U.S. patent application number 13/511263 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-13 for dispenser for two different types of paper or nonwoven products.
This patent application is currently assigned to SCA Hygiene Products AB. Invention is credited to Dirk Sembritzki.
Application Number | 20120228167 13/511263 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44115148 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120228167 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sembritzki; Dirk |
September 13, 2012 |
DISPENSER FOR TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF PAPER OR NONWOVEN PRODUCTS
Abstract
A device dispenser for at least two different types of paper or
nonwoven products is provided. The dispenser is adapted to be
mounted in a holder for a roll of absorbent paper provided with a
core, and includes a first compartment adapted to contain a first
type of paper or nonwoven product, and a second compartment adapted
to contain a second type of paper or nonwoven product. The
dispenser has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes a
substantially cylindrical outer shell, a first end wall and a
second end wall, wherein the outer shell is connected to the first
and second end walls. Also an arrangement including such a
dispenser and two different paper or nonwoven products in two
compartments of the dispenser.
Inventors: |
Sembritzki; Dirk; (Mannheim,
DE) |
Assignee: |
SCA Hygiene Products AB
Goteborg
SE
|
Family ID: |
44115148 |
Appl. No.: |
13/511263 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
December 3, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/SE2009/051373 |
371 Date: |
May 22, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/223 ;
221/92 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 10/38 20130101;
A47K 2010/326 20130101; A47K 10/22 20130101; A47K 2010/3233
20130101; A47K 2010/3266 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/223 ;
221/92 |
International
Class: |
A47K 10/32 20060101
A47K010/32; B65D 71/00 20060101 B65D071/00; A47K 10/38 20060101
A47K010/38 |
Claims
1. A dispenser (2) for at least two different types of paper or
nonwoven products, wherein said dispenser (2) is adapted to be
mounted in a holder for a roll of absorbent paper, and comprises a
first compartment (32) adapted to contain a first type of paper or
nonwoven product, and a second compartment (34) adapted to contain
a second type of paper or nonwoven product characterised in that
said dispenser (2) has a substantially cylindrical shape and
comprises a substantially cylindrical outer shell (4), a first end
wall (6) and a second end wall (8), wherein said outer shell (4) is
connected to said first and second end walls (6, 8), and wherein
said first and second end walls (6, 8) are provided with
substantially centrally arranged openings (18) adapted to receive
an axle of a holder for a roll of absorbent paper or protrusions of
a holder for a roll of absorbent paper.
2. The dispenser (2) according to claim 1, wherein said dispenser
(2) comprises an arrangement for preventing rotation of said
dispenser.
3. The dispenser (2) according to claim 2, wherein said arrangement
for preventing rotation comprises a first friction device (20)
arranged in or at, at least one of, said centrally arranged
openings (18), said first friction device (20) being adapted for
cooperation with an axle of a holder for a roll of absorbent paper
or protrusions of a holder for a roll of absorbent paper.
4. The dispenser (2) according to any one of claims 2 and 3,
wherein said arrangement for preventing rotation comprises a second
friction device (30) arranged on an outside of said substantially
cylindrical outer shell (4).
5. The dispenser (2) according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein
said arrangement for preventing rotation comprises a protrusion
(40; 46) arranged on an outside of said substantially cylindrical
outer shell (4).
6. The dispenser (2) according to according to any one of the
preceding claims, wherein said substantially cylindrical outer
shell (4) is provided with a first dispensing opening (10) to
provide access to said first compartment (32) and a second
dispensing opening (12) to provide access to said second
compartment (34).
7. The dispenser (2) according to claim 6, wherein said second
dispensing opening (12) is provided with a sealing arrangement
(28).
8. The dispenser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein said first compartment (32) has a substantially cylindrical
shape adapted to contain a roll (36; 50) of paper or nonwoven
product arranged to rotate inside said first compartment (32).
9. The dispenser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein said second compartment (34) has a substantially flat
elongated cross section and extends across an inner surface of said
substantially cylindrical outer shell (4).
10. The dispenser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein at least a portion of said first side end wall (6) is
removably attached to said substantially cylindrical outer shell
(4) such that access to an inside of said dispenser (2) is
provided.
11. The dispenser (2) according to claim 10, wherein said access is
provided to said first compartment (32) and/or said second
compartment (34).
12. An arrangement comprising a dispenser (2) according to any one
of the preceding claims, a roll (36; 50) of a first paper or
nonwoven product arranged in said first compartment (32), and a
second paper or nonwoven product of a different type than in said
first compartment arranged in said second compartment (34).
13. The arrangement according to claim 12, wherein said second
paper or nonwoven product is a wet paper or nonwoven product and is
contained in a separate package (38) arranged in said second
compartment (34).
14. The arrangement according to any one of claims 12 and 13,
wherein said roll (36; 50) of said first paper or nonwoven product
is a roll (36; 50) of dry absorbent paper provided with a central
through hole centred around said centrally arranged openings (18)
of said first and second end walls (6, 8) and which roll (36, 50)
is arranged to rotate inside said first compartment (32).
15. The arrangement according to any one of claims 12-14, wherein
said arrangement further comprises a packaging envelope (52) and a
number of separate rolls (50) of said first paper or nonwoven
product, and wherein said dispenser (2) and said number of separate
rolls (50) of said first paper or nonwoven product are wrapped in
said packaging envelope (52).
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of dispensers for
at least two different types of paper or nonwoven products
according to the precharacterizing portion of claim 1. The
invention further relates to an arrangement comprising such a
dispenser and two different paper or nonwoven products in two
compartments of the dispenser.
BACKGROUND
[0002] WO 00/65973 discloses a dispenser for pre-moistened wipes
and dry bathroom tissue. The dispenser comprises two compartments,
an upper compartment for the pre- moistened wipes and a lower
compartment for the dry bathroom tissue. The dispenser is attached
to a conventional bathroom tissue fixture for bathroom tissue rolls
either by means of a dedicated mounting device or by means of a
U-shaped mounting device to be attached to a roll bar of the
conventional bathroom fixture.
[0003] Accordingly, mounting of this type of dispenser in a
bathroom involves several parts and several steps of manipulation.
Also, this type of dispenser takes up considerably more space than
a conventional paper roll holder in a bathroom, and can not be
mounted in a conventional paper roll holder of the type where there
is provided a tray where a roll of tissue is placed and where the
holder accordingly is not provided with a roll bar.
[0004] WO 2004/103138 discloses a dispenser adapted to dispense
sheets as a table top dispenser and convertible into a dispenser
configured to dispense sheets from a conventional rolled product
fixture. The dispenser comprises a pivotably mounted platform. The
housing is supported above the platform on the fixture when coupled
thereto.
[0005] WO 2004/103139 discloses a dispenser containing sheets. The
dispenser is adapted to be releasably coupled to a conventional
rolled product fixture. The dispenser is suspended from the fixture
such that the sheets are arranged below the fixture.
SUMMARY
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an
uncomplicated and easily handled dispenser for two different types
of paper or nonwoven products.
[0007] According to an aspect of the invention, the object is
achieved by a dispenser for at least two different types of paper
or nonwoven products, wherein the dispenser is adapted to be
mounted in a holder for a roll of absorbent paper. The dispenser
comprises a first compartment adapted to contain a first type of
paper or nonwoven product, and a second compartment adapted to
contain a second type of paper or nonwoven product. The dispenser
has a substantially cylindrical shape and comprises a substantially
cylindrical outer shell, a first end wall and a second end wall,
wherein the outer shell is connected to the first and second end
walls. The first and second end walls are provided with
substantially centrally arranged openings adapted to receive an
axle of a holder for a roll of absorbent paper or protrusions of a
holder for a roll of absorbent paper.
[0008] Since the dispenser has a substantially cylindrical shape it
easily fits a holder for a roll of absorbent paper of comparable
size. Furthermore, the dispenser may easily be mounted in a holder
for a roll of absorbent paper without complicated fastening
arrangements. The already present axle or protrusions of the holder
may simply be used. When a user again wants to use the holder with
an ordinary roll of absorbent paper the dispenser may easily be
removed and replaced by the roll of absorbent paper.
[0009] As a result, the above mentioned object is achieved.
[0010] It is to be understood that also hybrid products comprising
paper and nonwoven fibres are encompassed in the expression; paper
or nonwoven products.
[0011] According to example embodiments the first type of paper or
nonwoven product may be dry absorbent paper and the second type of
paper or nonwoven product may be a wet paper or nonwoven product.
Alternatively, the first type of paper or nonwoven product may be
dry absorbent paper and the second type of paper or nonwoven
product may be a dry paper or nonwoven product of a different kind
than the first type of paper or nonwoven product. The wet product
may be provided either for a cleaning purpose or for a treating
purpose other than cleaning. Also a dry paper or nonwoven product
may comprise an additive, e.g. for skin treating purposes.
[0012] According to example embodiments the dispenser may comprise
an arrangement for preventing rotation of the dispenser. It may
thus be ensured that the dispenser will remain in a position in the
holder when the two different types of paper or nonwoven products
are grasped from the dispenser by a user.
[0013] According to example embodiments the arrangement for
preventing rotation may comprise a first friction device arranged
in or at, at least one of, the centrally arranged openings, the
first friction device being adapted for cooperation with an axle of
a holder for a roll of absorbent paper or protrusions of a holder
for a roll of absorbent paper.
[0014] According to example embodiments the arrangement for
preventing rotation may comprise a second friction device arranged
on an outside of the substantially cylindrical outer shell. Such a
second friction device may for instance abut against a portion of a
holder for a roll of absorbent paper or against a wall to which the
dispenser is attached.
[0015] According to example embodiments the arrangement for
preventing rotation may comprise a protrusion arranged on an
outside of the substantially cylindrical outer shell. Such a
protrusion may again abut against a portion of a holder for a roll
of absorbent paper or against a wall where the dispenser is
attached.
[0016] According to example embodiments the substantially
cylindrical outer shell may be provided with a first dispensing
opening to provide access to the first compartment and a second
dispensing opening to provide access to the second compartment.
[0017] According to example embodiments the second dispensing
opening may be provided with a sealing arrangement. Such a sealing
arrangement may provide a moisture barrier which may make it more
difficult for liquids and gases to escape from and/or enter the
second compartment. This may be useful if the second compartment
contains wet or moist paper or nonwoven products, which then may be
kept moist longer than if the second compartment were not provided
with a sealing arrangement. In connection with the sealing
arrangement a lid may be arranged to provide access to the second
compartment, e.g. for refilling the second compartment.
[0018] According to example embodiments an inside of the second
compartment may be covered with a moisture resistant lining. This
may be advantageous if the dispenser is manufactured from a
moisture absorbing material.
[0019] According to example embodiments the first compartment may
have a substantially cylindrical shape adapted to contain a roll of
paper or nonwoven product. In case the dispenser is arranged in a
holder for a roll of absorbent paper provided with an axle or
protrusions for a roll of absorbent paper, the axle or the
protrusions may engage a core of the roll of paper or nonwoven
product.
[0020] According to example embodiments the second compartment may
have a substantially flat elongated cross section and may extend
across an inner surface of the substantially cylindrical outer
shell. In this manner a roll of paper or nonwoven product may still
fit relatively unobstructedly inside the first compartment.
[0021] According to example embodiments at least a portion of the
first end wall may be removably attached to the substantially
cylindrical outer shell such that access to an inside of the
dispenser is provided. The access may be provided to the first
compartment and/or the second compartment. The portion of the first
end wall may form a door, which may be used for refilling the
dispenser. In addition to the removable end wall a separate lid
suitably in connection with the second dispensing opening may
provide access to the second compartment for refilling.
[0022] A further aspect of the invention relates to an arrangement
comprising [0023] a dispenser according to aspects discussed above,
[0024] a roll of a first paper or nonwoven product arranged in the
first compartment, and [0025] a second paper or nonwoven product of
a different type than in the first compartment arranged in the
second compartment. In this manner a dispenser filled with two
different types of paper or nonwoven products may readily be
provided for attachment to a holder for a roll of absorbent
paper.
[0026] According to example embodiments the second paper or
nonwoven product may be a wet paper or nonwoven product and may be
contained in a separate package arranged in the second compartment.
By providing a wet paper or nonwoven product in a separate package,
refilling of the second compartment may be facilitated.
[0027] According to example embodiments the roll of the first paper
or nonwoven product may be a roll of dry absorbent paper provided
with a central through hole centred around the centrally arranged
openings of the first and second end walls and which roll is
arranged to rotate inside the first compartment. In this manner
there may be provided a dry paper or nonwoven product in the first
compartment and a wet paper or nonwoven product in the second
compartment.
[0028] According to example embodiments the arrangement further may
comprise a packaging envelope and a number of separate rolls of the
first paper or nonwoven product. The dispenser and the number of
separate rolls of the first paper or nonwoven product may be
wrapped in the packaging envelope. In this manner the dispenser may
be provided to a user in a sales facility including spare rolls of
paper or nonwoven product.
[0029] Also one or more spare packages of the second paper or
non-woven product may be provided in the packaging envelope.
[0030] Further features of, and advantages with, the present
invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims
and the following description. Those skilled in the art will
realize that different features of the present invention may be
combined to create embodiments other than those described in the
following, without departing from the scope of the present
invention, as defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The various aspects of the invention, including its
particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from
the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a dispenser according to
example embodiments,
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates schematically a dispenser according to
example embodiments arranged in a holder for a roll of absorbent
paper,
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates schematically a cross section through a
dispenser according to example embodiments,
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates schematically a dispenser with a first
end wall removed, and
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates an arrangement comprising a dispenser and
a number of rolls of paper or nonwoven product according to example
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] The present invention will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example
embodiments are shown. However, this invention should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Disclosed
features of example embodiments may be combined as readily
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
Well-known functions or constructions may in some instances not
have been described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.
[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a dispenser 2 according to
example embodiments. The dispenser 2 has a cylindrical outer shell
4 provided with a first end wall 6 and a second non-visible end
wall 8. The cylindrical outer shell 4 is provided with a first
dispensing opening 10 and a second dispensing opening 12. The first
and second dispensing openings 10, 12 provide access to an inside
of the dispenser 2 such that two different types of paper or
nonwoven products may be dispensed through the dispensing openings
10, 12, one type of paper or nonwoven product through each
dispensing opening 10, 12. The first type of paper or nonwoven
product may be dry absorbent paper 14 and the second type of paper
or nonwoven product may be a wet paper or nonwoven product 16.
[0039] The first and second end walls 6, 8 are each provided with
an opening 18 such that an axle of a holder for a roll of absorbent
paper or protrusions of a holder for a roll of absorbent paper may
extend through one or both of the openings 18. The openings 18 are
substantially centrally arranged on the cylindrically shaped
dispenser 2. The openings 18 are provided with an arrangement for
preventing rotation of the dispenser 2 when it is mounted in a
holder. The arrangement for preventing rotation comprises a first
friction device in the form of rubber protrusions 20. Alternative
first friction devices may comprise protrusions made from a
different material or a serrated edge portion of the opening
18.
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates schematically a dispenser 2 according to
example embodiments arranged in a holder 22 for a roll of absorbent
paper. The holder may be mounted to a wall by means of screws 24.
An axle 26 of the holder 22 extends through openings 18 of the
dispenser 2 to mount the dispenser 2 in the holder 22. The openings
18 are provided with a non-shown first friction device which
ensures that the dispenser 2 prevents the holder 2 from rotating
when it is mounted in the holder 22.
[0041] Again, first and second dispensing openings 10, 12 provide
access to an inside of the dispenser 2 such that two different
types of paper or nonwoven products may be dispensed through the
dispensing openings 10, 12. The second dispensing opening 12 is
provided with a sealing arrangement 28 in the form of sealing lips,
which provide relatively moisture tight access to an inside of the
dispenser 2. In this manner a wet paper or nonwoven product kept in
the dispenser 2 is prevented from drying out too quickly.
[0042] The dispenser 2 is provided with a second friction device in
the form of a rubber pad 30 arranged on an outer side of the
dispenser 2. The rubber pad 30 is positioned such that it will abut
a portion of a holder of a type where a roll of absorbent paper,
and accordingly the dispenser 2, rests on a substantially
horizontal surface.
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates schematically a cross section through a
dispenser 2 according to example embodiments. An inside of the
dispenser 2 is divided into two compartments, a first compartment
32 and a second compartment 34. The first compartment 32 is has a
shape such that a roll 36 of absorbent paper 14 may be arranged
therein. A first dispensing opening 10 of the dispenser 2 provides
access to the first compartment 32. Accordingly, absorbent paper 14
from the roll 36 may be dispensed through the first dispensing
opening 10. The second compartment 34 has a substantially flat
elongated cross section and extends across an inner surface of a
substantially cylindrical outer shell 4 of the dispenser 2. The
dispenser 2 is provided with a second dispensing opening 12
providing access to the second compartment 34. Through the second
dispensing opening 12 e.g. a wet paper or nonwoven product 16 may
be dispensed.
[0044] In the second compartment 34 a separate package 38 of a wet
paper or nonwoven product 16 is arranged. The package 38 is
provided with a dispensing opening, through which the wet paper or
non-woven product 16 may be dispensed. Accordingly, when a user
dispenses the wet paper or nonwoven product 16 from the dispenser
2, it is dispensed both through the dispensing opening of the
package 38 and the second dispensing opening 12 of the dispenser
2.
[0045] The dispenser 2 is on its outside provided with an
arrangement for preventing rotation of the dispenser in the form of
a protrusion 40. When the dispenser 2 is arranged in a holder for a
roll of absorbent paper, the protrusion 40 abuts a portion of the
holder or an adjacent wall and thus prevents the dispenser 2 from
rotating when a user dispenses a product from any of the dispensing
openings 10, 12.
[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates schematically a dispenser 2 with a first
end wall removed. When the first end wall is removed access is
provided to an inside of the dispenser 2. In addition to the
removed first end wall, the dispenser 2 comprises an outer shell 4
and a second end wall 8 which is provided with an opening 18 for an
axle or protrusion of a holder for a roll of absorbent paper. The
dispenser 2 is provided with a first, a second and a third
compartment 32, 34, 42. A respective dispensing opening 10, 12, 44
provides access to each compartment 32, 34, 42 for dispensing a wet
paper or nonwoven product from a respective compartment 32, 34, 42.
The first compartment 32 has a substantially cylindrical shape and
is adapted to contain a roll of absorbent paper. The second
compartment 34 may comprise a wet paper or nonwoven product adapted
for a cleaning purpose. The wet paper or nonwoven product may
either be arranged in a separate package or directly arranged in
the second compartment 34. The third compartment 42 may comprise
wet a paper or nonwoven product comprising a lotion with skin
treating properties other than cleaning. Again, this product may be
either arranged in a separate package or directly arranged in the
third compartment 42.
[0047] The dispenser 2, on an outside of the shell 4, is provided
with an arrangement for preventing rotation of the dispenser in the
form of a flexible protrusion 46. In an unengaged state the
flexible protrusion 46 is arranged in a first position along the
shell 4, as indicated by a curved dotted line in FIG. 4. When the
flexible protrusion 46 is in an engaged state it is bent out from
the dispenser 2 and abuts e.g. a wall 48, as illustrated, or a
portion of a holder for a roll of absorbent paper. The flexible
protrusion 48 illustrated in FIG. 4 prevents clockwise rotation of
the dispenser 2. The dispenser 2 may be provided with a further
flexible protrusion similar to the flexible protrusion 48. The
further flexible protrusion is adapted to prevent rotation of the
dispenser 2 in a counter clockwise direction.
[0048] FIG. 5 illustrates an arrangement comprising a dispenser 2
and a number of rolls 50 of paper or nonwoven product according to
example embodiments. The dispenser 2 and five separate rolls 50 of
paper or nonwoven product, e.g. dry absorbent paper, are arranged
in a packaging envelop 52. In this manner a consumer may be offered
a dispenser 2 together with rolls 50 for refilling the dispenser 2.
The dispenser 2 in the packaging envelop 52 may be provided ready
to use, i.e. filled with two or more types of paper or nonwoven
products, one of which is a roll of paper or nonwoven product
similar to the rolls 50 of paper of nonwoven product provided in
the packaging envelop 52. The packaging envelop 52 may also contain
refill units of the other types of paper or nonwoven products
contained in the dispenser 2. The packaging envelop may contain a
different number of separate rolls 50, e.g. three, seven or
seventeen.
[0049] According to example embodiments the dispenser 2 may be
provided in various sizes. Purely by way of example the following
uses and corresponding sizes are mentioned: [0050] A dispenser 2
suitable for use in a holder for toilet paper may have a diameter
of 90-150 mm and a width of 90-110 mm. Local variations in sizes of
rolls of toilet paper, and accordingly holders for toilet paper,
may require modification of these dimensions. [0051] A dispenser 2
suitable for use in a holder for rolls of household, or kitchen,
towels may have a diameter of 90-150 mm and a width of 200-260 mm.
Again local variations in size may require modification of these
dimensions. [0052] A dispenser 2 suitable for use in holders for
rolls of paper or nonwoven products intended e.g. for industry use.
Such rolls are of considerably larger sizes than rolls for domestic
use. Accordingly, such a dispenser 2 may have a diameter of 300-400
mm and a width of 400-500 mm.
[0053] The dispenser 2 may be manufactured from various different
materials or material combinations, for instance may the dispenser
be manufactured from cardboard or plastic.
[0054] Example embodiments may be combined as understood by a
person skilled in the art. In particular it is pointed out that one
and the same dispenser 2 may be provided with more than one
arrangement for preventing rotation of the dispenser, e.g. a first
friction device associated with openings in end walls of the
dispenser 2 and a protrusion from an outer shell 4 of the dispenser
2. It is also understood by those skilled in the art that an
arrangement for preventing rotation of the dispenser may include a
weight distribution of the dispenser such that the centre of
gravity of the dispenser is in a position closer to a lower end of
the dispenser in a mounted state than to the centre of the
dispenser. A wet paper or nonwoven product may comprise any liquid,
in particular water or a disinfectant. A wet paper or nonwoven
product also encompasses a liquid in the form of a lotion, which
may have a skin treating property other than cleaning.
[0055] Even though the invention has been described with reference
to example embodiments, many different alterations, modifications
and the like will become apparent for those skilled in the art. For
instance may the cylindrical shape of the dispenser be that of a
polygonal cylinder, i.e. a cylinder with polygonal end walls
instead of substantially circular end walls. The products to be
dispensed may for instance be creped or non-creped or through air
dried. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is
illustrative of various example embodiments and is not to be
limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that
modifications to the disclosed embodiments, combinations of
features of disclosed embodiments as well as other embodiments are
intended to be included within the scope of the appended
claims.
[0056] As used herein, the term "comprising" or "comprises" is
open-ended, and includes one or more stated features, elements,
steps, components or functions but does not preclude the presence
or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps,
components, functions or groups thereof.
[0057] As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all
combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0058] As used herein, the common abbreviation "e.g.", which
derives from the Latin phrase "exempli gratia," may be used to
introduce or specify a general example or examples of a previously
mentioned item, and is not intended to be limiting of such item. If
used herein, the common abbreviation "i.e.", which derives from the
Latin phrase "id est," may be used to specify a particular item
from a more general recitation.
[0059] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0060] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be
interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly
so defined herein.
[0061] It is to be understood that when an element is referred to
as being "coupled" or "connected" to another element, it may be
directly coupled or connected to the other element or intervening
elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is
referred to as being "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to
another element, there are no intervening elements present.
* * * * *