Abstract:
A method of packaging an ink tank for shipment, the method comprising: (a) sealing a first substratum to an ink tank to inhibit fluid communication between an interior of the ink tank and an external environment by way of an ink outlet port of the ink tank, the resultant seal between the first substratum and the ink tank includes at least one of an apex at least partially defined by two substantially linear segments being angled from one another between about 20 degrees to about 160 degrees and fractions separating portions of the substrate from one another; and (b) sealing a second substratum to the ink tank to inhibit fluid communication between the interior of the ink tank and the external environment by way of an ink vent of the ink tank, where the first substratum and the second substratum are removable from the ink tank.

Description:
RELATED ART  
       [0001]     The present invention is directed to sealed fluid containers and, more specifically, to sealed ink containers and methods of sealing and discontinuing the seal of such containers.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0002]     The present invention is directed to sealed fluid containers and, more specifically, to sealed ink containers and methods of sealing and discontinuing the seal of such containers. The invention addresses devices and methods to selectively inhibit fluid leakage from an ink container by using removable substrates. In one exemplary embodiment, the invention includes mounting a removable temporary substrate, such as a polymer film, to an ink tank to inhibit ink from exiting from the container. The temporary substrate is removed from the outlet nozzle or orifice prior to installation of the ink tank and, therefore, methods of removing the substrate are also addressed. In exemplary form, the temporary substrate may include perforations that provide a line (or lines) of demarcation along which the substrate will tear to facilitate removal of the substrate, without necessarily requiring complete removal of the substrate. An alternate exemplary embodiment, includes non-circular shaped seals (the ‘seal’ is the area between the substrate and the mouth of the outlet nozzle or orifice in which the substrate is bonded to the mouth of the substrate prior to the tearing/pulling of the substrate from the nozzle or orifice) that concentrate the pulling forces a user may exert to bring about a calculated separation between the ink tank and the substrate and reduce the force necessary to remove the substrate. A further exemplary embodiment includes a teardrop-shaped seal that includes a point at one end substantially facing in the direction of the pull-tab that acts to concentrate the pulling forces to bring about removal of the substrate in a consumer-friendly fashion. Other pointed shapes (having one or more points, where at least one of the points faces substantially in the direction of the pull tab) for the seal are within the scope of the invention. The following is an exemplary listing of embodiment within the scope of the present invention, however, reference is had to the Detailed Description for a more thorough understanding of the invention.  
         [0003]     Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method of sealing an ink tank, the method comprising mounting a removable substrate to an ink tank over an ink outlet to inhibit fluid travel beyond the ink outlet, the removable substrate being mounted to the ink tank to form a non-circular seal between the substrate and the ink tank, the shape of the seal including an apex for concentrating a pulling force applied to the removable substrate when the substrate is removed from the ink tank to allow fluid travel beyond the ink outlet, the removable substrate including at least one of a polymer film, a metallic film, a metallized film, and a composite film.  
         [0004]     In a more detailed embodiment, the ink tank includes an outlet conduit extending from a wall of the ink tank, the outlet conduit terminating at a mouth, the removable substrate is mounted over the mouth, and the mouth includes a teardrop-shaped outline. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the teardrop-shaped outline includes the apex that has an angle between 25 degrees and 160 degrees, and the internal shape of the outlet conduit has a circular cross-section. In a further detailed embodiment, the teardrop-shaped outline includes the apex that is angled between 60 and 120 degrees, and the mouth includes an exposed top surface to which the removable substrate is mounted to form a teardrop-shaped seal between the removable substrate and the outlet conduit. In still a further detailed embodiment, the removable substrate includes a polymer film, and the act of mounting the removable substrate to the mouth of the outlet conduit includes utilizing at least one of adhesive sealing, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, vibrational welding, heat staking, and induction welding to form the non-circular seal. In a more detailed embodiment, the removable substrate includes a polymer film, and the act of mounting the removable substrate to the ink tank includes utilizing at least one of adhesive sealing, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, vibrational welding, heat staking, and induction welding to form the non-circular seal. In a more detailed embodiment, the ink outlet includes a circular internal cross-section, and the act of mounting the removable substrate to the ink tank includes utilizing at least one of adhesive sealing, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, vibrational welding, heat staking, and induction welding to form the non-circular seal.  
         [0005]     Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method of sealing an ink tank, the method comprising mounting a substrate to an ink tank to inhibit fluid flow through an ink outlet of the ink tank, the substrate including perforations defining distinct division points along which a portion of the substrate will separate from a remainder of the substrate upon application of a predetermined applied force to facilitate removal of at least the portion of the substrate.  
