US4574948A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Linear fold armed suture
Assignee: Deknatel Technology Corp
•
Filing: 1984-12-03
•
Granted: 1986-03-11
•
Expires: 2004-12-03
Abstract
Abstract A device for storing and dispensing a suture includes an outer envelope formed of two panel layers which are sealed along their peripheries so as to hermetically enclose a region therebetween. An inner container positioned within the region includes a rectangular center panel which has a pocket formed by an overlaying window to snugly retain a needle therein. A second panel foldably secured to one longitudinal edge of the center panel receives on its left-half the major portion of the suture. The right-half of the side panel is then folded over the suture and again is folded over onto the upper surface of the center panel. A tab formed of the center panel is provided so as to lock the side panel when positioned on the center panel. A window is provided in the upper panel layer and overlies the window of the center panel so that the needle and a portion of the thread are viewable therethrough. After tearing or removing a portion of the two panel layers so as to expose the window on the center panel, the envelope and center panel are folded in half so as to expose a portion of the needle together with a portion of the suture free of the surface of the center panel. The center panel has a score line centrally positioned along the longitudinal axis thereof to aid in the folding of the center panel. A method for storing and dispensing the suture and respective needle is also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles M. Huck
- 👤 Charles R. Ashley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 17:43
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/04; A61B17/06; A61B17/06114; A61B17/06133; A61B17/06138
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 41
Claim 1
Independent Claim
279 words
A suture dispensing apparatus comprising: a. at least one suture including at least one needle and strand secured to one end of the needle; b. first panel means including pocket means retaining a first sharp-end portion of the needle in a snug fitting relationship, said pocket means being configured and dimensioned so as to permit selective withdrawal of said first sharp-end portion of the needle free of said pocket means, said first panel means having a first longitudinal score line extending across the second or remaining portion of the needle along a predetermined longitudinal axis such that the second or remaining portion of the needle is exposed free of said first panel means upon folding of said first panel means along said first longitudinal score line while said pocket means retains the first sharp-end portion of the needle; and c. second panel means for retaining a major portion of the strand, said second panel means being foldably secured to said first panel means along respective longitudinal edges thereof parallel to said first score line and configured such that the strand can be withdrawn therefrom upon removal of the first sharp-end portion of the needle from said first panel means, said second panel means having a second longitudinal score line such that said second panel means encloses a portion of the strand upon folding of said second panel means back upon itself along said second score line, and said second panel means in said folded condition being capable of being folded over along its longitudinal edge so as to overlap a surface portion of said first panel means with said second longitudinal score line aligned with said first score line.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
279 words
A suture dispensing apparatus comprising: a. at least one suture including at least one needle and strand secured to one end of the needle; b. first panel means including pocket means retaining a first sharp-end portion of the needle in a snug fitting relationship, said pocket means being configured and dimensioned so as to permit selective withdrawal of said first sharp-end portion of the needle free of said pocket means, said first panel means having a first longitudinal score line extending across the second or remaining portion of the needle along a predetermined longitudinal axis such that the second or remaining portion of the needle is exposed free of said first panel means upon folding of said first panel means along said first longitudinal score line while said pocket means retains the first sharp-end portion of the needle; and c. second panel means for retaining a major portion of the strand, said second panel means being foldably secured to said first panel means along respective longitudinal edges thereof parallel to said first score line and configured such that the strand can be withdrawn therefrom upon removal of the first sharp-end portion of the needle from said first panel means, said second panel means having a second longitudinal score line such that said second panel means encloses a portion of the strand upon folding of said second panel means back upon itself along said second score line, and said second panel means in said folded condition being capable of being folded over along its longitudinal edge so as to overlap a surface portion of said first panel means with said second longitudinal score line aligned with said first score line.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
297 words
An apparatus for dispensing at least one suture comprising: a. at least one suture including at least one needle and strand secured to one end of the needle; b. first panel means including pocket means retaining a first sharp-end portion of the needle in a snug fitting relationship, said pocket means being configured and dimensioned so as to permit selective withdrawal of said first sharp-end portion of the needle free of said pocket means, said first panel means having a first longitudinal score line extending across the second or remaining portion of the needle along a predetermined longitudinal axis such that the second or remaining portion of the needle is exposed free of said first panel means upon folding of said first panel means along said first longitudinal score line while said pocket means retains the first sharp-end portion of the needle; and c. second panel means for retaining a major portion of the strand and configured such that the strand can be withdrawn therefrom upon removal of the first sharp-end portion of the needle from said first panel means, said second panel means being foldably connected to said first panel means along respective longitudinal edges thereof parallel to said first score line, said second panel means having a second longitudinal score line such that said second panel means encloses the major portion of the strand upon folding of said second panel means back upon itself along said second score line, and said second panel means in said folded condition enclosing the major portion of the strand being capable of being folded over along its longitudinal edge connected to said first panel means so as to overlap a surface portion of said first panel means with said second longitudinal score line aligned with said first score line.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
297 words
An apparatus for dispensing at least one suture comprising: a. at least one suture including at least one needle and strand secured to one end of the needle; b. first panel means including pocket means retaining a first sharp-end portion of the needle in a snug fitting relationship, said pocket means being configured and dimensioned so as to permit selective withdrawal of said first sharp-end portion of the needle free of said pocket means, said first panel means having a first longitudinal score line extending across the second or remaining portion of the needle along a predetermined longitudinal axis such that the second or remaining portion of the needle is exposed free of said first panel means upon folding of said first panel means along said first longitudinal score line while said pocket means retains the first sharp-end portion of the needle; and c. second panel means for retaining a major portion of the strand and configured such that the strand can be withdrawn therefrom upon removal of the first sharp-end portion of the needle from said first panel means, said second panel means being foldably connected to said first panel means along respective longitudinal edges thereof parallel to said first score line, said second panel means having a second longitudinal score line such that said second panel means encloses the major portion of the strand upon folding of said second panel means back upon itself along said second score line, and said second panel means in said folded condition enclosing the major portion of the strand being capable of being folded over along its longitudinal edge connected to said first panel means so as to overlap a surface portion of said first panel means with said second longitudinal score line aligned with said first score line.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
283 words
A suture dispensing apparatus comprising: a. at least one suture including at least one needle and strand secured to one end of the needle; b. first panel means including pocket means securely retaining a first sharp-end portion of the needle in a snug fitting relationship, said pocket means being configured and dimensioned so as to permit selective withdrawal of said first sharp-end portion of the needle free of said pocket means, said first panel means having a first longitudinal score line extending across the second or remaining portion of the needle along a predetermined longitudinal axis such that the second or remaining portion of the needle is exposed free of said first panel means upon folding of said first panel means along said first longitudinal score line while said pocket means retains the first sharp-end portion of the needle; and c. second panel means for securely retaining a major portion of the strand, said second panel means being foldably secured to said first panel means along respective longitudinal edges thereof which are parallel to said first score line and configured such that the strand can be withdrawn therefrom upon removal of the first sharp-end portion of the needle from said first panel means, said second panel means having a second longitudinal score line such that said second panel means encloses a portion of the strand upon folding of said second panel means back upon itself along said second score line, and said second panel means in said folded condition being capable of being folded over along its longitudinal edge so as to overlap a surface portion of said first panel means with said second longitudinal score line aligned with said first score line.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
283 words
A suture dispensing apparatus comprising: a. at least one suture including at least one needle and strand secured to one end of the needle; b. first panel means including pocket means securely retaining a first sharp-end portion of the needle in a snug fitting relationship, said pocket means being configured and dimensioned so as to permit selective withdrawal of said first sharp-end portion of the needle free of said pocket means, said first panel means having a first longitudinal score line extending across the second or remaining portion of the needle along a predetermined longitudinal axis such that the second or remaining portion of the needle is exposed free of said first panel means upon folding of said first panel means along said first longitudinal score line while said pocket means retains the first sharp-end portion of the needle; and c. second panel means for securely retaining a major portion of the strand, said second panel means being foldably secured to said first panel means along respective longitudinal edges thereof which are parallel to said first score line and configured such that the strand can be withdrawn therefrom upon removal of the first sharp-end portion of the needle from said first panel means, said second panel means having a second longitudinal score line such that said second panel means encloses a portion of the strand upon folding of said second panel means back upon itself along said second score line, and said second panel means in said folded condition being capable of being folded over along its longitudinal edge so as to overlap a surface portion of said first panel means with said second longitudinal score line aligned with said first score line.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said retaining means includes a window portion permitting viewing of said first sharp-end portion of the needle retained in secured relationship with said first panel means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said window portion is constructed of transparent material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said first and said second panel means are of a generally rectangular configuration.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said firsr and said second panel means are foldably secured to each other along respective longitudinal edges thereof, said longitudinal edges being aligned with said predetermined axis.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said second panel means is capable of being folded along its longitudinal axis such that said second panel means encloses the major portion of the suture upon folding of said second panel means back upon itself along its longitudinal axis.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus according to claim 8 further including a tab portion extending outwardly from a peripheral edge of said second panel means, said tab capable of being folded back onto said second panel means so as to guide the major portion of the suture during its withdrawal from said second panel means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said second panel means in its folded condition enclosing the major portion of the suture is folded over along its longitudinal edge connected to said first panel means so as to overlap a surface portion of said first panel means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus according to claim 10 further including third panel means foldably secured along one longitudinal edge to the other longitudinal edge of said first panel means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said first, second and third panel means are integrally constructed of a bleached sulphite board.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said first and second panel means are integrally constructed of a bleached sulphite board.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus according to either of claim 13 or 12 wherein said second panel means includes means for maintaining the major portion of the suture in a predetermined configuration so as to prevent entangling or kinking of the major portion of the suture during dispensing of the suture therefrom.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said panel means are capable of being sterilized by at least one of irradition and ethylene oxide sterilizing methods.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
485 words
A suture dispensing apparatus comprising: a. at least one suture including at least one needle and strand secured to one end of the needle; b. first panel means including pocket means securely retaining a first sharp-end portion of the needle in a snug fitting relationship, said pocket means being configured and dimensioned so as to permit selective withdrawal of said first sharp-end portion of the needle free of said pocket means, said first panel means having a longitudinal score line extending across the second or remaining portion of the needle such that the second or remaining portion of the needle is exposed free of said first panel means upon folding of said first panel means along said longitudinal score line while said pocket means retains the first sharp-end portion of the needle; and c. second panel means for securely retaining a major portion of the strand, said second panel means being foldably secured to said first panel means along respective longitudinal edges thereof which are parallel to said score line and configured such that the strand can be withdrawn therefrom upon removal of the first sharp-end portion of the needle from said first panel means; d. said first panel means including a window portion constructed of transparent material permitting viewing of the needle retained in secured relationship with said first panel means, said first and said second panel means being of a generally rectangular configuration and being foldably secured to each other along respective longitudinal edges thereof, said longitudinal edges being aligned with said predetermined axis, said second panel means being capable of being folded along its longitudinal axis such that said second panel means encloses the major portion of the suture upon folding of said second panel means back upon itself along its longitudinal axis; e. a tab portion extending outwardly from a peripheral edge of said second panel means, said tab capable of being folded back onto said second panel means so as to guide the major portion of the suture during its withdrawal from said second panel means, said second panel means in its folded condition enclosing the major portion of the suture being folded over along its longitudinal edge connected to said first panel means so as to overlap a surface portion of said first panel means; and f. third panel means foldably secured along one longitudinal edge to the other longitudinal edge of said first panel means, an aperture positioned centrally of said first panel means and a tab centrally formed of said third panel means, such that upon folding of said third panel means onto the surface of said first panel means opposite said second panel means, said tab is capable of extending through said aperture so as to overlie at least a portion of said second panel means and therefore secure said second panel means after said second panel means has been folded onto said third panel means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
485 words
A suture dispensing apparatus comprising: a. at least one suture including at least one needle and strand secured to one end of the needle; b. first panel means including pocket means securely retaining a first sharp-end portion of the needle in a snug fitting relationship, said pocket means being configured and dimensioned so as to permit selective withdrawal of said first sharp-end portion of the needle free of said pocket means, said first panel means having a longitudinal score line extending across the second or remaining portion of the needle such that the second or remaining portion of the needle is exposed free of said first panel means upon folding of said first panel means along said longitudinal score line while said pocket means retains the first sharp-end portion of the needle; and c. second panel means for securely retaining a major portion of the strand, said second panel means being foldably secured to said first panel means along respective longitudinal edges thereof which are parallel to said score line and configured such that the strand can be withdrawn therefrom upon removal of the first sharp-end portion of the needle from said first panel means; d. said first panel means including a window portion constructed of transparent material permitting viewing of the needle retained in secured relationship with said first panel means, said first and said second panel means being of a generally rectangular configuration and being foldably secured to each other along respective longitudinal edges thereof, said longitudinal edges being aligned with said predetermined axis, said second panel means being capable of being folded along its longitudinal axis such that said second panel means encloses the major portion of the suture upon folding of said second panel means back upon itself along its longitudinal axis; e. a tab portion extending outwardly from a peripheral edge of said second panel means, said tab capable of being folded back onto said second panel means so as to guide the major portion of the suture during its withdrawal from said second panel means, said second panel means in its folded condition enclosing the major portion of the suture being folded over along its longitudinal edge connected to said first panel means so as to overlap a surface portion of said first panel means; and f. third panel means foldably secured along one longitudinal edge to the other longitudinal edge of said first panel means, an aperture positioned centrally of said first panel means and a tab centrally formed of said third panel means, such that upon folding of said third panel means onto the surface of said first panel means opposite said second panel means, said tab is capable of extending through said aperture so as to overlie at least a portion of said second panel means and therefore secure said second panel means after said second panel means has been folded onto said third panel means.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
408 words
A device for storing and dispensing a suture comprising: a. at least one suture including at least one needle and strand secured to one end of the needle; b. outer container means including a first panel layer and a second panel layer of like configuration and dimension, said first and second panel layers being secured together along their peripheries so as to define an enclosed region therebetween, said first panel layer including a first window portion permitting viewing of said enclosed region; c. inner container means positioned within said region including: (1) first panel means including pocket means securely retaining at least a substantial first sharp-end portion of the needle such that the needle is maintained in a secured snug fitting relationship with said first panel means, said procket means being configured and dimensioned so as to permit withdrawal of said first sharp-end portion of the needle free of said pocket means, said first panel means having a first longitudinal score line extending across the second or remaining portion of the needle along a predetermined longitudinal axis in the plane of said first panel means such that the second or remaining portion of the needle is exposed free of said first panel means upon folding of said first panel means along said first longitudinal score line while said pocket means securely retains the first sharp-end portion of the needle, said pocket means including a second window portion positioned in relation to said first window portion so as to permit viewing of the needle retained in secured snug fitting relationship with said first panel means; and (2) second panel means for securely retaining a major portion of the strand, said second panel means being foldably secured to said first panel means along respective longitudinal edges thereof which are parallel to said first score line and configured such that the strand can be withdrawn therefrom upon removal of the first sharp-end portion of the needle from said first panel means, said second panel means having a second longitudinal score line such that said second panel means encloses a portion of the strand upon folding of said second panel means back upon itself along said second score line, and said second panel means in said folded condition being capable of being folded over along its longitudinal edge so as to overlap a surface portion of said first panel means with said second longitudinal score line aligned with said first score line.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
408 words
A device for storing and dispensing a suture comprising: a. at least one suture including at least one needle and strand secured to one end of the needle; b. outer container means including a first panel layer and a second panel layer of like configuration and dimension, said first and second panel layers being secured together along their peripheries so as to define an enclosed region therebetween, said first panel layer including a first window portion permitting viewing of said enclosed region; c. inner container means positioned within said region including: (1) first panel means including pocket means securely retaining at least a substantial first sharp-end portion of the needle such that the needle is maintained in a secured snug fitting relationship with said first panel means, said procket means being configured and dimensioned so as to permit withdrawal of said first sharp-end portion of the needle free of said pocket means, said first panel means having a first longitudinal score line extending across the second or remaining portion of the needle along a predetermined longitudinal axis in the plane of said first panel means such that the second or remaining portion of the needle is exposed free of said first panel means upon folding of said first panel means along said first longitudinal score line while said pocket means securely retains the first sharp-end portion of the needle, said pocket means including a second window portion positioned in relation to said first window portion so as to permit viewing of the needle retained in secured snug fitting relationship with said first panel means; and (2) second panel means for securely retaining a major portion of the strand, said second panel means being foldably secured to said first panel means along respective longitudinal edges thereof which are parallel to said first score line and configured such that the strand can be withdrawn therefrom upon removal of the first sharp-end portion of the needle from said first panel means, said second panel means having a second longitudinal score line such that said second panel means encloses a portion of the strand upon folding of said second panel means back upon itself along said second score line, and said second panel means in said folded condition being capable of being folded over along its longitudinal edge so as to overlap a surface portion of said first panel means with said second longitudinal score line aligned with said first score line.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device according to claim 17 wherein said first window portion is of a larger surface dimension than said second window portion.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
41 words
The device according to claim 18 wherein said first window portion overlies said second window portion such that the entire needle together with at least a portion of the suture can be viewed through said first and said second window portions.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device according to claim 19 wherein said first and second window portions are constructed of transparent material.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
41 words
The device according to claim 20 wherein said first panel layer and said second panel layer each include a similarly positioned notch so as to permit tearing and removal of said first and second panel layers adjacent said first window portion.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device according to claim 21 wherein said first and said second panel layers are each of a generally rectangular configuration.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device according to claim 22 wherein said first and said second panel layers are constructed of a clear polyester capable of being imprinted so as to provide numerical and identifying indicia thereon.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device according to claim 23 wherein said second panel layer includes a layer of metallic foil.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device according to claim 24 wherein said first and said second panel layers are capable of being sterilized by at least one of irradition and ethylene oxide sterilizing methods.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
45 words
The device according to claim 17 wherein said first and said second panel means are of a generally rectangular configuration and are configured and dimensioned so as to be capable of being enclosed within said region defined between said first and said second panel layers.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device according to claim 26 wherein said first and second panel means are secured to each other along respective longitudinal edges thereof, said longitudinal edges being aligned with said predetermined axis.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
47 words
The device according to claim 27 wherein said second panel means is capable of being folded along its longitudinal axis such that second panel means encloses the major portion of the suture thread upon folding of said second panel means back upon itself along its longitudinal axis.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
52 words
The device according to claim 28 further including a tab portion extending outwardly from a peripheral edge of said second panel means, said tab capable of being folded back onto said second panel means so as to guide the major portion of the suture during its withdrawal from said second panel means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
48 words
The device according to claim 29 wherein said sec and panel means in its folded condition enclosing the major portion of the suture is folded over along its longitudinal edge connected to said first panel means so as to overlap a surface portion of said first panel means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device according to claim 30 wherein said first and said second panel means are constructed of a bleached sulphite board.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
45 words
The device according to claim 31 wherein said second panel means includes means for maintaining the major portion of the suture in a predetermined configuration so as to prevent entangling or kinking of the major portion of the suture during dispensing of the suture therefrom.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device according to claim 32 wherein said first and said second panel means are capable of being sterilized by at least one of irradition and ethylene oxide sterilizing methods.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
43 words
The container according to claim 33 wherein a corner of said first panel means adjacent said second window portion is generally curvilinearly configured such that said second layer panel upon being torn away adjacent said first window portion separates along said curvilinear configuration.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
478 words
A method of dispensing a suture comprising: a. taking a device for storing and dispensing a suture and needle, said device including: (1) at least one suture including at least one needle and strand secured to one end of the needle; (2) outer container means including a first panel layer and a second panel layer of like configuration and dimension, said first and second panel layers being secured together along their peripheries so as to define an enclosed region therebetween, said first panel layer including a first window portion so as to permit viewing of said enclosed region; (3) inner container means positioned within said region including: (a) first panel means including pocket means securely retaining at least a substantial first sharp-end portion of the needle such that the needle is maintained in a secured snugfitting relationship with said first panel means, said pocket means being configured and dimensioned so as to permit selective withdrawal of said first sharp-end portion of the needle free of said pocket means, said first panel means having a first longitudinal score line extending across the second or remaining portion of the needle along a predetermined longitudinal axis in the plane of said first panel means such that the second or remaining portion of the needle is exposed free of said first panel means upon folding of said first panel means along said first longitudinal score line while said pocket means securely retains the first portion of the needle, said pocket means including a second window portion positioned in relation to said first window portion so as to permit viewing of the needle retained in secured relationship with said first panel means; and (b) second panel means for securely retaining a major portion of the strand, said second panel means being foldably secured to said first panel means along respective longitudinal edges thereof which are parallel to said first score line and configured such that the strand can be withdrawn therefrom upon removal of the first sharp-end portion of the needle from said first panel means, said second panel means having a second longitudinal score line such that said second panel means encloses a portion of the strand upon folding of said second panel means back upon itself along said second score line, and said second panel means in said folded condition being capable of being folded over along its longitudinal edge so as to overlap a surface portion of said first panel means with said second longitudinal score line aligned with said first score line; b. tearing a portion of said first and second panel layers away therefrom so as to expose the needle and at least a portion of the strand connected thereto; c. folding said device along said predetermined longitudinal axis; and d. withdrawing the needle from said second window portion and thereafter withdrawing the strand from said inner container.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
478 words
A method of dispensing a suture comprising: a. taking a device for storing and dispensing a suture and needle, said device including: (1) at least one suture including at least one needle and strand secured to one end of the needle; (2) outer container means including a first panel layer and a second panel layer of like configuration and dimension, said first and second panel layers being secured together along their peripheries so as to define an enclosed region therebetween, said first panel layer including a first window portion so as to permit viewing of said enclosed region; (3) inner container means positioned within said region including: (a) first panel means including pocket means securely retaining at least a substantial first sharp-end portion of the needle such that the needle is maintained in a secured snugfitting relationship with said first panel means, said pocket means being configured and dimensioned so as to permit selective withdrawal of said first sharp-end portion of the needle free of said pocket means, said first panel means having a first longitudinal score line extending across the second or remaining portion of the needle along a predetermined longitudinal axis in the plane of said first panel means such that the second or remaining portion of the needle is exposed free of said first panel means upon folding of said first panel means along said first longitudinal score line while said pocket means securely retains the first portion of the needle, said pocket means including a second window portion positioned in relation to said first window portion so as to permit viewing of the needle retained in secured relationship with said first panel means; and (b) second panel means for securely retaining a major portion of the strand, said second panel means being foldably secured to said first panel means along respective longitudinal edges thereof which are parallel to said first score line and configured such that the strand can be withdrawn therefrom upon removal of the first sharp-end portion of the needle from said first panel means, said second panel means having a second longitudinal score line such that said second panel means encloses a portion of the strand upon folding of said second panel means back upon itself along said second score line, and said second panel means in said folded condition being capable of being folded over along its longitudinal edge so as to overlap a surface portion of said first panel means with said second longitudinal score line aligned with said first score line; b. tearing a portion of said first and second panel layers away therefrom so as to expose the needle and at least a portion of the strand connected thereto; c. folding said device along said predetermined longitudinal axis; and d. withdrawing the needle from said second window portion and thereafter withdrawing the strand from said inner container.
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US3500998A
Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-03-10 | 1989-09-09 | 1990-03-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-03-10 | 1993-09-09 | 1994-03-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-03-10 | 1997-09-09 | 1998-03-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |