectangular panel20. Also shown are a third hole H3in the first rectangular panel10and a fourth hole H4in the second rectangular panel20, the third and fourth holes H3, H4forming a second axially aligned mounting hole when the first rectangular panel10is folded over the second rectangular panel20. The first and second holes H1, H2are equidistant to the first and fourth fold lines L1, L4and the third and fourth holes H3, H4are equidistant to the first and second fold lines L1, L2. The holes accommodate mounting the fully erected unit to be hung from hooks or wire.

The first side panel50includes a first rounded corner R1extending between the second perforation line P2and the first short end52of the first side panel50and the second side panel60includes a second rounded corner R2extending between the first second perforation line P1and the first short end62of the first side panel60.

Referring toFIG. 3, a carton blank100′ according to another embodiment is shown, like reference numerals being used to refer to like elements shown inFIGS. 1-2. As in the previous embodiment, the blank100′ comprises a first (inner) rectangular panel10, a second (outer) rectangular panel20and a third rectangular panel30. The first rectangular panel10has first and second short ends (or “edge portions”)12,14and first and second long ends16,18, the first and second short ends12,14being free ends and the first long end16being a free end. The second rectangular panel20has first and second short ends22,24and first and second long ends26,28, the first long end26of the second rectangular panel being hingedly connected to the second long end18of the first rectangular panel10along a first fold line L1. The third rectangular panel30has first and second short ends32,34and first and second long ends36,38.

The blank100further comprises a glue flap40, a first side panel50, a second side panel60, and a bottom panel70. The glue flap40has first and second short ends42,44and first and second long ends46,48, the first long end46of the glue flap being hingedly connected to the second short end24of the second rectangular panel20along a second fold line L2, the second long end48being a free end, and the first and second short ends42,44being free ends. The first side panel50has first and second short ends52,54and first and second long ends56,58, the first long end56of the first side panel50being hingedly connected to the second short end34of the third rectangular panel30along a third fold line L3, the second long end58of the first side panel50being hingedly connected to the first short end22of the second rectangular panel20along a fourth fold line L4, and the second short end54of the first side panel50being hingedly connected to a first dust flap59along a fifth fold line L5and the first short end52of the first side panel50being a free end. The second side panel60has first and second short ends62,64and first and second long ends66,68, the second long end68of the second side panel60being hingedly connected to the first short end32of the third rectangular panel30along a sixth fold line L6, the second short end64of the second side panel60being hingedly connected to a second dust flap69along a seventh fold line L7and the first short end62and first long end66of the second side panel60being free ends. The bottom panel70has first and second short ends72,74and first and second long ends76,78, the first long end76of the bottom panel70being hingedly connected to the second long end38of the third rectangular panel30along an eight fold line L8, the second long end78of the bottom panel70being hingedly connected to a tuck flap79along a ninth fold line L9, and the first and second short ends72,74of the bottom panel70being free ends.

As shown inFIG. 3, the third rectangular panel30has first, second and third score (fold) lines31,33,35extending transversely and parallel to the first and second long ends36,38thereof in order to facilitate folding of the third rectangular panel30therealong, as described further below. The third rectangular panel30also includes first and second perforated lines P1, P2extending from the first long end36and perpendicular to the first, second and third score (fold) lines31,33,35to form, when broken, first, second and third foldable inner reinforcement sections T1, T2, T3which are located inside the display carton when the display carton is erected. Blank100′ further comprises a third perforated line P3in the first side panel50, the third perforated line P3extending from the first short end52of the first side panel50to fold line L3between the first side panel50and the third rectangular panel30, a fourth perforated line P4in the second side panel60, the fourth perforated line P4extending from the first short end62of the second side panel60to fold line L6between the second side panel60and the third rectangular panel30, a fifth perforated line P5extending between the fourth perforated line P4and the first perforated line P1, and a sixth perforated line P6extending between the second perforated line P2and the third perforated line P3. The perforated lines P1-P6allow sections of the carton blank100′ to be completely removed while leaving the three reinforcement sections T1, T2, T3to be folded about the first, second and third score lines31,33,35such that the first reinforcement section T1abuts the second rectangular panel20, the second reinforcement section T2abuts the bottom panel70and the third reinforcement section T3abuts the third rectangular panel30when the unit is erected, as shown inFIG. 5. The first, second and third reinforcement sections T1-T3, can thus be folded into the interior of the erected merchandising unit to provide, together with back panels10and20when folded, a double-wall thickness along the front, bottom and back portions of the unit.

The glue flap40is adapted to be glued to an inner or inside surface of the second side panel60so as to provide an erectable carton blank structure in a folded condition which can be erected to form the display carton or merchandising unit300′. More particularly, fold lines L2, L3, L4and L6are preferably pre-broken by folding 180°, fold lines L4and L6are then folded 180° and glue flap40is glued to the inner surface of second side panel60to form a glued and folded blank structure. Hence, the carton blank is configured to be readily glued and folded into a collapsed state to facilitate shipping to the sales force, and the collapsed unit is readily erected in the field. The glued and folded blank100′ is erected by preferably first removing the panels defined by the perforated lines P1-P6. Thereafter, with reference also toFIG. 2, the blank100′ is similarly erected by folding the first and second side panels50,60at an angle of 90° with respect to the second and third rectangular panels20,30to form a rectangular opening110between the first and second side panels50,60and between the second and third rectangular panels20,30. Thereafter, the first and second dust flaps59,69are folded by an angle of 90° with respect to the first and second side panels50,60so as to overlie a bottom of the rectangular opening110, the tuck flap79is folded by an angle of 90° with respect to the bottom flap70and the bottom flap70is folded by an angle of 90° with respect to the third rectangular panel30so as to overlie the bottom of the rectangular opening110with the tuck flap79against an inside of the second rectangular panel20. The first rectangular panel10is then folded by an angle of 180° with respect to the second rectangular panel20so as to be inside the rectangular opening110and disposed against the second rectangular panel20. The folded over first rectangular panel10thus provides a double wall thickness and additional strength and support to the back portion of the erected merchandising unit.

The carton blank100′ further comprises a locking tab21extending from the second long end28of the second rectangular panel20and a slit71along fold line L9between the bottom panel70and the tuck flap79. The locking tab21is configured to fit into the slit71when the carton blank is erected. The locking tab21is hingedly connected to the second rectangular panel about a tenth fold line L10and is foldable about an eleventh fold line L11parallel to the tenth fold line L10, the locking tab being defined by cut lines C3, C4in the second rectangular panel extending between the tenth fold line L10and the eleventh fold line L11.

The carton blank100′ further comprising a first hole H1in the first rectangular panel10and a second hole H2in the second rectangular panel20, the first and second holes H1, H2forming a first axially aligned mounting hole when the first rectangular panel10is folded over the second rectangular panel20. Also shown are a third hole H3in the first rectangular panel10and a fourth hole H4in the second rectangular panel20, the third and fourth holes H3, H4forming a second axially aligned mounting hole when the first rectangular panel10is folded over the second rectangular panel20. The first and second holes H1, H2are equidistant to the first and fourth fold lines L1, L4and the third and fourth holes H3, H4are equidistant to the first and second fold lines L1, L2.

The first side panel50includes a first rounded corner R1extending between the third perforation line P3and the first short end52of the first side panel50and the second side panel60includes a second rounded corner R2extending between the fourth perforation line P4and the first short end62of the first side panel60.

A method of erecting a folded carton blank100according to one embodiment comprises folding the first and second side panels50,60at an angle of 90° with respect to the second and third rectangular panels20,30so as to form a rectangular opening110between the first and second side panels50,60and between the second and third rectangular panels20,30. Thereafter, folding the first and second dust flaps59,69by an angle of 90° with respect to the first and second side panels50,60so as to overlie a bottom of the rectangular opening110. The tuck flap79is then folded by an angle of 90° with respect to the bottom flap70and the bottom flap70is folded by an angle of 90° with respect to the third rectangular panel30so as to overlie the bottom of the rectangular opening110with the tuck flap79against an inside of the second rectangular panel20. The first rectangular panel10is folded by an angle of 180° with respect to the second rectangular panel20so as to be inside the rectangular opening110against the second rectangular panel20. The first, second and third reinforcement sections T1, T2, T3are separated from the remaining portions of the carton blank100by breaking or tearing the carton blank along the first and second perforation lines P1, P2.

The method further comprises folding the first reinforcement section T190° with respect to the second reinforcement section T2; folding the second reinforcement section T290° with respect to the third reinforcement section T3; and folding the third reinforcement section T3180° about the third score line35such that the third reinforcement section T3abuts an inside of a lower portion of the third rectangular panel30, the second reinforcement section T2abuts the bottom panel70, and the first reinforcement section T1abuts a lower portion of the second rectangular panel20. Preferably the first section T1is disposed between the back panels20and10when the latter panel is folded down. In the alternative, section T1may be disposed directly against the folded inner back panel10. The method further comprises inserting the locking tab21into the slit71.

A method of erecting a folded carton blank100′ according to one embodiment comprises folding the first and second side panels50,60at an angle of 90° with respect to the second and third rectangular panels20,30so as to form a rectangular opening110between the first and second side panels50,60and between the second and third rectangular panels20,30. Thereafter, folding the first and second dust flaps59,69by an angle of 90° with respect to the first and second side panels50,60so as to overlie a bottom of the rectangular opening110. The tuck flap79is then folded by an angle of 90° with respect to the bottom flap70and the bottom flap70is folded by an angle of 90° with respect to the third rectangular panel30so as to overlie the bottom of the rectangular opening110with the tuck flap79against an inside of the second rectangular panel20. The first rectangular panel10is folded by an angle of 180° with respect to the second rectangular panel20so as to be inside the rectangular opening110against the second rectangular panel20. The first, second and third reinforcement sections T1, T2, T3are separated from the remaining portions of the carton blank100by tearing the carton blank100′ along the perforation lines P1-P6and the material removed may be discarded.

Referring also toFIG. 5, the method further comprises folding the first reinforcement section T190° with respect to the second reinforcement section T2; folding the second reinforcement section T290° with respect to the third reinforcement section T3; and folding the third reinforcement section T3180° about the third score line35such that the third reinforcement section T3abuts an inside of a lower portion of the third rectangular panel30, the second reinforcement section T2abuts the bottom panel70, and the first reinforcement section T1abuts a lower portion of the second rectangular panel20. The method further comprises inserting the locking tab21into the slit71.

When erected, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the merchandising unit includes the glue flap40adhered to an inside of the second side flap60, and the first and second side panels50,60being at an angle of 90° with respect to the second and third rectangular panels20,30to form a rectangular opening110between the first and second side panels50,60and between the second and third rectangular panels20,30. The first and second dust flaps59,69are at an angle of 90° with respect to the first and second side panels50,60so as to overlie a bottom of the rectangular opening110, the bottom flap70is at an angle of 90° with respect to the third rectangular panel30and overlies the bottom of the rectangular opening110with the tuck flap79at an angle of 90° with respect to the bottom panel70and against an inside of the second rectangular panel20, and the first rectangular panel10is folded over the second rectangular panel20and located inside the rectangular opening110against the second rectangular panel20.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 5, the arcuate extent of cut lines C1and C2can be of sufficient length such that bottom section T2may be disposed between dust flaps59and69so as to provide the unit with a bottom portion of generally uniform double thickness. Such arrangement promotes an even (level) display of product. Perforation (or cut) lines P5, P6ofFIG. 3may be sized for similar purpose and effect. In the alternative, the arcuate extent of cut (perforated) lines C1and C2ofFIG. 1and the arcuate extent of perforated (or cut) lines P5and P6may be shortened so as to increase the transverse extent of the bottom section T2and increase an overlap of section T2over the dust flaps59and69, to enhance rigidity of the display structure.

The merchandising unit or display carton provides a large area on first rectangular panel10on which advertisements or merchandising information can be displayed and be viewed above the product P when it is loaded into the carton. The merchandising unit can be displayed on a counter top or, alternatively, holes H1-H4allow suction cups200or other securing means to be used to hang the merchandising unit on a wall surface. Still further, if the merchandising unit is going to be maintained within a kiosk or the like, a rear surface (not shown) of second rectangular panel20can be provided with desired advertisements or information. When the merchandising unit is disposed with the rear surface abutting a transparent wall or window, the advertisements or information is viewable to the consumer outside of the kiosk yet the product within the unit can only be accessed by the employee working within the kiosk.

While the above blank for the merchandising unit and method of forming the same have been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made, and equivalents employed, without departing from the scope of the appended claims.