Patent Publication Number: US-2022227542-A1

Title: Closure for a container and components for a closure

Description:
PRIORITY 
     This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/138,880, filed Jan. 19, 2021, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to a closure, the components of the closure, and the package upon which the closure is installed, wherein the closure can initially prevent, but can be subsequently opened to permit, communication (e.g., flow or other movement) of a substance between the exterior and interior of a container upon which the closure is installed. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND TECHNICAL PROBLEMS POSED BY THE PRIOR ART 
     Closures are employed to selectively prevent or permit communication of a substance between the exterior and interior of a container (e.g., flexible pouch, rigid bottle, machine, dispensing equipment, containment system, etc.) through an opening in the container. Various fluent and non-fluent substances (including lotions, creams, food items, granules, liquids, powders, small articles, etc.) may be packaged in a container. A typical closure includes a (1) body (e.g., pouch fitment, screw or snap-fit base, structure, etc.) located at an opening to the container interior, and (2) a closing element (e.g., a lid, cover, overcap, etc.). 
     The closure body can typically be either (1) a separate structure that (a) can be attached at such a container opening, and (b) defines at least one access passage through the body for communicating through such a container opening with the interior of such a container, or (2) an integral structure that is a unitary portion of such a container and that defines at least one access passage through the integral structure such that the access passage functions as the opening, per se, to the container. The closing element typically accommodates movement relative to the body access passage between (1) a closed position occluding the access passage, and (2) an open position at least partially exposing the access passage. 
     Such a container, the contents stored therein, the body attached or sealed at the opening of the container, and the closing element assembled in a closed position to occlude the body, may be characterized collectively as a “package.” 
     The inventors of the present invention have determined that it would be desirable to provide an improved closing element in combination with a body to define a closure, wherein the closing element would remain with the body after opening of the closure for improved recyclability. Preferably the means for retaining the closing element would be robust and designed to survive the planned life of the closure and beyond. 
     It would be beneficial if such an improved closing element could meet industry standards for child choke proof safety. 
     It would be beneficial if such an improved closing element could provide the user with an indication or evidence of a prior attempt to open or tamper with an assembly of the closing element and the closure body. 
     It would additionally be beneficial if such an improved closing element could be relatively easily operated, without requiring an unusually complex manipulation or series of manipulations by a user. 
     It would also be beneficial if such an improved closing element could be relatively easy to manufacture and assemble with a closure body, and could also include a tether mechanism, or other connecting element that connects portions of the closing element, that is contained substantially within, or substantially shielded by, portions of the closing element to reduce the likelihood of damage during assembly and/or shipping and handling. 
     Further, it would be desirable if such an improved closing element could be opened or operated without generating smaller, separate waste pieces or sharp edges. 
     The inventors of the present invention have further determined that, for at least some applications, it may be desirable to provide such an improved closing element that can be easily stored in an open position that does not interfere with, or obstruct, a user&#39;s lips when the user is drinking from a package containing the closing element. 
     The inventors of the present invention have also determined that it would be desirable to provide, at least for some applications, an improved assembly of a closing element and a closure body that are made from the same polymer as the container upon which they are installed to achieve mono material package recyclability. 
     The inventors of the present invention have also discovered that it would be desirable to provide, at least for some applications, an improved assembly of a closing element, a closure body, and a package that can be manufactured and/or assembled at a relatively low cost, and can accommodate manufacture by means of efficient, high-quality, large-volume techniques, and that can facilitate the minimization of plastic and part weight. 
     The inventors of the present invention have discovered how to provide such an improved closing element, closure body, and/or package that includes novel, advantageous features not heretofore taught or contemplated by the prior art, and which can accommodate designs having one or more of the above-discussed benefits or features. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one broad form of the invention, a closing element for restricting communication of a substance through an access passage of a body is provided. The closing element has a first portion for being removably affixed to the body. The first portion includes an inner wall having an open end for receiving a portion of the body and a closed end for occluding the access passage of the body. The first portion includes an outer wall surrounding the inner wall and at least one bridge connecting the outer wall with the inner wall. The closing element includes a second portion for being non-removably affixed to the body and a movable connecting element extending between the first portion and the second portion. The closing element has an unactuated configuration wherein a major portion of the length of the connecting element is located laterally between the inner wall and the outer wall to shield the major portion of the length of the connecting element. 
     According to one preferred form of the invention, the connecting element has a first leg connected to the first portion, a second leg connected to the second portion, and a hinge connecting the first leg and the second leg. The hinge is located laterally between the inner wall and the outer wall in the unactuated configuration of the closing element. 
     According to another form of the invention, the closing element is provided in combination with a body on which the closing element is assembled to form a closure. The body has a base portion for being located at an opening of a container and a spout portion extending from the base portion and affixed to the second portion of the closing element. The body includes an access passage extending through the base portion and the spout portion to accommodate the flow of a fluent substance through the body. In one preferred form of the invention, the base portion of the body is a fitment for use with a container that is a flexible pouch having an opening, and the body has a plurality of ribs for being sealed at the opening of the flexible pouch. 
     According to yet another preferred form of the invention, the first portion and the second portion are connected by at least one frangible element for being broken by a predetermined amount of relative axial movement between the first portion and the second portion of the closing element. In one preferred form of the invention, the first portion and the second portion of the closing element are connected by a plurality of frangible elements defining a plurality of apertures located between adjacent ones of the plurality of frangible elements. Preferably, the each one of the plurality of apertures has a circular central portion and a pair of opposite, tapered ends. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, the outer wall of the first portion has a notch for receiving a part of a container to removably secure the first portion of the closing element to the container. Preferably, the closing element defines a central axis extending between the first portion and the second portion in the unactuated configuration and the notch is located axially above, and proximate to, the connecting element in the unactuated configuration. In one presently preferred form of the invention, the notch includes a pair of tapering, opposing surfaces. In yet another preferred form of the invention, the notch includes a pair of opposing surfaces. One of opposing surfaces includes a projection and the other one of the opposing surfaces includes a recess facing the projection. 
     In yet another form of the present invention, the closing element is provided in combination with a body that includes a spout portion defining a body thread. The closing element defines a closing element thread. The body thread and the closing element thread are configured to effect controlled, relative axial movement between the body and the first portion of the closing element. 
     In another form of the present invention, the closing element is provided in combination with a body sealed at an opening of a container of a fluent substance. The closing element, the body, and the container of the fluent substance together form a package. 
     According to one form of the invention, the closing element defines a central axis extending between the first portion and the second portion in the unactuated configuration. The connecting element has a first leg connected to the first portion, a second leg connected to the second portion, and a hinge connecting the first leg and the second leg. The hinge is located axially outwardly of the second portion, along the central axis, with the closing element in the unactuated configuration. 
     According to still another form of the invention, the closing element defines a central axis extending between the first portion and the second portion in the unactuated configuration. The connecting element has a first leg connected to the first portion, a second leg connected to the second portion, and a hinge connecting the first leg and the second leg. The hinge is located axially inwardly of the closed end of the inner wall, relative to the central axis, with the closing element in the unactuated configuration. 
     In still another form of the present invention, the closing element is provided in combination with a body that is either: a separate structure that can be attached to a container at an opening of the container; or an integral structure that is a unitary portion of a container. 
     In accordance with another broad form of the invention, a closing element for restricting communication of a substance through an access passage of a body is provided. The closing element has a first portion for being removably affixed to the body. The first portion includes an inner wall having an open end for receiving a portion of the body and a closed end for occluding the access passage of the body. The first portion includes an outer wall surrounding the inner wall and at least one bridge connecting the outer wall with the inner wall. The outer wall has a notch for receiving a part of a container to removably secure the first portion of the closing to the container. 
     In accordance with another broad form of the invention, a closing element for restricting communication of a substance through an access passage of a body is provided. The closing element has a first portion for being removably affixed to the body. The first portion includes an inner wall having an open end for receiving a portion of the body and a closed end for occluding the access passage of the body. The first portion includes an outer wall surrounding the inner wall and at least one bridge connecting the outer wall with the inner wall. The closing element includes a second portion for being non-removably affixed to the body and a movable connecting element extending between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion and the second portion are connected by a plurality of frangible elements defining a plurality of apertures between adjacent ones of the plurality of frangible elements. Each one of the plurality of apertures includes a circular central portion and a pair of opposite, tapered ends. 
     In accordance with yet another broad form of the invention, a method of opening a package is disclosed, wherein the package includes a container that is a flexible pouch defining an opening to an interior containing a substance, a body sealed at the opening of the flexible pouch and having an access passage to accommodate the communication of the substance through the body, and a closing element assembled with the body to restrict communication of the substance through the access passage of the body. The closing element has a first portion removably affixed to the body. The first portion includes an inner wall having an open end for receiving a portion of the body and a closed end for occluding the access passage of the body. The first portion includes an outer wall surrounding the inner wall and at least one bridge connecting the outer wall with the inner wall. The outer wall has a notch for receiving a part of the flexible pouch to removably secure the first portion of the closing element to the pouch. The closing element includes a second portion for being non-removably affixed to the body and a movable connecting element extending between the first portion and the second portion. The method includes the step of gripping the outer wall of the closing element to move the first portion of the closing element away from the second portion of the closing element and the access passage of the body. The method includes the step of inverting the first portion of the closing element and the step of inserting a part of the flexible pouch within the notch to secure the first portion of the closing element by frictional engagement to the flexible pouch. 
     Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a review of the entire specification, including the appended claims and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view, from the top front and right side, of a first embodiment of a closing element of the present invention in an as-molded, unactuated configuration assembled with a body in the form of a fitment so that the assembly can be installed as a closure at the opening of a flexible pouch type of container (not shown in  FIG. 1 ); 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view, from the bottom front and right side, of the closure of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a right-side elevational view of the closure shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  a cross-sectional view of the closure shown in  FIG. 1 , taken generally along a vertical plane extending through the center of the connecting element; 
         FIG. 4A  is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary view of a portion of the closure shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric, cross-sectional view of the closure shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a right-side elevational view of the closure shown in  FIG. 1 ; and  FIG. 6  shows the frangible elements broken upon axial movement of the closing element away from its unactuated configuration (the connecting element of the closing element being omitted from  FIG. 6 ); 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view, from the bottom front and right side, of the closure of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a right-side elevational view of the closure shown in  FIG. 1 ; and  FIG. 8  shows the frangible elements broken upon axial movement of the closing element away from its unactuated configuration and a first portion of the closing element inverted in an open condition of the closure; 
         FIG. 9  is a rear elevational view of the opened closure shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric view, from the bottom front and right side, of the opened closure of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is an isometric view, from the bottom front and left side, of the opened closure of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 12  is an isometric view, from the top rear and left side, of the opened closure of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 13  is an isometric view, from the top rear and right side, of the opened closure of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a right-side elevational view of only the closing element of the closure shown in  FIG. 1 ; and  FIG. 14  shows the frangible elements broken upon axial movement of the closing element away from its unactuated configuration and a first portion of the closing element moved away from a second portion of the closing element; 
         FIG. 15  is a rear elevational view of the closing element shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is an isometric view, from the bottom front and right side, of the closing element of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 17  is an isometric view, from the bottom front and left side, of the closing element of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 18  is an isometric view, from the top rear and left side, of the closing element of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 19  is an isometric view, from the top rear and right side, of the closing element of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a top plan view, rotated 180 degrees, of the closing element of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 21  is front elevation view of the closing element and body in the form of a closure of  FIG. 1  with the body of the closure installed at the opening of a container in the form of a flexible pouch—the closure, pouch, and contents therein defining a package, and  FIG. 21  shows the closure in a fully open condition with a first portion of the closing element inverted and coupled with a sealed edge of the pouch; 
         FIG. 22  is a right-side elevational view of the package of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a left-side elevational view of the package of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a top plan view of the package of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 25  is an isometric view, from the top front and left side, of the package of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 26  is an isometric view, from the top front and right side, of the package of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 27  is an isometric view, from the top rear and right side, of the package of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 28A  is a fragmentary, isometric view from above, of a notch in the outer wall of the closing element and the closure body of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 28B  is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary isometric view from below, of the notch in the outer wall of the closing element of  FIG. 28A ; 
         FIG. 28C  is a fragmentary, isometric view from above, of a notch of a second embodiment of a closing element according to the present invention and a closure body; 
         FIG. 28D  is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary isometric view from below, of the notch in the outer wall of the closing element of  FIG. 28C ; 
         FIG. 28E  is a fragmentary, isometric view from above, of a notch of a third embodiment of a closing element according to the present invention and a closure body; 
         FIG. 28F  is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary isometric view from below, of the notch in the outer wall of the closing element of  FIG. 28E ; 
         FIG. 29A  is an isometric view, from the top front and right side, of the closure of  FIG. 1  with the body of the closure installed at the opening of a container in the form of a flexible pouch—the closure, pouch, and contents therein defining a package, and  FIG. 29A  shows the frangible elements broken upon movement of the closing element away from the fully closed condition of the closure, and a first portion of the closing element is inverted and resting against a rear side of the pouch in one example of a fully open condition; 
         FIG. 29B  is a partial, isometric view, from the top front and right side, of the package of  FIG. 29A ; 
         FIG. 29C  is a partial, right side elevational view, of the package of  FIG. 29A ; 
         FIG. 29D  is a partial, isometric view, from the top front and right side, of only the closure of  FIG. 29A ; 
         FIG. 30  is an isometric view, from the top front and right side, of another embodiment of a closing element according to the present invention for use with a body to form a closure, and  FIG. 30  illustrates the closing element in its as-molded, unactuated configuration; 
         FIG. 31  is an isometric view, from the top front and left side, of the closing element of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a top plan view, rotated 180 degrees, of the closing element of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a right side elevational view of the closing element of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a rear elevational view of the closing element of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 35  is an isometric view, from the bottom front and left side, of the closing element of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 36  is an isometric view, from the bottom rear and left side, of the closing element of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 37  is an isometric view, from the top rear and left side, of still another embodiment of a closing element according to the present invention for assembly with a body to form a closure, and  FIG. 37  illustrates the closing element in its as-molded, unactuated configuration; 
         FIG. 38  is an isometric view, from the top rear and right side, of the closing element of  FIG. 37 ; 
         FIG. 39  is a top plan view, rotated 180 degrees, of the closing element of  FIG. 37 ; 
         FIG. 40  is an isometric view, from the bottom rear and right side, of the closing element of  FIG. 37 ; 
         FIG. 41  is an isometric view, from the bottom rear and right side, of the closing element of  FIG. 37 ; 
         FIG. 42  is a bottom plan view of the closing element of  FIG. 37 ; 
         FIG. 43  is a right side elevational view of the closing element of  FIG. 37 ; and 
         FIG. 44  is a rear elevational view of the closing element of  FIG. 37 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings disclose only some specific forms as examples of the invention. However, the invention is not intended to be limited in its broadest form to just the embodiments so described. The scope of the invention is pointed out in the appended claims. 
     For ease of description, the closing element of this invention, is described in a typical (upright) position, that the closing element would have when installed on a closure body in the form of a closure at the opening of an upright container of a substance or product (the container being illustrated in the form of an upright flexible pouch in  FIGS. 21 and 29A ), and terms such as upper, lower, radial, axial, above, below, lateral, etc., are used with reference to this position. It will be understood, however, that the closing element and the assembly of the closure embodying this invention may be manufactured, stored, transported, used, and sold in an orientation other than the position described. 
     The closing element of the present invention is suitable for use with a variety of conventional or special containers, the details of which, although not fully illustrated or described, would be apparent to those having skill in the art and an understanding of such containers. The particular containers, per se, that are described herein form no part of, and therefore are not intended to limit, the broad aspects of the present invention. 
     The illustrated embodiments of the closing element will typically be used with a body in the form of a closure that is installed on a container of a material or substance (e.g., a product such as a lotion, fluent food, or drink substance) that can be dispensed, or otherwise removed, from the container through the opened closure. The product may be, for example, a fluent substance such as a liquid, cream, powder, slurry, or paste. If the container and closure are large enough, then the product could also be non-fluent, discrete pieces of material (e.g., food products such as nuts, candies, crackers, cookies, etc., or non-food products including various items, particles, granules, etc.) which can be removed through an open closure by hand from a container, or scooped out of a container, or poured out of a container. Such materials may be, for example, a food product, a personal care product, an industrial product, a household product, or other types of products. Such materials may be for internal or external use by humans or animals, or for other uses (e.g., activities involving medicine, manufacturing, commercial or household maintenance, construction, agriculture, etc.). 
       FIGS. 1-27  illustrate a first preferred embodiment of a closure  20  incorporating an overcap or closing element  28  according to the present invention. The closure  20  has the basic components of a body  24  for being located at the opening of a container  26  (e.g.,  FIGS. 21-27 ) and a closing element  28  having a portion for being fixedly attached to the body  24  and having another portion for being removably attached to the body  24 . The body  24  defines a passage (described in detail hereinafter) through which a substance can flow or otherwise move. In the illustrated first embodiment, the closure  20  is provided in the form of a separate article which is especially suitable for being attached to the container  26  that would typically contain contents such as a product or products consisting of articles or fluent material. Such a container  26  could be a collapsible, flexible pouch as illustrated in  FIGS. 21-27 . With appropriate modification to the body  24 , the container  26  may be a generally rigid container (not illustrated) which may have somewhat flexible, resilient walls, such as a bottle or tank. 
     However, it will be understood that the container  26  could may be some other type of container or vessel for a substance, which may include, or be part of, for example, a medical device, processing machine, dispenser, reservoir on a machine, etc., wherein the container  26  has an opening to the container interior. The container  26 , per se, such as a bottle, pouch, or other vessel, per se, does not form a part of the broadest aspects of the present invention, per se. The container  26  may have any configuration suitable for the intended use. 
     The container  26 , or a portion thereof, may be made from a material suitable for the intended application (e.g., a thin, flexible material for a pouch wherein such a material could be a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film or a polyethylene film, or a thicker, less flexible material for a bottle wherein such a less flexible material could be injection-molded polyethylene or polypropylene). 
     In applications wherein the body  24  of the closure  20  is mounted to a container  26  such as a bottle (not illustrated) or pouch (e.g.,  FIGS. 21-27 ), it is contemplated that typically, after the closure manufacturer makes the closure  20  (e.g., by molding the closure components (i.e., the closing element  28  and the body  24 ) from a thermoplastic polymer and assembles them together in an initially assembled orientation defining a closed position or condition), the closure manufacturer will then ship the closed closure  20  to a filler facility at another location where the container  26  is either manufactured or otherwise provided, and where the container  26  is filled with a product. However, for some applications, the components of the closure  20  could be shipped by the manufacturer in an unassembled condition to the filler facility. 
     If the container  26  is a collapsible pouch as illustrated, then the closure body  24  may include a suitable conventional or special fitment portion (as illustrated and as will be discussed in detail below) that can be attached to the pouch as the pouch is being made and filled, or as the pouch is being made but before the pouch is subsequently filled through the body  24  of the unassembled closure  20  or through open regions of the pouch walls that are later sealed closed. 
     In the first illustrated embodiment, the closure  20  is preferably provided as an assembly of the closing element  28  and body  24  that together define an article (i.e., the closure  20 ) for being attached to a container  26 . The first illustrated preferred embodiment of the closure  20  is especially suitable for being non-removably attached (e.g., mounted or installed) on a container  26  in the form of a pouch or bottle. However, it will be appreciated that in some applications (not illustrated), it may be desirable for the closure  20  to be attached to a container  26  in a manner that would allow a user to remove the closure  20  from the container  26 . Further, it may be desirable for the closure  20  (or at least the body  24  of the closure  20 ) to be formed as an integral, unitary part, or extension, of the container  26  (e.g., a pouch or bottle) wherein such a unitary part or extension also (i.e., simultaneously) defines an end structure (or other portion) of the container  26 , per se. In one form, the body  24  could encompass the entire container  26 , per se. 
     The first illustrated embodiment of the closure  20 , if initially manufactured and provided separately from the pouch type container  26 , is adapted to be subsequently attached to the pouch type  26  at an opening in the container  26  which provides access from the exterior environment to the container interior and to the product contained therein after a portion of the closure  20  (e.g., the closing element  28 ) is opened as described hereinafter. 
     Where the container  26  is a bottle (not illustrated), the bottle typically includes an upper end portion or other suitable structure on some part of the bottle that defines the bottle mouth portion (i.e., a portion that defines an opening to the bottle interior), and such a mouth portion of a bottle typically has a cross-sectional configuration with which the closure  20  is designed to engage. For example, the bottle mouth could have a configuration of the upper end of the body  24 , and the closing element  28  could be directly mounted thereon. The main body portion of the bottle may have a cross-sectional configuration that differs from the cross-sectional configuration of the bottle mouth portion. On the other hand, the bottle may instead have a substantially uniform shape along its entire length or height without any portion of reduced size or different cross-section. The bottle may have a generally rigid or flexible wall or walls which can be grasped by the user. 
     The particular first embodiment of the closure  20  illustrated in the  FIGS. 1-13 and 21-27  is especially suitable for use with a container  26  that is either a collapsible, flexible pouch or a bottle (not illustrated) having a substantially flexible wall or walls that can be squeezed or deflected laterally inwardly by the user to increase the internal pressure within the bottle so as to force the product out of the bottle and through the opened closure. In a bottle with a flexible wall or walls, such a flexible wall or walls typically have sufficient, inherent resiliency so that when the squeezing forces are removed, the bottle walls return to the normal, unstressed shape. 
     In other applications it may be desirable to employ a generally rigid container  26 , and to pressurize the container interior at selected times with a piston or other pressurizing system to force the product out through the open closure, or to reduce the exterior ambient pressure so as to suck the product out through the open closure  20 . 
     In the illustrated first embodiment, the closure  20  includes a specially configured closure body  24  and a closing element  28  which has (i) a non-removable portion adapted to be installed on the body  24 , and (ii) a removable portion which is adapted to be installed on the body  24  and which can be separated from, but remains tethered to, the body  24 . As explained hereinafter, the user&#39;s initial or partial opening of the closure  20  will permanently alter the physical condition of the closing element  28  so as to create or provide a “tamper-evident” indication to subsequent users of the initial opening or partial opening of the closure  20 . 
     The closure body  24  and the closing element  28  are each preferably molded from a suitable thermoplastic material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like. In a presently preferred form of the closure  20 , the body  24  and closing element  28  are preferably each molded separately as a unitary structure from the same thermoplastic material (i.e., the same resin identification number) as the container  26  to facilitate easier recycling. Other materials may be employed instead. 
       FIGS. 1-5  illustrate the assembled closure  20  in an initial, fully closed condition with the closing element  28  installed on the body  24 .  FIGS. 1-5  may be characterized as also illustrating the closing element  28  and body  24  in an initially assembled orientation which prevents, but can be subsequently operated to permit, communication of a substance through the body  24 . Typically, in order to permit communication through the closure  20 , an upper portion of the closing element  28  is ultimately separated by the user from the body  24 . In the preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 , an upper portion of the closing element  28  is unscrewed from the body  24  and lifted away so as to afford sufficient access to the body  24 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the body  24  includes a base portion  30  for being connected or sealed to the pouch type container  26  ( FIG. 21 ) and a spout portion  32  extending from the base portion  30 . The body  24  defines an internal access passage  34  through the base portion  30  and the spout portion  32 , the access passage  34  having an open proximal end  36  for receiving a product from the interior of the container  26  ( FIG. 21 ) and having a distal open end  38  from which a product can be discharged. The term “spout” is used herein in the sense of a tall or a short, upwardly (i.e., axially outwardly) extending boss or other structure defining the access passage  34 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the spout portion  32  also includes one of a cam or cam follower, such as the illustrated helical thread  44  on the body  24  and the thread  46  on the closing element  28 . The body thread  44  could be regarded as either a cam per se or a cam follower per se for engaging a thread  46  on the closing element  28  as described hereinafter. That is, if the body thread  44  is regarded as a cam, then the closing element thread  46  may be regarded as a cam follower. On the other hand, if the body thread  44  is regarded as the cam follower, then the closing element thread  46  may be regarded as the cam. In either case, it is to be realized that the relative rotational movement between the closing element  28  and the body  24  could result from rotating the closing element  28  relative to the body  24  being held stationary, or could result from rotating the body  24  (along with the attached container  26 ) relative to the closing element  28  being held stationary, or could result from rotating both the closing element  28  and body  24  simultaneously in opposite directions. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 5 , the base portion  30  structure is configured for being mounted to a container  26  ( FIG. 26 ), such as a collapsible, flexible pouch or a bottle (not illustrated), or other container  26  to which the closure  20  is intended to be attached. The illustrated preferred embodiment of the closure body  24  includes a base portion  30  structure including a plurality of laterally-extending ribs  48  in the form of a fitment (e.g., a “boat-shaped,” heat-sealable fitment such as disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. RE 39,520, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). 
     If the container  26  is a bottle, then it is presently contemplated that most bottlers would prefer to have the closure  20  provided to them with the closure body  24  base portion  30  suitably configured with a snap-fit attachment feature or threaded attachment feature for installation of the closure  20  on the bottle which would mate with the attachment configuration on the base portion  30  of the closure body  24 . 
     Further, other means of providing a generally non-removable or removable attachment of the closure  20  to the container  26  are contemplated. These other means could include the use of a suitable mechanical lock, spin welding of the closure to the container, mechanical staking, adhesive, etc. 
     It is to be understood that the cross-section of the access passage  34  need not be uniform and circular as shown. The access passage  34  may be elliptical, polygonal, or some other regular or irregular shape depending on the application. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , the spout portion  32  of the body  24  includes a laterally extending annular flange  50  for cooperating with one or more annular retention beads  54  on a tamper evidence portion of the closing element  28 , as will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. 
     The closing element  28  has an as-molded, unactuated configuration or condition (illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 ) and is adapted to be installed on the body  24  in an initially assembled orientation (illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 ) defining an initial, fully closed condition of the closure  20 . In this condition, a combination of the closing element  28  and body  24  together define an initially assembled orientation of the closure  20  which prevents, but can be subsequently operated to permit, communication of a substance through the access passage  34  of the body  24 . The operation to permit passage of the substance through the body  24  is the unscrewing of an upper portion of the closing element  28  from the body  24  as described hereinafter. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 , the closing element  28  includes a movable first portion  68  and a second portion  72  that is to remain attached or retained on the body  24 . The first portion  68  and second portion  72  are initially connected together at two locations: (i) at frangible elements extending between the bottom of the first portion  68  and the top of the second portion  72 , and (ii) at the peripheries of the first portion  68  and the second portion  72  by a tether or connecting element  76  ( FIG. 5 ). As will be discussed in greater detail below, the inventors have discovered that the unique, shielded arrangement of the connecting element  76  within the first portion  68  in the as-molded, unactuated configuration of the closing element  28  (as illustrated in  FIGS. 3-5 ), minimizes or at least reduces, the likelihood of damage to a major portion or majority  78  ( FIG. 4 ) of the length of the connecting element  76  during installation of the closing element  76  on the body  24 , during shipping or handling of the closure  20 , and during manufacture of a package containing the closure  20 . The length of the connecting element  76  is understood as the total straightened length of the connecting element  76  from is connection with the first portion  68  to its connection with the second portion  72 , moving along the geometric center of the connecting element  76 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the grippable portion or first portion  68  of the closing element  24  includes a generally cylindrical sleeve or inner wall  80  having an open end  84  for receiving the spout portion  32  of the body  24  and a transverse wall or closed end  88  for occluding the access passage  34  of the body  24 . The inner wall  80  includes the aforementioned closing element thread  46  for engaging the aforementioned body thread  44  to effectuate the controlled relative axial and rotational movement between the closing element  28  and the body  24 . A plug seal  92  extends axially downwardly from the inside of the closing element closed end  88  and is generally cylindrical in the illustrated preferred first embodiment of the closure  20 , but which is preferably slightly tapered (at least on the exterior) so as to sealingly engage an internal edge portion of the spout portion  32 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the first portion  68  of the closing element  24  includes an outer wall  96  that substantially, fully surrounds the inner wall  80 . The outer wall  96  is connected to the inner wall  80  by one or more bridges  100 , such as the four bridges  100  as illustrated. While the bridges  100  are generally planar, radially extending structures, they may have other shapes, and there may be more or fewer bridges, such as a single transverse wall extending between the inner wall  80  and the outer wall  96 . The outer wall  96  extends, relative to a central longitudinal axis  104  defined by the closing element  28 , axially outwardly of the closed end  88  of the inner wall  80 . Preferably, the bridges  100  have a sloping, concave upper surface  108  that slopes downwardly from the outer wall  96  to the inner wall  80 . In the preferred illustrated first embodiment of the closure  20 , the closing element  28  includes four symmetrically spaced bridges  100  connecting the inner wall  80  and the outer wall  96 . Each adjacent pair of bridges  100  defines therebetween a protected zone or space  112 . One of the spaces  112  accommodates and shields a majority of the length of the connecting element  76  in the unactuated configuration of the closing element  28 , as discussed hereinafter. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , it can be seen that the outer wall  96  has a clover-like shape with four arcuate petals or portions extending in a perimeter between adjacent pairs of bridges  100 . The outer wall  96  is adapted to be engaged by a user&#39;s fingers and thumb to assist in rotating the closing element  28  relative to the body  24 . The outer wall  96  is preferably dimensioned to meet standard child choke proof protocols. Specifically, the diameter of the outer wall  96  in the radial direction relative to the axis  104  is preferably sized greater than the width of a child&#39;s airway. In the preferred first embodiment illustrated, the spaces  112  provide an airway through the closing element  28  to prevent choking and to further minimize the amount of material required for forming the closing element  28  to reduce the weight of the overall closure  20 . A clip or notch  116  is located in the top end (axially outward end) of the outer wall  96  which functions to secure the first portion  68  of the closing element  28  to a portion of the container  26  when the closure  20  is manipulated by a user to a fully opened condition (as shown in  FIGS. 21-27 ). 
     With reference to  FIG. 28B , the notch  116  includes a pair of opposing, tapering surfaces  120  for frictionally receiving or gripping a portion of the container  26 , such as a sealed edge portion of a pouch type container, as illustrated in  FIG. 21 . With reference to  FIG. 1 , the notch  116  is located proximate to (axially above) the connecting element  76  with the closing element  28  in its as-molded, unactuated configuration. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 16 , the second portion  72  of the closing element  28  has a ringlike shape that includes the aforementioned radially extending annular retention beads  54  for cooperating with the annular flange  50  of the body  24  ( FIG. 4 ) to non-removably secure the second portion  72  around the spout portion  32  ( FIG. 4 ) of the body  24 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , a plurality of tamper evident, or frangible elements  124  extend circumferentially between the second portion  72  and the inner wall  80  of the first portion  68 . Adjacent frangible elements  124  define a lemon shaped aperture  128  therebetween, wherein the aperture  128  has a circular central portion  132  with a pair of opposite, tapered ends  136 . The frangible elements  124  are configured to break under tension when the closing element  28  is rotated a predetermined amount relative to the body  24 . 
     In the preferred first illustrated embodiment, the closing element  28  defines, between the second portion  72  and the inner wall  80  of the first portion  68 , two sets of a plurality of frangible elements  124  located about 180° apart on both sides of the connecting element  76  (visible in  FIG. 18 ). 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , each frangible element  124  has a somewhat chalice-shaped structure with a narrow, axially extending, straight center portion between curved, flaring top and bottom end portions. The inventors have found that this shape provides an improved indication of tamper evidence, compared to prior art closures, whereby the broken remnants of adjacent frangible elements  124  on the first portion  68  and second portion  72  have an unaligned or offset configuration ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ) when the closing element first portion  68  is reinstalled or closed on the body  24  after initial opening and use of the closure  20 , as discussed below. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the connecting element  76  has the form of an elongate strap or tether with a first leg  128  connected to the rear, bottom of the outer wall  96  of the first portion  68 , a second leg  132  connected to the rear, top of the second portion  72  of the closing element  28 , and a hinge  136  joining or extending between the first and second legs  128 ,  132 . As can be seen in  FIG. 9 , a pair of slots  140  are defined on either side of the connecting element  76 , between the first leg  128  and the outer wall  96  of the closing element  28 . In the as-molded, unactuated configuration of the closing element  28 , the first leg  128  and second leg  132  extend in an inverted V-shape, axially outwardly such that the hinge  136  is located laterally or radially in-between the inner wall  80  and the outer wall  96 . In addition, in the as-molded, unactuated configuration of the closing element  28 , the hinge  136  is located axially outwardly, above, the second portion  72  of the closing element  28 . Furthermore, in this position, the hinge  136  is located inwardly, beneath, the closed end  88  of the inner wall  80 . Additionally, a major portion of the length of the connecting element  76  is laterally shielded between the inner wall  80  and the outer wall  96 . 
     The inventors have found that the arrangement of the connecting element  76  of the closing element  28  provides a robust protection against damage to the connecting element  76  during shipping, handling, and during the assembly of the closure components by preventing the connecting element  76  from being caught or impacted during relative rotation of the closing element  28  and the body  24 . In addition, the inventors have found that the closure  20  having the connecting element  76  as described, facilitates the unobstructed access to the access passage  34  of the body  24  when the closure  20  is moved into its fully open condition with the first portion  68  of the closing element  28  either affixed to the container  26  ( FIGS. 21-27 ) or positioned near or against a surface of the container  26  ( FIGS. 29A-29D ). 
     Initially, the body  24  and the closing element  28 , in its as-molded, unactuated configuration, are preferably separately molded or otherwise provided as separate components. Subsequently, in a preferred process, the manufacturer assembles the two components together by effecting relative axial movement between the two components of the closure  20  so as to force the spout portion  32  of the body  24  into the open end  84  of the inner wall  80  of the closing element  28 . Continued axial movement of the components of the closure  20  causes the annular retention beads  54  on the closing element  28  to be forced radially outwardly over, and then slip radially inwardly beneath, the annular flange  50  on the body  24  to create a snap-fit securement of the second portion  72  of the closing element  28  to the body  24 . This creates an attachment that a user would regard as making the second portion  72  non-removable from the body  24 . In this initially assembled orientation ( FIGS. 1-5 ), the plug seal  92  of the closing element  28  extends downwardly form an annular seal against the inside surface of the access passage  34  of the body  24 . The assembly process may be effected without relative rotation between the closing element  28  and body  24 . Alternatively, the two components could be threaded together and screwed into the initially assembled orientation. 
     After the assembly of the body  24  and closing element  28  in the initially assembled orientation (which is the initial, fully closed condition of the closure  20 ), the body thread  44  is engaged with the closing element thread  46  in a manner that would effect upward axial movement of the first portion  68  of the closing element  28  during an initial amount of an opening or unthreading relative rotation between the body  24  and closing element  28 . 
     An unthreading rotation of the closing element  28  away from fully closed condition of the closure  20  shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , while maintaining the position of the body  24 , will cause the frangible elements  124  between the first portion  68  and second portion  72  to break under tension, as the second portion  72  is axially constrained by its engagement with the flange  50  of the body  24 , and the first portion  68  of the closing element  28  is free to move axially outwardly along the body thread  44 . As the relative rotation is effected between the closing element  28  and the body  24 , typically by a user grasping and rotating the closing element  28  in the counterclockwise direction, the frangible elements  124  sequentially break due to the axial load overcoming the design limit of the narrow, middle portions of the frangible elements  124 . The material(s) of the body  24  and the second portion  72  are selected so that the coefficients of friction of the body  24  and the second portion  72  permit the second portion  72  to rotate with the first portion  68  to prevent distortion or damage to the connecting element  76  during unthreading rotation of the closing element  28 . 
     As the frangible elements  124  are broken, an audible click or audible clicks may be generated to inform the user that the frangible elements  124  are being broken. The user can visually observe the severing of the frangible elements  124 . Depending on the material from which the closing element  28  is molded, and depending on the particular thickness and/or shape of each frangible element  124 , the sound generated by the breaking of each frangible element  124  may be more or less audible to the user. According to the broad aspects of the present invention, although the generation of a sound that is particularly audible to the user is preferred, that is not a necessary requirement or essential feature of the broad aspects of the invention. 
     As the frangible elements  124  are broken, whether or not a sound is heard by the user, the breaking of each frangible element  124  may also provide a slight tactile feedback so that a relatively rapid rotation of the closing element  28  through a first angle of rotation can result in a vibratory feeling or feedback that is sensed by the user who is opening the closure  20 . According to the broad aspects of the invention, such discernible tactile feedback, while preferred, is not a required or essential feature of the broad aspects of the invention. It will also be appreciated that when the frangible elements  124  are broken, the closing element  28  still remains a unitary structure without any appreciable separate tear-off pieces or debris being generated by the opening process. As a result, there are no small, separate bits of the closing element  28  that could be a choking hazard for children or that would have to be separately recovered and retained for disposal. However, the structural and operational features of the preferred embodiment of the closure  20 , which prevent the formation of smaller, separate, discrete waste pieces, are not essential requirements of the broad aspects of the invention. 
     As the first portion  68  of the closing element  28  is rotated and translated axially away from the body  24  by the user, the plug seal  92  first portion  68  is withdrawn from its sealing contact within the body  24  to fully expose the access passage  34  of spout portion  32  of the body  24 . The user of the closure  20  may then pull the first portion  68  of the closing element  28  away from the body  24  to unfold and somewhat straighten the connecting element  76  to permit the first portion  68  of the closing element  28  to pivot and invert under the influence of gravity. The closure  20  can have a variety of fully open conditions, depending on the placement of the first portion  68  of the closing element  28  by the user. The closing element  28  may also have a variety of actuated configurations. For example,  FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate an actuated configuration of the closing element  28  where the frangible elements  124  have been visibly broken and the first portion  68  of the closing element  28  is still in position to occlude the access passage  34  of the body  24 . Accordingly, in this configuration, the closure  20  is in a “closed” condition. As a further example,  FIGS. 8-13 and 14-20  illustrate additional actuated configurations of the closing element  28  where the frangible elements  124  have been visibly broken and the first portion  68  of the closing element  28  is inverted and rotated away from the access passage  34  of the body  24  to an “open” condition. It will be understood that other actuated configurations are possible. 
     One presently preferred fully open condition of the closure  20  is illustrated in  FIGS. 21-27 , wherein the first portion  68  of the closing element  28  is conveniently retained or stored on a portion of the container  26 . If the container  26  is a flexible pouch, then a welded or sealed edge portion of the pouch is received between the opposing surfaces  120  of the notch  116 . The friction fit of the portion of the container  26  is sufficient to hold the first portion  68  of the closing element  28  while a user tips and/or inverts the package containing the closure  20  to dispense (i.e., drink, pour, remove, etc.) the contents of the package through the unobstructed access passage  34  of the body  24 . If the container  26  is a rigid bottle (not illustrated), then a rigid plastic projection may be received within the notch  116 . It will be understood that such mating structures may be reversed, such that the notch  116  is provided on the container  26  or the body  24 , and the projection may be provided on the closing element first portion  68 . 
     Another fully open condition of the closure  20  is illustrated in  FIGS. 29A-29D , wherein the first portion  68  of the closing element  28  is resting against a portion of the container  26 . If the container  26  is a flexible pouch, then the outer wall  96  of the closing element first portion  68  may rest against the generally flat front or rear surface of the pouch (as illustrated). The connecting element  76  can be made with stiffness or rigidity sufficient to maintain the first portion  68  of the closing element  28  in the fully open condition while a user tips or inverts the package containing the closure  20  to dispense (i.e., drink, pour, remove, etc.) the contents of the package through the unobstructed access passage  34  of the body  24 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , when the opened first portion  68  of the closing element  28  is rethreaded onto the spout portion  32  of the body  24 , the broken frangible elements  124  clearly indicate prior opening or evidence of tampering to the user. The remnants of the frangible elements  124 , located on the first portion  68  and second portion  72  of the closing element  28  are configured to not be aligned when the closure  20  is returned to its fully closed condition. Specifically, the remnants of the bridges  124  are located opposite the remnants of the circular central portions  132  of the apertures  128  in an offset or interlocking fashion. 
     It will be appreciated that the number of the frangible elements  124 , and the apertures  128  defined between the frangible elements  124 , can be varied. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 , the frangible elements  124  are provided in two sets or groups, with each group being located on either side of the connecting element  76 . However, the frangible elements  124  could be arranged in only one group or could be arranged in more than two groups. The number of frangible elements  124  could vary from one to two or more. Also, although the frangible elements  124  each have substantially the same shape in the preferred embodiment, one or more of the frangible elements  124  could have a shape that differs from the shapes of the other frangible elements  124 . 
     The connecting element  76  reduces the number of discrete pieces of the closure  20  for improved recycling, enabling the closing element  28  to remain with the body  24  and the container  26 . The closure  20  design further enables the possibility of mono material package recyclability. For example, the closure body  24 , the closing element  28 , and the container  26  may be formed from the same polymer or family of polymers falling within a single recycling identification number, such a polyethylene or polypropylene. 
     When the closure  20  is in the closed condition, the hinge  136  and major portion  78  of the length of the connecting element  76  is substantially contained or shielded within the first portion  68  of the closing element  28 , with no protrusions. This can reduce the risks of damage to the closure  20  during capping, shipping, and handling by the user. With reference to  FIG. 4A  showing the closed condition of the closure  20 , the hinge  136  and the entire length L 1  of the first leg  128  are shielded laterally between the outer wall  96  and inner wall  80 , and a major portion of the length L 2  of the second leg  132  is similarly shielded laterally between the outer wall  96  and inner wall  80 . Thus, a major portion of the total length of the entire connecting element  76  (i.e., more than 50%) is shielded laterally between the outer wall  96  and inner wall  80  when the closure  20  is in the closed condition. Further, in the illustrated preferred embodiment in  FIG. 4A , when the closure  20  is in the closed condition, the connecting element  76  can be characterized as extending radially between the outer wall  96  and inner wall  80  such that, for a major portion L of that radial distance between the outer wall  96  and inner wall  80 , the connecting element  76  is shielded laterally between the outer wall  96  and inner wall  80 . It will be appreciated that the connecting element  76  may be designed to have other configurations when the closure  20  is in the closed condition. For example, the sharply angled hinge  136  and straight legs  128  and  132  could instead be replaced with a continuously curving, arch-like structure wherein a major portion of that arch-like structure would be shielded laterally between the outer wall  96  and inner wall  80  when the closure  20  is in the closed condition. The connecting element  76  is designed to unfold in an accordion-like manner to allow for enough length to extend over the spout portion  32  of the body  24  during opening of the closure  20  and further to remain out of the way during dispensing of a substance through the body  24 . Importantly, the connecting element  76  may offer improved robustness to survive not only the designed life of the package in which the closure is installed  20 , but to survive beyond the designed life of the package to ensure that the closure  20  remains with the package for easier recycling. 
     In an alternate embodiment of the invention (not illustrated), the bridge or bridges  100  between the inner wall  80  and the outer wall  96  may have the form of an annular transverse wall forming a closed upper end of the closing element  28  between the inner wall  80  and the outer wall  96 . In one sense, such a bridge  100  would be an extension of the closed end  88  laterally outwardly to the outer wall  96  in such an alternate embodiment. 
     In yet another embodiment of the invention (not illustrated), the body thread  44  and closing element thread  46  could be eliminated altogether. In such an embodiment, the user would pull the first portion  68  of the closing element  28  to break the frangible elements  124 ; however, the plug seal  92  interference within the spout portion  32  of the body  24  would retain the closing element  28  with the body  24  in a closed position for subsequent uses of the closure  20 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 28C and 28D , a second illustrated embodiment of the closure according the present invention is designated as  20 A. Like elements between the first illustrated embodiment of the closure  20  and the second illustrated embodiment of the closure  20 A are designated with the same numeral (the first embodiment having no suffix and the second embodiment having a “A” suffix). The second illustrated embodiment of the closure  20 A has the same basic elements, and functions in the same manner, as the first illustrated embodiment of the closure  20 . However, the closure  20 A includes a modified notch  116 A which defines a pair of opposing surfaces  120 A that taper in the radially inward direction (through the thickness of the outer wall  96 ) so as to retain a portion of the container (i.e., sealed edge of a pouch or rigid plastic portion of a bottle, etc.) upon which the closure  20 A is installed. In other words, the distance between the opposing surfaces  120 A decreases in the direction moving toward the central axis of the closing element  28 A when the closing element  28 A is assembled to the body  24 A in the fully closed condition. When the first portion  68 A of the closing element  28 A is inverted, this configuration of the notch  116 A facilitates the entry of the container portion within the notch  116 A. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 28E and 28F , a third illustrated embodiment of the closure according the present invention is designated as  20 B. Like elements between the first illustrated embodiment of the closure  20  and the third illustrated embodiment of the closure  20 B are designated with the same numeral (the first embodiment having no suffix and the third embodiment having a “B” suffix). The third illustrated embodiment of the closure  20 B has the same basic elements, and functions in the same manner, as the first illustrated embodiment of the closure  20 . However, the closure  20 B includes a modified notch  116 B which defines a pair of opposing surfaces  120 B, one of which includes a recess  144 B and one of which includes a projection  148 B located opposite the recess  144 B. The recess  144 B and projection  148 B of the notch  116 B function to enhance the frictional engagement between the closure  20 B and a portion of the container (i.e., sealed edge of a pouch) upon which the closure  20 B is installed. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 30-36 , a fourth illustrated embodiment of the closing element according the present invention is designated as  28 C. Like elements between the first illustrated embodiment of the closing element  28  and the fourth illustrated embodiment of the closing element  28 C are designated with the same numeral (the first embodiment having no suffix and the fourth embodiment having a “C” suffix). The fourth illustrated embodiment of the closing element  28 C has the same basic elements, and functions in the same manner, as the first illustrated embodiment of the closing element  28 . However, the closing element  28 C has a different ornamental design. Specifically, the outer wall  96 C has a uniform, cylindrical shape and is circular when viewed from above. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 37-44 , a fifth illustrated embodiment of the closing element according the present invention is designated as  28 D. Like elements between the first illustrated embodiment of the closing element  20  and the fifth illustrated embodiment of the closing element  28 D are designated with the same numeral (the first embodiment having no suffix and the fifth embodiment having a “D” suffix). The fifth illustrated embodiment of the closing element  28 D has the same basic elements, and functions in the same manner, as the first illustrated embodiment of the closing element  28 . However, the closing element  28 D has a different ornamental design. Specifically, the outer wall  96 D has a square shape with rounded corners, when viewed from above ( FIG. 39 ) or below ( FIG. 42 ). 
     Various modifications and alterations to this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. Illustrative embodiments and examples are provided as examples only and are not intended to limit the broadest scope of the present invention.