         [0006]     In a more detailed embodiment, the substrate is comprised of multiple plies, and the perforations are oriented in a semi-circular arrangement through at least one ply of the multiple plies. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the perforations of the substrate at least partially outline and encompass the ink outlet, and removal of the portion of the substrate upon application of a predetermined applied force results in a segment of the substrate remaining mounted to the ink tank. In a further detailed embodiment, the substrate is comprised of multiple plies, and the perforations comprise angular shapes through at least one ply of the multiple plies. In still a further detailed embodiment, the act of mounting the substrate to the ink tank includes forming a seal between the substrate and the ink tank, and the perforations are adjacent to the seal between the substrate and the ink tank so that upon application of the predetermined applied force the substrate is completely removed from the ink tank. In a more detailed embodiment, the act of mounting the substrate to the ink outlet includes utilizing at least one of adhesive sealing, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, vibrational welding, heat staking, and induction welding. In a more detailed embodiment, the ink tank includes a projection having a teardrop-shaped outline that contacts the first substrate, the act of mounting the substrate to the ink tank includes mounting the substrate to the projection to form a seal between the substrate and projection, and the perforations are backset from the ink outlet.  
         [0007]     Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method of fabricating a shipping unit of an inkjet cartridge, the method comprising (a) fabricating an ink tank; (b) fabricating a shipping clip that includes a recess for receiving at least a portion of the ink tank; (c) mounting a film to the shipping clip; and (d) mounting the film to the ink tank to seal an outlet orifice of the ink tank in order to inhibit fluid flow through the outlet orifice.  
         [0008]     In a more detailed embodiment, the ink tank includes an outlet projection having a non-circular outline, and the act of mounting the film to the ink tank includes mounting the film to the outlet projection. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the ink tank includes an outlet projection, the act of mounting the film to the ink tank includes mounting the film to the outlet projection, and the film includes perforations defining distinct division points along which a portion of the film will separate from a remainder of the film. In a further detailed embodiment, the method further comprises mounting a sealing label to the ink tank and to the shipping clip, where the act of mounting the sealing label to the ink tank and to the shipping clip includes utilizing at least one of adhesive sealing, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, vibrational welding, heat staking, and induction welding. In still a further detailed embodiment, the act of mounting the sealing label to the ink tank and to the shipping clip includes utilizing heat staking to liquefy a portion of the shipping clip to mount the label to the shipping clip. In a more detailed embodiment, the label includes orifices, the shipping clip includes upstanding features that are encircled by the orifices of the label, and the act of heat staking includes liquefying the upstanding features to at least partially encapsulate the label.  
         [0009]     Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method of packaging an ink tank for shipment, the method comprising: (a) sealing a first substratum to an ink tank to inhibit fluid communication between an interior of the ink tank and an external environment by way of an ink outlet port of the ink tank, the resultant seal between the first substratum and the ink tank includes at least one of an apex at least partially defined by two substantially linear segments being angled from one another between about 20 degrees to about 160 degrees and fractions separating portions of the substrate from one another; and (b) sealing a second substratum to the ink tank to inhibit fluid communication between the interior of the ink tank and the external environment by way of an ink vent of the ink tank, where the first substratum and the second substratum are removable from the ink tank.  
         [0010]     In a more detailed embodiment, the method further comprises mounting a shipping clip to the ink tank, where the shipping clip is mounted to the first substratum. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the method further comprises mounting a shipping clip to the ink tank, where the shipping clip is mounted to the second substratum.  
         [0011]     Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method of packaging an ink tank for shipment, the method comprising: (a) sealing a first substratum to an ink tank to inhibit fluid communication between an interior of the ink tank and an external environment by way of an ink outlet port of the ink tank, the resultant seal between the first substratum and the ink tank includes at least one of an apex at least partially defined by two substantially linear segments being angled from one another between about 20 degrees to about 160 degrees and fractions separating portions of the substrate from one another; and (b) sealing a second substratum to the ink tank to inhibit fluid communication between the interior of the ink tank and the external environment by way of an ink vent of the ink tank, where the first substratum and the second substratum are removable from the ink tank.  
         [0012]     In a more detailed embodiment, the method further comprises mounting a shipping clip to the ink tank, where the shipping clip is mounted to the first substratum. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the method further comprises mounting a shipping clip to the ink tank, where the shipping clip is mounted to the second substratum.  
         [0013]     Some embodiments of the present invention provide an ink tank comprising a container body housing ink therein, the container body having a flexible substrate mounted thereto to form a seal that substantially inhibits ink from leaking through an outlet port of the container body, the seal outlining a non-circular shape that includes an apex for concentrating a pulling force applied to the flexible substrate to facilitate removal of the flexible substrate from the ink tank to allow ink to egress from the outlet port.  
         [0014]     In a more detailed embodiment, the flexible substrate includes at least one of a polymer film, a metallic film, and a composite film. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the apex is at least partially defined by two substantially linear segments angled with respect to one another between about 20 degrees to about 160 degrees. In still another more detailed embodiment, the outlet port is at least partially defined by a projection that extends from the container body, and the projection outline includes a teardrop-shaped cross-section. In a further detailed embodiment, the ink tank includes a shipping clip receiving at least a portion of the container body, the ‘shipping clip concurrently mounted to the container body and the flexible substrate, the flexible substrate is permanently mounted to the shipping clip, and the flexible substrate is temporarily mounted to the container body.  
         [0015]     Some embodiments of the present invention provide an ink tank comprising a container body housing ink therein, the container body having a removable substrate mounted thereto to form a seal that substantially inhibits ink from leaking through an outlet port of the container body, the flexible substrate including a plurality of fractures to facilitate separation of portions of the substrate from one another, the plurality of fractures outlining the outlet port of the container body.  
         [0016]     In a more detailed embodiment, the removable substrate includes at least one of a polymer film, a metallic film, and a composite film. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the outlet port is at least partially defined by a projection that extends from the container body, the removable substrate is mounted to the projection, and the fractures at least partially circumscribe the outlet port. In still another more detailed embodiment, the removable substrate includes multiple plies, and the fractures are oriented within the removable substrate so as to allow an entire portion of the removable substrate to be removed along the fractures. In a further detailed embodiment, the fractures of the removable substrate are adjacent to the seal.  
         [0017]     Some embodiments of the present invention provide an ink tank comprising: (a) a container body housing ink therein, the container body including retention arms and an outlet port through which ink egresses; and, (b) a repositionable cap comprising a sealing substrate mounted to a platform that includes ramps to interact with the retention arms of the container body to releasably mount the repositionable cap to the container body to form a fluid tight seal between the container body and the sealing substrate to inhibit ink from passing through the outlet port. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]      FIG. 1  is a profile cut-away view of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged profile cut-away view of a portion of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of a first exemplary ink tank in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view of a first exemplary ink tank in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 5  is a pictorial representation of an adhesive failure mode;  
         [0023]      FIG. 6  is a pictorial representation of a cohesive failure mode;  
         [0024]      FIG. 7  is a pictorial representation of a sealant delamination failure mode;  
         [0025]      FIG. 8  is a pictorial representation of an interfacial failure mode;  
         [0026]      FIG. 9  is an exemplary complementary plot of load versus crosshead;  
         [0027]      FIG. 10  is an exemplary representative view of an exemplary snout from which the data plot of  FIG. 9  was generated;  
         [0028]      FIG. 11  is a profile view of an exemplary shipping unit in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 12  is an overhead view of the exemplary shipping unit of  FIG. 11 ;  
         [0030]      FIG. 13  is a cut-away, profile view of an exemplary shipping clip;  
         [0031]      FIG. 14  is a cut-away, profile view of an exemplary shipping clip having a film mounted thereto;  
         [0032]      FIG. 15  is a cut-away, profile view of an exemplary shipping clip having a film and an ink tank mounted thereto;  
         [0033]      FIG. 16  is a cut-away, profile view of an exemplary shipping clip having a film, an ink tank, and a label mounted thereto;  
         [0034]      FIG. 17  is a frontal view of a top portion of the exemplary shipping clip and label before a thermal sealing operation;  
         [0035]      FIG. 18  is a frontal view of a top portion of the exemplary shipping clip and label of  FIG. 17  subsequent to the thermal sealing operation;  
         [0036]      FIG. 19  is an overhead view of a second exemplary shipping unit;  
         [0037]      FIG. 20  is a frontal view of a top portion of the exemplary shipping unit of  FIG. 19  before a thermal sealing operation;  
         [0038]      FIG. 21  is a frontal view of a top portion of the exemplary shipping unit of  FIG. 20  subsequent to the thermal sealing operation;  
         [0039]      FIG. 22  is an overhead view of a second alternate exemplary shipping unit;  
         [0040]      FIG. 23  is a frontal view of the second alternate exemplary shipping unit of  FIG. 22  with the label retainer in the open position;  
         [0041]      FIG. 24  is a frontal view of the second alternate exemplary shipping unit of  FIG. 22  with the label retainer in the closed position;  
         [0042]      FIG. 25  is an overhead and profile view of an exemplary snout in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0043]      FIG. 26  is an overhead and profile view of an exemplary sealing film in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0044]      FIG. 27  is an overhead and profile view of the exemplary sealing film of  FIG. 26  being mounted to the snout of  FIG. 25  in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0045]      FIG. 28  is an overhead and profile view of a further exemplary snout in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0046]      FIG. 29  is an overhead view of a further exemplary sealing film in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0047]      FIG. 30  is an overhead view of the exemplary sealing film of  FIG. 29  being mounted to the exemplary snout of  FIG. 28  in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0048]      FIG. 31  is an overhead view of the exemplary sealing film of  FIG. 29  being removed from the exemplary snout of  FIG. 28  in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0049]      FIG. 32  is an overhead view of the exemplary sealing film of  FIG. 29  being removed from the exemplary snout of  FIG. 28  having a gasket installed in contact with the exemplary snout;  
         [0050]      FIG. 33  is an overhead and profile view of a further exemplary ink tank in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0051]      FIG. 34  is a profile view of an exemplary shipping clip in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0052]      FIG. 35  is a magnified view of the exemplary attachment arms of the ink tank of  FIG. 33 ;  
         [0053]      FIG. 36  is a magnified view showing the interaction between the exemplary attachment arms of  FIG. 35  and the shipping clip of  FIG. 34 .  
         [0054]      FIG. 37  is a bottom view of the exemplary shipping clip of  FIG. 34 ; and  
         [0055]      FIG. 38  is a profile view of the exemplary ink tank of  FIG. 33  with the shipping clip of  FIG. 34  installed. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0056]     The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated below to encompass methods of printing images onto a substrate as well as goods having images printed thereon. Of course, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the preferred embodiments discussed below are exemplary in nature and may be reconfigured without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. However, for clarity and precision, the exemplary embodiments as discussed below may include optional steps, methods, and features that one of ordinary skill should recognize as not being a requisite to fall within the scope of the present invention. For the purposes of the present application, the term “ink tank” shall include any type of ink tank, cartridge or reservoir component or system for use with an ink-based printer.  
         [0057]     Referencing  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an exemplary inkjet printhead body  10  includes a printhead  12  having a plurality of inkjet nozzles  14  through which ink is ejected onto a medium (not shown) to form an image onto the medium. An ink cartridge  16  is adapted to be received by the inkjet body  10  so that a snout  18  extending from the floor  19  of the ink cartridge  16  circumscribes a receiving port  20  of the inkjet body  10  to deliver ink from the ink cartridge  16  to the printhead  12 . Proper alignment of the snout  18  with respect to the receiving port  20  also corresponds to alignment between a projection  22  extending from the floor  19  of the ink cartridge  16  and a complementary recess  23  of the inkjet body  10 .  
         [0058]     Downward movement of the ink cartridge  16 , when the snout  18  and projection  22  are respectively in alignment with the receiving port  20  and the recess  23 , compresses a spring  24  of the inkjet body  10  and causes the snout  18  to engage a gasket  26  circumscribing the cylindrical receiving port  20 . Further downward movement of the ink cartridge  16  further compresses the gasket  26  to create a fluidic seal between the snout  18  and a horizontal platform  28  extending from the receiving port  20 . This fluidic seal ensures that communication between a wicking material  30  within the receiving port  20  and a backpressure medium  32  within a backpressure chamber  34  of the ink cartridge  16  is operative to transfer ink from within the ink cartridge  16  to the printhead  12  without substantial vapor loss therebetween.  
         [0059]     A snap-fit latch  36  is formed by the interaction between a catch  38  of the ink cartridge  16  and a repositionable lever  40  of the inkjet body  10  to secure the ink cartridge  16  in a retained position with respect to the inkjet body  10  (see  FIG. 2 ). Movement of the lever  40  out of engagement with the catch  38  is operative to vertically displace the ink cartridge  16  from the inkjet body  10  using the stored force of the previously compressed spring  24  (see  FIG. 1 ).  
         [0060]     The exemplary inkjet printhead  12  of this embodiment is separate from the ink cartridge  16  supplying ink to the nozzles  14 . This configuration dictates using the same or a different printhead  12  with differing ink cartridges  16 . The principal advantage associated with a reusable printhead configuration is a cost savings by not having to fabricate a new printhead  12  each time the ink cartridge  16  has been expended. In this exemplary embodiment, the inkjet body  10  and ink cartridge  16  are utilized with an on-carrier printer (not shown) that includes a carriage across which the inkjet body  10  and ink cartridge  16  traverse to deposit droplets of ink onto a print medium to form the desired image. It is to be understood, however, that the exemplary embodiments of the instant invention are also applicable with off-carrier reservoirs that are remote from the printhead body  10  and remain stationary as the printhead body  10  traverses horizontally across the carriage, or in those instances where the printhead  12  remains stationary and the print medium is repositioned.  
         [0061]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary replacement ink cartridge  16  in accordance with the instant invention includes a hollowed-out body  46  that receives a lid  48  to define an ink reservoir system that includes a free ink chamber  50  and a felt chamber  52 . A partition wall  54  within the ink cartridge  16  substantially divides the chambers  50 ,  52  from one another, however, a passage  56  within a lower portion of the partition wall  54  allows fluid communication between the chambers  50 ,  52 .  
         [0062]     An air vent  58  is provided through the lid  48  to allow fluid communication between the felt chamber  52  and the external environment. The vent  58  is particularly helpful in accommodating the expansion and compression of gases within the felt chamber  52  that occur as a result of pressure differentials between the felt chamber  52  and the external environment. A second vent  60  is formed within the lid  48  to allow direct fluid communication between the free ink chamber  50  and the external environment. This vent  60 , in this exemplary embodiment, is also useful for acting as a fill or refill port where ink can be directed into the free ink chamber  50 . A fill ball  61  is received within the vent  60  and is operative to plug the vent  60  subsequent to a filling or refilling operation.  
         [0063]     Referencing  FIGS. 3, 4 ,  11  and  12 , prior to installation of the ink cartridge, a sealing film  62  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) is bonded over the snout  18 , while a sealing label  64  (see  FIGS. 11 and 12 ) is bonded over the vents  58 ,  60 , to inhibit ink from exiting the ink cartridge  16  prematurely; i.e., before the end consumer is prepared to install the ink cartridge  16 . Prior to installation of the ink cartridge  16 , both the sealing film  62  and sealing label  64  are removed to expose the vents  58 ,  60  and the snout  18 .  
         [0064]     Referring specifically to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , an exemplary snout  18  extends downwardly from the floor  19  of the ink cartridge  16  and includes a constant interior diameter, with a varying exterior circumferential shape that increases in diameter and deforms to define an overall teardrop-shaped cross section having an apex  70 . The first exemplary snout apex  70  shown in  FIG. 3  tapers outward approximately  120  degrees, while the second exemplary snout apex  70 ′ shown in  FIG. 4  tapers outward approximately 90 degrees. The second exemplary snout  18 ′ also includes a longitudinal pocket  72 ′ formed by an opening extending in an axial direction of the snout  18 ′ until reaching the floor  19 ′. As discussed above, the snout  18 ,  18 ′ is closed off by a sealing film  62 ,  62 ′ that is removed prior to installing the ink cartridge  16  on the printhead body  10 . The apex  70 ,  70 ′ is operative to concentrate the force applied to the sealing film  62 ,  62 ′, originating on the side of the apex  70 ,  70 ′, when a user attempts to peel the film from the snout  18 ,  18 ′. This allows the user to more easily begin the act of peeling the film from the snout; and once the film peel has begun, the remaining film is much more easily removed. Concentrating the force at the apex  70 ,  70 ′ reduces the force necessary to peel the film  62 ,  62 ′ from the snout  18 ,  18 ′ and also provides a more predictable peel. The apex  70 ,  70 ′ can be sharply pointed or can be slightly or predominantly rounded. As the angle of the apex  70 ,  70 ′ increases toward  180  degrees, forces are dissipated, whereas forces are concentrated as the angle of the apex approaches zero degrees. In the exemplary embodiments of the instant invention, the apexes  70 ,  70 ′ are intended to be between 25 and 160 degrees, with angles most often being between 60 and 120 degrees.  
         [0065]     Referring to  FIGS. 5-8 , an exemplary sealing film  62  for use with the exemplary embodiments of the invention comprises two plies. A first primary top ply  80  of the film comprises a polymer such as, without limitation, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, polyvinylchroide, polyester, polyamide, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, paper, etc, while a second interface ply  82  of the film comprises an adhesive such as, without limitation, polyolefins copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, modified acrylics, modified elastomers, etc. Exemplary processes for mounting the sealing film  62  to the mouth of the snout  18  includes simple adhesive sealing and thermal sealing. Simple adhesive sealing relies upon an adhesive to bond one substrate to another, preferably forming a laminate. Thermal sealing, on the other hand, may or may not use an adhesive, but also utilizes changes in state of the adhesive and/or substrate to form bonds mounting one substrate to another, preferably forming a laminate. Depending upon the materials selected to comprise the first and second plies  80 ,  82 , as well as the method of applying the sealing film  62  to a substrate, such as the mouth of the snout  18  of an inkjet ink cartridge  16 , at least four different failures modes are available when the two-ply film  62  is peeled from the substrate.  
         [0066]     The first failure mode, shown in  FIG. 5 , is an adhesive failure. In this failure mode, the adhesive  82  adheres to the first ply  80 , but the adhesive  82  does not adhere to the mouth of the snout  18 , so that as the film  62  is peeled away from the mouth, the vast majority of the adhesive  82  remains bonded to the first ply  80 . The second failure mode, shown in  FIG. 6 , is a cohesive failure. This failure mode is a failure of the adhesive  82  to bond to itself, more so than to the mouth of the snout  18  or the first ply  80 . The third failure mode comprises an adhesive delamination and is shown in  FIG. 7 . This failure mode is also a failure of the adhesive to bond systematically to the mouth of the snout  18  and to the top ply  80 . When the film  62  is peeled, some of the adhesive  82  remains bonded to the mouth of the snout  18  and no longer to the first ply  80 , whereas other sections of the adhesive  82  delaminate with respect to the mouth of the snout  18  and continue to be bonded to the first ply  80 . As a result of this failure, the resulting surface is rough and uneven. The final type of failure is interfacial failure, as shown in  FIG. 8 , and exists when the heat sealable film comprises of more than 2 layers.  
         [0067]     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , certain exemplary embodiments of the instant invention promote an adhesive failure mode such as that shown in  FIG. 5  to an advantage. Promoting this adhesive failure mode provides a certain predictability in the resulting surface of the snout  18  subsequent to peeling of the film  62 , as well as a reduction in the force applied to remove the film  62 .  FIG. 9  is a composite plot showing the forces required to peel an exemplary film  62  from opposing sides of the mouth of the snout  18  shown in  FIG. 10 , where the film exhibits an adhesive failure mode. Plot  1  includes data points taken as the film  62  was peeled from the snout  18  in a right R to left L direction (starting opposite the apex  70 ), whereas Plot  2  includes data points taken as the film  62  was peeled from the snout  18  in a left L to right R direction (starting on the apex  70  side). The composite plot clearly confirms that the forces required to peel the film  62  from the apex  70  side remain lower than forces applied to peel the film  62  in the opposite direction across almost the entire peel. It should be noted, however, that the present invention is not limited to films  62  adapted to promote adhesive failure, particularly in instances where a gasket is used to compensate for uneven surfaces exhibited as a result of cohesive failures, adhesive delamination failures, and interfacial failures, such as those shown in  FIGS. 6-8 . It will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill that the film  62  may include a pull tab extending radially from the apex side of the film to allow for easy gripping by the user and to promote pulling of the film from the apex side of the film.  
         [0068]     Referring to  FIGS. 11-17 , the exemplary inkjet ink cartridge  16  can be mounted to a shipping clip  84  to comprise a shipping unit  86  for retail packaging and intermediate shipping. The shipping clip  84  includes matching trapezoidal side walls  88 ,  90  separated by a front wall  92 , a bottom wall  94 , and a top wall  96 . An interior space within the shipping clip  84  defined by the aforementioned walls receives a portion the ink cartridge  16  therein, so that the snout  18  of the ink cartridge  16  is received within a hole or pocket  98  through the bottom wall  94 . The sealing film  62  is mounted to the snout  18  of the ink cartridge  16 , as well as to the bottom wall  94  of the clip  84  over the hole  98 . In addition, the sealing label  64  is mounted to the top wall  96  of the clip  84  and to the lid  48  of the ink cartridge  16  using an adhesive, while four polymer mounds  100  on the top wall  96  sandwich the label  64  and permanently mount one end of the label  64  to the top wall  96 .  
         [0069]     Referring to  FIGS. 13-17 , fabrication of the exemplary shipping unit  86  includes separately fabricating the shipping clip  84  and the ink cartridge  16 . Subsequent to the fabrication of these components  16 ,  84 , the sealing film  62  is mounted to the underside of the bottom wall  94  to form a strong bond around the pocket  98  (see  FIG. 14 ). The ink cartridge  16  is thereafter moved into position with respect to the clip  84  by inserting the snout  18  through the pocket  98 , thereby having the exposed end of the snout  18  contacting the film  62 . A heat sealing operation is carried out to form a seal between the film  62  and the snout  18  to effectively seal off the opening of the snout. The ink cartridge  16  may then be filled with ink through a fill port (not shown in  FIGS. 13-17 , see  FIG. 1 ), followed by plugging the vent with the fill ball  61  so that the felt chamber is substantially occupied by a backpressure medium saturated in liquid ink, while the free ink chamber is substantially occupied by liquid ink. The label  64  is subsequently applied with an adhesive to the top wall  96  and to the top of the lid  48 , thereby covering and sealing each of the vents, while concurrently straddling the four upstanding posts  102  extending from the top wall  96  (see  FIG. 17 ).  
         [0070]     Referencing  FIG. 18 , a contoured hot block  104  is brought into contact with the upstanding polymer posts  102 , thereby melting the polymer posts. The resultant molten polymer is directed by the contour of the hot block  104  to flow over the label  64  and form mounds  100 , where the mounds encase a portion of the label  64  to lock one end of the label in place. The hot block  104  is removed from contact with the molten polymer after the mounds  100  have encased the label  64 , thereby allowing the molten polymer to cool and solidify in order to permanently bond the label  64  to the clip  84 .  
         [0071]     Referring to  FIGS. 19-21 , a first alternate exemplary embodiment of a shipping unit  86 ′ utilizes an alternate exemplary structure and process for mounting the label  64 ′ to the top wall  96 ′ of the clip  84 ′. In this exemplary process, the label  64 ′ is precut to include openings that receive upstanding polymer posts  106  extending from the top wall  96 ′. After the label  64 ′ is oriented with respect to the top wall  96 ′ so that the posts  106  extend through the openings of the label  64 ′, a contoured hot block (not shown) is brought into contact with the polymer posts  106  to liquefy the polymer material. Continued downward pressure upon the polymer posts  106  directs molten polymer over and under the label  64 ′, as well as filling in the openings through the label  64 ′, thereby encasing one end of the label in polymer mounds  108  and permanently mounting the label  64 ′ to the clip  84 ′.  
         [0072]     Referring to  FIGS. 22-24 , a second alternate exemplary embodiment of a shipping unit  86 ″ utilizes an alternate exemplary clip  84 ″ that includes a repositionable polymer flap  110  by way of a living hinge  112 . The repositionable flap  110  engages a snap feature  114  mounted to the opposing side of the clip  84 ″. In order to mount the label  64 ″ to the top wall  96 ″, the label  64 ″ is oriented to overlay the top wall  96 ″ and cover the two vents (not shown) of the ink cartridge  16 ″. The flap  110  is then repositioned to compress and sandwich the label  64 ″ between the flap  110  and the top wall  96 ″, where the orientation of the flap  110  is secured in place by locking engagement with the snap feature  114 . This locking engagement effectively mounts the label  64 ″ to the clip  84 ″, however, it is also within the scope of the invention to utilize a hot block after the flap  110  is in locking engagement with the snap feature  114  in order to liquefy at least a portion of the polymer flap to permanently mount the flap  110  and the label  64 ″ to the top wall  96 ″.  
         [0073]     In each of the aforementioned exemplary shipping units  86 ,  86 ′,  86 ″, the adhesive label  64 ,  64 ′,  64 ″ and the film  62  are removed from the ink cartridge  16  prior to installation by a customer. In exemplary form, the adhesive label  64 ,  64 ′,  64 ″ is initially peeled at the end opposite the top wall  96  of the shipping units  86 ,  86 ′,  86 ″ and continued until the adhesive label  64 ,  64 ′,  64 ″ is no longer mounted to the ink cartridge  16 . At this point, the ink cartridge  16  remains mounted to the shipping clip  84 ,  84 ′,  84 ″ by way of the film  62 . To remove the ink cartridge  16 , one pivots the front of the ink cartridge  16  nearest the clip  84 ,  84 ′,  84 ″ in a clockwise direction and concurrently pivots the clip in a counterclockwise direction to effectively peel the film  62  from the snout  18 , but retaining the bond between the film and clip. The pivoting action of the cartridge  16  with respect to the clip  84 ,  84 ′,  84 ″ concentrates the force on the apex  70  of the mouth of the snout  18  as the cartridge  16  is removed from the clip. After the initial delamination occurs between the snout  18  and the film  62 , the force required to continue the delamination decreases until the very last film is remains mounted to the snout  18 , at which point the force required to discontinue this bond actually increases as evidenced by  FIG. 9 , Plot  2 .  
         [0074]     The foregoing exemplary embodiments of the invention have utilized a snout  18  with a non-circular cross section at the mouth that preferably includes an apex  70  to coincide with an origination point for delaminating the film  62  from the mouth of the snout  18 . However, it has been found by the inventors of the instant invention that other techniques may be utilized to concentrate and thereby decrease the overall force required to remove a film from a snout mouth or other substrate without deviating from a cylindrical snout.  
         [0075]     Referring to  FIG. 25 , an exemplary ink tank incorporates a cylindrical snout  200 , as opposed to the teardrop shaped snout  18  of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments. Consistent with the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, the snout  200  extends from the floor  202  of the ink tank and defines a cylindrical conduit providing communication to the interior of the ink tank.  
         [0076]     Referencing  FIGS. 26 and 27 , a two-ply film  206  is bonded to the mouth of the snout  200 , where the film  206  includes a polymer layer  208  and an adhesive layer  210 . A series of triangular perforations  212  are formed within the adhesive layer  210 . These perforations  212  perform a similar function to the apexes  70 ,  70 ′ of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments by concentrating the forces applied to the film  206  as a result of peeling the film  206  from right R to left L. In this manner the perforations  212  are preferably aligned over the mouth of the snout  200  prior to sealing the film  206  to the snout  200 .  
         [0077]     A fluidic seal results from bonding the film  206  circumferentially with respect to the exposed mouth of the snout  200 . Exemplary techniques for sealing the film  206  to the snout  200  include, without limitation, adhesive sealing, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, vibrational welding, heat staking, and induction welding (foil seal). However, the fluidic seal is broken prior to installation of the ink tank.  
         [0078]     The film  206  is peeled away from the snout  200  from right R to left L over the snout in order to break the fluidic seal. As discussed above, the triangular perforations  212  in the adhesive layer  210  operate to concentrate the forces of the peel at a leading edge of the snout  200 , thereby reducing the peel force required to initiate the peel. More specifically, triangular sections  214  are formed between the triangular perforations  212 , where the triangular sections include leading or pointed edges  216  that concentrate the forces of the peel as the film  206  is peeled from right R to left L. After the film  206  is peeled away from the snout  200 , no appreciable film remains on the snout (see  FIG. 25 ).  
         [0079]     Referring to  FIGS. 28-30 , a second exemplary circular snout  300  includes a circular opening  302  bounded by a circular exposed mouth surface  304 . The seal film  306  may be single or multiple ply, but for purposes of explanation will comprise a dual ply structure. The first ply comprises a polymer layer, while the second layer adjacent to the mouth surface  304  of the snout  300  comprises an adhesive layer. Both of the layers include a circular perforation  308  that is concentric with the opening  302 . After the circular perforation has been orientated so that it is concentric with respect to the opening  302  and overlaps the mouth surface  304 , the film  306  is mounted to the snout  300 . Exemplary techniques for mounting the film  306  to the snout  300  include, without limitation, adhesive sealing, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, vibrational welding, heat staking, and induction welding (for foil seal). However, as with the foregoing exemplary embodiments, the fluidic seal must be discontinued prior to installation of the ink tank.  
         [0080]     Referring to  FIGS. 30-32 , the film  306  includes a gripping tab  310  that is grasped and peeled toward the opening  302  of the snout  300  from right R to left L in order to discontinue the fluidic seal. Circular perforations  308  in the film  306  operate to concentrate the forces of the peel at an inset point along the mouth surface  304 , thereby delaminating the film  306  from itself, as well as that portion of the film  306  covering the opening  302 . However, a ring of film  312  outset from the perforations  308  remains bonded to the mouth surface  304  (see  FIG. 31 ). This remaining ring  312  is not problematic because a gasket  314  or other device is utilized to ensure a fluid tight seal between the snout  300  and printhead body interface (not shown).  
         [0081]     Referencing  FIGS. 33 and 34 , a further exemplary ink cartridge or tank  400  includes an outlet orifice  402  that is substantially flush with the underside  404  of the tank  400 . The outlet orifice  402  is circular in cross-section and includes two or more adjacent attachment arms  406  extending from the underside  404  of the tank  400  that are positioned circumferentially equidistant from one another. Each arm  406  includes a vertical leg  408  integral with a horizontal leg  410  comprising a trapezoidal ramp  412 . Each trapezoidal ramp  412  is adapted to interface with a corresponding trapezoidal ramp  414  of a removable ink cap  416  to mount the cap to the tank  400  to seal off the outlet orifice  402 .  
         [0082]     Referring to  FIGS. 35 and 36 , the removable ink cap  416  includes a handle  418  extending from the underside of a circular platform  420 . Two spiral ramps  414  and an adjacent detent  422  extend from the circular platform  420 , opposite the handle  418 , which are positioned circumferentially equidistant from one another in order to releasable engage the trapezoidal ramp  412  of the ink tank attachment arms  406 . A circular elastomeric insert  424  is seated between the two spiral ramps  414  and is adapted to seal off the outlet orifice  402  when the cap  416  is mounted to the tank  400 . Two rectangular cutouts  426  through the platform  420  allow the vertical egress of the horizontal legs  410  therethrough as the cap  416  is installed and removed.  
         [0083]     To install the cap  416 , the cutouts  426  are aligned with the horizontal legs  410  and the cap is moved toward the underside  404  of the tank  400 . Continued movement of the cap  416  toward the tank  400  results in the horizontal legs  410  passing through the cutouts  426  and the circular insert  424  being directly against the underside  404  of the tank, thereby sealing the outlet orifice  402 . The cap  416 , with the circular insert  424  in sealing engagement with the outlet orifice  402 , is rotated in a clockwise direction by clockwise repositioning of the handle  418  so that each spiral ramp  414  engages a corresponding trapezoidal ramp  414 . Continued rotation of the cap  416  in the clockwise direction compresses the spiral ramps  414  against the trapezoidal ramps  412 , thereby compressing the circular insert  424  against the underside  404  of the tank  400  to seal off the outlet orifice  402 . Further rotation of the cap  416  in the clockwise direction causes each detent  422  to pass beyond a corresponding trapezoidal ramp  412 , thereby locking the cap in place (see  FIG. 38 ). In order to remove the cap  416  from the tank  400 , the cap  416  is rotated in the counterclockwise direction to allow the detent  422  to pass over the trapezoidal ramp  412 , followed by continued counterclockwise rotation until the cutouts  426  are aligned with the horizontal legs  410  and the cap. Thereafter, the cap  416  is moved vertically away from the tank  400  to completely disengage the tank  400  in order to facilitate installation of the tank to a printing apparatus (not shown).  
         [0084]     While many of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments have incorporated perforations to concentrate forces associated with removing one substrate from another substrate or removing a portion of one substrate from the remainder of the substrate, it is to be understood that other features may be used in lieu of or in addition to perforations. For example, substrates may be manufactured to include embedded fractures/notches or other features that provide predetermined separation of one substrate from another substrate or from one portion of a substrate from the remainder of the substrate. Examples of fractures include cracks or spacing within a substrate along which the cracks or spacing facilitate separation of one substrate from another substrate or from one portion of a substrate from the remainder of the substrate.  
         [0085]     Following from the above description and invention summaries, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, while the methods and apparatuses herein described constitute exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the invention contained herein is not limited to this precise embodiment and that changes may be made to such embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the claims and it is not intended that any limitations or elements describing the exemplary embodiments set forth herein are to be incorporated into the interpretation of any claim element unless such limitation or element is explicitly stated. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identified advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fall within the scope of any claims, since the invention is defined by the claims and since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein.