Abstract: A container is provided for holding a chemical compound or mixture. Areas are provided on the surface of the container which allow for gaseous by-products from the chemical contained within the container to permeate from a chamber through the surface of the container. A septum is over-molded into the surface of the container. The septum is formed in such a manner that it provides a sealing effect to close an opening in the container.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sterilizing packaging material for use in packaging for protein containing products, such as food products or medical drugs. The packaging material is sterilized by irradiating it using a beam of ionizing radiation, such as an electron beam or a beam of gamma rays. Afterwards, the packaging material is processed in such a manner that protein reactive substances or compounds formed in the packaging material during the irradiation step are at least partly removed or rendered inreactive with respect to proteins. The processing step may advantageously be performed by heating the packaging material. Preferably, the processing step involves accelerating diffusion from the packaging material of protein reactive substances or compounds. Since the protein reactive substances or compounds are removed or rendered inreactive with respect to proteins, degradation of the product which is later stored in the packaging material is considerably reduced.

Abstract: It has been determined that gamma sterilization of biodegradable polymer stents does not cause significant polymer cross-linking and collapse. Using sufficient spacing can lead to stents that display little if any detrimental effects from the procedure. In certain embodiments, using structures in the general region of about 100 micron spacing between the struts leads to highly functional stents that do not fuse. Further, the resulting stent has radially homogenous mechanical properties. Therefore, the stent has a uniform expansion within the lumen.

Abstract: A pouch for containing a product, the pouch comprising a first wall (6) and a second wall (8), the first wall and second wall being sealed together in sealed regions (10), the sealed regions substantially surrounding a compartment (12) including a product portion within which a product (2) can be located, the first wall (6) comprising a tear strip (16) extending towards at least a part of the compartment, the tear strip (16) including a tab portion (18) at a proximal end, the tab portion (18) is separated from the compartment region (12) by a sealed region and is located away from edges of the pouch, the tear strip having tear guiding regions (24, 26) in the first wall (6) at first and second opposing edges, the pouch being arranged such that the tab portion (18) can be grasped and a removal force exerted thereon to cause a tear to extend along each of the tear guiding regions (24, 26) so that at least a portion of the tear strip (16) is torn away from the pouch to render the compartment (12) accessible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel device for the collection, storage, shipping and retrieval of hair follicles from animals for the purpose of isolating DNA or other genetic material from the follicles for analysis. The device has outer flaps for the protection as well as identification of the samples and an inner part where samples are placed. The inner device has thicker base and a clear plastic cover, the easy peel back of which is facilitated by a) low tack adhesives that hold the two together and b) a touch cut on one end, through the base sheet which creates a grip. This makes the device convenient and easy to use, and yet a robust collection device for hair follicles from animals in a farm or real-life situation. Hair follicles can be punched out through the inner device for direct DNA isolation and analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispersing a fragrance compound. The apparatus includes a fragrance compound impregnated porous carrier with a film wrapped there about to form an envelope hermetically sealed along at least a first seam in the film. The film is perforated with at least a first slit to define a vent opening removable portion retained to the envelope with at least a first tab of film bridging the first slit. A film vent closure is adhesively applied to the envelope about the vent opening removable portion, thereby forming a substantially complete hermetic seal of the interior of the envelope about the porous carrier. Upon removal, the film vent closure adhesively pulls the vent opening removable portion from the envelope, and the first tab of film is torn, so as to form a vent opening in the envelope, and thereby enabling the fragrance compound to disperse through the vent opening.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include methods, devices, and systems that provide effective packaging items with at least one gummy surface. In particular, implementations of the present invention provide a package for items with a gummy surface that does not require a separate liner to be placed on the gummy surface. In example implementations, the package includes inadhesive polymers such that the item can be removeably adhered to a portion of the package.

Abstract: There is provided a packing container. The packing container has two different spaces formed by pressing edges of a carrier sheet, a function sheet and a middle sheet to each other to form a carrier space and a function space in both sides of the middle sheet, and thus two contents may be packed in one packing container, which leads to the simple packaging handling.

Abstract: A lacrosse product including a pocket for a lacrosse head. The lacrosse head includes a scoop, a throat, first and second sides, a front and a back. The pocket comprises a mesh material preformed to a desired shape so that when the pocket is placed on a stick, the location of the deepest or bulbous portion will be at an optimal location and a channel may also be formed. The mesh material is preformed using a mold and/or a heat source. A package is provided to maintain the shape of the pocket during shipment and inventory.

Abstract: A system for providing a shipping label and a packing list on a container is provided which enables rapid and automated sequential application of a packing list and a shipping label to the container. The shipping label is configured complemental to the packing list whereby the packing list may first be adhered directly to the container and then the shipping label may be placed thereover. The shipping label may be applied over the packing list while the container moves continuously down a conveyor. The invention further includes an apparatus for sequentially applying the packing list and then the shipping label, and a method for applying the packing list and shipping label in registry.

Abstract: An easy-open and reclosable package includes a pouch including a discrete laminate including a tape including a base strip coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive, and a panel section, the inner surface of the panel section having an easy-open sealant, the panel section adhered by the PSA to the base strip; the discrete laminate anchored to a first side panel; and a product in the pouch. When the package is opened, the package can be reclosed by adhering the first or second side panel to the pressure sensitive adhesive. Methods for making the package, and a pouch, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Containers and components thereof for use in the medical industry and methods to manufacture the same are described. An example tab for use with a medical container includes opposing sheets sealed to define an open ended chamber into which a port is to be at least partially positioned. The port is to enable access to the medical container. The tab includes a tear seal defined by each of the opposing sheets and a first guide positioned on a first side of each of the tear seals. The tab includes a second guide positioned on a second side of each of the tear seals, wherein the first and second guides are to enable a tear to propagate substantially between the guides and adjacent the tear seals.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a product in a sheet material wrapper employing a first sheet of plastically deformable sheet material (for example aluminium) and a second sheet of wrapping material (for example a plastic film) having springback. Once the product is placed on the first sheet, the second sheet is applied on the product providing in the second sheet a part wrapping the product and a part facing the first sheet. The first sheet and the part of said second sheet facing it are airtight-seal coupled so to form, by effect of the coupling, a plastically deformable composite sheet material against the product or to form an integral housing cup.

Abstract: An element dispensing package suitable for dispensing adhesive strips or bandages. Each element is contained within an envelope formed by opposed upper and lower sheets. The lower sheet has a release liner secured thereto to protect the element while it is within the dispenser. The element is releasably secured to a first tab and is separated from the package when the envelope is opened. The first tab has one or more gripping means to facilitate dispensing of the element contained within the package. Additionally, the upper sheet and the lower sheet have optional gripping means (e.g., a second tab) to facilitate dispensing of the element contained within the package.

Abstract: An air freshener device includes an open-cell, polyurethane foam body having a scent material interspersed in the foam body that is capable of diffusing out of the foam, and a flexible cover surrounding and conforming to the foam body having at least one hole in the cover to facilitate the release of scent. The foam body can be flexible and compressible, and also resilient and returnable to its original configuration. The flexible cover can have a fabric shell that is soothing to the touch, and may also have a non-porous inner liner to contain the scent material and prevent it from migrating out of the foam body. In addition, the air freshener can have a freestanding, self-supported, three-dimensional shape, and can be fashioned into the shape of a common sports ball, such as a baseball.

Abstract: The invention provides an easily gripped, single use or multiple use, packet applicator that contains, protects, dispenses and applies powders, solids, semi-solids, semi-liquids, and liquids. The packet contents, or “payload”, are selected from a wide variety of personal care, domestic, office, commercial, and industrial substances, such as: sunscreen, soap, cosmetics, cosmetics removers, and medicaments for application to epidermis and other body surfaces; detergents, waxes, cleansers, and polishes for application to household surfaces; and lubricants, paints, sensors, and sealants for application to commercial and industrial surfaces. Embodiments of the packet applicator can include a rotatable grip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaged product (3) or group (19) of products, such as a candy, wherein said product or group of products (3) has an elongated form, wherein the package comprises at least one film (1, 2) which encloses said product or group of products, and wherein part of said film extends from at least one outer end of the product or group of products, and wherein said part of the film is bent away from the direction of the axis of the elongated product or group of products back towards a part of the film that surrounds the product and is bonded therewith. The invention also relates to an easy opening arrangement for packaged products, and to an array or bandoleer (19) of products with reduced packaging material.

Abstract: An enteral feeding device, includes a system for delivering liquid nutrients to an enteral feeding tube. The device includes: (a) a container, having first, second and third openings; (b) a tip configured to be coupled to the container, the tip having an opening in fluid communication with the first opening of the container, the second opening of the container configured such that nutrient can be delivered to the second opening and the third opening configured to receive nutrient or to allow gas expelled from the patient (e.g., through burping) to flow there through.

Abstract: A chewing gum pocket provides a flexible sheet with a smooth surface with a first surface, an obverse second surface, a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. Tacky adhesive is applied as transverse bands at opposing ends of said first side of said sheet. Said sheet is scored along a generally transverse axis, generally bisecting said sheet. The sheet can then be folded so as to form a pocket with a smooth surface for temporarily store previously chewed gum for continued use or a tacky interior surface for disposal of said chewing gum. Said pocket is manufactured in a sterile environment. Releasable sheets cover said first and second sides of said sheet and are enclosed in an envelope for convenient distribution.

Abstract: The plastic bag for vacuum packing provided by the present invention has embossments which space in longitudinal direction and stagger in transverse direction formed on the inner surface, and thus lots of intercommunicate channels are formed so as to eliminate the possibility to form any air pocket or internal cavity. Meanwhile, air linearly exits from the bottom to the open end, so it takes less time to evacuate the bag. Further, the bag only has one film be embossed, and thus the manufacturing process thereof is simplified and at low cost, and the bag is easy to wash. Moreover, the strength of the bag provided by the present invention is enhanced; especially the anti-avulsion capability is well improved.

Abstract: A reclosable package for storing and dispensing product. The package has a reclosable opening panel that can be selectively moved from a closed position where product contained within the package is retained to an open position where product contained within the package is exposed for dispensing. The package includes a tamper indicator that provides one or more of a visual, tactile, or auditory indication that the opening panel is being opened for the first time or has been previously opened.

Abstract: A medical bag formed of a flexible material includes a front bag part and a rear bag part joined together to form a bag body. A closable liquid inlet port is provided in an upper part of the bag body. The medical bag further includes a deformable elongated member provided in the vicinity of the liquid inlet port on at least one of the front and rear bag parts. The elongated member is deformable so as to retain the liquid inlet port in an open configuration when the elongated member is in a deformed state.

Abstract: A dispensing utensil (102) including a body (104) having: a carcass (104); and a pliable top wall (112) and a bottom wall (106), the walls (112, 106) supported by the carcass (104), wherein the pliable top wall (112) and bottom wall (106) define a cavity (124) for storing dispensable cavity contents; the utensil (102) further including: a lid (108) connected to the pliable top wall (112) and openable about a hinge (114) formed by the pliable top wall (112); a seal (110) sealing the lid (108) to the body (104?) to seal the cavity (124); a tool portion (150); and a handle portion (152); wherein the seal (110) may be broken and the lid (108) opened about the hinge (114) formed by the pliable top wall (112), thereby allowing the cavity contents to be dispensed.

Abstract: A package for carrying and dispensing contents through at least one metered opening includes a plastic backing having a first elastic limit and a shear modulus sufficient to maintain the package in a substantially flat configuration; a first score extending at least partially into the first side of the plastic backing; a coating formed on a second side of the plastic backing having a second elastic limit that is greater than the first elastic limit; a pouch formed on the second side of the plastic backing that is adapted to carry the contents of the package. Flexure of the plastic backing by a first amount is sufficient to cause the plastic backing to exceed the first elastic limit and break along the first score while flexure to a folded position is insufficient to cause the coating to exceed the second elastic limit.

Abstract: A method of increasing the gas transmission rate of a packaging film comprises providing a packaging film that comprises at least about 0.001 weight % of fullerene material selected from spherical fullerenes, bowl-shaped fullerenes, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, carbon nanocones, and carbon nano-onions. The packaging film is exposed to an amount of radiation energy effective to increase the oxygen transmission rate of the packaging film by at least about 100 cc (STP)/m2. day (1 atm, 0% RH, 23° C.).

Abstract: The present invention provides an adhesive preparation package containing an adhesive preparation and a packaging film(s) enclosing said preparation, the packaging films being heat-sealed around the adhesive preparation, wherein the heat-sealed portion of the packaging film comprises an embossed heat-sealed portion and a flat heat-sealed portion, and the embossed heat-sealed portion and the flat heat-sealed portion each form a pattern surrounding the periphery of the adhesive preparation. The adhesive preparation package of the present invention is free of occurrence of pinholes in a heat-sealed portion and can maintain superior air-tightness and sterility.

Abstract: The invention provides a dual compartment pouch having first and second compartments that are separated from each other by an impervious inner sheet having a breathable membrane. The breathable membrane comprises a breathable material that is pervious to moisture and gases, and impervious to liquids as well as microorganisms. The breathable membrane allows a sterilizing gas to be introduced between the first and second compartments. The front and back sheets are sealed to the inner sheet to define the first and second compartments in which the inner sheet forms a common wall between the compartments. The breathable membrane is disposed towards a central portion of the inner sheet and is spaced apart from the seams joining the front and back sheets to the inner sheet. In one embodiment, a sterilized article is disposed in one compartment, and an absorbent packets are disposed in the other compartment.

Abstract: A packaging intended to contain at least one item, such as a food product, comprises a flexible inner seal forming a bottom and a cover delimiting with the inner seal a cavity suitable for receiving the item. The cover is more rigid than the inner seal and comprises a peripheral edge sealed on a periphery of the inner seal in a position of closure of the packaging. The packaging is such that the cover is able to be cut into at least two sectors respectively provided with gripping means extending the edge, when traction is exerted on one of the gripping means, toward a zone opposite the edge while flattening the other gripping means on the inner seal, so as to detach from the inner seal the sector whose gripping means is subject to this traction in order to place the packaging in a partially open position.

Abstract: A multiple chamber medical fluid bag including: (i) a flexible enclosure; (ii) a first fluid chamber formed in the enclosure; (iii) a second fluid chamber formed in the enclosure; (iv) the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber separated by a frangible seal; and (v) an access port connected to the enclosure, the enclosure folded so as to cover the access port and so that the frangible seal is broken to uncover the access port.

Abstract: A sheath is disclosed for covering a manually manipulated controller having at least one user accessible control thereon. The sheath is elongated and includes a nose portion and linear side portions forming a sheath perimeter removably secured to a carrier for dispensing the sheath therefrom. The sheath includes at least one shoulder segment having a scalloped first shoulder transition and a curved second shoulder segment. The scalloped first shoulder segment provides expansibility in excess of the expansibility of the curved second shoulder segment, thereby providing flexible material that is readily manipulated without tearing when the sheath covers the controller and the user manipulates the control covered by the sheath.

Abstract: A container for storing a liquid component of bone cement. The container includes a flexible film sealed about its periphery to define a cavity. The cavity has a first layer, a second layer, and a vinyl barrier layer between the first layer and the second layer. The cavity is operable to store the liquid component of bone cement.

Abstract: A hand sanitizing kit that includes: at least one single-dose hand sanitizer packet dispensing station component and at least one multiple-dose hand sanitizer dispensing station component. The single-dose hand sanitizer packet dispensing station contains a plurality of single-dose hand sanitizer packets and is adapted to dispense these single-dose hand sanitizer packets. The dispensing station components may include one or more mounts for releasably secure placement or for secure placement of the dispensing station component. The multiple-dose hand sanitizer dispensing station component is a desirably a hand sanitizer pump dispenser. The kit may include instructions or information about positions in a medical setting to locate the single-dose hand sanitizer packet dispensing station component or multiple-dose hand sanitizer dispensing station component to provide accessible hand sanitizing.

Abstract: Novel coated substrates are disclosed wherein a substrate is coated with a coating composition that forms good hermetic seals at very low temperatures and exhibits good blocking and slip characteristics. Such coating composition is comprised of an aqueous dispersion of a substantially non-polar copolymer of ethylene and an alpha-olefin having less than 20 carbon atoms, and an additive selected from the group consisting of an anti-blocking and slip agent, a coalescent and wetting agent, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A laminated lidstock includes a substrate film, a support web; a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed between the substrate and support webs, and covering the substrate film and support web except for a clear area disposed near one end of the laminated lidstock; a first die cut disposed in the substrate film; a second die cut disposed in the support web; a pull tab; and a tamper evidence device including an end portion of the support web, defined by a first end, a first side edge, and a second side edge of the package made from the laminated lidstock, and the second die cut, capable of indicating tampering of the package upon removal of the tamper evidence device from the support web; wherein at least one of the substrate film and the support web carries a registration device.

Abstract: A package (1) is described for the storage of at least two substances in separate chambers, comprising: a first chamber (3), which contains a flowable first substance (5), and a second chamber (7), wherein the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (7) are in each case formed from portions, sealed to one another in liquid tight manner, of a base film (11) and a cover film (13), the cover film (13) is a composite film comprising a first barrier foil (21) of a metallic material, the base film (11) is a composite film comprising a second barrier foil (29) of a metallic material, wherein the metallic material of the second barrier foil (29) is softer than that of the first barrier foil (21), in a zone (15) connecting the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (7), the base film (11) and the cover film (13) are sealed to one another in such a manner that, by exerting external pressure on the first chamber (3), (a) the sealed joint between the films (11, 13) may break selectively in the stated zone (15), (b) a

Abstract: A packaging is composed of two foils joined along their edges that enclose at least one chamber containing a carrier provided, or to be provided, with a medium. A first foil has extending in it a predetermined break line for exposing the carrier, over which the carrier extends. Disposed between the second foil and the carrier is a largely rigid insert that extends beyond the predetermined break line situated opposite from it, at least far enough so that when the packaging is broken open, the carrier is pulled out of the chamber by a corresponding distance for removal or application of the medium. The insert acts as an “expelling sheet” between the carrier and covering foil and is dimensioned to either extend in its end contour beyond the predetermined break line or, upon bending at a weakening, portions of the insert extend beyond the predetermined break line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for packaging piece-items in a disposable packaging, and to a disposable packaging. A labelled support card comprising at least one gas-impermeable layer is provided with at least one piece-item. The projected bearing surface of the piece-item and a joint surface of the labelled support card surrounding said bearing surface are smaller than the largest gas-impermeable layer. Openings are made around said joint surface along a closed three-dimensional curve, piercing at least all the gas-impermeable layers. The fitted support card is covered by a gas-impermeable extensible film. The space defined by the extensible film and the support card is evacuated by means of the openings. At least one joint surface of the extensible film enters into adhesive contact with at least one joint surface of the labelled support card, forming a sealed joint.

Abstract: Packaging for packaging a substance in a leakproof protective cover includes a protective cover having two parts of separable leakproof material containing an applicator fixed to the inside face of one of the two parts. A portion of fiber, sponge, or analogous structure in which the substance is distributed is contained within the applicator.

Abstract: A packaging structure includes a head, a neck and a body. The body includes two confronting body portions of cohesive packaging material and a removable separator or insert therebetween. Upon removing the separator and pressing the two confronting body portions together, the confronting body portions are bonded together.

Abstract: A fragrance sampler is provided which is made from two plies, a bottom ply and a top ply, of material. A cosmetic, such as a wet fragrance, sample is deposited on the bottom ply. A well is formed in at least one of the plies and is sized and shaped to surround the sample. The two plies are then adhered together to form a liquid tight seal between the two plies and around the well.

Abstract: High visual impact plastic packaging is described as well as methods for producing such packaging. Sealing portions of a package to each other in an interwoven manner is described. Printing on multiple surfaces of a package to obtain appealing visual effects is described. Methods of sealing plastic packages are described, including some that use heat sealing techniques. Plasticized or laminated paperboard materials can be used, as well as plastic materials such as mineral-based materials, polylactic acid, and recycled and/or recyclable polyurethane.

Abstract: A ream wrap package formed by wrapping a sheet of polymeric film around a stack of paper, the sheet having at least one line of weakness formed therein, to form a rectangular tube with sides overlapping, sealing one side to the other to form a girth seal, closing the tube at each end to form an envelope seal with tucked in ends and overlapping flaps, at least one of which is trapezoidal, so that in the formed package there is at least one line of weakness extending along the whole length of a surface of the package outside the girth seal, positioned so that it terminates at each end of the package within a region of the transverse direction defined by that portion of the overlapping flaps where there are only two layers of overlapping film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel device for the collection, storage, shipping and retrieval of hair follicles from animals for the purpose of isolating DNA or other genetic material from the follicles for analysis. The device has outer flaps for the protection as well as identification of the samples and an inner part where samples are placed. The inner device has thicker base and a clear plastic cover, the easy peel back of which is facilitated by a) low tack adhesives that hold the two together and b) a touch cut on one end, through the base sheet which creates a grip. This makes the device convenient and easy to use, and yet a robust collection device for hair follicles from animals in a farm or real-life situation. Hair follicles can be punched out through the inner device for direct DNA isolation and analysis.

Abstract: A flexible package comprises first and second flexible layers having substrates with groups of longitudinal spaced-apart adhesive strips disposed thereupon. The groups of adhesive strips are generally aligned with each other and joined together to form a plurality of generally monolithic longitudinal spaced-apart seal strips. A first transverse heat seal is formed along a first edge defined by the first and second flexible layers. A second transverse heat seal is formed along a second, opposing edge defined by the first and second flexible layers. At least one series of longitudinal perforations bisect at least one seal strip, and at least one series of transverse perforations are oriented generally parallel to and proximate one of the first and second heat seal. One or more objects are detachably and releasably contained by the package, the objects being disposed between the first and second flexible layers and located between the seal strips.

Abstract: A standable package for holding a blister pack. The package is formed of a unitary sheet of folded paperboard material and comprises, when assembled, a front portion having an opening for the blister pack, a back portion connected to the front portion for enclosing the blister pack between the front portion and the back portion, a base connected to the front portion, and a support member connected to base and the back portion. The blister pack is inserted between the front portion and the back portion of the package when the sheet is folded along horizontal fold lines separating the front portion from the base, the base from the support member, and the support member from the back portion. The base, the support member and the front portion form a support base for the package that enables it to stand in an upright position. The support base is open at its sides to enable opening of the package from the open sides of the support base.

Abstract: A lid sheet for use in a blister form pack for packaging of pharmaceutical and medical products, wherein said lid sheet is a laminate comprising four layers A, B, C and D with the layer sequence A-B-C-D and the layers comprising as follows: (Layer A) a layer A material selected from the group consisting of cellulose material; aluminium foil; plastic film with a temperature resistance of at least 1 second at 220° C.; lacquer with a temperature resistance of at least 1 second at 220° C.

Abstract: A flexible, uniform mail package for use with automated mailing procedures and a method of distributing advertising and promotional items. A mail package includes a plastic tray with at least one well for containing and securing an article, such as a pen or a key tag, within the mail package. The mail package meets current and proposed USPS uniformity and flexibility standards for automated handling of the mail packages, and is capable of being processed, without issue, using automatic equipment thereby reducing postage costs compared to non-flat machinable mail pieces.

Abstract: An easy open package for personal care products which has sensory cues as to the location of the opening of a wrapper component. In addition, the present invention provides a wrapper component which has a gradient seal which allows the user to effectively open the wrapper without unnecessarily tearing the wrapper.

Abstract: Provided is a system, apparatus and methods of use for the safe and easy handling and disposing of light bulbs. The system provides a disposal tube comprising one or more layers of puncture resistant material and a means for absorbing metals or gasses that may be released when the light bulb is broken, such as by externally striking the disposal tube and the bulb contained therein. The invention also provides a method for using the disposal tube as a means to safely handle and store the light bulbs.

Abstract: In packaging 10 comprising three layers of material 14, 16, 18 adhered together, the middle layer 16 has at east one portion 20 removed, defining a void inside the packaging. The three layers are the same size and shape. Partial cut-lines 22 extend width layers through all layers, at the edge of the packaging, to aid opening. A further perforation 32 may be applied to the two outer layers, substantially bridging the gap between the outer cuts. The first layer of the packaging is initially not completely joined to the middle layer, and can be folded back about a fold line 44, to allow insertion of an object before closing. A tapered gap 56 maybe provided in the edge of the middle layer, connecting to the removed portion. One of the outer layers 14, 18 may be provided with a printed, perforated portion, overlying the void space in the middle layer.